Nine Feet Underground

Spent the night in the university's lodge, then went and had a full(-ish) English Breakfast in the University's café. The removal lorries arrived a little after nine-thirty when chaos was unleashed. Early in the afternoon, Q's daughter arrived and helped with unpacking, before we all went and grabbed some lunch. After the removers left and headed back down south we did some more organising and unpacking before P (Q's daughter) drove us to a Wagamama's near the airport. After dropping us back at the lodge, P drove home and we headed for bed as we are both pooped. Blood Orange / 'Hope' (feat. Puff Daddy & Tei Shi) / 'Negro Swan' [[Skip the first 30 seconds or so of the video, then the song actually starts! ] ]

Started the day early in the Ibis, heading off to Q's house before breakfast, since the removal men are due first thing.   While Q gets ready for their arrival, I head off to the bakers to buy breakfast and lunch (including two of their heavenly almond croissants).  Unusually the removers arrive a bit later today, but once they do, loading the lorries is in full swing. They leave around 2 pm, a couple of hours later than planned, and head for Liverpool.  They'd emptied the house from the top down, so Q and I started cleaning the house in the order they emptied it. As the removers are packing up the last of the things, the carpet cleaner arrives and he starts cleaning the carpets in the same order we've been cleaning. Once he leaves we're left to clean up and load the remainder of the stuff into both our cars. Finally, we set off for Liverpool, via a petrol station. After a long journey, with a detour via the Cotswolds, and taking in the wondrous (if you like that sor...

The removal guys are here already and the packing is underway, but while they get started I'm about to head off to get my COVID booster. Back from the town centre, after a brisk walk both ways, and, as luck would have it I managed to get a flu jab as well, so both arms are punctured. I've noticed that these days they always say 'just a small scratch' ahead of the wounding. Clearly, NHS staff are no longer versed in 'Carry On' films. I have returned to a scene from Dante's 'Inferno'. Well, OK, I exaggerate a little.  If I recall correctly, over time entropy tends towards zero, right now it has a way to go.  To be fair it is very well organised there are just boxes everywhere: the packing of the glasses and china has been very careful and thorough. One thought occurs to me though: if I'm ever to move house again, I really need to start emptying the loft and disposing of stuff I don't need. The thought of the loft contents scares me!! I'm fo...

Things get serious. We have a day of packing and other house-move-related activities ahead of us. After breakfast, the tasks began...but before I'd got much done, the phone rang and it was son #1 with some good news from his university. We're both really pleased for him and it's a great start to the day.  Back to work... I'm in the process of testing all the radiators and bleeding those that need it, whilst also helping Q suck the air out of vacuum bags of bedding etc. Having completed a load of tasks off today's list we settled down to get some computer-based admin done, including booking COVID booster jabs for tomorrow.  Time for lunch. Whilst eating lunch things became very busy : Q had to go on a Zoom call with her new employer; the handyman arrived to fix a couple of things; and, Nick Cave also arrived.  (In the form of 'Faith, Hope and Carnage')  Things settled down again and I decided to go and meditate, something I've missed for the past few days...

Ahead of a busy week of packing, cleaning and whatever else is required to help Q move to Liverpool, we've planned a reasonably chilled day. First off, a walk in the sun to the common for brunch at Parade Tea rooms. We both went for the breakfast stack, mine accompanied with a double espresso (though not in the bowl...) Fully satiated, we headed back to town so I could buy The Observer and sit down and read it whilst Q did more work on her laptop. Re-stimulated (by caffeine), it's off to the supermarket to buy lunch and other stuff for the next few days. During the afternoon and evening, we watched the end of the first series of 'Bloodlands', punctuated by dinner, a trip to the dump (to the dump, to the dump, to the dump, dump, dump), the arrival of Dracula (in book form) and clearing up. After that, to bed. Schlafen sie sich! Angie Stone / 'Wish I didn't Miss You' / 'Mahogany Soul' [[ ] ]

Saturday morning is going to be spent doing washing and shopping, give or take.  Key amongst the shopping will be a trip to Boots to pick up E's medication as I'm hoping to be away for around ten days, which may be a tall order. Over the next 10 days, I'm hoping to help Q pack and then move to Liverpool to start her new job. Should be tiring and fun. I'm back from the shops, having spent the majority of the time in Boots: from joining the queue before it opened to departing with most of the meds was almost an hour.  Needs must and all that.  I did chat with a woman who used to work in the supermarket and knew E  before she became really ill.  I updated her on the situation now and managed to remain sanguine, something I have struggled with in the past. Home to hand washing out, put another load on and pack optimistically for my planned time away. I've left everything in the hands of the boys and hope my trust is well-placed. I think it is. I'm all packed if a li...

It's raining this morning and also dark and so I've decided to skip my walk. Maybe I'll walk after work with the boys. As today is my last working day until October, I have a very busy day ahead.  For some inexplicable reason, I incorrectly identified the last song in Robyn Hitchcock's set on Wednesday.  The title I gave it is both one of the lyrics as well as the title of the album from which it comes, however, the song is actually called 'Airscape' and it's up there as one of my favourites.  Silly me. To make amends to all those I've offended here is a very comprehensive set list from a fan group: Robyn on Acoustic Guitar: Serpent at the Gates of Wisdom (Robyn also on Harmonica) Ole Tarantula! (Robyn also on Harmonica) My Wife and My Dead Wife  Tonight  Raymond and the Wires The Man Who Loved the Rain The Lizard  Robyn on Electric Guitar with Morris Windsor: Oh Right Yeah (Morris on Tambourine and Bass Drum) Winchester (Morris on Brushed Full Drum Kit,...

Started the day with a walk and I'm still feeling uplifted after last night's gig.  Chatted with Q while walking and probably got carried away with my review of Robyn and Jessica. Once I've started... Comparatively little excitement today, apart from work. Son #1 seems to be making progress in getting things sorted, though there's a lot more to do.   Sons 1 and 2 came for a walk with me after work, part of a new attempt to increase communication and make difficult subjects easier to broach.  I'm also proposing a new way of managing things around the house, which needs to start in the coming week.  This is aimed to help share the workload more fairly and to ensure the house doesn't turn into a tip when I'm away. I made beef & gnocchi in the slow cooker today, so dinner was a breeze. Sons 1 and 2 ate with me while we watched the second episode of 'Los Espookys'. The day ended in the usual way. Minami Deutsch / 南ドイツ/ 'Futsu Ni Ikirenai' /  ...

My main priorities for today are helping son #1, and going out tonight. This is on top of my usual priorities, naturally. The working day is coming to a close and I now need to get ready to go out, which primarily means eating something and also sorting out bus times and a ticket. Tonight I'm off out to see the excellent Robyn Hitchcock supported by Jessica Lee Morgan at South Street Arts Centre. Jessica Lee Morgan (who is the daughter of folk singer Mary Hopkin and record producer Toni Visconti (David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Thin Lizzy etc) grew up in the area and made several references to that fact during a very lively set.  She was accompanied on stage by her partner, bass player and backing singer, Chris Thomas.  Afterwards, they went to the merch stall at the back of the theatre, where I chatted with Jessica and got her to sign one of her CDs. Robyn took to the stage promptly and began his set.  Expectations were high as the stage was set up for a bigger band, and sure e...

Back to work again, though unusually, I'm working from the south coast, for today only. Whilst I'm working Q is going out for a meeting with added coffee. When she returns she's brought a flat white and an almond croissant for me. I could get used to this! Work again until around midday when I help move a large and heavy teak table out to the van of the bloke who has bought it.  Table and chairs sold and removed, Q is off back to the office leaving me to work and make lunch. Later in the afternoon, she returns again and makes me a coffee which I drink with a couple of Tim Tams (Australian chocolate biscuits for those who don't know).  I'm getting quite a taste for Tim Tams. It could be dangerous. After work is over I must head north and return home. There's some important stuff I need to help son #1 with, and it's getting urgent.  I also need to take over keeping an eye on E, I don't want the responsibility to be left entirely to the boys. Son #2 made th...

An unusually quiet but chilled bank holiday is in prospect.  The next six to eight weeks are going to be very busy, and thus Q and I will need to spend some time planning. Much to Q's surprise there are a whole host of ceremonial locations in London that I've never visited.  I did explain that my trips to London, though large in number, have usually been for work, or to go to gigs, or record and book shopping, or other events.  My Englishness has been called into question and so we are likely to go on a tourist sightseeing trip around London. Perhaps this is long overdue.  Apart from chilling, we also spent time sorting things out that need to be done before Q moves out, such as looking for consumer unit and distribution unit covers (indoors) and a replacement toilet seat for a toilet with an unusual seat fitting.  Which manufacturer doesn't put their name on their products? After dinner and clearing up it was time for bed. Work tomorrow.  Telefís / 'Space ...

A day of two halves: the first half spent at home 'celebrating' as much as possible, our wedding anniversary. 'Celebrating' is in quotes because the celebration aspects are rather limited these days. More like commemoration than celebration. A quiet day was spent with E whilst reading the papers and getting the odd chore or three done.  In parallel, Q is driving home from Manchester and as she gets close to home, I'll be heading south to join her. I'm all packed for my delayed weekend and planning to work at Q's house on Tuesday, ready in waiting in the car until I get the tip-off that it's time to leave. I finished the backlog of filing just before Q called to ask if I was on my way, which was my cue to set off. The day ended on the south coast. Feet in two worlds. Past, present and future.  Forces pulling in different directions. Beth Orton / 'Friday Night' /  'Weather Alive' [[ ] ]

A mixed day in prospect: I have all the usual things to do, but unusually I'll not be heading to the south coast today. In fact, Q and her daughter are initially heading 'oop north, to Liverpool, taking their cat to a cattery in Birkenhead. The snowball is gathering momentum. Shopping first, while the washing is underway, returning in time to hang it out, just before the carers arrived and before sons 1 and 2 headed to Bristol with friends. I am home alone. Sort of. Not for long though, as I have to go into town to pay a cheque in while the bank's open (don't ask, it's a long story (or it is when I tell it) and no, I can't pay it in via an app which I'd normally do). I'm going to get the bus into town (cue 'The Inbetweeners') - at least that way I can read.  Driving is a real distraction from a book. Q and I chat while she's driving up the A34 and I'm heading to the station. Most pleasingly my bank visit was successful, and afterwards, I ...

Walked first thing again, though it's noticeably colder this morning.  Autumn is coming! The weekend beckons, and it promises to be a little different. More on that story later. Before that, of course, work and a busy day ahead, I suspect. After a tip from Q, I've put up a request on the Checkatrade website for someone to replace the shower in our en-suite. Watch this space. Late in the afternoon, I called my father-in-law at his nursing home.  I was prompted to do so because I'd had a couple of missed calls from him. Turns out these were made in error, but it was good to have a chat and see how he's doing. Around 7 a plumber popped by in response to my Checkatrade request.  Did a survey of the bathrooms. Sounds promising. Could do with another quote. All the while I was working, tonight's dinner was cooking in the slow cooker. It just needed some mashed potato and some green veg.  Once served, there was a large portion left, which I'll freeze for dinner on Wedn...

It started with a walk In the back of the estate How could I resist The aroma of the early morning air (With apologies to Hot Chocolate) That is how my day started, after which work became my main focus. It was another day of revolving doors: son #2 is accompanying his gf to Heathrow as she begins her long journey home to Costa Rica, via Boston and Newark. United!!! It's also son #1's gf's birthday today, so they're off out too and of course, son #3 is sunning himself with his gf in Menorca. For a while, the house is almost empty, silent apart from the sound of the air mattress pump cycling and the planned interruption of E's carers. The peak of excitement for me today is the slow cooker experiment.  Tonight's dinner will be pulled pork (I'm sure there's a joke in there somewhere, but I'll restrain myself), which goes on at around midday after minimal preparation. Tomorrow night chicken cacciatore. A new future beckons. Work seamlessly transforms int...

Rainy start to the day coupled with the early departure of son #3 and his gf to sunnier climes, which means I don't end up going for my normal walk before work. Son #3's travel plans are disrupted by non-running buses and the unavailability of taxis.  I step in and become the taxi, and the journey reminds me why I try to avoid driving into town during rush hour.  Next time I suggest they would be better off booking a taxi in advance! Back to work! Son #2 made lunch for us (well, me, him and his gf). Once we'd all eaten lunch, we headed out for a walk in the now sunny weather. Made a good break from work and a chance to spend some time together.  After we returned, they headed for London and I went back to work. It's been a quiet day, culminating in dinner with son #1 and his gf. We ate dinner while watching Bill Bailey on TV. Bin night at last. It can't come around quick enough for me.   Excitement over, it's time to head for bed. The wheel turns again. Hamster....

Back to work after my early morning walk!  Usual working day rules apply. Son #2 and his gf are off to Bournemouth for the day, and I hope the weather is better there than it appears to be here. Work rules the day. OK? This week's poem is Sonnet 29, and whilst I don't fully understand all of it, I do get the gist of it and find it resonates very strongly. When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes, I all alone beweep my outcast state, And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries, And look upon myself and curse my fate, Wishing me like to one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art and that man’s scope, With what I most enjoy contented least; Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising, Haply I think on thee, and then my state, (Like to the lark at break of day arising From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven’s gate;        For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings        Tha...

Monday, Monday. All being well I should manage to arrange a meeting with good friends who are visiting the UK from Berlin this weekend, and today is the last opportunity for us to meet up. Watch this space! The morning evaporated fast and included a quick trip to the shops as well as a firm arrangement to meet my Berlin friends in town at 2:30.  Lunch is made and eaten. Just as I'm getting ready to catch the bus, the window cleaner arrives.  Typical! The boys will have to sort that out as I am off out (and so are they, apparently). Heading to town by bus, having arranged a meeting place. More later. Met M and his wife, before M and I headed off for a drink and chat in a suitable hostelry with a balcony overlooking the town.  It was great catching up in person after a few years of calls.  M always bring a fresh perspective on things, though unusually we barely touched on politics or the state of the world. Probably too depressing to talk about in detail. In cod we Tru...

Saturday begins on the south coast with a trip to very good local bakers for bread and croissants (an almond one for me). After a very filling breakfast, Q and I sat down together to start planning out the next two or three months.  There are lots of changes afoot not to mention uncertainties but unless we plot out the things we know should be happening, some of which - especially Q's - have fixed dates, we'll never get anywhere.  The short-term dates (i.e. the next couple of weeks!) are more certain, but what happens with E is still totally unpredictable. We did some tasks to help towards Q's impending change of job and house move and then later Q and her daughter went out to a university function. Once they returned and I had eaten, all three of us had an interesting chat about past life experiences and how they shape the present. All too quickly it's Sunday and there are more jobs to do, which we get on with after a breakfast of French toast and bacon. The first bigg...

Later today I'm off to the airport to meet Q and travel with her down to the south coast. Before then I'll be watching her flight travelling from Doha to the UK in between getting a few things done, such as a quick shopping trip and some clothes washing. I don't think I'll be writing much here as I'll be travelling for a fair chunk of the day. No day is complete without a call about E, and today it was the neuro-rehab consultant's PA wanting to arrange a consultant visit. There was mention of Botox, at which point I did explain the change in E's condition. Nevertheless, the PA still arranged the visit for next week, though I don't there's any point in wasting money on Botox. All the jobs are done, including packing for the weekend, and so once I hear from Q to let me know she's waiting for her luggage, I'll be heading off. We arrived on the south coast a little after 5 p.m. and were greeted by Q's daughter and cat, Bagheera. We ordered Ja...

Last working day of the week for me, so I'll be even busier than usual.  The cleaner arrives early, and the heavens are currently disgorging their load. Looks like it's going to be one of those end-of-summer, start-of-autumn days. It's also a significant day for me as Q has started her journey back from 'Straylia, the first and longest leg being Perth to Doha and she should arrive while I'm fast asleep or at least while I'm meant to be.  The final leg from Doha to London begins in the early hours of Friday morning. Worked until just before 6 when I joined the Idler friends call.  It is great to have them in my life.  A lot of us have already booked for the Idler Festival in London next July and hopefully, Covid permitting this time, I (we) will be there. I'm a very lucky man.  A good friend delivered medication for E and me and, not only that, took away some of the mountain of unused and unwanted medication we have built up over the years.  I am really...

Quite a few things to do today, though primarily work. Started my day with a walk, during which I caught up with Q. Once home, time to get changed and settle down to work. Countdown. What happened today that didn't involve work?  Apart from Q-communications, we had a brief visit from the community matron to check E's skin for pressure sores and a slightly longer visit from someone from the council to discuss NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding. The CHC discussion went well and took less time than anticipated. I will probably hear more in the week commencing the 19th of September. Down the rabbit hole again? I made dinner with son #3 and then watched the end of the Hawkwind at Stonehenge concert/documentary.  It was interesting to watch, though the image and sound quality were not great.  It certainly wasn't the best Hawkwind gig ever but as a document of the period, it worked.  It was also good to see Nik Turner and Dave Brock share a stage, though there was a di...

It's Friday, it's five to five, and it's Crackerjack! Wrong on all counts, but for some reason, it popped into my head and so, here it is.  It won't mean much to most of you, but, hey, it keeps me amused. Little things... It's obviously a working day, but I really didn't want to begin with that. Whilst the first main carers of the day were here NRS called to say they thought the engineer wouldn't be able to make the agreed time when the carers return for the lunch call. I politely explained that we do indeed know how the air mattress works and yes we are sure that some of the cells are punctured and no, we can't accept a delay because E is developing sore skin, which is already red, where she rests on the punctured cells. I think this convinced her. The engineer arrived a bit late, but at least while the carers were still here. E was already in her chair and the air cells were exposed (steady!) ready for him to check. Strangely, he initially trotted out ...

An awful day in prospect. Today Conservative party members, roughly 180,000 people (less than 0.5% of the people in the UK eligible to vote), and totally unrepresentative of the UK population, get to decide who our prime minister should be. A choice between two morally bankrupt, dishonest and deluded people.  How did things sink this low? Today I must start planning what needs to be done when E dies. That's a more cheerful prospect than the thought of Liz Truss becoming prime minister. Well, there goes the neighbourhood: thick Lizzy is PM. No surprise there, for the obvious reason. I have the start of a plan for E, though it's just a framework around which to hang the detail, gotta start somewhere though if one has to start it, which sadly I do. We need NRS healthcare to come out and fix E's air mattress ASAP, resulting in a few calls. We're expecting them tomorrow when the carers are here at lunchtime - E will have to be hoisted out of the bed for them to fix it, so ti...