Nine Feet Underground

I've detected a pattern over the years I've been writing this blog.  I've noticed that every Tuesday I don't have much to write here, and, not only that, the lack of words written here carries on until Friday.  Why is this? I think we should be told. I'll be wrapped up in work today (a clue?) with the usual consequence. This week's poem is 'Western Wind' written by that old favourite, Anon.  Strictly, it's a lyric to be sung rather than a poem, but hey! It is believed to have been written in the early 16th century (though some think the words may date back to the 14th century) and for the fun of it I've presented it here in both medieval English and a modern translation. It is very brief, but has always struck a chord with me. Westron wynde, when wyll thow blow The smalle rayne downe can rayne? Cryst yf my love were in my armys, And I yn my bed agayne! Western wind, when will thou blow, The small rain down can rain? Christ! If my love were in my ...

I've been thinking of writing something about Microdisney and especially the combination of their tunes and lyrics, once described by the late, but inestimably great, John Peel, as 'an Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove'.  Sadly, on the 18th of May, Cathal Coughlan died, before I got to write anything. Instead, then, this post will be a tribute to the great man. Where to begin? Well, I first heard Cathal (as part of  Microdisney) on the John Peel wingding back in the early 1980s.  Guess it may have been 'Pink Skinned Man' that I heard first, but whatever it was I know I was struck by Cathal's lyrics and voice. After that, I was hooked.  I listened to every session and early plays of new songs that Peelie got hold of and went out and bought the albums and singles as they were released. I became a huge advocate for the band, though few other people I knew got it. Their first album, 'Everybody Is Fantastic' (a sarcastic title if ever there was one), came out in 19...

Walked again at the start of the day and combined it with another Q convo. Back into the fray with access problems still unresolved.  A series of calls with the hospital reveals that E will remain there overnight, as she is still receiving antibiotics via the IV drip.  The nurse who is looking after her seems to feel that E might be sent home tomorrow, but also says they've not yet had the results of her blood or urine tests back and so I'm wondering if this is more about giving me a message I want to hear, as opposed to the reality. Whichever of these it is, I will call them to find out tomorrow. In the evening it was time to return to Drinks with the Idler, the last one until after half-term.  Tonight's guest is Martin Shaw, though not the actor from the Professionals, but rather the storyteller and author whose website is here .  Some of the most interesting aspects of the conversation did not concern myth but actually his time as a drummer in various punk bands, ...

Back to work on Shrove Tuesday / pancake day!  As I'm expecting to be on a video call with friends this evening, the pancake duties (and dinner in general) will fall to sons 1 and 2 (son #3 being embroiled in a 'Rocket League' (don't ask) tournament with friends from uni this evening) unless we start cooking really early. Until then it's going to be work for most of the day, apart from the usual interruptions and one less common one. The carers ask me to sort something out for my wife, which needs me to contact the community matron which also prompts me to contact the continence prescription service for some additional supplies too. They remind me that today is catheter flush day too, so I get the bits I need out of the cupboard ready for lunchtime. My document-writing was interrupted mid-morning by the arrival of a plumber to quote for a few jobs that need doing, one of which I wasn't sure was possible.  He's had a look round and worked out what needs to do...

Saturday shopping takes on the air of a military exercise: getting in, getting what we need and getting home, aided and abetted by son #1. Thankfully the shops are quieter than last week and even when we've finished, carrying our coffee, bacon rolls, bread and other goodies from the wonderful Bread Girls, the car park is noticeably emptier than normal: either people are staying home and finally taking notice of the warnings or just shopping later? Either way, I'm glad it's over for at least another week. Once home son #1 and I bring in the shopping and, for the first time in a few months, disinfect stuff before putting it away. Probably paranoia/overkill, but the level of cases locally is so high I'm not happy to take the risk. After washing hands for the forth or fifth time since we got home, we sit down and eat our breakfast, my last bit of calm before chores take over. Washing under way and lunchtime carer visit over, it's time to brave the elements and chop up o...

Alarm set for 6am, but didn't manage to get out of bed until 6:25. Nevertheless I did manage to do 25 minutes of brisk walking and get home before the first carer visit. Tomorrow I'm going to have to be better organised, if I'm to get the walking done and be ready in time for yoga at 7am 😅 Work consumes the bulk of the day, only interrupted by lunch made and delivered by sons 2 and 3. Broke work up by meditating for 20 minutes and then going for another walk to ensure I exceeded my 30 minute brisk walking upper target. It's such beautiful weather outside that I have to use a lot of will power to persuade myself to return to my laptop and work.  I took a short break to read a bit more of 'Three Women' and am now approaching the mid-point, which means I should have plenty of time to finish it before book club meets to discuss it on the 1st June. I didn't manage to find time to listen to music other than my main Spotify playlist on random whilst I cleared up ...

Off to a good start with a run this morning, then warm down and shower, ready to face the day. Coffee and almond croissant for breakfast whilst I do next week's online shopping order. Next thing is washing. Need to do a white wash and by the looks of the day it'll be good drying weather.  In my wildest youthful imagination I could never have conceived of the wondrous things that would fill my adult days.  To FB Messenger for a few exchanges with friends near and far.  A friend has kindly completed son #3's student loan 'I am who I say I am' form, which we're going to hop in the car and pick up.  Tomorrow I'll need to go the post office and send this letter off using some kind of tracked method.  I haven't been to a Post Office for more than 8 weeks. What a thrill it will be! Carers arrived for lunch call.  I don my safety garb and do my catheter flush bit. Rips off disposable apron and returns to being Clark Kent. Caught up on the weekend's...