The Appointed Time

Struggled manfully, albeit sleepily, from my bed this morning, ready for the 9.00am visit by my physio. Unfortunately she was unable to keep the appointment as they were so short staffed at the hospital; still, I suppose the early rising discipline may stand me in good stead at some future date!

This afternoon, I kept my appointment with the practice nurse to discuss assistance in quitting smoking but, the first suggested start date for my ‘effort’ coincided with the day work starts on our bathroom refurbishment. Not a good idea! A prescription has been issued for nicotine patches but, the start date will now be 1sr November. I have a bit of reading up to do, in order to plan my strategy …. and, a little voice keeps saying, “is it really such a good idea? You know how much harm quitting caused last rime!”

Last time I relied solely on will-power and, the ‘mental’ ill-effects were accompanied by inexplicable physical ailments. Months later, when I reverted to the habit, physical and mental symptoms were swiftly healed. I really must clarify my reasons for quitting and, discover what the trigger points may be for quitting quitting! One certain factor is to hide my eyes and ears from any media coverage of National No Smoking Day … guess which word the susceptible mind latches on to.

Impending Transformations

How the days fly by when one is having a good/sleepy time. Tomorrow will be my third morning of early arising and, apart from having to catch up on sleep during the day, my last couple of earlier mornings don’t seem to have done too much harm. I have commenced the transfer of some bottles of vino from their bathroom-based cellar as we prepare for the bathroom’s transformation. I don’t think les bouteilles (or at least their content) would appreciate the vibrations.

Monday morning is the time when the workmen come to commence the transforming deed. If only I had the energy, I would seek an external retreat as the work proceeds.

You Can't Get Too Much of a Good Thing

The casserole, prepared Saturday afternoon, stood us in good stead again this lunchtime and proved just as delicious as it was on the first occasion. I'm afraid that today has been even more idle than yesterday, reverting to the norm. I look forward to the day I can report an amazing recovery, meanwhile I continue to rejoice in the love of a good woman and ... in case you're wondering ... I do mean my wife, ma belle Helene!

Consuming Passions

The daylight hours have flown swiftly by on a day that has been much better for me. Oh the joy at having some energy, it has been a rare treat to feel reasonably well for about nine hours. A brief visit to Rossett Nature Reserve was marred only by the fact that vandals had once more destroyed the (sturdy) handrail on the walkway across the wetlands. The time we were there, late afternoon, was just perfect ... the sun being at just the right angle to set off the slowly turning foliage.

The chicken casserole, prepared last afternoon, was most delicious; I had to persist in singing my own praises for a good ten minutes after consuming! Hints of mustard, white wine, paprika and ginger came through its creamy texture, a sensual delight!

Apart from the minor factor of love, Helen's capability as a cook helped me to decide (at a late age) that I was maybe ready to settle down. Little did I realize that, from my sad solitary microwaveable meals, I was soon to develop my current culinary expertise. Even on days when I have to force myself to slave over a hot stove, I can bask in this sense of creative achievement on an otherwise non-productive day.

Our friend, and surrogate son, Graham took the picture above of ma belle amoureuse et moi at the nature reserve.

Talking To Myself

Ridiculously early as it may be, by my standards, sat here in my wonderful warm boucle dressing gown I feel almost awake. Now is the time to be sensible; I will not have a shower, I will have some breakfast cereal, I will rejoice in this day the Lord has made. I will bask in the warm and tender love of ma belle amoureuse; I will try to not upset my beloved and, God knows, I can be very trying!

Being awake is not a call to 'achieve', it is simply a present fact. Why do we always seek to make it more complicated.

Something of a quandary

A lot of the time I have to resort to PPI's to quell my gastric reflux problems but then, on occasion I find it necessary to take anti-inflammatories to deal with various muscular and joint pains. Whilst the anti-inflammatories can at times be effective, an unfortunate side-effect is to cause further gastric problems.

Reflux can be a major contributor to sleep disruption but, then again, so can muscular aches and pains. I don't think it's a difficult balance to maintain ... simply impossible!

And Who'll Be Going Home Tonight

My body seems to have been intent on grinding me down for the last couple of weeks but, I'm still looking for rainbows. Television supplied a little light relief, this evening, in the form of "The X-Factor"; it's always good to hear the honest and constructive criticism proffered by Simon and, there are some really personable performers. Once it was down to the final two acts ... the telephone vote having put the other ten acts through ... it was so predictable that Sharon and Louis would go for the crass third-rate exhibitionist. Sorry to see 'Addictiv Ladies' go home so soon. The acts I'll be looking out for (and looking forward to) in the coming weeks are Andy, Journey South, Brenda and Chenia although during the auditions my first tip would have been Shayne.

Anyway, immediately X-Factor had finished, we switched over to the chamber operas on BBC4 to hear a whole different kind of singing. Our young friend Graham commented, ref. one of the sopranos ... "I wonder if she'll be going home tonight?" Quite strangely, within a few minutes the character she was playing lay dead. How's that for going home?

A Day Of Changing Fortunes

A somewhat groggy start to the day, pretty well par for the course at present, was even accompanied by spasmodic excruciating back-ache, foreshadowed what in many respects was to prove a more positive day. As the mail box 'clunked' with delivery of 'PC Advisor' and some other hopeful mail, a video ordered from the US of A a mere 9 days ago also arrived! Another mail item was a message from the Health Authority, responding to a referral from my GP. It was good to know that all stops are now being pulled out.

This afternoon, Helen A (the physiotherapist) arrived to administer my first acupuncture treatment. As I relaxed, breathing slowly, I was reminded of days of yore when I practised meditation as I lay there 'watching' my breathing. Helen A thought that meditation could prove helpful and, said that if I got back into it so would she. This could prove mutually beneficial. Next Wednesday she will be administering a more intensive Acupuncture treatment. It's early days yet, for this treatment and, no promises can be made but, it is a welcome opportunity.

When Helen, ma belle amoureuse, arrived home she gently administered Ibuprofen gel to the pain afflicted area of my back. I later managed to prepare one of my special (fresh) Salmon savoury rice dishes, a delight to the palates of my beloved et moi.

Not a lot of ado about very little

Heterocon has recorded my relative lack of activity today …” relative to what?” you may ask. And all I can say is, “Good Question”!

A Touch of Nostalgia

Nostalgia is everywhere these days; still recovering from the recent Dylan Fest, I'm currently relishing, and simultaneously recording to DVD, the CREAM Re-union concert (BBC4). It's a small miracle the Re-union concerts ever occurred.

Before Cream were thought of, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker on occasion played 'Klook's Kleek' (The Railway Hotel, West Hampstead) as members of the Graham Bond Organization ... and, lucky me, I lived (literally) within earshot on Broadhurst Gardens, but I still went in. Travelled up West a bit to see Clapton with The Yardbirds at the Marquee too, never really rated them nor the moddy environment.

To be young and living in The Smoke in those halcyon days ... sadly I was, on occasion, too wrecked to optimise the experience but, had I not been wrecked ... well that would would perhaps mean I missed it all anyhow!