Well, Christmas turned out to be not as bad as I had feared. Hector, dear, I would have loved to have had you over, but you would have had to share a room with Sydney (the East Wing is still subject to the 'condemned' notice, placed by the council in August) and I know you like your privacy. Perhaps New Year?
I decided to put my foot down and insist that George and the Swedish trollop did not share a bedroom. George slept in the 'Blue Room' and the Swede came in with me.
And, do you know, I quite got to like Anastasia. It just goes to show that you should never judge a person until you really get to know them - and I really did get to know her over the next few days. She revealed a whole new side to her that I never thought existed: warm, fun loving, adventurous.
Cecil (our vicar) disgraced himself during 'Charades' - the less said about that the better.
George was all sulky when he could see how well Anastasia and I were getting on.
Sydney invited some of his friends from the 'Drop-In Centre' and mother brought her new boy-friend, Angelo. So you can see we had quite a houseful. (The downside being that so many people puts quite a strain on the lavatorial arrangements - and the drains are still blocked! - still, we all 'mucked-in' so to speak.)
Have to close now - Anastasia wants a little help with her blouse.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Brain surgery aint what it's cracked up to be
GEORGE SAYS
George is back! And the cat has disappeared.
I know.... I am a fool unto myself. But what can I do?
He arrived late last night - with that woman. She was drunk and vommited all over the parquet floor in the hall.
Sydney is not speaking to me. He thinks I am being weak.
And I know I will get it in the neck from mother, when she comes on Boxing day.
But, after all, it is the season of goowill. And I intend to slip something into George's Port after dinner. It is a little something I got from Mother Crankit. She lives in a caravan down by the old cess-pit. Some folks say she is a witch. I wouldn't know, but she's helped me out before, with the odd curse.
The vicar is coming for Christamas lunch, and Mr Tolville from the Off Licence. Also Elsie Munchen who runs the Domestic Violence Shelter - and a couple of her young ladies.
I look forward to seeing Sydney's eyes light up again.
Must go - I have to stuff George's bird.
Merry Christmas,
Georgina
George is back! And the cat has disappeared.
I know.... I am a fool unto myself. But what can I do?
He arrived late last night - with that woman. She was drunk and vommited all over the parquet floor in the hall.
Sydney is not speaking to me. He thinks I am being weak.
And I know I will get it in the neck from mother, when she comes on Boxing day.
But, after all, it is the season of goowill. And I intend to slip something into George's Port after dinner. It is a little something I got from Mother Crankit. She lives in a caravan down by the old cess-pit. Some folks say she is a witch. I wouldn't know, but she's helped me out before, with the odd curse.
The vicar is coming for Christamas lunch, and Mr Tolville from the Off Licence. Also Elsie Munchen who runs the Domestic Violence Shelter - and a couple of her young ladies.
I look forward to seeing Sydney's eyes light up again.
Must go - I have to stuff George's bird.
Merry Christmas,
Georgina
Saturday, December 18, 2004
A dilemma
George wants to come for Christmas. He offered to bring a bird. I assumed he meant a turkey - and told him where to stuff it.
He reminded me, however, that he has my library books, which are several weeks overdue; the fine is mounting by the day.
But more important (to me), the drains are blocked, and there is a nasty smell in the scullery which is gradually pervading the rest of the house.
Naturally, I cannot ask young Sydney to investigate - he is far too delicate a boy. So I may end up by letting George into my house again.
The vicar called this morning but he is not a rodding- type of man.
I am in a quandary
Georgina
He reminded me, however, that he has my library books, which are several weeks overdue; the fine is mounting by the day.
But more important (to me), the drains are blocked, and there is a nasty smell in the scullery which is gradually pervading the rest of the house.
Naturally, I cannot ask young Sydney to investigate - he is far too delicate a boy. So I may end up by letting George into my house again.
The vicar called this morning but he is not a rodding- type of man.
I am in a quandary
Georgina
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Harrovian
GEORGE SAYS
Sir. I find your interest in youth work admirable. In this day and age, when so many people are out for what they can get, it is refreshing to find someone willing to devout so much of his time to our young people - who are, let's face it, our future.
I will speak to Sydney when he returns home from the cinema. But he is a delicate boy and would have to be treated with care and consideration.
I went into the cellar to get the Christmas tree, but I cannot get it up by myself. How I miss having a man in the house.
We usually have a big party here at the manor and invite all the poor children of the village (I think you would like it) but, quite honestly, I don't feel I can raise the enthusiasm what with all that has happened over the last few weeks.
The only pleasure I have these days is the Hoover; but I must admit that the housework in general has 'gone to the dogs'.
I went down to the pub last night to try and cheer myself up. Miss Winstanley, our postmistress was there. She has recently been 'released into the community' and I must say is looking very well - considering all that is wrong with her.
She seemed to be doing a good trade with her 'postcards' but I don't want to get into all of that again.
I had a phone call from George. Well, it was just heavy breathing - but I know it was him.
A wistful Georgina
Sir. I find your interest in youth work admirable. In this day and age, when so many people are out for what they can get, it is refreshing to find someone willing to devout so much of his time to our young people - who are, let's face it, our future.
I will speak to Sydney when he returns home from the cinema. But he is a delicate boy and would have to be treated with care and consideration.
I went into the cellar to get the Christmas tree, but I cannot get it up by myself. How I miss having a man in the house.
We usually have a big party here at the manor and invite all the poor children of the village (I think you would like it) but, quite honestly, I don't feel I can raise the enthusiasm what with all that has happened over the last few weeks.
The only pleasure I have these days is the Hoover; but I must admit that the housework in general has 'gone to the dogs'.
I went down to the pub last night to try and cheer myself up. Miss Winstanley, our postmistress was there. She has recently been 'released into the community' and I must say is looking very well - considering all that is wrong with her.
She seemed to be doing a good trade with her 'postcards' but I don't want to get into all of that again.
I had a phone call from George. Well, it was just heavy breathing - but I know it was him.
A wistful Georgina
Harrovian
GEORGE SAYS
Sir. I find your interest in youth work admirable. In this day and age, when so many people are out for what they can get, it is refreshing to find someone willing to devout so much of his time to our young people - who are, let's face it, our future.
I will speak to Sydney when he returns home from the cinema. But he is a delicate boy and would have to be treated with care and consideration.
I went into the cellar to get the Christmas tree, but I cannot get it up by myself. How I miss having a man in the house.
We usually have a big party here at the manor and invite all the poor children of the village (I think you would like it) but, quite honestly, I don't feel I can raise the enthusiasm what with all that has happened over the last few weeks.
The only pleasure I have these days is the Hoover; but I must admit that the housework in general has 'gone to the dogs'.
I went down to the pub last night to try and cheer myself up. Miss Winstanley, our postmistress was there. She has recently been 'released into the community' and I must say is looking very well - considering all that is wrong with her.
She seemed to be doing a good trade with her 'postcards' but I don't want to get into all of that again.
I had a phone call from George. Well, it was just heavy breathing - but I know it was him.
A wistful Georgina
Sir. I find your interest in youth work admirable. In this day and age, when so many people are out for what they can get, it is refreshing to find someone willing to devout so much of his time to our young people - who are, let's face it, our future.
I will speak to Sydney when he returns home from the cinema. But he is a delicate boy and would have to be treated with care and consideration.
I went into the cellar to get the Christmas tree, but I cannot get it up by myself. How I miss having a man in the house.
We usually have a big party here at the manor and invite all the poor children of the village (I think you would like it) but, quite honestly, I don't feel I can raise the enthusiasm what with all that has happened over the last few weeks.
The only pleasure I have these days is the Hoover; but I must admit that the housework in general has 'gone to the dogs'.
I went down to the pub last night to try and cheer myself up. Miss Winstanley, our postmistress was there. She has recently been 'released into the community' and I must say is looking very well - considering all that is wrong with her.
She seemed to be doing a good trade with her 'postcards' but I don't want to get into all of that again.
I had a phone call from George. Well, it was just heavy breathing - but I know it was him.
A wistful Georgina
Friday, December 10, 2004
devastated
GEORGE SAYS
Harry's gone. I am undone. He has left a gap which cannot be filled.
Thursday night he had a phone call from Marvin, his boss (Head of Station, Bagdhad).It seems the CIA now think that the man in custody who they believed was Saddam Hussein may, in fact, not be the tyrant!
Harry is the only member of the CIA who went to school with Saddam. Admittedly, Harry was only in the first form at 'Bagdhad High' whilst Saddam was in the upper sixth - and Head Boy. Nevertheless, it is believed that he would remember details that an imposter could not possibly know. Hence his recall, in order to interrogate the prisoner.
Harry tells me that his family lived in Bagdhad for a few years, whilst his father was sourcing sand for the giant B & Q chain, during the hey-day of DIY, just after the war.
Anyway, he is gone. But I have happy memories.
The vicar called round. He wants me to do the Jam stall again.
Georgina
Harry's gone. I am undone. He has left a gap which cannot be filled.
Thursday night he had a phone call from Marvin, his boss (Head of Station, Bagdhad).It seems the CIA now think that the man in custody who they believed was Saddam Hussein may, in fact, not be the tyrant!
Harry is the only member of the CIA who went to school with Saddam. Admittedly, Harry was only in the first form at 'Bagdhad High' whilst Saddam was in the upper sixth - and Head Boy. Nevertheless, it is believed that he would remember details that an imposter could not possibly know. Hence his recall, in order to interrogate the prisoner.
Harry tells me that his family lived in Bagdhad for a few years, whilst his father was sourcing sand for the giant B & Q chain, during the hey-day of DIY, just after the war.
Anyway, he is gone. But I have happy memories.
The vicar called round. He wants me to do the Jam stall again.
Georgina
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Gas masks and raincoats
Just managed to grab a couple on minutes at the keyboard.
Many thanks to Harrovian for the offer of the gas-mask. May take you up on that. Being the cultivated gentleman that you are, I imagine it is not one of the 'ordinary' ones that the peasantry used to carry in a cardboard box slung around their neck, during the war. Rather, I imagine, it is of the so-called 'Mickey Mouse' type: a proper face mask with two great goggly eyes and a lovely piece of hose down to the chest respirator. Wonderful.
I used to wear one of those whilst doing the hoovering (just a little pleasure), until that awful man expropriated it.
The vicar (Reverend Wilkins) called today. It is the village fete in January (yes, an unusual time of year to hold a fete, but the parking is much easier and we don't get people fainting from the heat - also the meat pies don't go off)
Anyway Cecil (as I call him) is hoping to carry away first prize in the 'Dirty Old Man' contest, now that George has gone. And he wanted to know if he could borrow the monster's old raincoat. I said he could have it, with pleasure. (I hope he didn't misunderstand me).
I am anxiously watching the post for the 'Letter from America' promised by R J Adams (plain cover).
Hope Sydney didn't give the wrong impression about Harry. I don't know what I would have done without him these past few days (or is it weeks?).
Oh. I'll have to stop now - here he comes again.
Georgina
Many thanks to Harrovian for the offer of the gas-mask. May take you up on that. Being the cultivated gentleman that you are, I imagine it is not one of the 'ordinary' ones that the peasantry used to carry in a cardboard box slung around their neck, during the war. Rather, I imagine, it is of the so-called 'Mickey Mouse' type: a proper face mask with two great goggly eyes and a lovely piece of hose down to the chest respirator. Wonderful.
I used to wear one of those whilst doing the hoovering (just a little pleasure), until that awful man expropriated it.
The vicar (Reverend Wilkins) called today. It is the village fete in January (yes, an unusual time of year to hold a fete, but the parking is much easier and we don't get people fainting from the heat - also the meat pies don't go off)
Anyway Cecil (as I call him) is hoping to carry away first prize in the 'Dirty Old Man' contest, now that George has gone. And he wanted to know if he could borrow the monster's old raincoat. I said he could have it, with pleasure. (I hope he didn't misunderstand me).
I am anxiously watching the post for the 'Letter from America' promised by R J Adams (plain cover).
Hope Sydney didn't give the wrong impression about Harry. I don't know what I would have done without him these past few days (or is it weeks?).
Oh. I'll have to stop now - here he comes again.
Georgina
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Message from Mummy
Hello
Mummy has asked me to say a big thank you to those who have responded to her plea for understanding. She says she will reply to you all in full, only at the moment she 'hasn't got a minute to herself'
Uncle Harry has come to stay with us. I have never met him before, but mummy says he has been away in America helping Mr Bush in his fight against the Evil One.
Uncle Harry is a deeply religious man (like Mr Bush), he brings God into the conversation at every opportunity. For instance, on Saturday I asked him to take me to the zoo. He replied: Why you wanna go the goddamn zoo, kid? All them goddamn mangy animals. It aint proper. They should be in the goddamn wild, like what nature intended - so's folks could go an hunt 'em and shoot 'em. Ain't you got no goddamn buddies ? (I think he meant friends). When I was your goddamn age I was out chasin ass. (I have no idea what this means)
He is very generous: he gives me money to go to the pictures in the afternoon, and buys me lots of sweets (candy, he calls it). Mummy is looking positively radiant since his arrival. She says to tell a Mr R J Adams and a gentleman known as 'Harrovian' that she will be contacting them personally - just as soon as she "gets her breath back".
Oh yes - and she has been unable to reach the URL 'good2go' but thanks for the comment.
Anyway I must go now. Mummy and Uncle Harry have gone down the 'Jolly Pervert' and Uncle Harry has given me a video to watch. It is called 'The Piano Teacher'. He says it will help in my studies. (I have been having trouble with my left hand recently). He is so thoughtful.
Sidney
Mummy has asked me to say a big thank you to those who have responded to her plea for understanding. She says she will reply to you all in full, only at the moment she 'hasn't got a minute to herself'
Uncle Harry has come to stay with us. I have never met him before, but mummy says he has been away in America helping Mr Bush in his fight against the Evil One.
Uncle Harry is a deeply religious man (like Mr Bush), he brings God into the conversation at every opportunity. For instance, on Saturday I asked him to take me to the zoo. He replied: Why you wanna go the goddamn zoo, kid? All them goddamn mangy animals. It aint proper. They should be in the goddamn wild, like what nature intended - so's folks could go an hunt 'em and shoot 'em. Ain't you got no goddamn buddies ? (I think he meant friends). When I was your goddamn age I was out chasin ass. (I have no idea what this means)
He is very generous: he gives me money to go to the pictures in the afternoon, and buys me lots of sweets (candy, he calls it). Mummy is looking positively radiant since his arrival. She says to tell a Mr R J Adams and a gentleman known as 'Harrovian' that she will be contacting them personally - just as soon as she "gets her breath back".
Oh yes - and she has been unable to reach the URL 'good2go' but thanks for the comment.
Anyway I must go now. Mummy and Uncle Harry have gone down the 'Jolly Pervert' and Uncle Harry has given me a video to watch. It is called 'The Piano Teacher'. He says it will help in my studies. (I have been having trouble with my left hand recently). He is so thoughtful.
Sidney
Saturday, December 04, 2004
To whom it may concern
Please note: My husband has not , repeat not travelled to the Phillipines. He is shacked up with that Swedish trollop in a council flat in Gateshead.
She is welcome to him. When I told Sydney that he would not have to go into care because that monster had finally left, the little lad's eyes were swimming with tears.
"Has that horrible man gone for good, mummy?" he said.
"Yes son, he has" I told him. Then we opened a couple of cans of Special Brew and settled down to watch snooker.
Anyway, I now have for sale, the following items:
Suits, gents - Burtons Tailoring - 44" chest, 26" leg (various colours - some with specially adapted trousers)
One single bed (hardly used)
Diving suit (deep sea) with attachments
Gents riding breeches and boots (size 12) - never seen a horse
2 pair rubber vetinary gloves (elbow length)
Polaroid camera
Book "Euthanasia for Beginners" (in Swedish)
Magazines: 'Leather and Rubber Fetish Monthly' 2003 (complete except for November issue)
Boxed set 'Hitler's Speeches'
Note: there are too many items to list in full, but if you are looking for anything please post comment.
No reasonable offer refused (story of my life)
Georgina (Ms)
She is welcome to him. When I told Sydney that he would not have to go into care because that monster had finally left, the little lad's eyes were swimming with tears.
"Has that horrible man gone for good, mummy?" he said.
"Yes son, he has" I told him. Then we opened a couple of cans of Special Brew and settled down to watch snooker.
Anyway, I now have for sale, the following items:
Suits, gents - Burtons Tailoring - 44" chest, 26" leg (various colours - some with specially adapted trousers)
One single bed (hardly used)
Diving suit (deep sea) with attachments
Gents riding breeches and boots (size 12) - never seen a horse
2 pair rubber vetinary gloves (elbow length)
Polaroid camera
Book "Euthanasia for Beginners" (in Swedish)
Magazines: 'Leather and Rubber Fetish Monthly' 2003 (complete except for November issue)
Boxed set 'Hitler's Speeches'
Note: there are too many items to list in full, but if you are looking for anything please post comment.
No reasonable offer refused (story of my life)
Georgina (Ms)
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Au revoir
It has become incumbent upon me to make an extended business trip to the Phillipines, along with my secretary and travelling companion, Miss Anastasia Bjoerdes (ex au pair).
This station will, therefore, be going 'off air'.
George
This station will, therefore, be going 'off air'.
George
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
In which things become a little tricky
Trouble with Anastasia (the au pair).
I came home from work to find her in the sitting room telling Harriet about the little trip we took together on the boat.
I said to her: Why are you talking to the dog? She can't understand you, you know.
She replied: I thought you said she understood every word that was said to her.
That's just an expression - you silly Swedish person, I retorted.
She snorted: I know that, stupid - I was just making a joke. You think we Swedes have no sense of humour but we do. And, as a matter of fact, I was just rehearsing, so as I would get it right when I tell Mrs George!
I had to remind her that her work permit had expired and she was now, technically, an illegal immigrant.
She began to swear at me - in Spanish again. She always swears in Spanish; I don't know why.
Anyway, she is not talking to me now. She will - when she wants a lift to her English class.
I came home from work to find her in the sitting room telling Harriet about the little trip we took together on the boat.
I said to her: Why are you talking to the dog? She can't understand you, you know.
She replied: I thought you said she understood every word that was said to her.
That's just an expression - you silly Swedish person, I retorted.
She snorted: I know that, stupid - I was just making a joke. You think we Swedes have no sense of humour but we do. And, as a matter of fact, I was just rehearsing, so as I would get it right when I tell Mrs George!
I had to remind her that her work permit had expired and she was now, technically, an illegal immigrant.
She began to swear at me - in Spanish again. She always swears in Spanish; I don't know why.
Anyway, she is not talking to me now. She will - when she wants a lift to her English class.
There's something wrong
There's something wrong with his brain,
I've said so again and again;
Since he's had that lobotomy
He's completely forgotten me -
And he won't wear a hat in the rain
I've said so again and again;
Since he's had that lobotomy
He's completely forgotten me -
And he won't wear a hat in the rain
Monday, November 29, 2004
A word from our Home Secretary
You may think it's alright
To sit there at night,
With your feet up, watching the telly;
But Osama Bin Laden
Might be out in the garden,
With a missile aimed at your belly.
To sit there at night,
With your feet up, watching the telly;
But Osama Bin Laden
Might be out in the garden,
With a missile aimed at your belly.
The Pogues
I am going to see The Pogues at Manchester on December 12th.
I am going on my own (Aw!). I did ask the au pair, but once she knew she would have to pay for her own ticket, she began to swear volubly at me in Spanish. I don't speak any foreign language (except American) so it went right over my head.
But just wait until she wants me to give her a lift to her English class!
It's a pity Kirsty McColl will not be with the Pogues - I wonder how they will do 'Fairytale of New York'.
It's not the first time I have been to a concert on my own, so I will be ok. I know not to speak to any strangers (unless they are women) and to come straight home afterwards.
Although the last time - when I saw 'The Seekers' I met an ex student who persuaded her husband to give me a lift home. Chris, her name was. So if you see this, Chris, thanks.
I am going on my own (Aw!). I did ask the au pair, but once she knew she would have to pay for her own ticket, she began to swear volubly at me in Spanish. I don't speak any foreign language (except American) so it went right over my head.
But just wait until she wants me to give her a lift to her English class!
It's a pity Kirsty McColl will not be with the Pogues - I wonder how they will do 'Fairytale of New York'.
It's not the first time I have been to a concert on my own, so I will be ok. I know not to speak to any strangers (unless they are women) and to come straight home afterwards.
Although the last time - when I saw 'The Seekers' I met an ex student who persuaded her husband to give me a lift home. Chris, her name was. So if you see this, Chris, thanks.
Friday, November 26, 2004
To Shirley
Thanks for letting me see your writings; to look through your child's eyes.
The money boxes - blue for Lesley, red for Shirley... that was so real... what it is like being a child. I don't know why that particular bit should stick with me
Don't get me on my old hobby-horse... but you know how I see a child as so passive, so vulnerable... someone who has things done to them... said to them. And they accept it... trusting in the adult. The little companions having to go on top of the wardrobe in a sealed bag... What is this thing 'Life' that I have got myself into... I sort of imagine a little child saying that. No, not saying it, but feeling it.
So many things that I was told... all for the best intentions. And the little pleasures... sitting on your grandad's knee. Then accepting that it must come to an end when an adult tells you it is time for bed.
I had a phase of not being able to sleep. It was awful. But I had to go to bed... to lie awake... and worry about being tired for school... or whatever awful things happened to you if you didn't get enough sleep.
You have told me some of this before, but it is like seeing another part of you.
The money boxes - blue for Lesley, red for Shirley... that was so real... what it is like being a child. I don't know why that particular bit should stick with me
Don't get me on my old hobby-horse... but you know how I see a child as so passive, so vulnerable... someone who has things done to them... said to them. And they accept it... trusting in the adult. The little companions having to go on top of the wardrobe in a sealed bag... What is this thing 'Life' that I have got myself into... I sort of imagine a little child saying that. No, not saying it, but feeling it.
So many things that I was told... all for the best intentions. And the little pleasures... sitting on your grandad's knee. Then accepting that it must come to an end when an adult tells you it is time for bed.
I had a phase of not being able to sleep. It was awful. But I had to go to bed... to lie awake... and worry about being tired for school... or whatever awful things happened to you if you didn't get enough sleep.
You have told me some of this before, but it is like seeing another part of you.
Sunday, November 21, 2004
The way things are
My temporal lobes are giving me gyp. It started on Friday, when the au pair asked me to give her a lift to her English class.
I didn't mind this, but she wanted me to do a three mile detour to pick up some stuff from the Dry Cleaners. When I protested, she reminded me that I was responsible for the stain on her skirt.
I reminded her that I had already apologised for spilling the red wine. But she pretended not to understand. (Foreigners always do that). But I took her, anyway.
This made me late for my meeting at the club, with Harry. He wasn't pleased. And when I asked him if he had brought the magazines, he said Gwendoline wasn't finished with the September issue. Said it was giving her new ideas.
How a woman can be so interested in Practical Mechanics beats me
On Saturday evening, I was due to be installed as 'Grand Master' of the 'Order of The Great Goat' (Sankey Lodge) but I forgot my apron. Now I will have to wait until next month.
What a bummer.
Oh yes - and our application to have Sydney put into 'Care' has been turned down - again.
I didn't mind this, but she wanted me to do a three mile detour to pick up some stuff from the Dry Cleaners. When I protested, she reminded me that I was responsible for the stain on her skirt.
I reminded her that I had already apologised for spilling the red wine. But she pretended not to understand. (Foreigners always do that). But I took her, anyway.
This made me late for my meeting at the club, with Harry. He wasn't pleased. And when I asked him if he had brought the magazines, he said Gwendoline wasn't finished with the September issue. Said it was giving her new ideas.
How a woman can be so interested in Practical Mechanics beats me
On Saturday evening, I was due to be installed as 'Grand Master' of the 'Order of The Great Goat' (Sankey Lodge) but I forgot my apron. Now I will have to wait until next month.
What a bummer.
Oh yes - and our application to have Sydney put into 'Care' has been turned down - again.
Saturday, November 20, 2004
That goup
Ok. So some upstart 'group' has quoted me without my permission. It isn't the first time someone has appropriated my work. It is, as they say, the curse of genius.
Take, for example, when I told Robert Pirsig about my idea for a book describing my travels across Great Britain on a bicycle. It was also to be a metaphysical journey into my unconscious mind, culminating in reuniting with my alter ego 'George'. And since it described the part the Anglican church had played in my life, a working title was 'Christianity and the care of the pedal-cycle'
Need I say more! Pirsig gets there first with his (inferior) paperback, and has never needed to work since!
Currently I am working on a novel based upon the inland waterways ,'Effect Without Cause' Just you watch - someone will try to beat me to it.
(in response to R J Adams)
Take, for example, when I told Robert Pirsig about my idea for a book describing my travels across Great Britain on a bicycle. It was also to be a metaphysical journey into my unconscious mind, culminating in reuniting with my alter ego 'George'. And since it described the part the Anglican church had played in my life, a working title was 'Christianity and the care of the pedal-cycle'
Need I say more! Pirsig gets there first with his (inferior) paperback, and has never needed to work since!
Currently I am working on a novel based upon the inland waterways ,'Effect Without Cause' Just you watch - someone will try to beat me to it.
(in response to R J Adams)
Friday, November 19, 2004
'Twas on a frosty morning
Friday - a hard frost. The car is iced up! Melanie having problems with her car.
The children have a day where they go in their 'own clothes' because it is 'Children in Need' Day. They both look good. So 'trendy' (do people still use that word)
I woke up feeling down. Thought if I went down I might feel up. But I went downstairs and still felt down. So I have come back up.
The sun is shining, though. I think I will take a trip to my cottage by the sea. A listed building situated on the end of 'Wosser Point'.
Work is required on the windows.
The bikes sleep in the garage.
'Where's December's happy crew,
German bikes and sidecars too'
The children have a day where they go in their 'own clothes' because it is 'Children in Need' Day. They both look good. So 'trendy' (do people still use that word)
I woke up feeling down. Thought if I went down I might feel up. But I went downstairs and still felt down. So I have come back up.
The sun is shining, though. I think I will take a trip to my cottage by the sea. A listed building situated on the end of 'Wosser Point'.
Work is required on the windows.
The bikes sleep in the garage.
'Where's December's happy crew,
German bikes and sidecars too'
Monday, November 15, 2004
Conference
Yesterday (Sunday) I attended a conference on OCD - in Manchester. I went with my friend Alison, and we had a good day. The workshops and speakers were excellnt, and although a lot of what was said was not new to me, some of it certainly was.
(I was there both as someone 'in the trade' and a sufferer... slightly)
I especially liked the guy from the University of Wales, talking about 'mindfulness' as a way of dealing with OCD. Well, as a way of living really.
A long wait for a sausage and egg sandwich in the Retro pub but it was fine when it arrived.
We couldn't find where we had parked the car (country bumpkins, not used to the big city) but were helped out by two 0' them new-fangled 'warden' people. The young girl was from Inverness. What was she doing so far from home? I didn't ask.
(I was there both as someone 'in the trade' and a sufferer... slightly)
I especially liked the guy from the University of Wales, talking about 'mindfulness' as a way of dealing with OCD. Well, as a way of living really.
A long wait for a sausage and egg sandwich in the Retro pub but it was fine when it arrived.
We couldn't find where we had parked the car (country bumpkins, not used to the big city) but were helped out by two 0' them new-fangled 'warden' people. The young girl was from Inverness. What was she doing so far from home? I didn't ask.
Where are you now?
As I turned out the light
In my bedroom, last night,
I wondered what you might be doing;
And then, through my tears,
I remembered: ten years!
For all that under-age screwing.
In my bedroom, last night,
I wondered what you might be doing;
And then, through my tears,
I remembered: ten years!
For all that under-age screwing.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Neurotic? or Psychotic?
GEORGE SAYS
A man enters the psychiatrist's office. He is dressed in the uniform of an 18th century British admiral: boots, white knee breeches, blue tunic with gold braid, tricorn hat. He has a patch over his right eye and his empty right sleeve is tucked into his jacket.
He says to the psychiatrist: You've got to help me - I keep thinking I am Napoleon.
The psychiatrist says:Nelson - you keep thinking you're Nelson.
The man replies: I AM Nelson - But I keep thinking I'm Napoleon
A man enters the psychiatrist's office. He is dressed in the uniform of an 18th century British admiral: boots, white knee breeches, blue tunic with gold braid, tricorn hat. He has a patch over his right eye and his empty right sleeve is tucked into his jacket.
He says to the psychiatrist: You've got to help me - I keep thinking I am Napoleon.
The psychiatrist says:Nelson - you keep thinking you're Nelson.
The man replies: I AM Nelson - But I keep thinking I'm Napoleon
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
GEORGE SAYS
GEORGE SAYS
The greatest good for the greatest number -
That is why I learned to rhumba;
Then them what cannot do the dance
Can watch me in my skin-tight pants.
The greatest good for the greatest number -
That is why I learned to rhumba;
Then them what cannot do the dance
Can watch me in my skin-tight pants.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
TUESDAY
GEORGE SAYS
Rain falls on the Great Sankey plain, on this Tuesday morning in November. This is the north west of England, you see. Rain is what we do best.
But we do have sun. Oh yes. Not as much as when I was a boy; then the sun shone all day and every day - through the summer holidays at least. And the corn was ten feet high.
Rain falls on the Great Sankey plain, on this Tuesday morning in November. This is the north west of England, you see. Rain is what we do best.
But we do have sun. Oh yes. Not as much as when I was a boy; then the sun shone all day and every day - through the summer holidays at least. And the corn was ten feet high.
Monday, November 08, 2004
HOW IT STARTED
I was thrust upon the stage in the early hours of August 30th, 1935. I had no script and was told to improvise.
The stage set was that of a small Lancashire mining village; the props included: a school, a church, several pubs and three pits. Oh, and a row of terraced house. I was to live in the end one - Number 2.
The stage set was that of a small Lancashire mining village; the props included: a school, a church, several pubs and three pits. Oh, and a row of terraced house. I was to live in the end one - Number 2.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
