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Monday to Friday8.00 am to 9.00 pm
Saturday8.00 am to 5.00 pm
Sunday9.00 am to 5.00 pm"

The big day arrives

After a hearty breakfast and a polish of the presentation I mooched to the pear tree where I met charlie anna and rebecca for the drive to college. Arrived had coffee and gort nervous as hell. Said prayers and started at half nine good start middling middle and a good end I think. People were positive, they are a a kind group. I didnt encounter any negative vibes. I showed the first part of the Granada edition DVD and the were a few people who said they felt choked during that or my talk. As ever spilling my own guts was draining and I ate more lunch than I should. After me was a PCT chief exec who gave a chapter and verse obesity strategy delivery stuff. She had good political answers but again I will await the evaluation. Scrounged a lift home off Suzannah who lives a couple of roads down from me her mum used to teach Ally and is fondly remembered as a great teacher. Suzannaah had a little miss chatterbox on her dashboard and she lived up to it she is doing some sterling work in North Huyton a most deprived borough between cantril farm and prescott. Got home, spewed up after tea and went to Beas home via tesco - nine for lunch on Sunday - bliss.

Thursday continued.

Felicity used to work for NOF now she's a big cheese in the world cancer research fund. She showed a video spoke and gave us some group work. I had considered some group work for my own session and on reflection leaving it out may have been the right choice. Always difficult but my view is better used if you have been booked for a days gig and to stop people dying from listening to one voice for too long. I guess my view is they booked me they should hear me unless it some touchy feely experiential stuff. Spend three years living with 100kg extra body weight and report back in 20 years now you know how I feel - my arse. Be intereted to see the feedback on the thursday. Thursday afternoon was largelyy Ian campbell who after a touching doff to me Ken clare who done more than any one person for bariatric patients in the UK. He then did a presentatiopn which was sharp and in parts funny. He's obviously doing after dinner gigs he did proper jokes with punchlines (like me dad). He gave good value and took a provocative stance with some audience members. The complementary therapist section. Finished after 5 aqnd back for a brisk walk with Rebacca to the hotel. Her and charlie are staying at the Peartree guest house 25 notes a head. She is a good sort she ids definitely a dieitian and is in possesion of a good sense of humour. She lent me her pendrive but mine had been found by the maid and put on the dressing table so I started to get my act in order. After much thinking and a shower I managed to get 4 slides done before it wasw to go to the pub. A diet coke and a curry for 4.95 and 2 paps it was edible (v.nice actually) a water then home and finished off my presentation (almost) I said hello to the resident complementary therapist before retiring (miranda I think). Slept like a log.

Thursday

First on was http://www.aso.org.uk/portal.asp?asomid=1973&asotype=header&targetcell=1,0&targetwidth=4&functionname=aso_elibrary john wilding top man who told me about the latest results from the Swedish Obesity Study http://www.obesitas.med.gu.se/forskning/research.asp some interesting stuff re Sub arachnoid haemorrhage and post surgery. May have to be considered.
His talk was excellent as usual and went down well. As always he gave surgery a positive vibe. 11am saw Felicity porrit TBC

Wednesday night

Went to the oaklands next door. Had a mediocre steak and ale pie. Most of my fellow students dissapeared at a ridiculously early hour. I went back to my hotel was going to get a coffee at the bar. Met a nutritionist (yet another) who told me of the different schools and outlined iridology and touched on to homeopathy. I managed to drag myself to bed a,d got v. Pissed trying to log on to t-mobile hotspot in the hotel. Took pills fell asleep. Woke up early and mooched to brekkie. Mediocre at best. Seem to hqave mislaid my keys. A set wasw handed in yesterday. May have been mine I am more worried that I have lost my usb data pen.

Lunch was late

One of my personal fave guys prof cin waine was the pm slot. After a late lunch he gave a good talk which even inspired me. He has some excellent quotes and his anecdotes age and experience make him worthy of a full listen. He has always been kin to me so hat tipped for that too. After the session wander into the city with some folk I end up outside hatties tea rooms hot buttered teacake and tea. Cool. Good walk back to the hotel, in the sun goingv out to the pub next door for tea tonight. The oakland I think. Report in ring Rach must ring mum.

Up late just in time.

Got a late Delta from home to Central then waited 9 mins till the Chester train. 40 minute journey and into Chester station. Picked up a cab then off to drop luggage at 2 star Dene hotel, asked cabbie to wait then on to chester uni. Found the right building and secured a coffee. Seem like a nice bunch of people bit of a mix couple of doctors some nurses dietitians, nutritionists though I am not sure of the difference. Spoke to one and jury is still out. First talk was Kevin doing intro then passsed on to David haslam for the history of obesity. Some interesting quotes and the realisation that nowt in medicine is new. Some ancient geezers knew it all. We are just beginning to understand it.

Did nowt about talk

Well that's not true I did give it some thought. I even went as far as printing out the module outline and thinking how it could apply to a patient.
Going to revisit some of the some of the NICE stuff. I am hoping that some time in the academic bosom of Chester University will help. I feel kind of excited I must confess looking forward to it. Last nights taxi driver was tank transporter man. He had only been doing cabs for 2 months so was morer like the man on the Clapham Omnibus than the bigot in the delta cab. Last night we qall got in bed together it was agreeed for trhe sanity of all concerned I should kip in chester for a couple of nights. Makes travelling sense for sure.

Going underground

Out of the pit at some unearthly hour. Jean gives me a lift into town for my counselling appt at CIC. Being early and sans breakfast means aq quick call into the mission cafe. I see cozzie hoovering by the door and I am in. Back of the net. Tea toast and a supportive natter. Then up to see Maureen at CIC. Ironically carrying two bottles of champagne. The woman on the desk is cheery as ever and barks at me for tring to write in the staff signing in book. I give her my best but I am mental look but it counts for nothing here. She looks to be a grand master in ju-jitsu and 4th dan control and restraint. A big bad look from her kills me dead.
Tomorrow I start the Chester Course and am thinking about kipping two nights in Chester. Hmmm.
Got a busy day today. Need to start thinking about writing Fridays talk.

Going underground

Out of the pit at some unearthly hour. Jean gives me a lift into town for my counselling appt at CIC. Being early and sans breakfast means aq quick call into the mission cafe. I see cozzie hoovering by the door and I am in. Back of the net. Tea toast and a supportive natter. Then up to see Maureen at CIC. Ironically carrying two bottles of champagne. The woman on the desk is cheery as ever and barks at me for tring to write in the staff signing in book. I give her my best but I am mental look but it counts for nothing here. She looks to be a grand master in ju-jitsu and 4th dan control and restraint. A big bad look from her kills me dead.
Tomorrow I start the Chester Course and am thinking about kipping two nights in Chester. Hmmm.
Got a busy day today. Need to start thinking about writing Fridays talk.

Going underground

Out of the pit at some unearthly hour. Jean gives me a lift into town for my counselling appt at CIC. Being early and sans breakfast means aq quick call into the mission cafe. I see cozzie hoovering by the door and I am in. Back of the net. Tea toast and a supportive natter. Then up to see Maureen at CIC. Ironically carrying two bottles of champagne. The woman on the desk is cheery as ever and barks at me for tring to write in the staff signing in book. I give her my best but I am mental look but it counts for nothing here. She looks to be a grand master in ju-jitsu and 4th dan control and restraint. A big bad look from her kills me dead.
Tomorrow I start the Chester Course and am thinking about kipping two nights in Chester. Hmmm.
Got a busy day today. Need to start thinking about writing Fridays talk.

Barcelona Photo Tour Guide - Antoni Gaudi Park Güell

Barcelona Photo Tour Guide - Antoni Gaudi Park Güell
The Parc Guell shots I should have taken.

Monday in work

Fell behind in a dreamy state and subsequently a bit late. Caught up with the pre-op assesment people and the post op peeps from the weekend. Realised how deeply priveliged I am to find myself in a job like this. See a guy for whom a few months has made a huge difference - makes it all worthwhile. Do a bit of hands on type nursing (not that the ward staff would have noticed) it was more fevered brow and comfort type jobbie). It made me realise what a state I was in with the peritonitis, when I was in pain spaced out on morphine and feeling alone and scared. Caught up with people and did some phone calls. Meeting a lady from http://www.huntleigh-healthcare.co.uk/deep_vein_thrombosis.html here tomorrow. She is fortuitously in Aintree anyway. Need to catch up with Sarah about laminates and slideshow and leaflets. Spoke to Andi from Mentorn top woman. Spoke to jane whi is completely barking but inspirational and motivating on several levels. I was reduced to tears when I told her I wouldnt have made the New York trip without her. I was crapping myself 96% of the time - she said I looked confident -being obese makes you a good liar - and I could always project well. Tomorrow is Lesley and Louises birthday and yesterday Davinia dropped the sprog. I didnt show enough interest but was allowed off the hook on "bloke" factor.
After a drive home wit an ex tank transporter driver from gulf war I I jump the 173 to Penny Lane for http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/lennon_4.asp adele to trim my silver locks. Then off to a card shop and a quick bit of present shoppping. Home via the 68 and the pasta mince tea. Quick call to mum and sit on bum helping(hindering) Ally with French homework.
We ruminate as a family on a topic of family interest - tossers keep ringing our house asking if we are Ryanair - no we are not?? the tosserific answer is "Are you sure?"(I shit you not). I have started answering queries logging complaints and booking seats. So if you think you have got 12A on the 20.05 from Liverpool to Grenoble on Nov 21 I am sorry, but you were so gullible. I also apologise to the man whose complaint led to him being upgraded to "emerald" status on every flight (free murphys crisps and baileys) but the serial number CB1664 should have been a give away. CB is a code phrase used by customer service departments everywhere for their special customers. Yes it does mean "crying bastard" look out for it for everytime you complain. Check the serial number on your harvester or little chef gift vouchersyou got in response to the complaint - I mean what sort of Alien buys someone they like little chef vouchers for birthdays. (Apologies in advance to Louise and Lesley).

Sunday

Got up late, arsed on computer. Tried in vain to catch up.

TV Cream Themes: A-E

TV Cream Themes: A-E Pointed this way by mad billy friday mornins taxi driver. Some gems off for a bath in the scent of nostalgia.

EVERTONFC.COM: | Match | Fixtures & Results | Everton v Wigan

EVERTONFC.COM: Match Fixtures & Results Everton v Wigan We was robbed and the ref was crap. Though I did did get a fine everton ball point as my matchday souvenir.

Ken in St Cast le Guildo France 2006 - Pelforth Brune 

Jean with Duncan McKenzie

Saturday Jeans Birthday Pressie

Off to see http://www.evertonfc.com/splash.php play Wigan Athletic. It was Jeans special birthday present and we had opted for the http://www.evertonfc.com/hospitality/the-marquee.html option very fine too. Sat next to Tommy who was 60 pictured right with Duncan Mckenzie and his daughter a florist (left with alan whittle).
The meal was good with leek and spud soup a huge pork chop apple and bilbery crumble cheeese and bics and coffee etc. Wine and grog flowed freely. I scuppered the champagne on arrival by asking for OJ. I am beginning to get warped pleasure. We had excellent seats and got vouchers for a brew at half time. After the game its back into the tent for even more free grog. i again bucked the system with my wimpy cries for water and coffee. When I get really confident I shall proclaim full wanker status by asking for decaff wherever I go.

A quick weeks overview

Monday Afternoon counselling, Tuesday duffing about meeting in the night, Wednesday back to work, meeting about roles. Still jet lagged. Thursday see Frank in AM pleased with progress off to work. Friday work. Saturday off to football.

Best Western City View Motor Inn - Long Island City - Long Island City Hotels - NY

Best Western City View Motor Inn - Long Island City - Long Island City Hotels - NY

Impressions of New York

It was big and busy, a melting pot of people thrown together. Yellow cabs delis, subways and fire escapes. I didn't see enough of it but hey this was work.
I will biog the main characters when I get home.

Stagecoach Buses

I can visualise it - top level management meet. Let's change bus numbers randomly to piss people off. Great idea says justin the customer service director. Wait says Flick acting director (designate) communications, let's really head fook people by not telling the people, and for the icing do it when Ken Clares away and let him stand waiting for ages while three 75a's (the buses formerly known as stagecoach 80's chug past. Then we can carry out a census and say no fooker usesd the bus and withdraw the service. Great. No I haven't taken it personally.

Monday Morning

Goosed I can hear the phone and my blackberry ringing away. I just turn over and ignore it. Eventually I give in its yasmin from mentorn and followed by jane. It takes up a lot of time. Then jean rings. Feels like I been on the fone all night truth is I keep falling asleep and waking up. Let shakespeare out and do the washing. Deep joy in dire need of food I hot foot up to simply coffee in need of breakfast. I end up with a baked spud instead. It was filling but not what I wanted. Enjoyed the path to 9/11 last night on beeb 2 and recorded the new drama on beeb3. - caught a blimp of lawrence on the trailer so seems an essential watch. Got a counselling appt and need to work out when I am in work this week. Need to catch up on website stuff and personal stuff too. Busy

Delayed Flight

At least an hour body say 8am clock say 1pm can see how air rage develops. Cannae be arsed doing shopping reading papers or anything. Just want to be home and chillin. Cookies shortbread coffee and hotchocolate options exhausted. Just watching allo allo without the sound and realise I have never seen it. From the images dont look like I am missing much. Keeping fluids up as per sir dicks instructions ( as voiced danni behr and vic reeves) leads to mighty pee situation. Its a nuisance as I have to take everything with me. Gas bulding up too but solidrelease needs to wait till undercrackers are installed. Consider consequences of shopping for undersized overpriced scrons in duty free but cold lead to embarrassing constriction of both nethers and wallet (both v. sensitive areas).

Commando in Heathrow

I must have slept for about 2 hours and it wasstrangely kind of ok. I was woke with an enquiry about coffee and a muffin (least it sounded like that) Jane pronounced the muffin crap (well her mum was linguistically challenged being german) I agreed and binned it. After much arsing we got our luggage got though immigration and she me her son and we said goodbye I hoofed it to terminal one. Couldnt check in was too early. mooched. Listened to sounds and then checked in pleased to find i was premium economy, less pleased to see I had to hand in my perfume I had bought for Jean. Bought some more airside and some for me too. BMI lounge was crap. plenty of free ale (whoopee)but no shower not even a towel I had to strip wah in the disabled toilet using oldtshirt and bill grundies as a towel.Donned Big Apple t-shirt and new blak strides. severe deficit in undercrackr department so for third time in my life I go commando. This is not good news. Underpants serve as a protective layer in case of accident. I am nervous about flying, change in pressure causes excess gas release. Result stained premium economy seats. Also constant anxiety re flies down. Makes me check every 5.4 seconds all is well - leading to impression that I am a continually fiddling. Not good any way its cut. No sat in lounge tryig to make sense of blog and waiting for call for flight. BMI did score something by letting me check in online though that was impressive. I am sat in front of three heavily stockedfree bars. I have had some irn bru, sobriety is challenging again still winning though.
Been to costa coffee as thisplace has nowt what I really wanted was a bacon butty ended up with a crapy al day club costing 64 quid ad being pants. Sat next to three poles banging back the tetley bitter and the stella. ( At 10.30!!). Anyway waiting for call.

Saturday pm and flight in the night

Saturday pm and flight in the night

Saturday am

There will be some text but meanwhile heres the pics.

New York 3

Sep 9, 2006 - 36 Photos

Filming in Times Square.

Jane is getting guys on street corners and doing some health checks. Scott funky dude on sound Action man paul the real star on camera, Jakob guards kit and signs release. Erina on 2nd camera and robert sort of directs ( I think). Paul says I am the grip, which means I lug the tripod. Talk to a nice traffic cop in times square from puerto rico.I watch Jane and their gang doing their stuff. Bored shitless I decide to help by acting as Jakobs assistant fetching drinks and guarding gear. He even lets me do a release form. That lad will be big I predict so sucking up seems apt. we lunch in some sort of stange gaff.t gump Paul tells me its themed on forrest gump. took lunch here The service was exceptional I had a blueberry lemonade and a bucket it was good. All seemed good. then we we were off to do my bit.

New York 2

Sep 6, 2006 - 149 Photos

I wantedto take my camera

I faced another demon and climbed a rickety fire escape with support) to ook across the river it was great, a moving view. This was the nearest I could find.

Filming at Brookhaven

to be filed a day of mixed emotion and tired ended in polish food in brooklyn. More to be written.

New York Pics

New York

Sep 6, 2006 - 93 Photos

Arrived at hotel spooky and meet the gang.

Our hotel is the city view best western (aka) shitty view. It was a dive. It was as bad as anything onb the french tour. It seemed like many of the rooms were rented on an ourly basis often to girls who seemed v. Busy. There was always a family in reception invariably with opnly one english speaker a screaming baby and a black bag full of possesions being dragged behind a cute toddler. The recptionist didn't have english and we didn't have hotel american. They guy couldn't dig at first thaqt we weren't a married and b didn't want to share. He offered us many, in his eyes desirable incentives. I ended up with a post hammer horror four poster and jane with a group size jacuzzi. As I unplugged my laptop a cockroach (golden) wandered across the keyboard. We freshened then were picked up by robert and erina. Taken to a posh diner gaff. Nice stuff and I was persuaded to the halibut special by the painfully thin waitress. After a good meal we ended up back at our hotel at 33-17 Greenpoint. Cockroach was there ready for a chat, had pills turned TV on and fell soundly asleep.

This was first day in New York

test test

Flight to NY

We queued fo a bit but Jane worked some magic. The security stuff took ages and we ended up legging to the gate (19) I think. Was sweaty and breathless on arrival. The aircraft was a 747-400 we were in seats 49 A and B opposite the stewardesses and next to the exit. Telly screens didnt work for the first couple of hours and refusing drinks was hard but the water was good. I thought it was tight for the belt but did bette when I took the loop from under m bum. Had pretzels, then meal was chicken pasta sauce salad bun choc mousee and coffee. Lady next to me celebrated by throwing her red wine over my leg. She subsequently burst into tears and was consoled by the cabn crew I immediatly was villefied for possessing the offending leg. As a consolation prize I was offered a first class sleeping suit (large) which I was feared to wear in case it didnt fit. I also thought I have scored some Jimmys for Ally. the flight passed quicker than I thought we talked a lot about a whole lot of stuff. Jane watched a film I watched Dr who, she had a kip I played with the seat console game thing. It has a thing which shows you where you are on your journey. It was cool it first told me I was over newfoundland and hen labrador sod me I thought its crufts turn left at the shitzu and you are home. We had a nice talk to the crew and then landed in the peeing down rain got through immigration customs and baggage surprisingly quickly. There was a huge queue for taxis so we ended up negotiating a shady deal with a geezer with a people carrier from trinidad. Fifty bucks so pretty cool, traffic was the pits found the hotel aftr the geezer rang it. English speakers seemed at a premium.

Met jane and through to airside

Can't think of a better colleague to travel with. She blags us a cheap upgrade to the seats with more legroom. Top stuff.

Arrived heathrow

10 minutes late after 35 minute flight. Good stuff on a 757 had 3 seats to my self. My 3rd breakfast was a bacon and scrambled egg panini and water. Read the times and the daily mail. Got off the hairyplane and hoofed it to terminal 4 after baggage reclaim. I just seen a lady with a krispy kreme donut bag I want one. I rang Jane she's on her way due in about 11.30 I am sat outside in smokerland the airport is too noisy and bright stimulating colours for me. I think I have left my nano behind which would be a fag as I have the usb cable headphones and headphones. Policing this gaff must be a nightmare even before orange alert or whatever we are on. I plan to look again for my nano. My finding skills are shot at. One more try. I shall even annotate the contents of my handbaggage see if that helps.

The futureheads.

Seen carrying their gear going on the North american tour.

Anxiety

Flight leaves 8.20 gate closes 8.10 I am still sitting in lounge BA 1387 if you are interested.

Tuesday D-day

We get up too early. Village cab arrives we know the same people me and the driver. Off to airport painless checkin and security. Man doesn't want to frisk me. I am dissapointed I suppose the fact I lay on my left side knees to chest KY and glove in hand discouraged him. My ticket entitles me to top BA lounge experience which is tickety boo. All free ale and food. Bottles and tinnies by the shed full. Looks like I picked a crap time to change meds and give up ale. I decide to satisfy by seeing how many breakfasts I can do. Added benefit of lounge is hawks eye view of proles and terrace view of airport. Top stuff gonna rob a paper.

Monday - 4 years ago today

Off to work 3 patients to see, all good stuff. Itinerary for america starts to emerge and change. Was flying BA then air india who knows what as day goes home. Roast chicken for tea get dollars from the post office. Ally is out at FACT I kip. Jean comes home and does necessart packing. I sort insurance and crap like that. Off to marks to score in the Blue lagoon sale. Then to mothers who looks swollen and shakey then home via Ruth and pauls for travel adapter and new york books. Packed by Jean and so to bed.

Holiday inn express Speke

0845345000

Long journey

Lifes too short to be with you. Drinkin wine spoh dee oh dee stix mcgee. Witchita lineman Glen campbell. Every one must get stoned Bob dylan in a very wet derbyshire. Just passed through reddish north which is in manchester apparently. Need some more music putting on the ipod nano for sure some stones.
Paul Simon still crazy after all these years. What's that all about.
Sunday bloody sunday U2 which I like when bono doesn't dissapear up his own bum. I like the still haven't found version where the gospel choir are on. James sit down I like this stuff kieran will be chucking up. The badnews is I think I have left my book scaredy cat in the hotel. Hope not but will need stuff for trip to New York.

More mp3

Tom and jools don't you kiss my cheek. All along the watchtower big bob dylan.
Housemartins happy hour Ally favourite as I recall. Maybe some reserved seat action. Someones in mine so I am next to her in someone elses but being british we are all seething and saying nothing. I love the tension two pensioners have upped the ante theh fought for the freedom to have reserved seats. The codgers are armed too aqnd to a soundtrack of lou reed walkijng on the wild side I imagine them decapitating the offending reserved seat snatchers. One of them has a glass eye and keeps giving him me the evil eye with it. So I polish it and give it him back.
The champs tequila always reminds me of an ER episode.
Then its on to led zep whole lotta love. Odd man out tom and jools while I eat a crayfish rocket with lemon and black pepper mayo on malted brown bread made by the foo.go company with biodegradable pack. Surprisingly no web site. What's up 4 non blondes.

Mp3

ABC the jackson 5. Classic stuff first album I ever bought from kays catalogue on music cassette. Wacko at his best I think. Feeling dancing up the train. Always makes me wanna dance. Also on same album was rockin robin.
Next is martha reeves and the vandellas dancin in the street. I first heard of it in a yes tour programme in 1975 when bassist Chris Squire cited it aas his most influential track.

Signal gone

In the middle of nowhere. No signal to speak of. I am left thinking about the week ahead. Need to claim expenses. Sort bank. Sort endowment claim. Sort diary. Need to confirm peter, arrange gill, speak to jase and bob and big steve. The new tech team. Got lots of actions fronm the meet too.

Sat cont

Committee bled into mods. So fi vineeta jane nell me joined by steve pip sarah jayne rachel sarah and jilly. Went well good meet but too long for goldfish brain man. Degenerated into social side. I stayed sober due to meds change and it was kinda interesting. A whole new perspective for me. Ordered a curry fromk the take away recommended by the hotel. Fairly qaverage and pricey. Late night for me went to bed at 1 the stragglers stayed up till 2. I was goosed. I was helped in sobriety by jayne nell and jane. Woke up to a crap continental breakfast (mental note to go for feb or mcd take out next time). Got lift to nottingha from rachel and jilly. Nell made train so did I. Coffee double decker sunday times blog and mp3 player mix of dylan and jools. Good stuff.

Saturday sobriety 4 drinkers 3

Came out the wrong entrance of nottingham station still dying for a pee. Got a taxi to holiday inn express east midlands. Twenty squid. Full bladder felt every bump. Arrived there shouted hi and dived in the bog. Didn't recognise jayjay and sarah. Rest of the gang there. Started comm meet went very well good to see Jane.

Trying to live life properly

There is a family on their way to Skeggy for a break three generationss and a house full of luggage. The mum struggles with the kitchen sink. The train fills at chesterfield I offer the seat next to me to dad with stick. Do a bit of work and concentrate on being awake. A full time job in itself. A load of supporters on the train don't know who are what they support could be anything. They are talking about the soul less nature of the arena has me guessing.
Two sisters sit opposite one daily mail other the times. Going to peterborough (where you change for Norwich. Alfreton next stop. About 25 mins to sheffield and I want a pee to crowded to go I am making a mental note to pee before sheffield. Did I mention they sent me a certificate. Sheffield uni that is. Certificate in Health Information Management. Not much but I am proud. Rang DVLA yesterday, they acknowledged reciept of re application for driving licence and when they stopped laughing they have written to my GP and consultant. Would you let this boy drive a motor. Hmm interesting will be selling the renault if its no show. Will be gutted if truth be told - cross that bridge and all that. No point worrying about that far ahead.

Reflecting on a big week

Been busy and big stuff. So much of which I either can't or don't want to share with both my readers right now. Suppose it would be easier to talk about the stuff I can share. Frank has changed my meds and I seem over sedated (his aim). I wander round in a semi stuporous state waking only to remember to go to sleep. He wanted me to hibernate me I chose to carry on with life at bare essential level. The stress for jean and ally is palpable. So what's happened. This morning I wake up on atrain bound for Nottingham its for a meeting of the committee and the mods. I haven't completed everything I planned but will seek help.
Projects :- the american gig. Its luike d-day everyone knows I am coming who knows when? I have spoken to andi and the other mentorn person who's name escapes me. She's aussie and seems a great laff, far more straight forward then my previous contact there. Anyway tuesday I think.
Review of a publication done which I can't tell you about (non disclosure agreement).
Discussion with an agent (not mine) I have not got nor plan to get an agent.
Meeting with a publisher in September.
Been appointed NW co-rdinator of PiF. Patient Information Forum. Good bunch and may lead to some gigs.
Meeting to discuss roles in bariatric team at abbey sefton when everyone back.
Starting MSc at Chester in September, got a gig on the course as visiting lecturer too.
National Obesity Forum meeting coming up. Followed by AGM of the charity.
Jeans in london for a week before NOF and I am going down on the friday we will catch a play she will come back sunday. I have booked jurys gt russell street. Where the NOF gig is and near the British museum. So once again my busiest three months of the year looms.
So focussing in at home and on the last week.
Got home sunday. No results, bank holiday monday. Tuesday no results. Rang st hildas who were holding them to ransom for 4.50 despite the fact they knew she was coming back and the librarian said t was cool. She was probably an anarchist library grpaaduate like Loopy boy.
I dived in a cab got them and brought them home. Been reported on but
3A's
6A's
1B
Is worth saying again.
Work wednesday, domestics a bit of a mess. Shopping and catering down to me so we end up with badly timed chicken and a ready meal fest a take away looms in there somewhere. Ended up double lasagne and veggie canneloni yesterday, I irradated a marfona for ally and we binned the canneloni, too much bechamel. To be fair the rusticella finest garlic bread was the highlight.
Had heaps of post to sort and appointments.
Post:-
Solicitors and bank/mortgage poop
Stuff from Granada
Mags - private eye, BJOT, nursing standard, the tract (RCN rag about guts). Obesity surgery.
RCN president and dep president, I voted for the two people I had met before. (My guiding principle in election methodology). Mike Travis from Alder Hey and Necylyn who was on the panel when I won nurse of the year.
Took Friday off I was too goosed to work. Caught up with some important calls, shot down to grenbank and sorted out the AGM and the rest of the NW meets for the year.
So here I am on a train to Nottingham barely awake. Passed through the Liverpool stations hunts cross, widnes, warrington birchwood two manchesters headed for stockport sheffield chesterfield, alfreton, nottingham.
The first bit of the journey was acutely familiar as I made it often once a week when I started nursing 27 years ago.

Allys results

We are so proud of her.
3 A*'s
6 A's
1 B

Made up delighted chuffed proud amazed in awe. Best news for ages.

Of witness and sadness

Adele the hairdresser and me get talking about weight, seems a good friend of hers died 8 weeks ago from obesity. 5ft 25stone sleep apmoa and a heap of co-morbidities. She's interested in the web site. Anyway wind back the day. Went to see frank (GP). Top gig as ever new plan starts today. I am loathe to share details at this point as the very mention of them feels like it could undermine the plan. Home and Allys results still not arrived. Ring school, they qare being held as Ally owes 4.50 for a library book. I jump a village cab explain my mission the cabbie hates church schools and wants to quick the doors in. Ally has an appointment so we need to be back pronto. She is stood on the doorstep on the phone to her mum. I think she deserves an entry of her own.

Entertainment

In the barbers a delightfully barmy old boy, is in the chair. He is plum crazy but in a nice way. The lady has had him chunnering for an hour. She's worn out. Adele is a nice lady. Not as counselling as frank but she has the advantage of placement on the bus route. I am on the way to the pharmacist.

Liverpool-Evil-Cabal

Liverpool-Evil-Cabal
I always arrive too late.

French Pics

France 2006

Jul 14, 2006 - 159 Photos

Ambulance

www.capitalrescue.com
Private ambulance just passed us on the M1 at Luton.

Url

www.pevec.hr

The barmen have landed

Bolstered by increased sales the barmen have just brought 4 more barrels of lager up. They could do with tripling the staff as the service is poor. I hope the girls get me a paper. The boat is full of southgate district scouts who appear to have been on a jamboree. They scare me its a uniform thing. I am distracted by a delightful toddler who toddles around the pub. A lot of people are having balance troubles (combination of beer and boat). She is the happiest by far.

On the boat

Made goos progress on journey home. Jean drove well and the weather only marginally interfered. The toll booth traffic jams were mercifully small. I am now sat in Le Pub sipping piss poor lager while the womenfolk shop. I wander what our hotel will be like. I hope its better than the bonsai which I think didn't impress the ladies. We are planning to eat at the hotel I think. Or failing that a local chippy.

Friday in the pm

Off to the supermarket and we enjoy a good lunch. Round the shop and a drink whilst picking up Fridays Grauniad.

Friday

The holiday draws close to the end. St cast le guildo in the evening provided us with a fine restauarant. I ate a thing called a taste of the sea with a. Wild rice and green bean thing going on. Wednesday saw us off to Dinard it looked promising and we started on the beach but the day drew overcast we took shelter in a beach bar. The came down so we donned our towels as headgear and strolled as only the British can to the restaurant. We acted out our own nativity play colin cast as mary as his towel was blue. We hit the Newport again as it was one of the few gaffs offering service continu. It was only occupied by non frenchies still as us unaccustomed to their late dining. I had delicious duck following hannahs recomendation.
Thursday found us in St Malo jean and I wandered the ramparts and streets we met the girls and colin at 7 and went for cocktails at the comedy pub. The comedy pub is still the hoot it appeared on the first time we found it. Friday morning most of packing done and colins gone to st suliac. Ally has a migraine and is being a trouper despite the fact most of the rest of her mates know their GCSE results.

Tuesday beach bum

Blogging on the beach at St cast-le-Guildo. Its a really warm sunny day and am enjoying it here. Monday I went to the boulangerie so late they had sold out of croissants. By way of a bonus I happened across a chappie with a frruit and veg stand so bought the ingredients for a ratatouille. Wandered home then off to dinan. Pleasant walk around the walls bought I was a bit scared at the bits where the walls were low and the drop was a long way. Had a pleasant drink at the weird mans shop. Wandered then got hungry it appeared that most of dinan lunched 12-3 and dined 7-10. We had arrranged to meet the girls at 6.30. Blast. We found the girrls and got a posh take out from adeli home again. This morning off to madame bakers and she tells me something about wednesday and closing. Difficult to work out. Then we lunched and off to st cast for the afternoon and an evening meals.

My how time flies.

Its Sunday already. Hannah and Colin arrived on Friday then we scooted to the hypermarket where we picked up an excellent late lunch. I went got two types of salmon and mushroom carbonara. Tres bien. Wentr round the supermaket which was more enjoyable than my last visit. Not as crowded so no panic attacks. I was fine as long as jean or ally were with me. I purchase an sd card for allys camera. Because the one I brought has mp3s on it. I forgot to bring the card reader and the usb hub. I did remember the laptop, the pocket pc the sat nav the blackberry my ipod nano, most eventualities covered. Would like a storage device with viewing capabilities. For viewing images. Need a little speaker thing for the nano too (and more music putting on it).
Friday night we have a barbeque outside. I have to say I generally hate the barbeque. A very efficient way to ruin good food. I like eating alfresco though so we cook most stuff indoors then finish it off. Beer helps wash it down. So to bed.
Saturday great being in the middle of your jols thinking a lot of geezers travelling. We laze around after colin and I go for a walk (and get soaked). I am reading lazy bones by mark billingham good stuff. We go for a nice drive to the cote d'armour stopping off in st briac sur la mer. Very nice seaside village. Then its off to dinard. Drink in the beach cafe. Spendid town then eat at the newport restaurant nautically themed. I have assiete des fruites d'mer. Oysters, langoustines,whelks,winkles,crevettes, and shrimps nice interactive eating. Main course was duo of fish with two sauces served in a very nice way round it off with a citron crepe. Home very quickly all pleased that everton won though colin whop stayed up to watch it says they stole it.
Sunday morning, colin and I head off for a morning walk, head up to mont garreau. I think I overdid it coz I am goosed. Head aching. Jean and I opt for a lazy day at home while Colin takes the girls into town. I have a kip and then laze in the garden and relax. Ring Vineeta to catch up with events round committee and mods meeting.

Friday in the am.

Lying in the garden on my belly blogging in the sun. Finished jpod and hey nostradamus by douglas coupland. Read three english papers purhased on wednesday and thursday. Dissapointed to discover they were all wednesdays. Surfing the web courtesy of the blackberry. It is using the local edge network. I have never used edge. The phone just rang they will be with us in about an hour. (Colin and Hannah) that is. Better get washed and dressed then.

Kens day

So I get to pick all days activities. First off its easy, jean volunteers to to the bakers to save me getting mauled by the savage dalmatian. I suspect the girls think I made it up. But the end of my baguette was wet with dog dribble, though granted it did lack visible tooth marks. I hear dogs barking too, fair nough I am usually alone. Anyway breakfast is good. Then its off to port st jean. Site of the old bridge of the rance. Cracking view both ways but it was bloody freezing. I wore shorts tshirts and sandals. Colin arrives from england tonight with warm threads.
Perseverance is rewarded I am given the dream shot of three frenchies in a horse drawn cart the eldest of whom is cradling a goat. Jean sees the cart but suspects the goat is another of my hallucinatory animals. Pleased to say it was captured on memory card.
Then its off via the recycling bins to Dinan my choice. An historic walled town bit further up the Rance. Two bits really old town and port town. We do both. Lunch was a cock up we get seated in a gaff with two many tables and not enough staff and walk away. We opt for a table outside at the cozy grill. They specialise in a bread bechamel cheese toastie that you add things to. Jean and I do ocean and ally does a goats cheese thing. Waiting for our meals the heavens open and it throws it down. We are rushed inside by very nice staff and served food that was yummy. Rain goes off we go for a wander. Really nice old town with top architecture. When we arrived we did the battlements and a mooched round a closing market. We are generally late whilst en vacance. Wandered around found an internet cafe jean went to a bar while ally and I went in this weird subterranean place. Then a drink, then retrieve the car to go to old port. Mooch around there and have a pear caramel crepe. Home get lost in plouer sur rance and find bridge complete with horse pooh. Home and chill.

Lazy day cont

Got home seriously freaked and a bit post adrenalin rushed. Was still twitching when sat down to roast chicken salad. Soon chilled out and relaxed.

Wednesday lazy day

We were all tired. Got up late, I wandered down the bakers and got a bit nervous about the french speaking. Then got barked at by a narky french dog. He was in my two big to kill easily if it comes down to it category. I managed to keep him at bay by briskly walking and using my baguette as a stave. Back home jean and I decided to take a walk up the hill down to river then along and down past the villages municipal campsite and down the beach. It was nice there. Then back past the mary monument and the graveyard. The rain started then. Back home. French hotdog for lunch. Then of top carrefour in la madelaine for a retail experience. I didn't like it one bit several panic attacks.

Jeans day continued.

We head for St Cast-le-guildo. Jeans plan was lunch out beach and looking at the sea. We had been for a holiday there before, it was a nice town and well worth a revisit. Being Clares we took a whacky route. From la ville-es-nonais across the Rance on the old bridge. Via Plouer-sur-Rance, through Pleslin, Ploublay, then across to St Cast. We score a lucky parking space across from the gendarmarie office. We walk up into the town and checkout the restaurants. We find a nice terrace and sit out. Kir Breton is called kir armour here for some reason. Ally does mussels the best ever she said. She ordered the food eloquently to me. I am always in awe of brits who can do it and not sound a complete arse like me. Jean and I opt for set menu. Mine is the 21€ coquille st jacques themed jobbie. Starts off with like a little stew full of scallops followed by a scallop and prawn kebab. Jean has a fish soup with all the trimmings followed by a monkfish and prawn kebab. We do puds too ally and I have sorbets jean does an apple thing.
Then its off to the beach, where I bare my chest proudly. I chucle out loud a lot reading Jpod. That book rocks. After tanning we hit a bar for some cidre. I sit reading the girls go shopping. Then the three of us hit a little supermarket. Off to one of the other beaches down a bloody steep hill. Fascinating array of shells and shellfish gatherers.

Jeans day

We wake about 10 and jean and I wander the village round the corner ville-de-nonais, to the nice little bakery top get pain, pain aux rasines et croissants. Nice shop and very tolerant of my crap french accent. Jean and I sat in garden she's reading me blogging. Ally is getting ready I am reading the weird book Jpod on Allys recommendation iy has me in stitches for sure.

Allys day

Being monday. We arise then head off to st malo. We park in the 3€50 park and ride. We lunch at the cafe south west. Ally has moules creme with frites, jean has salad nicoise and I wanted crab but its off so plump for scallops I'm some top sauce with rice. Washed down with une pichet de cidre tresz bien. The girls wander off shopping I mooch around the battlements and squares looking at the world, and occaisionally catching an image or two.
We meet up again at 4 and wander we end up in a creperie. Ally has a beuree caramel sel, jean some appley thing and I am in. To the rhubarb.
Then via inter marche metro its home to the free bus stop. Free for all would be more accuraqte definiely an adults only full on contact sport. Sod queing get as near to the front as you can and scramble on. I liked it in a sample the local culture sort of way. Didn't seem like many other anglais on the bus with us.
Off home then a relax in the garden phone mum eat tea and watch silent witness.

Last post cont.

Tourists with open mouths sayin wow what's a chitterling? Or shit they really do eat horses and the dick showing his kids the nice aquarium so the lobsters and crabs are live. The other sort of person loofs oh plop I live here and I forgot every sunday morning is this way. We forget a lot of what we need but get lots we dont. Back home via the chinese takeaway stall.
We breakfast melba toast brioche croisssant baguette ham cheese jam (rhubarbor strawberry. We start at 1pm. Jean and I plapy table tennis then I decide to go for a walk ride on the bike. Jean hits the sack I chill. Ally watches dvds. Ally and I play table tennis.
Then its time for a drive firstly plouer sur rance over the old bridge. Spotting a fire engine and supermarche on the way. Then is ba9k over the new bridge qaqnd off to find the chocolate box village of st suliac which clings to the side of the rance. Brits in a major minority. Some germans and some dutch but predominantly French crowd. Find q nice cake shop have a nice walk and have a beer sat outside the pub. Then its back home for a very make do meal followed by a saga length game of monoply. Brought out the worst in all of us. It even rains a bit.

Saturday night sunday morning

Went into st malo stopping at total station for gazole on the way. Bagged a top parking space through a mega fluke. Head off intramuros at eat at a restaurant we have done before. Moules frites with a crepe and some cidre. Then a scary ride home. Thought we were going to get pulled by the gendarmes in the village but he had his hands full with the thousands of hairy rockers who had descended on the village for the rock fest. We find home and so to bed.
Sunday is designated lazy day. Jean and trot to intermarche. I love french supermarkets but this place was chokka with two distinct groups. One was us open mouthed tourists doing amega shop in a

We have arrived.

Lots of weather bad traffic and good driving we have arrived. Jean is tired. The house fantastic. Ally is besotted with a local cat who I know Jean will hate. We are next the end on an exclusive 15 property development. With a lovely patio and a view of horses and the river rance. Bakery around the corner. Missed the shops and need diesel so plan is meal in st malo if we can pick up diesel and provisions on the way that's good. Wake jean at 8 allys in the shower, ring my mum and Bea (in a hopeless attempt to score brownie points).

Brioche Doreen outside Caen

The rain has been torrential on and off most of the way down. Was hoping for poule frites or steak hache, I would have settled for a hot dog but we had to make do and mend with something cold. I had a bizarre "pizza" where someone had taken the tomato out and replaced it with a cheesy mustardy sauce. Jeans off to the car for a kip allys in the queue for our pudd so I blog and people watch. You can tell the english they are the loudest and the most rude. A particularly nasty git is a cockney bad mouthing his kid in a very humiliating way. Ally is helping me brush up my french.

Calais in the dark dont

We arrived at 11 local time in the rain. A closed bridge crap directiopns and a crap navigator meant we drove round down town calais till we eventually saw the bonsai and then around a bit more till we found the road in. We were then relieved to find a parking space and we were let through a coded door by three french squaddies in full battle dress into what looked and smelt like their barrack block. I cunningly spotted the french word reception and hastily translated it. We were in the 36 euro b+b bonsai next door wasw the no frills hotel cap at 26 €. The bar open till three was populated by off duty squaddies playing snooker. We had two adjoining rooms sparsely furnished and tatty. Reminded me of the nurses home but with less care in the decor. A pleasant side effect of institutional living is that you can kip anywhere you can shave shower and shh........ The ladies however were less impressed. I am under instructions to book them in the the 110€ gaff and me in 26€ bargain doss house. We went to the bar 12€ for a demi and grand and a smirnoff ice. And so to bed and so to breakfast. It was everything the girls expected. Lacking only jambon and croissants for me. Sliced brioche and nutella did for Ally and for me melba toast was a treat.
We set off in a torrential and have driven through the same on and off all morning. 40k from pont du normandie now.

M25 was pants

Arrived late at Dover main culprit J29 to Queen Elizabeth bridge and carriageway improvements after that. No problemo says the sea france dude. Only 7.50 each as well. Couldn't get the 19.30 haad to get the 20.30

Motorway services

Lunch at the gaff on the M6 toll road. Now on the M1 headed south passing watford gap services wanting to get past the M25 as early as possible. Jean hates driving as much as I like being a passenger. She usually sleeps when I drive. It must be hard for her now. I am strangely relaxed and feel drowsy.

On the road again.

On the M6 headed south. Good news is the current security alert (critical). Picture for people airbound seems worse. Late call from Mentorn finalising the New York gig. Looks like the fifth to the tenth at the moment. Souns like fun going to Brookhaven hospital, and seeing jane deville-almond. Anyway tonights plan is dover by five over to calais and a kip in the very cheap hotel bonsai in down town calais.

icLiverpool - Sweethearts' big day

icLiverpool - Sweethearts' big day They are more famous than me.

Test post

Just lost one.

Spatial-Literacy.org | familyname

Spatial-Literacy.org | familyname
Fascinating stuff.

Spatial-Literacy.org | esociety | profiler

Spatial-Literacy.org | esociety | profiler Intersting Mr Bond.

Structurae [en]: Chateaubriand Bridge: Images

Structurae [en]: Chateaubriand Bridge: Images A bridge near where we are going

The wedding

Dave and Marias Wedding

Jul 11, 2006 - 99 Photos

Dave and Maria

  

Paddys wigwam

  

Wedding day

So the big day dawns. I am of course hopelessly unprepared. Get up late and start looking for maps of Brittanny on amazon. Par for the course. Arrive at mums find her pacing up and down. She makes me a bacon butty by way of calming me and has a brandy to calm her. She is stalking Ken the newsagent to get a fresh loaf. Profanities are the order of the day. The dog attacks a packet of her allsort treats drenchingv them in doggy saliva. I have to eat one handed to avoid cross contamination. Dave rings in a lot of a state. I remain strangely calm. Not sure of best manly duties. Don't get bladdered in the afternoon is Jeans order. More likely to get bladdered by the strike of noon. Mum resorts to tipples of brandy to calm her nerves. I am treating the gig as a professional one and will not imbibe till speech is done. I am on my own now with the dog childhood memories come flooding in. How disturbing it isn't helped by the old fotos mum has out.

British Library-led partnership chosen to run UK PubMed Central

British Library-led partnership chosen to run UK PubMed CentralLooks like good news to me.

Agm hotels

7089454 nightingale hotel
Green park hotel
New holiday inn express speke airport

Thursday in the AM

Off into sefton suite via the ironing shop at the top of the road. Stop at simply coffee where an feb screams at me. I opt for scrambled egg on toast and sausage and bacon and black pud by inhalation. I call a cab and wait while blogging. Need to get a good haircut before the wedding. Gonna go for what gareth jones calls the high and tight look. Ear hairs need trimming too with the right backlighting I have a ook of yoda once more. I am turning into my father. Marinaded some chicken in prep for tea.

Noodles were good

I had a 47 wet - emein Ally had a 42 dry both excellent free green tea tenner the lot. Best vfm I have had in an age. Got home ally and I had a really good talk. Made tea and we ate in the dining room. Worked hard in the evening. Catching up with people and touting for work. Pitched my book idea to an editor. Got DVDs and VHS from rachy wonder how she's doing.

speech details aide memoir

Maria

Dave

Bridesmaids Rachel, Leanne. Kelly

Flower girls Chloe and Sophie

Groomsmen John and Billy

Bride and grooms mums Dot and Kathy

 

 

 

 

 

On the train again

When I first started my nursing career nearly 30 years ago I used to get the train to fazakerley. Now I am at that station again this time bound for central to meet ally. Had a productive time at work this am. I am continuing to learn every day. I need to brush up my bandster stuff and it has always been the area of most mystery to me.
Rice lane kirkdale sandhills moorfields centra jobs a good un

The best mans duties including best man speech and best man speech wedding

The best mans duties including best man speech and best man speech weddingSome pointers here then.

The best mans duties including best man speech and best man speech wedding

The best mans duties including best man speech and best man speech wedding So this is what I have to do - Dave please look and opine. Speech will of course be short and to the point

Au revoir Incapacity Benefit

So I have taken the plunge jumped off incapacity benefit after doing the humiliating "permitted work" its what us disabled folk can do and still claim benefit. Helps us get out the house feel good and earn sweetie money. Money which the taxman takes a big chunk of as well. I have been earning the maximum of 81 quid or working 16 hours for a while and turning down work and money making opportunities. So I spoke to Jean and we decided to give it a shot. Deep down I was uncomfortable with claiming incapacity whilst sunning on a beach in brittany thoughI guess even we dolescum are entitled to holidays.
So I am testing the market for a start up business, I do a bit of nursing, a bit of writing , a bit of speaking, spose I could take pictures too if I was that way out. Hmm store that thought for later. Good thing is I am not looking to make a killing just more than 85 quid a week (incapacity benefit. I think I will feel a whole lot better about myself too.
In society today we are often judged by what we do - usually one of the first questions people ask. I now need to think of an answer, I must ask me mate Jane Deville-Almond, independent nurse consultant and freelance journalist - sounds good. I probably need a website too. But for today I am still permitted so I am off in to see Lesley and get a handover whats going on, prior to her leave.
Nerves about Dave and Marias wedding come up - will I look an arse with my speech (yup), probably. Hope it all turns out well for them must ring him today to see if there is anything I can do practically.

Indian doctors offer to maim beggars in TV sting?|?Oddly Enough?|?Reuters.co.uk

Indian doctors offer to maim beggars in TV sting?|?Oddly Enough?|?Reuters.co.uk

icLiverpool - Tokyou Noodle Bar, Berry Street, Liverpool

icLiverpool - Tokyou Noodle Bar, Berry Street, Liverpool Ally do you fancy this for lunch today?

BBC NEWS | Health | 'Anti-obesity vaccine' developed

BBC NEWS | Health | 'Anti-obesity vaccine' developed