Monday 29th April 2024

Woke around 0830 feeling very tired. Aki got up and made tea. I read in bed for a bit before porridging at the computer. Worked until about 1230 then broke to read some Dickens before putting lunch together. Did another couple of hours at the coalface in the afternoon. Fish curry for dinner, with rice and chapati. Walked up to Hanley Road for choir rehearsals at St Saviours. Another good turn out...there were enough of us to temporarily split into three mini-choirs. It's all coming together slowly but surely. Walked home. Watched a bit of telly before bath and bed...

Sunday 28th April 2024

Woke around 0900. Aki brought me tea, and I read some Dickens in bed before getting up to make breakfast. Vacuumed. FaceTimed Kath, who was at ma and pa's. Mum's arm looks heavily bruised, the black bruising now colouring her right hand and lower arm. She said her shoulder was still a bit sore, but otherwise she looked in rude health, all things considered. Aki cycled off to do some shopping at Waitrose. I stayed home awaiting a delivery, reading Dickens, and listening to Tottenham v Arsenal on R5Live. The Gooners managed to scrape a 3-2 win, which keeps them in the race against Manchester City. Aki made hand-rolled vegetable, and pork, gyoza for dinner tonight, which we ate with stir-fried vegetables. Watched a bit of telly before MOTD, then showered and headed for bed...

Saturday 27th April 2024

Woke around 0845 after what felt like a decent night's sleep. Got up and made tea. Aki cycled off to get bread from the Farmer's Market, while I prepared breakfast for when she returned with fresh vitals. Pottered about doing nothing very much...sent off our postal votes for London Mayor, and read a bit of Dickens. Walked to Finsbury Park station, and caught a Piccadilly Line train to Holborn, where we picked up the Central Line. Got out at Bethnal Green, and walked up to the Young V&A to see their Japan exhibition, a look at the ancient myths that have shaped the modern manga tradition. The venue had previously been the Museum of Childhood, but had been taken over by the V&A and refurbished...the main hall is very expansive, with lots of space for kids to run about, and a cafe at the far end...we had tea and cinnamon whirl, then took the spiral staircase up the the first floor and the exhibition.

The exhibition was interesting, and we had a wander around the free exhibition rooms afterward...liked the design section, and the play areas. Amused ourselves watching the kids playing with the soft play equipment. Wandered out to find it was raining. Had half-an-hour to kill before our appointment at Ombra...but as it was raining we resolved to introduce ourselves at the restaurant half-an-hour ahead of our booking time. We were the first customers of the evening, but it slowly filled up...it's evidently a popular haunt. We ordered gnocco with wild boar mortadella, and a leaf salad with mint, apple, and stracciatella to start. A main of smoked crab tagliatelle for Aki, and I had grilled pork loin with a red wine reduction and green beans. All very tasty, but it was pricey...we felt our local Osteria was just as good, and significantly cheaper! Abandoned plans to walk along the Hertford Canal after dinner as it was still raining. Got home, via bus and Overground, around 2100.

Friday 26th April 2024

Aki up with alarm at 0730 to ready herself for Rowing Club. I got up at 0830. Porridged, and slung a packed lunch together before setting off for Wandsworth in the car. The traffic was dreadful...very slow getting down through Earls Court especially. It was midday by the time I parked up near St Philip Street. Wandered across to the cafe on Lavender Hill and brought a coffee back to drink in the car while I ate an early lunch. Wandered up St Philip Street knocking on doors, then into Broughton Street...the woman at No.29 evidently needed a new kitchen, but explained that she hadn't been on top of things recently, especially since her grandson was "found in the river"...I assumed she meant the Thames, and I was reminded of the opening chapter of "Our Mutual Friend", but on enquiring, she said it had been in the Tees!!! No-one seems entirely sure what happened, and she and her family have been pressing the police to make further enquiries. I wished her good luck, and returned to knocking on doors in St Philip Street, after which I climbed back into the car and mopped up some external inspections in Tooting, Earlsfield, and Camberwell before heading for home. Got in around 1845. Aki had cooked a tasty Goan fish curry for dinner. Watched a bit of telly...Rageh Omaar seemed to be having some trouble reading the Ten O'Clock News, and it reminded me of Robert Dougall appearing slightly inebriated on the BBC many years ago...

Thursday 25th April 2024

Woke around 0830. Hauled myself out of bed. Aki made tea, and I porridged at the computer. Worked through until 1300. Wandered down to Girasole to buy some lunch, which I brought back to share with Aki. The staff confirmed the sad news that Eglal has sold up, and they are due to close on 4th May. She's been a credit to the local community. Aki went off to the hairdressers, and I got back to work at the computer for a couple of hours. Broke around 1630 and read some Marias...getting toward the end now. Warmed up a sausage and vegetable stew we'd discovered in the freezer...ate with orzo and steamed mange tout...very tasty! Watched MasterChef before bath and bed...

Wednesday 24th April 2024

Aki up with alarm at 0730. I dozed on for a bit. Got up and porridged. Aki cycled off for a work meeting in Camden. I headed for Finsbury Park tube station, getting a Victoria Line train to Vauxhall, where I caught a No.156 bus to Queenstown Road, just past Battersea Power Station. Spent the morning ambling down St Philip Street, knocking on doors. The housing is quite interesting...2- and 3-storey terraced houses c1875, in a Conservation Area to the east of Clapham Junction. But they are showing signs of age internally, and Peabody don't keep them in tiptop condition. Broke for a coffee on Lavender Hill, then walked up towards Battersea Arts Centre in search of some lunch. Ordered a croque monsieur in a little cafe called Pique...but it was dire. A soggy mess, which tasted as though he'd accidentally reached for the sugar rather than the salt when seasoning! The chef has evidently never had one before...my efforts are far superior! Got a bus back to Queenstown Road, and knocked on doors on Broughton Street, before ending up back on St Philip Street. Struck for home, taking a bus to Hyde Park Corner, then catching a Piccadilly Line tube to Caledonian Road. Bumped into Brett at the bus stop there, and we got on the 259 to Hornsey Road. She'd been to an exhibition at the Hayward Gallery. Warmed up the Levantine chicken we'd bought in Waitrose the other day, and ate it with cous cous and vegetables, followed by creme brulee. Watched MasterChef before bath and bed...

Tuesday 23rd April 2024

Woke around 0900 feeling very weary. Got up and made tea, and porridged at the computer. Headed out on inspections in north London...drove around Islington before heading for Haringey, and on to Tower Hamlets. Drove home for lunch. Aki made ramen noodle soup. Jumped back in the car and headed for Tottenham. Got home around 1830. Aki made a cavolo nero pesto sauce to pour over some tortelloni, followed by cheese and biscuits. Phoned mum...dad had driven her over to the Fracture Clinic today, and she reported that they didn't appear too concerned... everything healing up of it's own volition, but she's still finding her upper arm a bit painful. They effectively discharged her. Watched MasterChef, and The Ten before bath and bed...

Monday 22nd April 2024

Woke around 0830 feeling very weary...back still hurting, which somewhat disturbs my night's sleep. Got up for tea, and porridged at the computer. Did a couple of hours work this morning. Made cheese and mushroom omelette for lunch. Read some Marias and did some neck and back exercises. Managed to do another couple of hours at the computer, then broke early to read some more before dinner. Warmed up the last of the chicken domoda for dinner. Walked to Hanley Road for this evening's Gospel Choir rehearsals at St Saviours. Another hefty turnout, though some new faces in the crowd. We learnt a couple of songs, though I struggled with the key for the second one. Could really do with the dots. Bumped into the vicar...Matthew lives on Sussex Way, and used to organise the annual street party, before handing over organisational duties to Rebecca next door. We wandered home afterward. Watched a little telly before bath and bed...listened to Salman Rushdie's "Knife" in the bath, read by Art Malik.

Sunday 21st April 2024

Woke around 0930. Slow start for me...put my back out yesterday, so sleeping on my back is a little uncomfortable. Aki got up and headed off to Springfield Park to assist with the Rowing Club Regatta. Cold day...chilly northerly wind. I got up and headed for Finsbury Park station, stopping at Gail's for a coffee and a pain au choclat. Read some Marias, then caught the tube to Leicester Square, and walked up to Foyles, only to find it didn't open until 1130. Had to wander about for 45 minutes killing time...couldn't really justify another coffee! Found the Dickens section on my return, but no copies of "The Chimes", nor "Our Mutual Friend". Picked up a copy of "Pickwick" and took it to the counter, only to be told I had to wait until 1200!!! I walked out and headed through Soho to Waterstones on Piccadilly. Found "The Chimes" in there, and picked up "Pickwick" too...looks like I'll have to order "Our Mutual Friend" via Amazon. Caught a tube train to Caledonian Road, then a No.91 bus to Sussex Way. Got back a little ahead of Aki, so I slung some lunch together. She turned up in good time, and we ate, before heading for the No.91 bus stop, getting off the bus at North Road and walking up to Caledonian Park. A guided walk had been planned for 1400, marking the 190th anniversary of the march on Parliament to protest the transportation of the six Tolpuddle Martyrs. About 20 people showed up, and we walked the circumference of the park, which was then named Copenhagen Fields. The guide was very good...enjoyed it. Some 100,000 protestors, members of the nascent Trade Union movement, gathered in the Fields on 21st April 1834, and led a cart carrying a petition of 250,000 signatures protesting the harsh sentence given to the six farm labourers, who had refused to work without a decent pay rise. They were eventually pardoned, some three years later, and made their way back from Australia to a heroes welcome. Walked back to Nags Head, and popped in to Waitrose to do a shop. Got back in time to watch the Man United v Coventry City FA Cup semi-final...cracking game, that went into extra time...Coventry were very unlucky not to win it, having a goal disallowed for a marginal offside a minute before the end of extra time...they lost it on penalties...it's a cruel game! Aki cooked a mackerel based pasta dinner, and we had chocolate brownie and ice cream for afters. Watched "Ripley", The Ten, and a bit of MOTD before bath and bed...

Saturday 20th April 2024

Woke around 0900...back giving me gip, so had to roll out of bed. Cooked brunch. Quick catch-up with Kath, who reckons we'll need to get some carers in for mum, as she has work to do next week. See what happens...dad not much help at the moment, as he has been rendered 100% deaf by a visit to the swimming baths yesterday, so can't respond to any calls for assistance rom mum, or anyone else, for that matter! Set off on foot for Stoke Newington...had hoped to find time to stop for lunch on the way, but it took a little longer than anticipated, so picked up a burrito in one of the expensive food markets on Church Street, and shared it in the theatre bar. Sarah and Stephen Ley were in the bar, and Sarah mentioned I might be right for something in the autumn season's Christmas production, an adaptation of Dickens' "The Chimes". Mounted the stairs to the theatre to see the matinee performance of Goldoni's "The Fan"...the opening tableux was very good, the company one-by-one becoming animated, a rhythm tapped out on various props...but it was pretty much all downhill from there...it lacked comic verve, and the pacing was too slow...dropped cues and muffed lines didn't help. We repaired to the Smith studio afterward for the official announcement of the up-coming Autumn Season, introduced by Amanda Waggot, the new AD. Surprised to see Feiyang directing something in the repertoire...she's coming on leaps and bounds since assisting on Twelfth Night...great stuff! We snuck out afterward and walked through Abney Park Cemetery, which has undergone some extensive restoration works...they've done a nice job. Found ourselves back on Church Street, and dived into Rasa for our dinner, then took a No.106 bus to Finsbury Park, and walked home from there...

Friday 19th April 2024

Woke around 0730. Got up and made tea, and got back into bed. Listened to R4's The Reunion, bringing together survivors of the 1996 Everest disaster, when eight climbers died in a violent storm near the summit. Rolled out of bed and porridged at the computer...decided not to venture south of the River as rain was forecast, so worked from home. Kath rang to say mum's arm looking worse, but having seen it yesterday on FaceTime I rang mum to reassure her that it was the bruising under the skin slowly making its' way downward...Kath said she'd take a look at it and phone 111 if necessary. Aki got home having successfully popped out to John Lewis's to replace a mug she had broken earlier in the week. Got a text from Kath saying a paramedic had been called out to look mum over! He seemed to think there may be a break in her forearm, so he determined to make contact with the Fracture Clinic in a bid for more information. We warmed up some leftover quorn pasta from last night's Rowing Club dinner, followed by lemon meringue. Got back to work at the computer for the remainder of the afternoon. Broke at 1800. Warmed up the last of the chicken tagine for dinner, and made cous cous with fried tomatoes, chicken skin, pumpkin seeds and pomegranate. Watched the film dramatisation of the 1996 Everest disaster, called, appropriately enough, "Everest", starring Josh Brolin, and Jake Gyllenhall. Very well done...great location shots, and the drama unfolded pretty much as described in this morning's R4 programme...had to get our tissues out at the end!

Thursday 18th April 2024

Got up at 0900 feeling very tired...so decided to work from home today. Porridged at the computer. Sunny but cold outside...cold enough inside for the under-floor heating to come on! Worked through until lunchtime. Put together a ham salad. Aki nipped out to Waitrose after lunch, and I got back to work at the computer. Broke at 1700 to see Aki off...she headed for the Rowing Club, taking with her a chef's apron and various kitchen implements, as she is on duty in the kitchen for this evening's fund raising dinner. I phoned ma and pa to make sure the Waitrose delivery that Aki had ordered yesterday turned up...father confirmed he now had enough food in the freezer to host a street party. Kath FaceTimed me back. Mother looked a little weary, her right arm hanging heavily by her side, the bruising having made it's way right down her arm to her wrist...Kath a bit concerned that she isn't eating much, but she seems in relatively good spirits. Warmed up the last of the chicken domoda, which I ate with chapati and peas...very tasty...ice cream for afters. Watched a bit of telly, and played some guitar, then read a bit of "The Infatuations" followed by a dessert of "Our Mutual Friend"...enjoying them both. Aki got home about 2230 having been excused washing-up duty due to a wrist injury...bath and bed.

Wednesday 17th April 2024

Got up at 0830 and porridged at the computer. Was planning to venture south of the River, but got bogged down at the computer all morning, so resolved to head out tomorrow. Broke for lunch at 1345...Aki cooked up a ramen soup with boiled egg...yummy! She also very considerately arranged for a bunch of frozen foods to be delivered to mum and dad tomorrow, via Waitrose online. Worked at the computer for the remainder of the afternoon. Read a bit of "The Infatuations" before warming up the domoda for supper...Aki cooked some fresh sticky rice. Watched "Race Across the World" and The Ten before bath and bed...

Tuesday 16th April 2024

Woke around 0830 and hauled myself out of bed to make tea. Porridged at the computer. Put together a packed lunch and headed for Manor House to fill up with petrol, and picked up a coffee at Costa. Drove to Stevenage, where I spent the rest of the day knocking on doors. Aki sent me photos of the tree, which, having come down onto the frontage of the property next door, was being attended to by a tree surgeon. Had my lunch in the Sainsbury's car park in north Stevenage, then got back to work. Managed to get in to a good proprtion of the nineteen properties that had been written to for the purpose...one or two that, in my opinion, should have been flagged up as Do Not Visits. Finished around 1730, and headed for home, stopping off to use the facilities at South Mimms Service Station. Got home at 1845. 

Kath had sent us a photo of mum's bruised right arm...it looked terrible, black and puce. Aki cooked hake for dinner, which she served on a bed of cannellini beans and vegetables...very tasty. Phoned Kath. She had managed to get mum to the RVI this afternoon, and the X-Ray had shown a fracture to her right shoulder...she has been given a sling, and has to return to the Fracture Clinic next week. Spoke to mum over the phone...she sounded tired, and said she was in a bit of pain now, and had been given some painkillers, but otherwise, seemed relatively up-beat about her prospects, which was encouraging. Watched two episodes of MasterChef before bath and bed...

Monday 15th April 2024

Strange dream involving Andrew Marvel, in a Dickensian setting, struggling through financial penury until he sets up the Marvel franchise (now a blockbuster movie franchise, of course). Got up at 0745 and porridged at the computer. Had planned to venture toward Stevenage on inspections today, but the weather forecast is for wind and rain, so worked from home. Broke for lunch...Aki fried eggs, halloumi, mushrooms and tomatoes. Worked at the computer until 1730. Cooked some tortelloni up for dinner, with a chilli pesto sauce. Walked up to St Saviours on Hanley Road to have a go at singing along with their drop-in gospel choir. As we walked out of the front door, we discovered Sush from next door taping off the pavement outside their flat at No.5, as the quite sizeable tree that lives on the roadside there had been disturbed by the strong winds that had been plaguing us all afternoon...the tree was leaning at an angle which suggested it was a couple of shoves away from falling into the frontage of No.5. He was trying to contact someone from the Council as a matter of urgency, but of course, they would have packed up and gone home a couple of hours previously. 

We left him to it, and sauntered up to the church. As we were walking along we received a text from Kath saying mum had had a fall, and they were heading for A&E...tried phoning back, but no reply, so assumed they were in transit...all a bit worrying. Had to turn our phones to silent mode as we entered the church. I was surprised at how big the interior is, and that about 35 people showed up...mostly ladies, with a smattering of young children, who took seats in the soprano and alto sections, whilst I joined about eight burly blokes in the tenor section. Beth the conductor guided us through a new number...she was very good, clear and concise, and orchestrated proceedings with good humour. We were a bit shocked to hear that we were building toward a concert on the 6th July! The tree was still standing, just, when we returned home...FaceTimed Kath to find her, mum and dad still at home, enjoying rhubarb and custard! Mum tripped on an afternoon visit to Cowell's Garden Centre in Woolsington, and seems to have jarred her right shoulder, which has swollen up, but it doesn't sound as though anything's broken...they have resolved to take a trip to X-Ray in the morning...in the meantime she's in for an uncomfortable night's sleep.

Sunday 14th April 2024

Woke around 0930. Aki got up to ready herself for Rowing Club. I porridged once she'd cycled off, then walked up Highgate Hill for a coffee at Archies, and a read of the Javier Marias. Very busy inside...a lot of people eating...the food looks great, I have to say, but it's not cheap. Walked back down the hill, and continued reading on the sofa until Aki got home...she resolved to attack the privet hedge, and I aided and abetted. Phoned ma and pa...mum said dad was up the garden, digging! They seem in fine fettle, though mum feeling a bit under the weather. Cooked chicken domoda for dinner...a Gambian speciality, involving plenty of creamy peanut butter, tomatoes, and diced sweet potato. Ate with sticky rice and vegetables...yum! Finished off the last of the marmalade ice-cream for afters. Watched a bit of telly...enjoyed "Big Zuu Goes to Mecca"...he's a London based rapper and TV chef, and very personable...his big personality lights up the screen. 

Saturday 13th April 2024

Woke around 0930...exhausted after last night's excesses! I eventually rolled out of bed once Aki had cooked breakfast. Slowly got our act together, then ventured out into the sunshine to buy bread at Yerbury School Farmer's Market, bumping into Lynne and Boston on the Holloway Road. We got to the market just as Roberto was packing up, but he'd thankfully put a loaf aside for us, and we walked back down the Holloway Road to do a bit of a shop in Waitrose. Came home and enjoyed a light lunch of peanut butter on toast. Sat about for most of the remainder of the afternoon, reading the Guardian. Aki pan fried some cod fillet for dinner, with a tasty sauce, featuring home grown wild garlic that she'd picked this morning. Marmalade ice-cream for afters. Watched "Ripley"...the episode was the one in which Tom clobbers Dickie over the head with an oar and throws him over-board...it was a tense watch, but nothing compared to the uncomfortable viewing offered by Richard Gadd's "Baby Reindeer"...not sure we'll be able to last the course, as his lead character gets into murky water with a middle-aged woman who enjoys stalking anyone who shows the slightest interest in her...it soon has you having to watch through your fingers!!!

Friday 12th April 2024

Woke at 0830. Hauled myself out of bed at 0900 to make tea. Porridged at the computer. Prepared the ground for ahead of Vince's arrival to cut away at the concrete beneath the kitchen sink. Had to remove the kitchen cupboard door, and the kickboard, and put some dust sheets down. He turned up late morning, and went at it with a hammer drill...had to take up some screed and insulation material. The offending pipework had probably been leaking away for a long time...he had to remove the old pipe and stick some new stuff in there, with new elbow and olive. 

We had our lunch before he'd finished, but he suggested we let the hole dry out a bit before back-filling next week. We put the place back together again, and I managed a couple of hours at the computer. I made a creamy mushroom and walnut pasta sauce for dinner, which we ate with tagliatelle. Walked to Finsbury Park station, and took the tube to Highbury & Islington, where we transferred to an Overground train to Shadwell. Walked through to Commercial Road and found the George Tavern. Bumped into Helen and Steve, who had come down from Holmfirth to see Louie launch his first EP as Slow Cooked, with Barney Lister on drums, and Jack Patchett on bass. We have only ever seen Helen and Steve at Jim and Kath's annual Christmas bash...I remarked that the stage in front of us, with it's aging red rugs, and battered piano, looked remarkably like Jim and Kath's front room, the venue for the annual Christmas concerts. 

There were several acts on in support...firstly a rather dour, earnest young man, who sang his own wordy compositions, accompanying himself on guitar and piano, sometimes simultaneously...imagine Leonard Cohen and Anoni having a love-child! He was followed by a very hip quartet specialising in a modern take on retro prog-pop...they were great. The band preceding Slow Cooked Louie was called Pem, fronted by a young lady who sang and played guitar, and was presumably nicknamed Pem...then Louie, Barney and Jack took to the stage. 

Their USP is somewhat esoteric...Louie plays cello through various loop pedals, and sings obtuse lyrics about mice in jeans, and working as a plastic bag salesman, while Jack and Barney cook up a stonking groove on bass and drums...I had to keep glancing over at Barney to be sure it was just him bashing seven bells out of the kit...it sounded as though there were at least two drummers! Lead single, "Mice in Jeans", saw four or five audience members, including Louie's dad, Steve, don rubber mouse masks, and leap about insanely in the mosh-pit in front of the stage. We congratulated all involved before heading home, before the karaoke started!

Thursday 11th April 2024

Woke around 0830 feeling very weary indeed. Hauled myself out of bed and made tea. Porridged. Put a packed lunch together and headed back south of the River, via Tower Bridge. Stopped off at the big Tesco in Surrey Quays to do a wee shop, and go for a wee. Drove on to Lewisham, then double-backed toward Croydon. Lunched in the car on Mayo Road, then headed for Thamesmead...finished the day in Erith, having managed to get in to another seven properties. Drove home via the Blackwall Tunnel...slow going through the roadworks for the Silvertown Tunnel. Got home at 1830. Aki warmed up the chicken and mushroom pie for dinner, which we ate with lentils and vegetables. Watched MasterChef on iPlayer, and a rather moving portrait of Alexander McQueen “In Ten Photos”…his artistry was flabbergasting…his fashion shows more like theatrical productions...

Wednesday 10th April 2024

Aki up with the alarm at 0730. She brought me a mug of tea. Got up and porridged, and put together a packed lunch. Did an hour at the computer after Aki had cycled off to Rowing Club, then climbed into the automobile. Headed south, crossing the River at Tower Bridge. Inspections took me to Rotherhithe, where I briefly took in the view of the River from Surry Docks, then on to Bermondsey, and Camberwell, before doubling back to Sainsburys at New Cross Gate, where I lunched in the car park...did a little shop in Sainsburys and picked up a coffee in Starbucks, then headed southward to East Dulwich, and Forest Hill. Managed to get into eleven units, which was pretty good. Traffic very heavy on the homeward leg, especially the long approach to Tower Bridge...got home at 1900. Aki had warmed up the mapo and rice for dinner. Watched "Race Around the World"...the teams kicked off in Sapporo, and worked their way down to Nara. Watched The Ten before shower and bed...

Tuesday 9th April 2024

Woke around 0930...Aki got up and made tea...but heard sounds of water flow coming from beneath the kitchen sink. Sure enough, our pipework had sprung a leak once more. Managed to get a message to Vince, and he called in a couple of hours later, and staunched the flow temporarily. He promised to return on Friday with tools for digging up the concrete, so we can get a proper repair done. Lunched on tortilla and ham salad. Worked at the computer for most of the afternoon. Grey, damp day, so we didn't fancy a walk. Broke to cook dinner...made a chicken and mushroom pie, served up with boiled potatoes and vegetables...very tasty. Aki had a zoom meeting with the JCUK group, so I read some Javier Marias and watched a bit of Women's Football. Aki finished in time to catch The Ten, then bath and bed... 

Monday 8th April 2024

Woke around 0900. Tea in bed...then porridged at the computer. Aki departed for lunch in Chinatown with one of her JCUK ladies. I broke for lunch at about 1315. Walked up the Holloway Road for my lunch in the little Turkish cafe near Archway...it was refurbished a couple of years ago, and this was my first visit since then...judging by the smooth jazz emanating from the house speakers, it now thinks itself a Parisien bistro. The shakshuka was very tasty, though. Walked on up to Archway Library to pick up my reserved copy of "Our Mutual Friend", then walked home via M&S. Bumped into Kathleen from No.51...she's been busy doing costumes for Moving Parts Theatre's forthcoming out-door production of "Much Ado"...Martin South playing Benedict, so will have to book tickets! Aki put together a tapas-inspired dinner, having had a big lunch! Watched a bit of telly, and read some Dickens before bath and bed...

Sunday 7th April 2024

Woke at about 0930...Aki already up and readying herself for Rowing Club. Neck now giving me constant gip, so didn't sleep particularly well...dunno how I'm gonna get through any work next week! Aki brought me tea in bed...I got up at 1030 and porridged. Did some exercises. Getting a bit behind with my work, so did a couple of hours at the computer before breaking for lunch...chicken and ham salad. Read some of "The Infatuations"...it's a bit slow-going, but is oddly mesmerising...reminds me a bit of Camus. FaceTimed Kath, and then ma and pa...they all seemed in fine fettle, all things considered. Ma and pa had been doing some gardening! Jim and Emma were visiting Goring, and sent us a photo from great grandad's Old Forge, which is now part of the adjoining public house. Aki baked trout for dinner, which we ate with lentils and vegetables, followed by marmalade ice cream and strawberries. Watched two harrowing films detailing the Hamas massacre of young Israelis at the Nova Music Festival which sparked the revenge attacks on Gaza, and the first hand testimony of the Red Crescent volunteers in occupied Gaza as the body count mounts inexorably higher...grim viewing! It brought home the fact that both sides are equally furious with the other, and the notion that there can be any kind of peace within the next 30 years looks pretty pie-in-the-sky...

Saturday 6th April 2024

Woke late after a fitful night's sleep...my neck giving me a lot of gip all of a sudden. Hauled myself out of bed. We cooked breakfast...halloumi, potato cakes, and poached eggs. Aki cycled off to the Yerbury School Farmer's Market to buy bread. Took our constitutional up Highgate Hill...pleasant day, though threatening rain. Popped in on the new exhibition at Lauderdale House, then walked round Waterlow Park, before descending to M&S at Archway, and walking home. I cooked a chicken tagine for dinner, first preparing a marinade, then slow cooking the chicken thighs on the hob. Very tasty, accompanied by baked couscous, and boiled vegetables from the Community Garden. Watched episode two of "Ripley", The Ten, and MOTD, before bath and bed. Neck felt better during the day, but giving me gip again come bed time...

Friday 5th April 2024

Woke around 0930. Hauled myself out of bed at 1000 and porridged at the computer. Worked until 1315. Made a salmon salad lunch with cream cheese and toasted sourdough. Worked through until 1730. Aki cooked a very tasty mapo for dinner, which we ate with rice...marmalade ice-cream and strawberries for afters. Watched Andrew Scott as "Ripley", Netflix's classy adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel. Caught The Ten before bath and bed...

Thursday 4th April 2024

Woke around 0930 with a bit of lower back pain, so hauled myself out of bed and made tea. Porridged at the computer. Worked until lunch time, while Aki baked a sponge cake to take to Book Club this evening. I made lunch...potato cakes with poached eggs and Parma ham. Sat at the computer for most of the afternoon...had wanted to take a constitutional, but the rains came down. Tortelloni for dinner, with a chilli pesto sauce and fried tomatoes. Walked up to Book Club at No.110 Sussex Way carrying Aki's birthday cake. Full house this evening. "The Miniaturist" was largely well-received, though Gareth voiced some negative opinion, and I rather sided with him when it came to the over-wrought plotting. Aki's cake went down well...so much so, there was nothing left to bring back home for tomorrow! We chose Javier Marias' "The Infatuations" as our next read. Walked home in the drizzle...

Wednesday 3rd April 2024

Had left Aki a birthday card, some chocolates, some drink freezer stones, and a small bottle of champagne out on the dining room table for her to stumble across this morning. She was up with the alarm to prepare for Rowing Club, and cycled off before I got up and porridged at the computer. Worked until 1230...broke for my constitutional, and walked up Highgate Hill. Had a mushroom quiche and a latte at Gail's at the top of the hill, then walked back down, popping into Archway Library on the way. Bumped into Katherine, who said she'd just delivered some winter greens from her Community Garden to Aki. 

Bumped into Claire outside her house at No.88...she declared she thought she had Covid, as she'd lost her sense of taste...I told her I was taking Aki out for a very expensive meal tonight, and edged away. Aki was in when I got back, sorting through Katherine's greens...dunno what we're going to do with them all! Helen and Martin called round to wish Aki a Happy Birthday...they stopped for a mug of tea, and we had a catch up. 

We ventured out at 1800 and caught a No.91 bus for Caledonian Road, where we changed to the Overground and made for Hackney Wick. Train was busy...lots of young people now living in Hackney Wick...a small city has gone up over the last ten years. We found our way to Silo, on the upper floor of an old Victorian era warehouse fronting onto the River Lea Navigation (Aki passes it often every time she goes rowing). Nicely kitted out inside...very simple, and very modern. We partook of the £75 a head sample tasting menu...the maitre d' was cognisant of Aki's birthday, and produced a couple of glasses of complimentary fizzy wine. The small plates came one at a time, and with the exception of the minced rabbit in a sourdough dumpling, were very flavoursome. The pork char sui was especially good, with a salsa verde and pureed beans. 

They brought out a tiny chocolate brownie with a candle stuck in it at the end of the meal. We chatted with the maitre d' about the origins of the eaterie, and their unusual sustainability aims...they re-use as much of the food waste as they can...for example, their sourdough loaf leaves some spent sourdough, which they use to make the biscuit in the ice-cream sandwich. And they are working with a neighbouring ceramicist on producing small plates made from crushed glass and clay waste. He got our coats, and we headed home the way we had come, just managing to miss the Arsenal supporters coming out of the Emirates after their game against Luton Town...

Tuesday 2nd April 2024

Woke at 0930 with lower back pain. Hauled myself out of bed at about 1030...porridged at the computer. Worked until 1400 while Aki did some hoovering. Broke for some lunch. Lynne from upstairs back from Zanzibar...she'd had a good time, though said the food was terrible..."they don't know how to cook out there!" Aki popped out to run some errands, so I nipped out to get her birthday card and some champagne, hoping to get home before her. I bought some chocolates in Girasole, and chatted with the chap behind the counter about places to visit on the south coast, then walked up to the gift shop on Stroud Green Road...spotted Aki looking at the pumpkins outside Green & Glory, but managed to stroll past her without her noticing. Bought a card in the gift shop, and some granite stones that you put in the freezer and can then stick in your G&T without risk of watering your drink down! Got a small bottle of champers in Tesco, and walked home...Aki got home 2 seconds ahead of me, and we met outside the front door, so had to confess I'd been on a birthday mission! Did a little more work at the laptop before breaking to watch The Six. Aki cooked a mushroom risotto with spelt for dinner...very tasty! Caught another silly episode of "3 Body Problem", then The Ten, followed by putting the bins out, bath, and bed...

Monday 1st April 2024

Woke at 0930 feeling very weary…bit of lower back pain to add to the discomfort around the bad hernia repair, and the odd shooting pain in my left arm! Aki got up and made tea. Savoury porridge with egg and miso paste for breakfast...we need to venture out to replenish our supplies at some point today. Did some exercises before venturing out for our constitutional. Walked down to Highbury Fields, then back to Waitrose, dodging rain showers. sat about reading the paper and doing the crossword for a bit. Watched the new series of MasterChef get underway. Warmed up the last of the aubergine parmigiana lasagne for dinner, with broccoli and peas. Watched a documentary on Netflix about the recording of the US charity single *We Are the World*, in response to Bob Geldof's *Do They Know It's Christmas" Band Aid single...the recording session involved about 30 of America's leading pop stars of the 1980s, including a rather perplexed Bob Dylan, who seemingly wondered what the hell he was doing there...very amusing!

Sunday 31st March 2024

Clocks had gone forward overnight, so lost an hour. Got up around 1030. Descended for a wee breakfast of fruit and coffee, then took a walk down into the Old Town. By the time we hit the sea front, the clouds had rolled away and the sun was shining in a blue sky. Wandered up George Street, then onto the Esplanade...very busy already...the fish and chip shops, the crazy golf, and the fairground rides were packed. We walked Piper up to the High Street, and popped into the hat shop near the old East Gate...nothing caught my eye this time round, and we left empty handed. Walked back up to the West Hill, and sat outside No.12A for a while, soaking up the rays, before ambling over the road for Sunday lunch at The Beacon. The vegetarian nut roast options now out-number the meat options...Aki had the cashew nut roast, and I ordered lamb, but would have preferred chicken...so I was a little disappointed, having looked forward to it all week.

Repaired to Tony's for dessert, and sat outside sunbathing until it was time to pile back into the Skoda for a lift to the railway station. 

We were all very quiet on the journey...the fresh air having made us all very sleepy. Katrina got off at London Bridge to catch a bus to Stoke Newington. We got off at Charing Cross and walked up to Leicester Square to get on the Piccadilly Line...a lot of people about. Got home around 1900. Cheese and toast for dinner, and a glass of beer apiece. Nowt on telly. My left arm giving me a bit of gip, so re-started my amitriptyline intake. Bath and bed...

Saturday 30th March 2024

Woke around 0830...reasonable night's sleep in Tony's bed at the top of the house...Tony slept on the sofa bed in the living-room below us. I got up and descended to the kitchen to make tea, and took a couple of mugs back up to our bedroom. Read in bed for a bit...chapter two of "Our Mutual Friend" was baffling. Got up a descended to the front parlour for breakfast. Tony toasted some hot cross buns, which we ate with butter a strawberry jam. 

We then piled into Tony's Skoda, with Piper in the back, and drove to Powdermill Woods, near Battle. We walked through woodland down to a small lake, then via a boardwalk across marshland. Ma and pa FaceTimed me as we gained open countryside, and I took them along for the ride until we reached more woodland and disappeared into the tree cover once more. Some of the tracks were very wet and boggy, which meant we had to find ways around in order to minimise the risk of slipping up in the mud. It meant the walk was slow-going, but we eventually found ourselves walking the perimeter of the site of the Battle of Hastings, and came out into the village by Battle Abbey. The sun was out by now...it turned into a very pleasant day. 

We found a table in a coffee shop on the HIgh Street and ordered a light lunch...Aki and I shared a tasty Homity pie and side salad, then we headed back the way we had come and climbed back into the Skoda for the drive back to St Mary's Terrace. Sat out front of No.12A and had a G&T before walking down to the Old Town and dinner at The Stag, a rather atmospheric old inn to the north of the Old Town centre. It was pretty full, but Tony had booked us a table. 

The food was very good...I had beef spare ribs to start, on a sourdough crumpet...delicious...followed by cod fillet with pink fir potato, leek, spinach, cod cheek scampi, and a tasty brown shrimp sauce. The hostess, Nicola, came over to say hello and have a chat...very nice pub, great service, and good food. We walked back down to the Old Town via the high pavement, then wended our way back up the West Hill via various paths and passageways. Fell into bed exhausted...

Friday 29th March 2024

Got up and cooked a big brunch, in a bid to empty the fridge. Caught a bus to Finsbury Park, then took the tube to Charing Cross. Not too busy. Got there a bit early, and hung around on the station concourse...bought some Easter eggs for Tony from Hotel Chocolat. Katrina turned up at around 1100. We bagged a seat on the concourse, then I popped over The Strand to buy coffees for us all. Caught the 1138 train to Hastings. Takes an hour-and-a-half, but it was a pleasant enough journey...chatted and caught up with Katrina. Shared out the last of the chocolate Guinness cake at the shared table. Got into Hastings a little after 1300. Walked to the sea front, and ambled along the Esplanade looking for somewhere to lunch. Ended up on The Stade, and wandered into The Jerwood, paying to see the exhibition, which was intriguing. 

Broke for lunch in the cafe...really good...had beetroot cured salmon with cream cheese on a bagel, and a very fresh and wholesome side salad. Sat out on the balcony for a bit afterward, being dive-bombed by herring gulls, then went downstairs to look at the Quentin Blake stuff...not very inspiring...a hundred ballpoint sketches of heads which were on sale at rather steep prices, intended to raise funds for the Jerwood. There was a corner of the gallery room given over to drawing materials, and a couple of kids having a go at drawing a portrait, so Aki did one of me, and we hung it on the wall. 

Tony phoned and got me to nip over the road to pick up a kilo of mussels he'd ordered from Sonny Elliott's fish counter, then we walked down George Street and took the funicular up to the top of the West Hill, and from thence to Tony's at No.12A St Mary's Terrace. Piper, his labrador, greeted us with the usual growling and barking, until she'd gotten used to our sudden presence. Tony had cooked a fish pie for dinner, with mussels in a creamy garlic sauce for starters...very tasty. There was chocolate brownie with ice cream and a raspberry coulis for afters. Repaired to the living-room upstairs for a catch up before bed...