Wednesday 30th October 2024

 

Aki up with alarm at 0730 to ready herself for Rowing Club. I got up and took tea back to bed. Started reading Toni Morrison's "Beloved". Got up and porridged after Aki had cycled off. Started learning "Dylan in Dubuque", but don't think I'll have it down in time for Dylan Night in Southgate next week. Cooked up some lentils with carrot, cabbage, and caramelised onion, ahead of tonight's fish dish. Aki home for lunch. Sat about listening to music…put together a 1969 playlist…a vintage year! Baked hake for dinner, with the lentils I’d cooked earlier, and sautéed potatoes. Walked to Stoke Newington for a 1930 show. Full house again tonight, though there were latecomers…traffic terrible…Spurs playing Man City tonight. Tom and Kate were in with daughter Eloise. They looked like they had a good time, but didn’t hang around in the bar afterward. I got collared by Sarah Ambrose…she’s stage managing The Chimes, and the actor playing the MP had dropped out, unable to handle the song. I said I’d have a listen, and consider stepping in, but with the caveat that my hernia op might come along and spoil the party! Hopefully they can find someone else. Caught a 106 bus back to Finsbury Park and walked home from there. Aki running a bath when I got in…

Tuesday 29th October 2024

 

Woke around 0845. Aki up to start work at the computer. I made tea and got back into bed to read some Dickens. Got up and porridged. Spent most of what remained of the morning listening to music, and reading Dickens. Soup for lunch. Rang ma and pa. Dad has been cheered by receiving a very low PSA count, which suggests the treatment is working...all good news. Cooked an early dinner...harissa pork sausage ragu with pappardelle. Walked to Stoke Newington for a 1930 show. Bumped into Stephen Brasher at a bus stop...persuaded him to walk with me, and had a chat about the rehearsed reading he's putting together for next week...a piece by Gore Vidal, his only play for the stage. About 70 in tonight. Went pretty well, though my guitar keeps wandering out of tune, especially in the second half...dunno why. Matthew Vickers and Kate were in...had a brief chat at the bar about out umbilical hernias, then accompanied them to the bus stop. Got home around 2230. Bath and bed...

Monday 28th October 2024

Slept through until 0915. Got up and brought myself a tea to have in bed. Read some Dickens. Got up and porridged. Listened to some toons. Drizzling outside. Lunch. Walked up Camden Road and popped in to the Italian deli on Brecknock Road to buy pork sausage and pasta. Walked back downhill to Waitrose and did a bit of a shop. Came home and cooked a lamb stew with couscous and preserved lemon. Very tasty. Tiramisu for afters. Watched Jamie Oliver and the first episode of the new series of Alma’s Not Normal. Bath and bed…

Sunday 27th October 2024

 

Poor night’s sleep. Woke at 0830, but as the clocks had gone back, it was actually 0730! Got up and watched MOTD. Cooked breakfast once Aki had surfaced.  Sat about listening to music. We walked in to Stoke Newington via The Emirates, Clissold Park, where we paused to watch the fallow deer, and wandered through Abney Park cemetery. I left Aki to meet up with Masumi and her 6 year old daughter Kiko who were coming from Walthamstow to watch the show. Full house! Met up with them on stage after the show…Kiko went all shy on us and refused to get a selfie with any of the cast members…we wandered up Church Street afterward to find coffee and cake, Kiko running ahead on her mini broomstick. Walked her and her mum back to the bus stop on the High Street…Aki and I took a No.106 back to Finsbury Park. Warmed up the pork stir fry for dinner. Watched “Challengers” on Amazon Prime…I recalled good reviews so was expecting a very funny romcom but it was rather dull! Early soak in the bath before bed…

Saturday 26th October 2024

Woke around 0830 after a decent night's sleep. Got up and cooked us a breakfast. Sat about for a bit listening to music.  Headed off for Stoke Newington on foot at 1215. Walked through Clissold Park. Bought a couple of empanadas on Church Street, then wandered through Abney Park Cemetery and finally got to the theatre. 2pm matinee. Pretty full. Colin Guthrie and Pru were in…collared him afterward to express an interest in being in the band for Moby Dick next summer…see what happens. 

Managed to hook up, albeit briefly, with former flatmate Chris…he was playing table tennis on the nearby Common with his grandson, Archie. I had a knock up with Archie while chatting to Chris…Archie is flying to Atlanta tomorrow with his Aunt Ava to see his dad, Charlie, who is currently filming the final series of Stranger Things. Popped into Stoke Newington to get a takeaway taco before the 6pm show…ate in the theatre bar. Martin South in da house…I could hear him guffawing all the way through the show…had a chat with him afterward in the bar…he and Simona are busy adapting Vanity Fair for next summer’s Moving Parts open air production. Got a bus home in good time to watch Later with Jools…very impressed with blues man Jerron Paxton…and delighted to discover he’s playing the Kilkenny Roots Festival when we are there next May!

Friday 25th October 2024

Uncomfortable night’s sleep…just as I was nodding off I felt a massive jolt to the heart and almost leapt out of bed…thought I was having a heart attack. I’ve had several of these over the last month or so…they happen maybe two or three times a week, just as I’m about to nod off. Don’t know what to make of it!!! Lay in until 1015, reading…got a bit tearful over the death of Smike. Got up and porridged. Listened to my 2024 music collection...started short-listing for Wot's Hip 2024. Lunch. Ambled over to Waitrose to get a few provisions. Bought a witch's nose from the Party Store on Holloway Road...intended for wear during the show on October 31st. Warmed up the lasagne for dinner, served with broccoli and peas. Walked to Brownswood Road, then hopped on a bus for a few stops, then walked on down to Church Street, and on to the theatre. Not many in tonight...maybe 25 or so. Got a No.106 bus back to Finsbury Park, and walked home from there. Got in around 2220. Bath and bed...

Thursday 24th October 2024

Woke around 0930. Aki already up and working at the computer. I porridged. Two shows today. Drove in to Stoke Newington for 1200…school’s matinee at 1300. A theatre full of screaming 7 to 9 year olds! They had a good time…they shouted back en masse, which made hearing cues a bit difficult…good show. Got two buses back home. Aki cooked a pork stir fry for an early dinner. I walked back to Stoke Newington for the evening show. Nearly a full house again, and they really enjoyed themselves. One of the actresses playing one of the schoolgirls is a drama teacher, and 40 of her students turned up to see the show...they didn't know their teacher was in it until she made her first entrance...pandemonium ensued. Kathleen from No.51 was working FOH so I was able to give her a lift home. Got in around 2215. 
 

Wednesday 23rd October 2024

Aki up early to ready herself for Rowing Club. I slept on. Got up around 0930. Porridged. Sat about listening to music for a bit, and catching up with news on the BBC website. Decided to go into the theatre early to try and sort out my cabling...needs tidying up. Drove in so I could leave the car in the vicinity, as I did yesterday. Grabbed a coffee from the Yellow Warbler. They were still adding finishing touches to the set build when I got to the auditorium. Phil was painting flagstones on the floor with a large stencil he had made. I waited for him to go for his lunch break before spending ten minutes or so taping up my cabling. Took a bus back to Finsbury Park and walked home from there. Warmed up some squash and lentil dal for dinner, with a naan and okra. Ate alone…Aki off to Kearsey and Kieran’s for dinner, and to discuss progress on the refurb she’s working on for them. I set off for Stoke Newington on foot, hopping on a bus on Brownswood Road. Bumped into Sangita at the theatre…she’s rehearsing The Mirror Cracked for next season. Good house for first nite…all but full. Lots of kids in the audience. Show went down very well with them, and their parents. Very enthusiastic reception at curtain. Stayed for a beer in the bar afterward. Chatted to Lawrence about any possible opportunities to join the Moby Dick production next summer…am keen to go see Minack for myself at last…he suggested I talk to Colin about joining the band. Drove home to find Aki in the bath…fell in to bed exhausted!

Tuesday 22nd October 2024

Woke around 1000. Aki already up and working at the computer. Got up and porridged before heading for the theatre in the car with my electric guitar on board. Phil and Ruth were already there finishing off the set build. I re-set my amp and pedals on the band stage ahead of tonight's dress run. Reckoned I needed another couple of cables, so left the car in Alkham Road and caught a bus into Camden to buy a couple at GuitarGuitar. Got a bus home...Aki had already had her lunch, so I made do with peanut butter on toast and some chocolate. Listened back to some of the Witch backing tracks, but aside from re-plotting my amp volume levels now I've got a channel-changer in the mix, not much more I can do ahead of showtime! Early dinner...Aki had cooked up some chicken with tarragon a couple of days ago, so had that with some mashed potato and vegetables before setting off for Stoke Newington again, on foot...Arsenal playing at home this evening, so thought it not worth the risk of trying to drive to the theatre, hence my leaving the car in Alkham Road. Walked to Brownswood Road, and hopped on a bus from there. Sorted out my pedal cabling, then sat about waiting for the run to start...didn't kick off until 2020. First Act seemed to go well, especially for us in the band. Act Two had a few sticky moments, but we all stumbled through. Not sure what the actors thought...they seemed a little deflated afterward. Drove home. Aki already abed. I bathed. Got to bed around 0100...

Monday 21st October 2024

Aki up with alarm at 0730. She breakfasted then headed for Camden for a work meeting. I got up around 0900. Feeling weary after yesterday's rehearsal. Porridged. Decided to cook a mushroom and taleggio lasagne tonight. Set off for Camden on foot to buy some guitar strings at GuiterGuitar. As I passed Brecknock Road, and recalled there being an Italian deli there, so made a quick detour. As I stepped into the shop I bumped into Lucy, Katrina's former downstairs neighbour, and my violin accompanist on some Stones stuff I used to do at open mic nights in east London. She had long ago moved to Norway, where she lives with the Norwegian folk musician, Anon Egeland, who she told me was sat outside having a coffee. I bought my cheese, and joined them for a catch-up at one of the pavement tables. They were making a flying visit, Lucy's daughter now living round the corner in Leighton Road! They urged me to come visit them in Norway...will have to set something up, maybe late next year. We parted company, and I jumped on a bus into Camden, as I was now running behind schedule. They didn't sell individual guitar strings at GuitarGuitar, so I had to get on another bus and head for Denmark Street. Got what I wanted in Regent Sound, and also bought a channel-changer foot pedal at the Roland shop. Got the tube back to Finsbury Park, popping in to M&S on the way home. Aki had prepared me a light lunch. Sat at the table transcribing my music cues into my score ahead of tomorrow's dress run. Cooked a mushroom and taleggio lasagne, as planned...very tasty. Followed by the last of the pear tarte tatin, and custard. Watched the final of the Young Musician of the Year on the iPlayer...inspiring stuff! Bath and bed...
 

Sunday 20th October 2024

Woke to alarm at 0830. Got up and made tea. Made a couple of trips to the car to start packing my band gear. Aki cooked breakfast. Headed off for Stoke Newington around 1015. Parked up in front of the theatre to unload my stuff, then parked around the corner. Walked up to Cazenove Road to visit Bee...she fancies singing a couple of numbers at the Tower gig night in December. We agreed to meet up again in November. Walked back to the theatre and spent about half-an-hour setting up my equipment. Not a lot of room on the band stage. My amp is tucked beneath the chair I'm sat on. We worked though the main song numbers with the girls over the course of the afternoon, took a break, then went through the incidental pieces, trying to find working compromises on volume levels. Tricky afternoon. Broke around 1630 and managed to have my packed lunch. The dress run was supposed to happen at 1830, but got delayed. We stumbled through eventually, and the show seemed to hold together reasonably well, though there are plenty of sticky moments that will need ironing out at some point...though there doesn't appear to be any time plotted in for doing so! Felt I couldn't take the risk of leaving my pedals and amp in situ, as there's still some set painting and building to be done, so I dismantled everything, and stuck the amp and a hold-all full of pedals and cables in the dressing room, but lugged the guitar back to the car. Got home about 2220. Aki got in the bath, and I caught a bit of MOTD2 before bath and bed...

Saturday 19th October 2024

Woke around 1000. Got up and made tea. Aki cycled off, during a break in the weather, to Yerbury Farmer’s Market to buy bread. I prepared brunch. Did a little rehearsing on the electric guitar in the back bedroom. Took a constitutional once the sun came out…walked up Highgate Hill. Bumped into Katherine and George…they are going to see “Autumn” tonight so we gave them the lowdown. Sauntered round Waterlow Park where we bumped into Nick from The Tower. He’s not auditioning for anything at present, though expressed an interest in “Moby Dick” next summer. Aki and I got hot drinks from the cafe at Lauderdale House and sat on a bench. Walked home via M&S. Aki cooked aubergine with miso, pan fried salmon, and chestnut rice for dinner. I made a pear and apple tarte tatin. Watched a bit of telly. Ran through some Act 2 numbers in the back bedroom before watching Jools, followed by MOTD, bath, and bed…

Friday 18th October 2024

Woke around 0815. Got up and porridged. Kath surfaced and packed her bag. She and Aki popped into the Handweaver’s workshop, and I caught them up ten minutes later…interestingly, they promote the use of Wensleydale wool, and conduct classes in using looms. Piqued Kath’s interest. Walked on to Finsbury Park and caught a Dilly Line train to Russell Square. Walked through the square garden down to Great Russell Street and queued to get into the British Museum. We had tickets for the new Silk Roads exhibition. As we entered the exhibition space, the woman in front of us turned round and recognised Aki…another fellow Rower! We shuffled round the exhibition…there’s a lot to take in; plenty of reading! It was very busy, so there were bottlenecks and snarl ups. We bailed out at 1330, not far from the end, as we needed to find Kath some lunch before getting her on the 1500 from KX to Newcastle. 

We wandered up Southampton Row and alighted upon Mr Wei’s…very busy, but we managed to get a table and enjoyed pork burger and pot-stickers before walking on to KX. Put Kath on her train, and walked round to get the No.91 bus from York Way. Chilled out on the sofa before dinner. Aki cooked a butternut squash dal with rice and okra. We walked up to St Luke’s for this evening’s cabaret show…a fundraiser for the church. Helen and Martin had bagged us a table. The church was got up like a cabaret club, with tables covered with red tablecloths, and tea lights beneath mini lamp shades…they had set up a stage, a PA, and lights…it was all very professional. Bumped into Tom Barnes, from 233 Sussex Way…he had written a couple of sketches which featured in the first half. Simon Mayo’s son Joe did a comic turn, and one of the church clergymen, Martin Wroe, got up and did a couple of wry self-penned poems. Helen sang with several members of the church choir. All in all, a very entertaining evening. It was gone 2300 by the time we left. It was pouring with rain, so we caught a bus home. Bath and bed…

Thursday 17th October 2024

Alarm at 0800. Hadn’t slept very well, for some reason.  Got up and porridged. Kath surfaced, complaining of having had a nightmare featuring Donald Trump. We headed off in the car around 1010, aiming to get to the crematorium in Wokingham for noon. The traffic was slow...got stuck in a jam near Marylebone Station. The satnav took us down the A316, and onto the M3, so it all felt a bit slow-going, but we got to the crematorium with ten minutes to spare. We were ushered onto the front row. 

Ed's immediate family followed the coffin in, and took their seats to our left. Lisa, Courtney, and Chelsea gave brief orations, halting to compose themselves every now and then, but they struggled through bravely. We filed out into the cemetery and congregated around a wreath with Eddie's name on it. Got to say hello to Beryl, and Dawn and Lisa, before heading back to the car and driving to the Crabtree public house in Frimley. Good turnout for the Big Fella. Got chatting to a chap who introduced himself as Errol...a youthful looking black man who astonished me by saying he was 71. He lives in the same block as Beryl and Ed, and had bonded with Ed during lockdown over a shared love of fast cars...Errol drives an F-Type Jag! Errol had been a youth team footballer with Palace, but had found himself head-hunted by The Pru for his computer savvy. Lovely bloke. 

Lisa and Beryl came over for a chat...Beryl seems to have a strong support network around her, there being several widows who get together over a coffee for a chat on a regular basis. Dawn came over...she looked a bit hassled, as usual. Chatted about her falling out with her Aunt Susan, and about cousin Carol, who is in a care home with vascular dementia. Her partner, who basically looked after her, died suddenly after a fall on a shopping trip a couple of years ago, and Dawn was rueing having been made executor to his will, which still hasn't managed to get through probate. We left about 1430 to drive back to Islington. Got stuck in traffic on the North Circular. Warmed up the chicken stew for dinner, which I served with mashed potato and vegetables. Nowt on telly...ended up watching a documentary about the life and career of Elizabeth Taylor. We were all a bit weary...Kath went to bed early to read her book. Aki and I bathed before bed...

Wednesday 16th October 2024

Aki up early to ready herself for Rowing Club. I lay in for a bit then got up and porridged. Phoned Angus, the luthier, and then drove over to his workshop in Manor House. He adjusted the guitar neck while I waited…sounded great once he had worked his magic. Cost me £25. Came home and vacuumed. Aki back for lunch. Walked over to Waitrose to buy some goods. Bought an electrical cable extension in B&Q ahead of Sunday’s rehearsal. Set off for Kings Cross at 1700 to meet Kath off the train. We managed to squeeze ourselves onto a tube train back to Finsbury Park, and met Aki at Osteria Tufo for dinner. The operatic waiter was on duty. Went for the n'duja paste on bread as a starter...but it was way spicier than experienced on previous occassions...bits of chilli got stuck underneath my tongue. Enjoyed my burrata and spinach lasagne, though the portions appear to have gotten smaller. Aki and Kath both went for seafood spaghetti, but were rather underwhelmed. We cheered ourselves up with tiramisu for dessert. Walked round the corner to The Park Theatre to see the adaptation of Ali Smith's  "Autumn" in the studio space. A cast of four...Gary Lilburn the only fella in the play...we had worked together at the New Vic in 1988. He was excellent, as usual. The play was OK...it's a convoluted book, so I feared those who hadn't read it would have been perplexed at certain points. We met Gary in the bar afterward, and he introduced us to his partner, Corinne. Had a wee catch up...they live not far away, in Hornsey. They vowed to come see "The Worst Witch" next week...Corinne expressing an interest in directing there, given the opportunity. We parted company, and walked home.

Tuesday 15th October 2024

Woke around 1000. Aki got up and made tea, which I supped in bed. Got up and porridged. Did a load of ironing while listening to The Smile's new album. Walked to Camden after lunch…popped in at the Irish Centre on the way to see what events were planned…nothing caught the eye. Walked on to GuitarGuitar to change the power cable to the wahwah pedal I bought yesterday. Bought some strings and a tin of plectra. Caught a No.29 bus back to Holloway. Bought some odds and ends in Morrisons. Warmed up the chicken stew for dinner, and made some mashed potato. Changed the strings on my electric guitar. The lighter gauge meant the new strings buzzed horribly! Suspect the neck has warped having had the heavier strings on for years! Will need to take it to Angus tomorrow!!!

Monday 14th October 2024

Alarm at 0815. Got up and porridged, in anticipation of a call from the GP about my ultra-sound scans last month. Dr Wills rang. He said the scans showed a small cyst on the left testicle, but that this was nothing to worry about. However, as I was still getting some discomfort on the right side, he referred me to a urologist. He said it could be a lengthy wait, though! Wet and rainy day. Sat about reading Dickens, and listening to music. Made some lunch. Took a walk up Parkhurst Road, and on to the top of the hill on Camden Road, and caught a bus into Camden. Popped into the Izipizi store, then walked over to GuitarGuitar. Tried a Crybaby wah-wah pedal...sounded OK, but thought I'd head for Denmark Street and try a Boss Dynamic Wah pedal in their shop there...didn't like it. Tried a Vox pedal in another store, but then headed back to Camden to buy the Crybaby, and a music stand. Buses were getting very busy with rush-hour commuters, so walked up Camden Road, eventually getting on a No.253 the rest of the way. Early dinner...warmed up the last of the pumpkin risotto. I headed off in the car for Stoke Newington, to attend the Tower Theatre's AGM. Managed to get parked outside the theatre. The bar was busy with people chatting and filling in the voting slips for election to the Board, and to the Management Committee. We were ushered upstairs to the theatre for the meeting...there weren't as many present as I had assumed would turn up. We were treated to a Financial Report for the year, which was pretty sound, though much of the income had been generated by bequests from several past members who had died in the last twelve months. One deceased person had pledged £150,000!!! Stephen Ley got up and up-dated us on the works, adding a storey to the rear portion of the building to provide more rehearsal space. They have had to strengthen the walls and put in several RSJs ahead of advancing the works next summer. Amanda, the AD, announced the productions planned for the summer season 2025. Not much to interest me, except perhaps "Moby Dick", which they plan to take to Minack...may be an interesting project, though I'd prefer to be involved musically rather than as an actor. Will have to quiz Colin on what his plans are...he's writing some original pieces for it. Kathleen was there, so I drove her home. She's currently working on costumes for the forthcoming production of "The Dark Room". Aki still working when I got in. watched The Ten before bath and bed.

Sunday 13th October 2024

Alarm at 0815. Got up and porridged. Aki up too, ready for Rowing Club. Nice sunny day, though there’s a chill in the air. Lugged my guitar to the car, and headed for Stoke Newington. Got there a little early again, but noticed people entering the front door, so drove round the block before parking up in front of the theatre to unload my gear. The girls had arrived on time to help unload the van for the theatre get-in. I sat about drinking coffee until we convened in the Smith Studio to work through the numbers. Matthew had managed to get hold of a more sizeable bass amp...we are going to be loud! Broke for lunch at about 1330. Sat in the bar area having my leek and apple soup before wandering out to find a drink and a bar of chocolate. Worked on until 1800...a lot to get through, matching up the scripted cues for stopping and starting the tunes. Loaded the car back up and headed for home. Aki had baked sea bass, which we ate with lentils and vegetables, and a creamy sauce with preserved lemon. Watched The Ten before bath and bed...exhausted!

Saturday 12th October 2024

Alarm at 0800. Got up and porridged...Aki slept in. Packed my musical gear into the car and heated up some soup to take in for a planned packed lunch. Drove over to Stoke Newington...hardly any traffic about, so got there a bit early. Parked up outside the theatre, hoping to carry my gear in, only to find it locked up. Can't park there for long, as it's a Red Route, so drove round the corner into Alkham Road, and wandered back toward the theatre with guitar in hand. 

Managed to get in on this occassion, and found Ruth, our director, in the Penny Tuerk Room setting up the keyboard for Adam ahead of the witches arrival. Had to go back to the car to get the amp, and bits and pieces...by the time I returned, the witches had arrived and were warming up around Adam and his keyboard. Matthew showed up, and set his bass and amp up, and we worked on a couple of numbers, The Witching Kind, and Before They Stop Me. We finished around 1200 as the cast were to rehearse some bits and pieces, and attend costume calls...so the band decided to disperse until the morrow. I lugged my amp back to the car, then drove round to the front of the theatre to load up my guitar and guitar stand, and drove home. Aki working at the computer...she had had a sizeable brunch, so I lunched alone. Went for a walk afterward, up to Crouch Hill, then down to Tesco on Stroud Green Road to get some chicken for tonight's dinner. Called in at The Park Theatre to leave a note for Gary Lilburn, who is rehearsing "Autumn" there...left my phone number, and a note saying we'd be in to watch the show next Wednesday night (opening night). No bread left at Gail's, so headed for Waitrose...it was pouring with rain by now, so I jumped on a bus outside Finsbury Park station. Aki cooked a chicken and bean stew for dinner. I made chocolate Guinness fondants for dessert. They need rather longer in the oven than the recipe recommended, but came out very well. Watched a bit of telly before bath and bed...

Friday 11th October 2024

Eventually got up and porridged. Sat about reading for a bit. Aki working at the computer, until I reminded her of her lunch appointment. She hurriedly changed and set off for South Kensington. I walked up to the North Library to renew my library card, then walked up the Holloway Road. Popped in to Archway Library and picked up "Free", which Aki had reserved...it being the Book Club read. I found a copy of Toni Morrison's "Beloved", which had been among the choices last night...and my preferred choice. I think it's time to hand in my resignation from the Book Club...I obviously want to read what I want to read! Walked up Highgate Hill, and sat with a latte in Gail's, reading some Dickens, before heading for home via M&S. Had myself a late lunch. Aki got home around 1630. I made a leek and apple soup, then cooked a squash risotto for dinner, with spelt instead of rice...it was pretty bland. Nowt on telly. Opted for an early bath and bed...

Thursday 10th October 2024

Aki up early to ready herself for a meeting in Camden. She cycled off before I woke around 0900. Got up and made porridge and tea, returning to my bed to eat and drink. Got up around 1015. Worked through some "Witch" numbers in the back bedroom. Aki back for lunch, having come home via the hairdresser's on Essex Road. Pottered about for the afternoon, then went for my constitutional, walking up Camden Road, then back down Parkhurst Road, before veering toward Waitrose, where I bought some provisions. Aki pan-fried some salmon for dinner, which we had with miso soup, and rice. I then made half-a-dozen berry and pear hand pies, and we walked them across to the Book Club meet at No.38. Ben and Gayu hosted, and aside from ourselves, Dulcie, Polly, Gareth, and Jane, showed up. Mixed reactions to "The Siege of Krishnapur"...Gareth his usual somewhat dismissive self, and Ben got a bit pompous about the treatment of the native Indian characters, seeming to miss the point of the satire. We chose "Free" as the next read, a memoir by an Albanian, recounting the fall of communism there in the latter part of last century...not sure I'm up for it, to be honest...I voted for Toni Morrison's "Beloved". Got home around 2200. Watched "The Ten" before bath and bed...

Wednesday 9th October 2024

Aki up early to ready herself for Rowing Club. I languished in bed until 0930. Got up and porridged. Did some exercises before retreating to the back bedroom and plugging in the electric guitar. Aki came home for lunch via Waitrose. Sat about reading and listening to music...working through The Guardian music reviews for 2024. Had my dinner early, as I had to depart for The Tower Theatre...walked it again. Got rained on a little as I was perambulating the edge of Clissold Park. The theatre bar area was crammed with school kids. I sat amongst them for a few minutes before "Witch" rehearsals started. They had all come on a double-decker bus from Grays Thurrock to see tonight's performance of "The Princess & the Hustler". I got talking to a couple of the kids, who must have been 14 or 15 year olds...the play is on their curriculum. A lot of peeps had come in to watch tonight's run of Act 2 of "Witch"...Phil was there, who is designing the set, sound operator was in, numerous stage and deputy stage managers and their assistants. We all enjoyed an entertaining run, though there are still plenty of bum cues flying about. Made my escape at 2030 and headed for home via the No.106 bus to Finsbury Park. Aki still working at the computer when I got in. Watched "The Ten" before early bath and bed...

Tuesday 8th October 2024

Aki up early to ready herself for a meeting in Camden. I got up around 1000 and made myself tea, and porridge, and went back to bed to read some Chuck D. Got up around 1100. Aki back in good time for lunch. Did my exercises. Walked round to the surgery for an initial appointment with my Get Active trainer, Michael Mahone. To my surprise, Michael was a strapping black lad with an American accent...had a good chat with him...he hails from Nashville, and met his English wife over the internet 15 years ago. He's lived in London for 10 years...nice chap, and we had a good laugh. Not sure his Get Active programme is up to much, though...he exhorted me to do me brisk walking, and that was about it. I was planning on going for a walk when I came out of the surgery, only to find it had started raining, so I headed home. Sat about reading. Aki cooked a Thai style prawn curry for dinner, with rice. Very tasty. Watched episode 3 of "Ludwig"...it was a bit of a slog. Not sure we'll make it to the end of the series at this rate! 

Monday 7th October 2024

Aki up at 0800 to work at the computer. I got up around 0900. Porridged. Sat about listening to music and reading. Did a bit of guitar work in the back bedroom before lunch. I walked over to Waitrose after lunch to buy some chicken to cook tonight, and get some puff pastry. We walked over to Kate's at Battledean Road around 1700...she's laid up, having had a bunion removed, and a toe straightened, and now has to keep her recovering foot above the level of her heart for most of the time, in order to minimise the risk of a blood clot. So friends have been going round to help out...we were on dinner duty this evening, cooking up a generous portion of chicken cacciatore, and I made some berry and apple hand pies, which we had for afters. Kate seemed in good form, despite having to go up and down stairs on her bum...she won't be allowed to discard her crutches until Xmas! Dinner went down well, and we left her enough to freeze several future meals. Got home around 2130, exhausted!

Sunday 6th October 2024

 

Woke to alarm at 0800. Got up and made tea. Cooked myself breakfast before Aki rose. Logged my musical equipment to the car and headed for Stoke Newington. Very little traffic about, and I got lucky with the green lights. Got to the Fire Station a bit early but managed to find a free parking space right outside. Peter was already there…his wife and daughter were helping him lug his drum kit into the building. We were in a room on the second floor. Peter evidently not too fit…his breathing gets very heavy as he mounts the stairs, and his wife insists he doesn’t carry anything himself. We all mucked in. He apparently has a scan booked for next weekend! Adam turned up, while Matthew hauled a Casio keyboard over from the theatre. Tamara showed up, and Laura, who is playing Mildred…we worked through her show number before letting her go. Tom then joined us with his sax, and we worked through all the music in Act One. Broke for lunch. Peter and I had brought packed lunches…the rest trooped out to buy takeaway wraps on Church Street. We worked through Act Two. Miranda then rocked up and we worked on her two numbers before rounding off with the Finale, and breaking at 1715. Gave us plenty of time to haul everything back downstairs. I gave Peter a hand once his missus rocked up with their car, then drove for home. Aki had gone to meet Kearsey and Kieran to discuss their plans for reconfiguring their kitchen, so I got home a little before she did. Aki cooked a mushroom spelt risotto for dinner. Watched a bit of telly...interesting little documentary recalling the birth of the BBC's "40 Minutes" strand, followed by their 1991 film following a day-in-the-life of the staff and passengers using Angel tube station just before it's failing Victorian layout was reconfigured by a modern refurbishment. 

Saturday 6th October 2024

Woke around 0900. Hauled myself out of bed and made tea. Porridged. Caught a No.43 bus on Holloway Road… very busy for some reason, but managed to find seats. Got off at Angel and joined the walking group…where we bumped into Jane and Carlos from No.36. The hour long walk took us around the Angel and Islington Green area, ending at the Business Design Centre, which was originally the Victorian era Agricultural Hall.

We took in Owen’s Field, named after a14th Century woman named Alice Owen…she founded the Dame Alice Owen school, which moved to Potters Bar in the 20th Century, but still accepts pupils from Islington. We stopped outside the house of Douglas Adams at No.22 Colebroke Row, and the 18th century home of Charles Lamb, a little further up. Aki and I persuaded Jane and Carlos to join us for coffee in Camden Passage. Kipferl was full, so we ended up in a little creperie and lunched on ham and cheese crepes. Parted company with Jane and Carlos on Upper Street, and walked home via Waitrose. Ran through some "Witch" numbers in the back bedroom. Aki cooked hake for dinner. Watched a bit of telly before bath and bed...

Friday 5th October 2024

 

Aki up early to ready herself for Rowing Club. I got up shortly after she'd cycled off...porridged. Walked over to the pharmacist on Holloway Road, and queued up inside the pharmacy for my flu and covid jabs, then walked down to Hornsey Street for my appointment with the physio in respect of my frozen shoulder. Not much progress made, but at least things seem to be stabilising. Caught a Piccadilly line train from Holloway Road station, to Leicester Square, and walked up to Foyles bookshop. As I was heading upstairs to the cafe, I happened upon the newly published documentary on Lawrence, and Mozart Estate...found a chapter entitled Itchy Teeth, so too the book up to the cafe to have a read of the relevant chapter. It's pretty dull reading, but I enjoyed the chapter nonetheless, as the author focussed on a meeting with Xav and Charlie, of Itchy Teeth, who now make up half of Lawrence's backing band. I sent Xav a photo of me reading it. After my coffee, I sauntered across to Denmark Street, and found myself in a Boss store...which was fateful, as I was after purchasing the Boss Mega Distortion guitar pedal. Also bought some power leads, then wandered over to Uniqlo and bought a new pair of house-pants. Walked up Tottenham Court Road, and sought out Miel on Warren Street, a bakery that has been receiving glowing reviews in the foodie press. They appeared to concentrate mostly on sweets, rather than savouries, so I sauntered onward and bought a chicken satay bahn mi at Mini Bang Bang, and ate it on a bench in Fitzroy Square. Caught a No.29 bus home. Played about with my new guitar effects pedal...not sure it adds much, but useful to have in the sonic armoury. Aki still out...she had gone to meet a couple of JCUK big-wigs for dim sum in Marylebone. I cooked dinner once she was home...linguine with fried mushrooms in a tahini and lemon sauce...very nice! Watched episode two of "Ludwig"...it was OK, but I felt the joke was already wearing a bit thin. Watched The Ten before bath and bed...

Thursday 3rd October 2024

Woke early for some reason. Aki talking in her sleep...she was apparently on a trip to Slovakia, and thanking banking staff for their help in transferring her state pension payments into a new bank account! I got up and made tea; porridged. Sat about listening to music and reading Farrell. Rehearsed Act One numbers after lunch. Aki on a Zoom call with Tammy, so I took the opportunity to slip out for a constitutional, walking up to Archway to buy some milk, then back home again to cook dinner…mustard marinated pork chops, with sautéed potatoes and greens. Walked down to Highbury Corner to catch Tom McConville at Islington Folk Club. Good turn out. Quite a few floor singers before Tom came on, some of whom were decidedly ropey…Aki not impressed. Tom hails from Scotswood, where his dad ran a pub. He started singing for the clientele at the age of four! He has a good baritone singing voice, and a personable stage persona, but his fiddle playing was a bit pedestrian. Aki left at half time to head home for an early night. I stuck it out to the end, then walked home via Holloway Road. Got in just as Aki was getting out of the bath…perfect timing!

Wednesday 2nd October 2024

Aki up early to ready herself for Rowing Club. She cycled off at around 0930. I got up and made tea and porridge, and got back into bed to read Farrell. Got up and headed for Winchmore Hill in the car. Popped into Sainsbury’s to get some greens to have with lunch. Picked up the AER amp from Electrohill, minus the heavy batteries that Richard had removed for me. It’s still weighty, but manageable now. Drove home. Ambulance outside No.29…hope Lucien is alright! Prepared lunch...Aki got in just as I was wilting the Swiss chard. Sat about reading, and listening to music. Did some exercises. Cooked dinner early...tortellini with a tomato soffrito sauce, and fried mushrooms. Walked to Stoke Newington via Highbury Barn, getting there in good time for this evening's "Witch" run through. I helped Laurence get some of the props out of the prop cupboard before the witches turned up en masse. Matthew joined to watch. Some new faces in the cast...one or two are very weak...hope they get more solid on their lines...lots of bum cues. But I think the fun of the piece will win through. Janet South's Miss Hardbroom is shaping up very well. Walked round to the Fire Station with Matthew afterward...we are due to rehearse all day Sunday there, so I wanted to sus out the parking. Double yellow lines all round the property, so it'll be a bit of a struggle lugging all the equipment in and out! I just missed the No.106 bus, and noted the next one wasn't due for 15 minutes, so I walked five bus stops, jumping on at Lordship Park. Got home around 2215.

Tuesday 1st October 2024

Alarm at 0830. Got up and made tea. Porridged at the dining table. Sore throat not as bad this morning, but voice has almost vanished. Joined Savills' Teams Meeting at 1000...sub-contractor's refresher session. Lunch. Spent half a hour on the throne…things not right down there! Walked to Holloway Road tube station and took a train to Covent Garden. Rocked up at the Garden Cinema in good time and took our £5 seats in Screen Two to watch The Outrun…it’s almost a one woman show, with Saorise Roman giving a stunning performance as a young alcoholic who leaves Hackney to return home to Orkney to turn her life around…very intense, and oddly moving. Descended Holborn tube station for the journey home, coming up at Holloway Road to be greeted by crowds of Arsenal football supporters…they take on PSG tonight. Aki cooked teriyaki salmon for dinner, with rice and miso soup. Nowt much on telly, so sat about reading Farrell. 

Monday 30th September 2024

Aki up early to breakfast before catching a bus to Camden for a work meeting. I got up around 1000. Made tea and read in bed for a bit, before rising for porridge. Rehearsed some Act One Witch numbers before Aki returned. Made some lunch. Rehearsed Act Two songs. Grey day. Needed to venture out for some fresh air, so took a walk. Wandered down to Highbury Fields, and back up the Holloway Road to Waitrose. Aki had gone to bed for a nap whilst I was out, and was still asleep when I got in, so I cooked dinner...peeled and trimmed some fresh beetroot, roasting them with oil and cumin; served with roasted chick peas, and a chickpea and tahini dip. Also made some flatbreads. It was all tasty enough, but felt more like a starter than an evening meal. Nowt on telly, so we read our Farrell instead. Watched the ever-depressing News at Ten, as Israel begins a ground invasion of southern Lebanon.