More Plans

 I've taken my eye off the ball when it comes to planning nice things to do and experience. Everything feels as though its a tad serious and work orientated, which it is.

I work two full days a week, am counselling one full day and and in college another, so by the time the litter tray has been emptied (oh God that's an awful job) and I've watched Call My Bluff on a Monday night, the week is suddenly over.

Jesus how effin boring.

The remaining arse end of October I have booked tickets for my sister and I to see the English National Ballet's version of Giselle in Liverpool and got the very last ticket (and I'm not joking) to Holst The Planets at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall.


November I am popping up to Sheffield for a day and a half. The Rocky Horror Picture Show with my friend Jane and a leisurely Sunday lunch with friends Mike and Bev.

I've even toyed with a post Christmas weekend to Madrid to see my ( "My" choir!!) but couldn't quite make the numbers work for me. 

so I've booked five days in Rome in March

bosh!!!

all this, is a challenge to the approaching winter.

a panacea to ward away low moods

I'm writing this on my break at work, its 5 am and light rain is falling on the Hospice. I've just listened to a podcast of Rob Delaney's Desert Island Disc choices. It is a sobering and incredibly moving piece of Radio, where Delaney talks eloquently about the death of his baby son. Like Lauren Lavern I was moved into silence by his  emotional honesty. 


My nephew is away on holiday so on the way home I have the job of taking his son, my great nephew to college. He is one for the lie in so I've texted to say that if he's not ready his gay uncle will go all camp outside his house and will embarrass him in front of the neighbours

its the village Apple festival on Saturday, I'm helping with the judging 




41 comments:

  1. I have just been listening to a replay of the poet Simon Armitage's Desert Island Discs. What a dreadful selection of 'music'.

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  2. Having a gay uncle camp outside the house sounds a treat and not a threat…

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:42 am

      I'd love to see that 😁 Kath x

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  3. Little treats to punctuate work and college. Excellent!
    It is the duty of the older generation to embarrass the younger generation, so you're doing great. Uncle Buck springs to mind! xx

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  4. Anonymous6:02 am

    Always good to have some enjoyable plans to look forward to. Rome is a wonderful one! I always gain so much pleasure just from the planning and anticipation.

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  5. There is an old curmudgeon in Sheffield you should meet.

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  6. I’d love to see you “camp” outside your nephew‘s house.

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    Replies
    1. He should sell tickets (or OnlyFans?). With the extra bit, he might be able to book the flight to Madrid too!

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    2. Anonymous8:23 pm

      I’d buy one

      Lee

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    3. To the meet the old curmudgeon in Sheffield or the camp act out in front of the nephews house. I'd pay to see them both.

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  7. You are judging apples? Does this involve their appearance, their sweetness or both? Until now, I had no idea that you are an apple expert.

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  8. Carole R.9:09 am

    I read Rob Delaney's book, it is heartbreaking and so sad. His love for his son is deep. Listening to him on Desert Island Disc was equally moving and inspiring.

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  9. Sorry to jump on your blog John, do you or any.of.you readers know how I could.get invited to view Weaver's blog. I've been a reader for some years but it looks like invitation only following Pat's demise. I was hoping to read it from the start again. As I said, sorry to burden you with this, but I have no other way. Diolch yn fawr. Cathy

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    Replies
    1. Likely her son Dominic
      will need to be contacted about the blog being made available to everyone,

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    2. Thank you, I hope he reads this! ❤❤❤

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  10. Anonymous10:15 am

    "Apple Pressing" had me stymied until I realized of course that's how one gets the cider. Now I feel rather stupid. I too had thought of re-reading Weaver's blog from the beginning, sort of a memorial journey for me, but I see it isn't possible, perhaps the family feels private about it since her death. Does Roger still have his feather?

    Ceci

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  11. I love The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Rob Delaneys story is so moving.

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  12. Ah, Rome the eternal city.

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  13. I've never heard of "Desert Island Discs" before, but I see the podcasts are available on the internet, so I will go and listen to some, including the one you recommend. Thanks for the tip!

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  14. You are good at planning fun adventures for yourself, John. Lots to look forward to for you now! Enjoy!

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  15. It always helps through the gloomy months to have something to look forward to. I was thinking myself that I need to book some trips!

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  16. Anonymous1:22 pm

    You only work 4 days a week! Hardly something to be bothered about, I'm sure there lots of people who wish they could do the same yet still afford many outings and holidays. You complain like a teenager - "Jesus how effin boring"

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    1. John and I are the same age and both nurses. I can tell you that working four days a week is fucking tiring, so much so that I retired.

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  17. Barbara Anne1:44 pm

    What a glorious post and you've certainly got glorious plans for the months ahead. Good effort to make it thorough winter with your brain intact!
    I LOVE Holtz's The Planets and have it on CD. I'll listen to it today in celebration of the last ticket you scored!
    You've got to be one of the best gay uncles on the planet, for sure.
    This is another post for your book. Okay?

    Hugs!

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    1. My favorite is Jupiter. Do you have a favorite?

      More hugs!

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  18. Anonymous1:45 pm

    Hi John, thank you for the kind words via email about our staying safe. Still no electricity but we are not complaining as it could have been much worse here. I am grateful you mentioned that the link talks of the death of a young son because I would be reminded of the death of my own young son and I am hoping to remain cheerful today. I will avoid the link. Good for you on booking a trip! We have been discussing potential trips when things settle down here. Jackie

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  19. Lots of activity here. You keep busy even when you feel you lack exciting stuff to do. Booking a holiday for the colder months is ideal. Something to look forward too.

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  20. If you think your life is boring, come stay with me for a week. The highlight of my week is going to Wal-mart.
    I loved Rob Delaney in Catastrophe, and his humour. I know he lost a son to brain cancer. I can't imagine how awful that would be. I'll take a look for that story? podcast?

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  21. I was just going to say what Pixie said. You would go into a coma if you lived my life. But I have many hobbies and don't particularly like travelling at my age so I am content.

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  22. Something to look forward to is always a good motivator. It allows us to plod through the tedium with some amount of equanimity.

    Unless you're anonymous.

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    1. Anonymous2:04 pm

      yeah yeah give it a rest there aren't any anons causing problems so why stir things up again?

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    2. Oh, you must have forgotten your earlier post dear. Dementia, perhaps?

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  23. I seem to have missed a lot of posts. My apologies. But you seem to be keeping busy. Good for you.

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