Cheeseboards of Chiswick

Ali la Peche and I are partial to a glass or two of red wine and a selection of nice cheeses when we go out. After a mention on Chiswick's local community website chiswickw4.com, we decided to visit a bar called Shackology. Off we went on the bus, and went into the bar- it used to be an Young's pub, and looks nice outside. Very friendly welcome, we sat at a nice round wooden table and chose their cheeseboard; a selection of three cheeses, and some really nice rose from Provence. they helpfully do most of their wines by the glass, or small/medium carafes. Looked around. Not many people, which has been commented on by folks on the W4 website. Anyway our cheese arrives., mmmm. Three big pieces of cheese. One Cheddar, one goats' cheese and one Stilton. It was one of the nicest Stiltons I've had. Creamy and moist with that distinctive taste. Also some janmmy stuff, possibly quince, possibly fig. Very nice. On the downside, the decor, formica tables. Yuk. Are they supposed to be ironic? lights too bright in the main bar area....as described above, and the toilets. Appalling an awful stench of damp and toilet smell. I would give the cheese and wine about an 8/10 and the loos a big fat zero. There was a notice saying they were trying to sort the damp out. I hope so; I definitely want to go again.

When Helly met Philly

or how I met my wonderful husband and learned to stop worrying about everything.
I had been on my own for about eight months, and really started to look at what I was doing with my life and sorting myself out. This was happening partly as Ali laPeche was hitting her big four o, and in a crisis about what she was doing with her life, and life in general. I thought, I'd better get my act together before I hit forty, and so I started to. I decided- no more stupid relationships with rubbish men, and, that I needed to do something constructive, ie training and eventually a job/career. So I started doing some voluntary work with Release, an organisation giving mainly legal advice to drug users, but also offering a kind of counselling service on the phone. met some new people, got some confidence, then in October that year, went to Rob T's 40th birthday party with Ali la P. It was great fun. At one point I started talking to Phil-I had known him very slightly through Saffron and Rob, and even seen him play at a gig in a band with Paul in their band Defrosting the Fridge in what was the Red Lion (now McDonalds) in Brentford. I had in fact gone that night to watch Saffron's band- that would have been in about 1992.. I had also noticed him at another of Rob's parties where he had fallen asleep in the middle of the dance floor, cradling his violin. Most endearing.
Anyway there we were, chatting at Rob's birthday party; for some reason I was telling him about some of the bizarre dates I had been on, and then I asked him what he was doing in the coming week-sort of asking him out. He very gallantly remembers asking me out. Anyway we were entwined for most of the evening after that- Rob T even said it would be wedding bells next, and he was right. It was a magical evening which ended in a wonderful way with Ali, Phil and me waiting for a taxi, and lying on the pavement near Rob's flat gazing at the full moon.
Phil is so brilliant and in fact we have rarely spent the night apart apart from his initial pretense of still living at Rob's..that was on Tuesdays, and we just spoke to each other at length on the phone instead-you put the phone down first, no you put the phone down first, no you etc... we got married eleven months later! lucky us.

Floods and Pilgrimage

On Friday, I went to meet Phil in Richmond to catch the Silverlink to Crouch Hill. When I got to Richmond Station, all the Silverlink and District line trains had been cancelled due to the flooding. I went into panic mode-an already difficult journey was about to be rendered impossible. Rang the boy at home and asked him to read alternative routes to our destination to me from Pete's website...this he did, and Phil and I set off to Finsbury Park instead of Crouch Hill. In the event, we got there the same time as we would have done going our usual way. Had a great lesson, Pete even said he could give us a lesson in Whitby if we liked, too! Yes, yes!
The journey home was another matter. The Silverlink seemed to be running, so feeling optimistic, we got it to Gospel Oak where we would have needed to change anyway. There were no trains going back to Richmond. Bummer. It was awful we tried to guess how we would get anywhere on alternative routes, and went to a bus stop. Luckily lots of fellow sufferers about who told us if we got the bus to Swiss Cottage, we could get the Jubilee Line. From there we knew we could get to Waterloo, and then catch one of the many trains back home. Brilliant. Alas the bus was alittle bus very, very packed, grumpy passengers, driver refusing to move, but eventually did. At Waterloo, loads of trains cancelled. We got home at 10.15, and watched wonderful Nick Lowe on TV.

Panic Attack

Woke up at 5.30 or so today thinking I was dying. Palpitations, breathlessness, hot and cold, stomach cramps,worry, worry, worry. Get breath back, test anxiety levels by conjuring up stupid worthless anxious trains of thought...back it all came. Count my breaths, come on, breathe---lie down, sit up, should I call an ambulance. Should I say goodbye, haven't made a will, God, can't go yet, I haven't sorted anything out. Should I leave a note? Get up, walk around, call Phil to come up. He sits and talks to me. Probably a panic attack. Blimey. Nearly two hours of it coming on, going away and coming on again. Talk to wonderful Phil about all my stupid thoughts. All ok, and off I went to work. Wow, I don't want one of those again thankyou.

Whitby soon

Whitby, Whitby, not long 'til Whitby.....another fiddle lesson with Pete Cooper tomorrow, and I can now almost play four tunes off by heart. Still trying to get jig bowing to come a bit more naturally than it does at present. I'm quite looking forward to the pilgrimage this time, it's nice when you get out at Crouch hill, some wonderful houses and views going up the hill to Pete's flat. Bow hold now coming quite naturally, so hopefully the rest will follow. I will have missed three tap lessons in a row. Not good, and will feel really clumsy when I go back. Being in Whitby will be so good; like a child, I can't wait to see the sea, and just wander about being on holiday. All agreed it will be the Khyber cafe for our first dinner.

This week

Still off work with the sore throated boy. Since I last wrote...the days have blended into each other a bit....Saturday stayed in with the boy and kept him dosed up with painkillers, then went to Questors to help out with the various youth groups' plays. Came home and had fun enjoying the garden.
On Sunday, it was St Faith's centenary; Phil played with the musicians, but I sat in the congregation in the long box shaped church. There was a little party afterwards, which was quite fun and caught up with a few friends. as well as having a bit of a chat to Andrew Dakers, who I haven't spoken to for about 10 years, since we used to correspond in cyberspace He is involved in a sort of forum looking at ideas for the development of Brentford town centre. Met Derath for the first time, vicar of St Faith's. Bishop Richard was there, who was hilarious and said the highlight of his reading about the history of St Faith's was the item about flannel dancing. He said he had no idea what it was, but thought it sounded saucy. I'll have to google it, or look it up on Wikipedia! Sat and chatted to Linda and Steve, who supported my need for a nice new computer, a mac of course!
Ali laPeche treated us to Sunday lunch mmmm, it was very welcome as I hadn't done any proper food shopping, and really didn't feel like cooking. At all. Met wee Lee's girlfriend, Sofia, she is lovely, and Greek!!! They are very sweet together, we talked a tiny bit of Greek, and drooled about mediterranean food.

Wednesday was a great day-Sarah's graduation at Brunel University in Uxbridge- it was in a wierd oil drum shaped stadium and very well organised. Went with Petey and Phil, and that was quite proper. She looked great in her mortar board and gown; The speeches were good, and meant something to me as well in terms of my own academic endeavours. Sarah was very impressed by the pomp and meaning of the ceremony and speeches. I was very proud of Sarah, and she really enjoyed herself, particularly later on when she went to see her tutor, and relaxed with some friends. In the evening, we took her to Pappadums, a favourite for special occasions. Beautiful food, and we sat outside for Kulfi and ginger tea, admiring the view. Magical evening, including our special walk home.

Saturday again

The week slowed down a bit this time, busy day at work on Monday in preparation for my time off with the boy as he recovers from having his tonsils out. Poor boy, so brave with operations; anyway, out came the tonsils, and he's ok, and eating and drinking normally which is the main thing in the road to recovery...nurses at the hospital - the West Mid, all fantastic, the boy went round and said thankyou to them all the next day...he's still waking up with bad earache though. He's been forbidden from going to school until next term due to risk of infection; strangely, he's been asking if he can go back on Monday Anyway nice to have time off work, and with him. Time to read and write and generally do housework and stuff that work pushes out of the way. Didn't go to tap again this Friday, Phil had to go out to music rehearsal at St Faith's and I was keeping an eye on the boy. Missed Barney's birthday drink in West Ealing - Happy Birthday Barney! Today I didn't go to Putney due/nursing duty...feels like I almost have time on my hands today, although later I have volunteered to help with a youth theatre event at Questors theatre in Ealing for a couple of hours. How I wish I hadn't said yes now. Never mind, will be fine when I'm there.
I have piles of paperwork building up around me that I promised I would deal with. Piles of stuff generally are accumulating, particularly in the sitting room. It looks like a storeroom. Phil and I obviously have 'issues' about keeping stuff and really need one of those life-laundry type people to make us deal with it all.
Booked the train tickets for Whitby yesterday, we are going to try a different route home this time, coming from Whitby station/Middlesborough/darlington /Kings Cross. Not long now!!!!Another two fiddle lessons with Pete Cooper before Whitby, I can now play two Irish tunes without looking at the music, which is progress! more soon...

Saturday and Sunday

A good weekend again; a little more relaxed after a hectic couple of weeks, Went to on the regular Saturday jaunt to Putney, saw my dad and did a few bits and pieces for him...Phil joined me there, and sat with my dad while I shopped. We had lunch at Wagamama, which is always good; not sure why people are against it, is it because it's a chain? Phil and I have tried loads of noodle bars in London, and think Wagamama packs more of an interesting punch than many of the others, our absolute favourite is number 37 chicken itame mmmmmmmmm chilli and lemongrass! Coco Noodle in Ealing does the best raw juice though. In the evening, I spent about an hour and a half preparing a letter for Phil and son for their visit to Wembley. They went to see Metallica but their seats had been upgraded due to the booked ones being unavailable due to some sort of production issues, however they needed to take a letter from me plus id for both of us. Goodness it stressed me out quite a lot getting it right. Anyway all done and packed. Then Phil went out to meet Di and Paul at the now smokeless Globe to watch the Surfing Brides. I needed a quiet night in, practicing the fiddle and chatting to Jake. So I did that for a bit and then Di and Paul knocked at the door...after resisting for less than two seconds, I went with them to the Globe. So pleased I did though, I hadn't seen them before, but really enjoyed their mix of cover versions and clever original songs. Liked the theatricality of each band member and the way the lead singer reminded me of boys I knew when I was a teenager who sang/played in bands. Only managed just over half a pint of some sort of Fullers beer, (as part of my educational foray into the world of beer)but it was very nice.
Sunday- Phil and son set off early to sort out Metallica tickets and see Metallica; a whole day's adventure. I went off to Church and planned a leisurely day after that. Church was good and I enjoyed playing the violin there and chatting to people...so wierd that Ceri has materialised there. He is someone who I only vaguely knew through my Chiswick Village friends and he just arrived at St Paul's one Sunday, keyboard ready. His presence has given a lovely focus to the music group, and what's more has given Marjorie the chance to play the flute, her first instrument! He's a record producer and will record Phil and Paul's (Talismen)album, soon as they all get it together! Ceri knows loads of other people I know, and his sister lived at the notorious co-op house in Hanger Lane. (will write about that another day). Anyway after Church we had quite a chat and possibly a not very charitable one, about why Brentford is a better place to live than Chiswick, yes it is, yes it so is!!! Anyway after that, walked round the long way to home, hoping that the coffee shop in the High St would be open, but it wasn't...up through the Butts, admiring the sunlight on the trees. Home to a peaceful house. Spent the day doing bits of housework, violin practice and blog, as well as cooking two days worth of food. 8.30 came around very quickly and off I went to call for Di and Paul for further beer education at the Magpie. First half was pretty sickly called Frulli. I do like a fruity taste, but this was fruity beyond the bounds of decency. Can't remember what was next, but they were nice. Also the Magpie was nice...all the upholstery had been replaced or cleaned, woodwork had been painted it was very pleasant. Yasmin and Jim came too, and we had a bet on when the 2000 real ale would be introduced. I reckon Feb 14 09. They all reckoned around summer 08. Pleasant walk home and then goodnight.

Last week/this week

The weeks are still rolling by (not long 'til Whitby!!!!!!) and very hectic too. Hydra, Koumihead and the boys went back to America last week...we might not see them for some time. We went to the Harvester and had a lot of fun, food and wine. Sad to see them go, wish they weren't so far away.
On Wednesday, I went to my streetdance class which was good; daughter has begun to enjoy it, and brought her friend with her, too....graduation ceremony soon, I am a very proud mum as she got a 2:1...great fun to be with her and help her make plans; next was Thursday. We had a musicians and choir planning meeting at Mary's. We all took some food and wine- it was a brilliant evening and what was especially nice, was that I happened to mention that in two years time it will Phil and my 10th wedding anniversary; also my 50th birthday....but what I was really saying was that we probably wouldn't have our do at St Paul's, due to hassle, early finish, clearing up etc etc. Anyway everybody there completely changed my mind about it, they all offered to help, cooking, flower arranging, generally organising, I did a complete turnaround in about 1 minute, what lovely people and thank you all! it's a date! Phil was busy chatting to someone else during this decision making, but very happy too. What is really nice about being part of St Paul's church and I'm sure the same goes for many other churches, religious groups and community organisations is that sometimes you get this really warm feeling of being part of something that is all good. I also get the same feeling from being part of my local community generally; a very friendly place; I rarely leave my house without seeing and stopping to chat to someone I know. Quite often the conversation among the yummy mummies of Brentford (of which I'm an honorary member)turns to how we'll buy a house together to be a sort of commune, and all look after each other when we're old and incapable. Sometimes I wonder if I'll stay here, but at the moment it feels like a yes. After all the only other place I'd rather live is, you've guessed it, Whitby. Anyway, we did a little bit of planning for the Autumn term's music. It all felt quite anarchic in some way, especially after a couple of glasses of wine!all of us suggesting music not only different to each other, but certainly very different to the choices usually on offer at church which can be mundane at times.
Friday: not tap this time, but the pilgrimage to Pete Cooper in Crouch Hill. What a journey through the grotty parts of London- see entries for a month or so ago for further tales of this- When we got out at Crouch Hill it was quite fun as there were a few mildly crazy seeming people wandering about quite harmlessly, and one elderly gent was shouting bizarre compliments at me. Anyway it is a true pilgrimage, as not only is there a guru at the end of it, but there is a very steep hill to climb up to get to him. It was a lovely summer evening and as we reached the hallowed flat, we could hear sweet violin music wafting on the air. As we were early, we sat on his doorstep and soaked up the music and the view. The lesson was fun and somehow although it seems relaxed I felt like my brain had worked really hard. There was another almost tantrum moment when Phil said something to me, but I rememebred where I was and kept myself reasonably under control. The violin is very, very difficult, but I am making progress even if in pigeon steps rather than leaps and bounds, and I'm really glad I'm learning it! Not sure I'm quite ready for a 'session' at Whitby yet, but Pete's going to check the Folk week programme anad suggest things that I might be able to cope with.
When we got back to Brentford, I'd foolishly offered to help Helen, the vicar's wife entertain/clear up after some clergy and related people. I think it was the deanery dinner or something. I felt really stressed when I got there, as although there was lots of refreshment available to me, there was nowhere to sit. My goodness, no-one offered me a seat. I was directed to where some chairs were, and had to awkwardly squash myself past lots of people who wouldn't excuse me, and their precariously balanced glasses of wine, to reach a chair, then carry it back to where my food was. Anyway all ok and good fun after that. Felt a bit wierd as I hadn't seen the dear son since the morning due to pilgrimage...Phil was at home though from 9ish, and then came to get me from vicarage,sorry, rectory and help the rector with the whisky. We left at about 1am I think, with lovely chocolates made by lovely Mark, to give lovely son. No more room to write about Sat/sun here, this one's getting long and cumbersome.

Rodrigo's blog

Rodrigo left me a comment on post for 2.7, ok it was in Spanish orPortuguese... actually not sure but something like Spanish, but I kind of understood, anyway, he's got a personalized t-shirt company and a blog about that, and the link is over on the right if you want to take a look!
Hi Rodrigo, glad you liked my blog!

Not Long Now

Only five and a bit weeks until we go to Whitby again- when I started this blog, it was nearly three months away...time whizzes by, when you're having fun, which I certainly am. Out nearly every night, lots music, lots of wine, and lots of different friends.
On Wednesday, we went out with Derek, our vicar and Helen, his wife- by a strange co-incidence, they know an old schoolfriend of Phil's, Tim, also a vicar that Derek met at vicar school, and he was in London so we all went out down by the canal for food and wine. It was bizarre when we got to the lock, as lots of children were whizzing about in kayaks - these were children of the yummy mummies and daddies we know, who were there too- it was all lovely and very wet, although not wet for us for long as we rushed into the dry of Prezzo. Lots of nice chat and food and drink and then it was quite late so I went home and Phil went to the rectory for a nightcap or two.
On Thursday I further broke my period of abstention by going out for a drink with Katie...one has to do things properly after all. We went to the Lord Nelson, a very comfortable pub in a quirky corner of Brentford. I couldn't even finish glass number two, as I'm so desperately out of practice. It was really good- yummy mums in abundance, including a couple I hadn't seen for some time. We all told each other secrets, and felt warm and friendly. When I went to the bar, it was so smoky, I thought this will be such a lovely pub after July 1st. A photography friend of Katies was in there to take a few pictures of the smokers last gasps inside the building.
Friday, tap of course, and as the dear son was away at his father's, Phil came to meet me and we went to the Hare and Tortoise for sushi, wine and noodles. I only managed one glass of wine there, what's wrong with me?
Saturday; an excellent day. Off to my dad's to see my brother, Koumihead and the lovely Hydra and their cute sons, my nephews, and one, my Godson!!!They live in America, but I see them much more often than either off my other two brothers. What was extra nice was Barney came too. My brother Barney of No-Hit records and Sounds that Swing...I'll put a link to his shop up on the side of the blog...felt bad that neither of my two children were there, as they love their uncles. I had a few brilliant games of backgammon and its near but obscure sequel games with Barn- he is one of the very few people who can beat me; I lost 4-1 although I won the last game.
Then Phil and I had to rush back again to go out with our friends Di, Paul and Richard to see Lou Reed at Hammersmith Odeon. Had forgotten what a great venue it is- up in the bar, as I walked around, I could hear loads of different people saying 'I haven't been here since....' or 'the last gig I saw here was.....'
As for myself, the last gigs I saw there were in the 80s, and I think the very last was John Lee Hooker...great to see the legend, but not that exciting musically. I also saw Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Leonard Cohen and Donovan there amongst others.
Lou Reed was freally good; he was presenting his album Berlin. There was a children's choir, and a small orchestra, guitars/bass and drums. It was a full on experience and he was a generous performer. He played beautiful updates/arrangements of a couple of familiar songs for his encores. It was excellent all being out together, a bit like being teenagers again, travelling on the bus, going to the pub (before and after the show) laughing on the bus on the way home. Poor Richard got off the bus a couple of stops before his, though. Phil and I invited ourselves back to Di and Paul's for further refreshment and dragged Tracey in too, who we discovered returning home from other fun. Lots of happy and sad poignant conversation. Di and I congratulated ourselves during the evening on how very lucky we are with all our friends-in number and variety. Lucky us!