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!

Darren and the Yummy Mummies (and Daddies)

My friend Darren; has become the darling of the yummy mummies and daddies of Brentford. He has also unified two more or less discrete clans of friends in the area. How has he done this? .
Starting at the beginning- I have known Darren for a very long time, since back in the psychedelic 80s of the Chiswick Village era. He went out with Ali-la Peche, and they had a baby together and even after all the ups and downs, everybody is still friends.

When we moved from Chiswick Village down to Airedale Avenue, Darren joined us as our lodger and we got to know him much better

Darren is a very interesting, intelligent and capable person; he learned to ride at reform school, he learned carpentry and cabinet making as a teenager, and is generally very artistic. He got a degree in electronics and knows about plumbing! A true polymath and all round renaissance man. So when we moved into our little house, our tiny house with all our boxes full of clutter, of course we asked him- if this was your house, and your clutter, how would you arrange things. So he spent several months working in each room in turn, to create storage masterpieces; our downstairs toilet is truly delightful! Over time, my other friends in Brentford, the Green Dragon Group came over and admired Darren's work, and began to ask for Darren's number; Darren's network of admirers grew and he is never out of work. He has also become a great friend to one and all; you don't get just a brilliant design, but insight and entertainment too. The Green Dragon Group and The Chiswick Village Collective are now all at each other's parties, and now, joy of joy for many, Darren is now moving to the heartland of Brentford. Funnily enough, he is moving away from tap dance land, Pitshanger Lane, which he also was able to appreciate the charms of!
His many fans will be able to bang on his door and plead to be next in line for Darren designs, and the love will flow.

This week

It's Friday, I'm just back from tap, any of my fellow tappers looking for the big entry about tap, welcome....scroll back to early June and "Tipetty Tap" more photos will be posted tomorrow

A lot of fun has been had this week, but have been neglecting this blog...Monday we went to see Roky Erickson at the Festival Hall as part of this year's Meltdown festival. If anyone doesn't know, he was part of the 13th Floor Elevators a very psychedelic band from the 60s and when I say psychedelic- they were so 'far out' they didn't let Jimi Hendrix join as he didn't do enough drugs! I used to really enjoy their music- the two albums I knew were Easter Everywhere (more accessible) and Bull of the Woods (more wierd)
Anyway- before he came on there were concerns about what he would be like- he'd been in some kind of institution for the mentally unwell for years and become very unwell himself- now, he is well again, enough to play gigs and enjoy life generally! the gig was excellent he mainly played blues, with lyrics he'd made up, I think, at least one, 'Don't Slander Me' from the early days. I couldn't hear some of them properly as they didn't make sense, but then I thought I may well have heard correctly.
Wednesday had a great day generally as my daughter got the results of her degree- a 2:1 and lots of good grades within that- excellent news- anyway she came to streetdance with me for the second week, and quite enjoyed it this time, people there are so friendly and remembered her from last week and chatted to her. We went next door to Pizza Organic afterwards - we could smell a lovely garlic bread smell wafting through into the class from there earlier so it was an easy decision- delicious olives and a celebratory glass of wine each- very nice..the week sped by to Thursday and we went to see another Meltdown show- this time, Cornershop. The only music I'd ever heard by them, to my knowledge, anyway is Brimful of Asha which I always really liked- especially the Fatboy Slim remix- but the best thing about both nights at Meldown, was Cornershop's support band Jeffrey Lewis and the Jitters; they were so clever , artistic and funny, I will be seeking out as much info and downloadable music as I can about them- the lyrics were so quick though I must have missed loads of the humour and general brilliance.
Cornershop were great- the variety of instruments and musicianship- a lot of what they did was kind of dance music- trippy , particularly when coupled with the slideshow; even when not remotely chemically enhanced, even by a glass of wine; great stuff though and I'll be looking for an album, definitely to enjoy in a more laid back manner at home.
All the fun broken up by work, which has been ok but hard to get back into after my recent time off.
Good to come home this evening and then after a square or two of chocolate, off to tap, yes tap- wonderful invention...the man came back for the second week, and has made amazing progress; I think it took me about two months to accomplish what he has! Three more new people-hooray! our class is a joyous, ever changing place to be at the end of the week...and my hip is feeling MUCH better thanks to gruelling physio.

Friday night, Saturday Morning

Friday night, tap dancing again...excellent fun as Rose has seen my blog now...I took photos of everyone for the blog., but the one of everyone not very good, so just a few of the group in that main photo. Sue is back from her holiday and it was good to have my partner in crime there; also a brave man started- brave, the class is almost completely made up of women...also brave as we all are, as tap is very difficult- many people come and only last for a few weeks, Sue and I have been going since about Feb 06, and can just about do two sorts of time-step and about two thirds of the routine to Good Golly Miss Molly. Anyway that is the brave man in the picture- he was so enthusiastic and joined in with everything...bodes well for his future as a tap dancer!
After that, went home and watched some telly and had dinner, our regular Friday night takeaway from Sunlight Kebabs...lovely clean salad and grilled meat...no wine as not drinking while I go through lots of tests relating to my hip/back.
Anyway the weekend speeds by and before we know it, it's already Saturday morning...! a few grim moments, as I phone work to see if I need to go in... no - hooray the gods of Saturday duty smile upon me - Saturday is mine again, and I swing into the normal Saturday routine. Off to Putney to meet Phil, visit my dad and do his shopping- I enjoy this as well as visiting my dad, we treat ourselves to lunch and do bits of out own shopping too, as although Putney high Street is crowded and hassley, the goods on offer in the shops are of a far greater quality and variety than those available in Brentford.
The first thing we always do is have a coffee with my dad and catch up while we compile the list.
We get the coffee from a conveniently located Caffe Nero...after decades of coffee drinking, my dad has declared this the finest of any of the coffees on offer from the many outlets in Putney. I would agree. We do the shopping and have unch in Caffe Moomba which is great as it's on lovely Lacey Rd, I reminisce in a rose-tinted way about being a teenager and a shop there used to be there called Nimbus - Kate Butler and I think her mum used to run it...funnily enough I met her son and his partner about fifteen years later through some other friends; hi Sam and Fiona!!
Back home by 5ish and some all important violin practice- am slowly getting the hang of Pete Cooper's bow hold, in readiness for my second lesson with the master this Friday!

walking to work

one of my daily pleasures during the working week is walking to work-is that a tongue twister?
Today I walked for the first time since my back problem; it is an excellent start to the day, and quite blissful. I walk through a beautiful old part of Brentford that has barely changed in a couple of hundred years, and along Brentford High Sreet. This is the only low point of the whole route. It depresses me to see the still boarded up shops, the dirt and detritus; uncared for, neglected....
a few brighter shops have opened up; the vintage clothes shop and the bicycle shop, but generally it is a sad and tatty high street...never mind, along past poor disregarded St Lawrences church I go towards the bridge...some very old buildings have been demolished by the canalside, one had been a lovely waterside restaurant for some time, then somebody's flat; next to the pub, there was a Cafe, at one point called the Black and White cafe- some friends I knew from Chiswick Village, Fran and Lisa ran that for a few years- I wonder where they are now... Anyway those buildings are now demolished- and there is just the pub, nicely renovated. The land is interesting too, it is all bare now except for a set of three or four stairs which look like they lean from the ground up to the river's edge, just on their own- they look very strange. I think they are just going to build flats on the land. I pass Glad's newsagents and turn left into Syon Park; the walled pathway is a relief on a very hot morning, a haven of shade, and I am in the park- this is wonderful, as I walk through, there are only a few others, some parents taking their children to the nursery, some people going to the stream to fish, and others going in both directions, to and from Brentford to work.
As I wander through the park, I have a lot of time to daydream or sort through what might lie ahead of me at work; it is meditative, prayerful and prepares me well for my day...I love my walk so much, I even walked to work in the heavy snow in January, it was beautiful treading in the pristine crunchy fresh snow. Every month has new beauties. At the moment there are meadow flowers growing in the field, bordering on the road, a lush parade of colour. Sometimes there are cows in the fields, how many people can boast of seeing cows on their way to work? Wlking through the park, you can be lost in another world, as apartfrom office blocks and Gilette Corner off in the distance and sometimes a car or two, you could be back a few hundred years ago, which is fun to imagine. Soon I emerge from the park at the river in Old Isleworth near to the church- sometimes I walk on the river side, sometimes high up by the church, it is stunning to see all this as leave the park. One day I noticed the message on the church sundial- it says 'time passeth like a shadow' that gives rather a melancholy tone to the day as I am all too aware of how easily time slips by.
I then admire the grand houses opposite the river, one of them the vicarage, where my friend the Rev Anna Brooker and her family live; her husband comes from Castle Cary in Somerset, where Phil's father and grandfather lived...
I then walk through past some pretty houses on Church Street, through an elegant square and round the corner past the Swan pub, the dance shop and onto South Street- once or twice a week, I pop into the wonderful deli for a coffee, and then through more back streets with lots of history including a house where one of Shakespeare's friends lived and an old police station, now somebody's house until I arrive at work, ready to face the day. I really am so lucky to have such an inspiring and interesting walk to work.

second homes

Been thinking about second homes for a while know, especially given the temptation at times to get a little place near the sea, in Whitby, or another favourite place, Walton on the Naze...not that we could really afford it, however we have rented other people's second homes. Ideally I don't think people should have second homes, because it creates problems for the year round community, especially when things are quiet out of season. Local people say they can no longer afford to buy properties in their own villages...

Although I'm not sure that I agree with people having second homes, I do believe people should be able to buy a home where they would like to live ie in a village or by the sea, but that they should make that their only home and become part of the community. Local people in small communities should maybe get some assistance to buy or fairly rent their homes and be able to stay and work in the areas where their families have lived, although I don't know how these things would be decided, In London, very few people can live in a part of London they would like to, eg I was born in Chelsea and grew up in Putney, but could I ever afford to live in either of those places now? I don't think so.

Sean and Pom's Wedding

well, as I was saying...we were off to Sean and Pom's wedding; I was very excited, Phil was excited and nervous, as he hadn't seen any of the people who would be there, apart from Sean for 10/15 years. The only person I had met was Sean, who came over to our wedding in 1999. Phil knows Sean, as they were in a band called Doctor Millar (Sean) and the Cute Hoors, about 15 yrs or so ago; Phil came to meet Sean through Mark Huggett who was the drummer in Phil's band in Norwich, Red Harvest. Mark shared a flat with Sean...will do anoter post all about Phil's music stuff later....
Anyway, we got the plane from Heathrow; the journey to the airport was so easy, we went by tube and bus to the airport, practically door to door, for six pounds. A very good start. Going through the airport easy, as we had checked in on line, another thing I had never tried before. Disaster struck when the hem of my lovely, new (and not cheap) linen trousers from Jigsaw came down..very annoying as I had to make the journey with my trousers tucked into my socks to stop me tripping over.
Flight easy, too and before we knew it we were in a taxi driving through Dublin; fantastic, we drove down O'Connell Street, which I thought was great; a huge wide street with amazing buildings, including the post office and a couple of grand department store...hoped we'd have time to explore over the weekend!
We got to the hotel, one that Sean and Pom had suggested, the Harcourt Hotel; the people there were so helpful, definetely the most helpful of the three different hotels we stayed at- the receptionist found me a needle and thread straight away, they even had a variety of colours of thread. The minute we got to our room, the phone rang, wow it was Sean!!! He was so excited we had come, he spoke to Phil and then me; so pleased as well that Phil had brought his violin and his voice! A good night's sleep although mattress was too soft and in the morning I woke up with excrutiating pains in my hip, again, the staff were brilliant, they got me a doctor, who came and gave me a powerful jab-felt very rock star having a doctor come to my hotel room to inject me with drugs....
Then....off to the wedding; more lovely streets to admire on the way to the registry office. The wedding was lovely, Pom was beautiful, in a short, beautifully cut white dress, with daisies on- she had daisies in her hair, too. One of Sean's brothers sang, lots of chatting afterwards, and then we got a lift to the reception out in Bray. Bray was lovely and the reception was at the Esplanade hotel right opposite the sea- we had a really special afternoon and evening; a delicious meal sitting in groups of six- we sat with Robert who had been the Cute Hoors manager back in the day and now runs a project called Blastbeat which is a really positive enterprise involving young people in managing and promoting their own bands. Two otthers we got chatting to were Shane and Colette...very lovely they were too.
Out of the corner of my ear I could here people on nearby tables saying 'Phil's here, Phil's here' to each other...after the dinner it was so exciting, so many people so pleased to see Phil and that he'd brought the fiddle too. It was a massive reunion for all on this special day and I was so excited to be there. Loads of people were on a list to play a song or two, Phil played with most of them, and sang a bit, and towards the end of the night, well, before the disco, Jake got up and sang his interpretation of Whiskey in the Jar vaguely based on the Metallica version with Phil and other musicians backing him. I talked to so many lovely women, Sean's sisters and friendss' partners while Phil was doing his music, and really can't wait to take up the many invitations to visit/stay with people when we visit Ireland again.
Excellent breakfast the next morning and a relaxed chat with Sean; we got the Dart back to Dublin, and had loads of time to explore on the Sturday- a very interesting open top bus ride to the Guiness brewery/museum, powerful views, then a walk around some of Phil's old haunts later in the evening, having many chances to admire the bridges at intervals across the Liffey.
Sadly the next day, we had to return to London- it was one of the most refreshing breaks I've ever had; refreshing and exciting all in one. I can't wait to go again.

Back at Work

Second day back at work today after nearly three weeks off with my poor sore back....it's been really wierd as prior to this, have only been off one and a half days in six years...stupidly really. After the excruciating pain waned, Anyway, re-introduced myself to my wonderful colleagues and prayed there would be no urgent awful incidents or pressing reports to deal with. Amazingly, my charges had been behaving reasonably in my absence and hadn't even missed me.

Things have all of a sudden begun to happen in relation to physio and occupational health - appointments came up for both- physio was today- just what the doctor ordered, literally. The wonderful NHS- I had nearly an hour with the physiotherapist, completely free! Detailed history of my aches and pains, thorough examination of the spine and joints. Prescription? lots of exercise for me to do...this is definitely the right thing and all thanks to the many who have offered me their expertise and advice, but this is the one for me, and even better, no belief system or wierdness involved. Even better than that, he is going to see me every week to see how I'm progressing, check I've been doing the excercises properly and give me more punishing ones as time goes on. He says it's his own thing, physiopilates; should do the trick.

Tomorrow is the visit at work of the man from the occupational health dept to look at my desk/chair/ computer/typing style. Prescription? hopefully a nice new chair with arm/wrist support for my wierd circulation...boss will have to agree as will be expensive, but anyway important to try.
Am psyching myself up to write about my first ever visit to Dublin...it's almost my bedtime now, so it won't happen tonight, but as a little snippet- Phil and I were invited to Sean and Pom's wedding a month or so ago. It was really exciting- Sean is Sean Millar of Dr Millar and the Cute Hoors, Phil was one of his cute Hoors in the early 90s- you can see a clip of their Romance in A flat up on the right of the blog. Phil would be seeing people he hadn't seen for 10-15 years.... abit daunting for him as well as exciting. I had only met Sean before. Once we knew son could come too, -otherwise complicated arrangements would need to be made - we all got very excited and mentally prepared for the trip by playing Metallica's version of Whiskey in the Jar again and again, very loudly...signing off for tonight, on that happy note.

Sunday

Yesterday me, Phil and son, and dear friend Ali La Peche and son, went to the South Bank for the day to look at the Antony Gormley statues and the exhibition at the Hayward Gallery- it was very interesting; yes but is it Art- who cares, it is to us.

It said some interesting things to us, and was a pleasure to look at and think about various things; what made it art for example. Everyone enjoyed it- we had fun spotting the different statues dotted around the city skyline, and then underwent the being in a cloud experience- that was really quite powerful you were completely lost and could only see as far as your own hand if you stretched your arm out...son lost Phil in there, on purpose, and we had fun from the outside watching Phil find his way to the glass to see out. It was fun being with a lot of strangers in that situation, enjoyed it as much as the big sun in the turbine hall at the Tate Modern a few years back; the boys looked at things together which was good as they had each other and are of an age not to be tied to their adults. We enjoyed wondering about and finding out different things about the sculptures - the concrete people in the allotment that looked like they were made of wood; the spiky geometric sculptures with a space the shape of the sculptor inside. I loved the Mother's Pride exhibit- reminded me of when a friend used to send me letters in bizarre casings- once a letter sandwiched between two varnished pieces of toast-the postman always knew the were for me, even if there'd been no name on them.

After that we were hungry, and originally going just me and Phil and the boy, and then plan to go to Yo! Sushi afterwards which is always fun but Ali l-P and son not too sure. It could have been a wierd but ok feasting in separate places and then meeeting later for the train journey home; luckily once they had peeped inside Yo! Sushi and spoken to a helpful waiter, they wanted to eat with us, it was lovely - we had an adults table and a boys table- we all feasted, mmmmm, and had time for another stroll- glorious by the Thames in the late afternoon sun, no horrible hurry for the train, all in all a perfect day - train journey home quick and easy. Thought about creating statues of my family and friends and dotting them around the place- maybe a cluster in Whitby by the Abbey, maybe a couple on the Brentford skyline.

tipetty tap

Tonight is Friday night...Friday night is tap dancing night. Fantastic in every way, if you disregard my efforts.
Starting tap dancing was particularly exciting as I have wanted to do this since my teens. I can't remember why I didn't do it then, I wish I had, when I had a fresh young brain, as it's hard to get one's head round the moves and routines now; what the brain wants to do does not seem to communicate effectively to the feet.

Ideally doing tap would have meant just owning the shoes and being magically able to tapdance.
Anyway it was really exciting getting my first pair of tap shoes and made me feel like I could do it until I tried. It is really hard- harder than giggling at the back of the streetdance class and sort of getting by, a bit...very hard, nearly as hard as learning the violin.
Luckily I have a partner in crime, Sue- we've been doing tap for just over a year and are of a similar standard- we cry on each other's shoulders when it's all too much.

Anyway...the teacher, Rose, is brilliant- She's a rock 'n roll Tinkerbell; you would not mess with Rose, she looks like she hangs out with Lemmy & co...yet she is dainty and elegant; a rocker with bleach blonde hair, pink at the ends, tattoos, a leather jacket with cannabis leaf badges and appears to be completely scatty although this is deceptive- you have to be extremely sharp minded to be able to tap dance well, and to communicate to others of very mixed abilities from week to week how to do it...the class is different every week- some people just come for a week or two, and lose heart, some have been coming for years; the variety in age is even greater than in streetdance class where I am one of the oldest, if not the oldest there... I would say in tap that the youngest are in their teens, and I am possibly about two thirds of the way along to the eldest. The more experienced ones of course are excellent with rubber legs that know how to do everything. Again a camaraderie between all. We laugh and joke with each other and with Rose, and we dance to excellent music. I don't know if in your mind's eye you have an idea of the sort of music one tap dances to? maybe showtunes, maybe jazz...Well, recently we tried a dance to Walk This Way by Aerosmith/Run DMC, and one we've been working on for a few months is Good Golly Miss Molly by Little Richard! I can do nearly all of that one now....although completely falls apart when I try to demonstrate this at home- Phil says I look like I'm trying to put a cigarette out on the floor...The class can be a bit chaotic; the more experienced dancers arrive about half way through the beginners' class, some clutching mysterious looking cases which contain their shoes. Rose has it all under control- the small studio is packed by now, but we still work on stuff that beginners can manage - just! She can also do amazing balloon designs!- see link up to the right.

It is brilliant, especially at the end of the working week, I can stamp out all my frustrations with a satisfyingly loud clickety clack, laugh with friends and then go home again to my family, food, wine and comedy on the telly. Bliss.