Misfits Mid-Life Crisis……..

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures in East London & Northamptonshire (I sat through queue after queue on the M25 and M1).

Week 321 Saturday 8^th  until Friday 14^thAugust 2020.

First this week I want to mention Ellis Harold Arthur Melder who passed away in the early hours of Friday 14th August 2020 aged 92. To me he was Uncle Ellis, the last of that generation of our family.  I have many fond memories of him during my visits to Sri Lanka and when he and Aunty Carmen came to the UK several times in the late 70s and early 80s.  A specific memory is of Uncle and Aunty buying fish and chips wrapped in newspaper from a chippy they really liked in Melford Road south London.  They both really enjoyed visiting that chippy and eating the famous UK delicacy.  

 “Uncle Ellis”.

Exactly one year ago my sisters and I were in Sri Lanka and visited Uncle several times.  I had not seen him in a very long time, he wasn’t well but I still saw the twinkle in his eye I remember when I was younger.

“Uncle Ellis and Aunty Carmen 60th Wedding Anniversary”.

Uncle Ellis really was a wonderful man; my heart goes out to my cousin his daughters and their families.  All of the relatives here in the UK send our love and condolences.  Personally I would like to say, thank you Uncle Ellis for always being so welcoming.

 “Personally I would like to say, thank you Uncle Ellis for always being so welcoming”.

Thank you to my cousins Nicola and Rochelle and my sister Helen for letting me use these pictures.

And now Snail Watch…..

 “Sandra is looking better”.

Sandra the garden snail is still living in an old large yogurt pot.  The plan was to realise her back into the big bad world last weekend.  But because of the extremely temperatures, and a small section of her shell that still looked fragile, I decided that she should stay with us a little longer.  The patient is doing well and will be set free very soon.

 “I didn’t sign up for temps like this in London”. 

In other Gastropod news. This week I was asked to relocate a very small snail that was found sheltering inside a garden storage box.  If the squatter had not been noticed it definitely wouldn’t have survived while large heavy garden “things” were moved around.  It was gently taken to another part of the garden.

 “I started out with Three”.

And finally 3 large “juicy looking” slugs were found living under the bird bath when I moved it in order to cut the grass.  All of them were carefully placed in a plastic container and relocated.  Before I mowed the grass I actually searched the whole garden (the grass) looking for other slugs and snails that needed moving before I dragged the large cutting device around the garden (none were found).  After finishing making the garden look nice, I returned to the recycled container finding only one slug left, the other two had slithered off.  The single gastropod was returned to continue to live under the bird bath.

“Only one returned”. 

And Now For Something Completely Different……

 “I know how to party while working”.

This week I had my 7th piece (in nearly 2 yrs) accepted for the Doctor Who Appreciation Society (DWAS) magazine Celestial Toyroom or CT.  I was a little worried it was long and rambley but they seemed to like it and said it will appear in the Sept issue.  I also submitted a doodle related to the piece which the editor has said if there is room (fingers crossed) will also be published (I did have two paintings printed with my last article).  I won’t lie, I get a fizzy feeling when something I thought up is printed, in an alternative universe there is a Dana who makes her living as a writer.

 “I finally found out who has been leaving dirty protest in the garden”.

Over the last couple of years I have had the idea of writing non Doctor Who related articles for other publications and see if I can get published.  Due to current circumstances I know that Magazines and newspapers are suffering with dropping circulations (this is not new; sales have been dropping for a number of years).  Only last month “Q” the monthly music glossy that had been published since 1986 printed its final edition.

 “I always enjoy visiting the dump”. 

After doing a little research, it’s become obvious that magazine websites need more content than what appears in the digital edition.  I am not saying that what they publish online is of a lower quality than in the magazine.  But because they need a lot more “stuff” there might be a small chance that I could be published professionally.  It’s worth a try.

 “Meet the Testicle Brothers, growing in the garden”.

I probably should keep this ramble quiet; I don’t want the blog to influence an editor’s decision to add anything I write to their growing rejection pile.

 “The rain when it finally came, was very welcome”.

My Mid Life Crisis Conts……

This week I have mainly been watching:  

“Click”, (TX: 08/08/20).  “FOX 26 Houston: News at 5pm (Central US) With Tom Zizka”, (FaceBook)(TX: 08/08/20)(TX: 09/08/20).  “Horizon: 2018 – Mars –  A Travellers Guide”, (TX: 12/09/17).  “Killer Women With Piers Morgan”, (S2, ep 1, TX: 22/06/17)(ep 2, TX: 29/06/17)(ep 3, TX: 06/07/17).  “Lucy And DiC: DiC Does MMA”, (YouTube)(TX: 07/08/20).  “Maleficent 2 Mistress Of Evil: Behind The Scenes, Clips And Bloopers”, (YouTube)(TX: 12/10/19).  “Mandy”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 6).  “Miriam Margolyes: Almost Australian”, (S1, ep 3, TX: 07/08/20).  “Motherland: Fort Salam”, (S1, ep 9 to ep 10).  “Netflix Film Club: Why The Matrix Is A Trans Story According To Lilly Wachowski”, (YouTube)(TX: 04/08/20).  “Orphan Black”, (S4, ep 1 to ep 10)(S5, ep 1 & ep 2).  “Semi-Detached”, (S1, ep 2).  “Space Force”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 10).  “The Inbetweeners Movie”, (2011).  “The Mike Skipper Saturday Lockdown Quiz”, (FaceBook)(TX: 08/08/20).  “The New Legends Of Monkey”, (S2, ep 1 to ep 10).  “The Sky At Night: Mars Special”, (TX: 09/08/20).  “Van Helsing”, (S3, ep 1 to ep 3).                                     

Doctor Who Watched This Week:

“The Happiness Patrol”, (S25, Prod Code 7L)(ep 2, TX: 09/11/88)(ep 3, TX:16/11/88).

“Silver Nemesis”, (S25, Prod Code 7K)(ep 1, TX: 23/11/88)(ep 2, TX: 20/11/88)(ep 3, TX: 07/12/88).

“The Greatest Show In The Galaxy”, (S25, Prod Code 7J)(ep 1, TX: 14/12/88)(ep 2, TX: 21/12/88).

This week I have mainly been listening to:  

“13cast ep 8 – Summat Who Pilot”, (28/03/19).  “Anti Social Show”, (ep 83, 02/08/20).  “Coronavirus Global Daily Update”, (BBC World Service)(08/08/20)(09/08/20)(10/08/20) (11/08/20)(12/08/20)(13/08/20)(14/08/20).  “CNN, Coronavirus: Fact Vs Fiction”, (ep 117, 10/08/20)(ep 118, 11/08/20)(ep 119, 12/08/20)(ep 120, 13/08/20)(ep 121, 14/08/20).  “Doctor Who: The Missing Episodes Podcast”, (ep 7, 01/08/20).  “In The Village”, (ep 7, 10/11/17).  “Lazy Doctor Who”,(ep 168, 10/03/19)(ep 169, 14/03/19)(ep 170 to 174, 16/03/19)(ep 175, 17/03/19)(ep 176, 02/05/19)(ep 177, 05/05/19)(ep 178, 08/05/19)(ep 179, 11/05/19)(ep 180, 20/05/19).  “Mystery Hour”, (13/08/20).  “Nick Abbot (Whole Show)”, (08/08/20) (14/08/20).  “Poppy Hillstead Has Entered The Chat”, (ep 4, 13/08/20).  “Rob Beckett And Josh Widdecombe’s Lockdown Parenting Hell”, (S1, ep 31, 11/08/20).  “Space Boffins Podcast”, (ep 100, 12/08/20).  “Sue Perkins: An Hour Or So With…”, (S2, ep 9 (ep 21), 12/08/20).  “The All New Angelos And Barry Podcast”, (11/08/20).  “The Bomb”, (BBC World Service)(Prologue, 23/07/20)(ep 1, 01/08/20)(ep 2, 08/08/20).  “The Nick Abbot Habit”, (10/08/20).  “The Offcuts Drawer”, (ep 10, 11/08/20).  “We Will Get Passed This”, (ep 16, 24/05/20)(ep 17, 25/05/20)(ep 18, 26/05/20)(ep 19, 27/05/20)(ep 20, 28/05/20)(ep 21, 29/05/20)(ep 22, 30/05/20)(ep 23, 31/05/20).  “What’s The Problem? With Nick Abbot And Carol McGiffen”, (S1, ep 29, 10/08/20).  “Morrissey”,  “Biffy Clyro”,  “Texas”,  “Kate Bush”,  “Kate Nash”,  “The Killers”,  “MGMT”,  “Fleetwood Mac”,  “The New Radicals”,  “The Artic Monkeys”,  “Oasis”,  “Blur”,  “Pulp”.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures in East London & Suffolk (passing through Cambridgeshire).

Week 320 Saturday 1^st  until Friday 7^th August 2020.

Over the last few months, like a huge percentage of office workers I have been based at home and continued to find something to write (bore you) with each week.  I won’t lie this week I needed a little break from spending hours bashing out a few hundred words.  

What follows are pictures and comments of a trip with various family members who were supposed to have been in Ibiza this week spending time lazing beside the swimming pool. Because that trip couldn’t take, they decided to revisit the location my sister got married at almost 4 yrs ago.  Because their lovely people and took pity on me sitting in the living room answering the phone all the time, they let me stow-a-way on their trip and escape the drudgery of the “real world” for a couple of days.

 “Anoodle dared me to eat a huge chilli.  I love chilli’s, but that one was very hot.  I smiled and didn’t let on the my mouth and lips tingled for quite a while.  The last thing i wanted was to disappoint my little girl”.

 “Out and about with the “Family Stick” as we called this long branch.  We left it for others to find, and use it as their “Family Stick”.

 “What a beautiful location”.

 “Smiles all around”.

 “Investigating the old Mill equipment”.

 “SAZ kicking back and relaxing”.

 “Can you see me”.

 “If you need the loo, your not getting in”.

 “Drinking while walking”.

 “The soup was lovely”.

 “Bring them to the boil”.

 “Anyone for a second course”.

 “I was so proud of this smoking stack.  I didn’t think more wood = higher temperature.  At one point the water was 47c, we had to cool it to 42/43 before anyone could get in again”.

 “The location was also extremely popular with Slugs.  There were so many of them visiting at the same time”.

 “Yes the “Family Stick” was in attendance”.

 “Not everyone is sober in this pic.  Would you like to guess who?”.

 “Not a bad way to spend a work day”.

A huge thank you to Mum, Hel, SAZ and Anoodle and Jbomb for putting up with me.

 “Which do you prefer.  Smiling or silly”.

Next week should be back to normal, moaning about nothing in particular as I stare out of the window watching the world go by.

 “Everyone’s a winner in this race”.

Before I go…… Snail Watch

 “An old picture of Sandy.  She’s very shy”.

An update on Sandra the garden snail, that my friend and I rescued a few weeks ago which had a slightly crushed shell.  Looking at her this week, she appears to be completely healed.  Over the coming weekend I am looking to release her into the big bad world and wish her luck as she slithers away leaving a pretty slivery trail.

 “I have a Tomato”.

I’ve grown quite attached to her and will be sorry to say goodbye.  But she can’t live in her temporary home of an empty yogurt pot situated in the bath for ever.  I’ll update you on the emotional farewell next week.

 “Noooooooooooo!!!!!  Its only early August!”.

My Mid Life Crisis Conts……

This week I have mainly been watching:  

“Click”, (TX: 01/08/20).  “FOX 26 Houston: News at 5pm (Central US) With Tom Zizka”, (FaceBook)(TX: 01/08/20)(TX: 02/08/20).  “Hiroshima”, (2005).  “Miriam Margolyes: Almost Australian”, (S1, ep 2, TX: 31/07/20).  “Motherland: Fort Salam”, (S1, ep 6 to ep 8).  “Orphan Black”, (S2, ep 10)(S3, ep 1 to ep 10).  “Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience”, (S7, ep 2, TX: 17/03/17)(ep 3, TX: 31/03/17)(S8, ep 1, TX: 22/03/18)(ep 2, TX: 29/03/18)(ep 3, TX: 05/05/18)(ep 4, TX: 12/04/18)(S9, ep 1, TX: 17/04/20).  “Semi-Detached”, (S1, ep 1).  “The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina”, (S3, ep 7 to ep 8).  “Travel Man’s Greatest Trips”, (ep 1, TX: 31/07/20)(ep 2, TX: 07/08/20).                                  

Doctor Who Watched This Week:

“The Trial Of A Time Lord: Terrior Of The Vervoids”, (S23, Prod Code 7C)(ep 1, TX: 01/11/86)(ep 2, TX: 08/11/86)(ep 3, TX: 15/11/86)(ep 4, TX: 22/11/86).

“The Trial Of A Time Lord: The Ultimate Foe”, (S23, Prod Code 7C)(ep 1, TX: 29/11/86)(ep 2, TX: 06/12/86).

“Time And The Rani”, (S24, Prod Code 7D)(ep 1, TX: 07/09/87)(ep 2, TX: 14/09/87)(ep 3, TX: 21/09/87)(ep 4, TX: 28/09/87).

“Paradise Towers”, (S24, Prod Code 7E)(ep 1, TX: 05/10/867(ep 2, TX: 12/10/87)(ep 3, TX: 19/10/87)(ep 4, TX: 26/10/87).

“Delta And The Bannerman”, (S24, Prod Code 7F)(ep 1, TX: 02/11/87)(ep 2, TX: 09/11/87)(ep 3, TX: 16/11/87).

“Dragonfire”, (S24, Prod Code 7G)(ep 1, TX: 23/11/87)(ep 2, TX: 30/11/87)(ep 3, TX: 07/12/87).

“Remembrance Of The Daleks”, (S25, Prod Code 7H)(ep 1, TX: 05/10/88)(ep 2, TX: 12/10/87)(ep 3, TX: 19/10/88)(ep 4, TX: 26/10/88).

“The Happiness Patrol”, (S25, Prod Code 7L)(ep 1, TX: 02/11/88).

This week I have mainly been listening to:  

“Coronavirus Global Daily Update”, (BBC World Service)(01/08/20)(02/08/20)(03/08/20) (04/08/20)(05/08/20)(06/08/20)(07/08/20).  “CNN, Coronavirus: Fact Vs Fiction”, (ep 112, 03/08/20)(ep 113, 04/08/20)(ep 114, 05/08/20)(ep 115, 06/08/20)(ep 116, 07/08/20).  “Lazy Doctor Who”,(ep 162, 28/02/19)(ep 163, 02/03/19)(ep 164, 04/03/19)(ep 165, 07/03/19)(ep 166, 09/03/19)(ep 167, 10/03/19).  “Mystery Hour”, (16/07/20) (23/07/20) (30/07/20).  “NASA: Gravity Assist”, (07/08/20).  “NASA: Houston We Have A Podcast”, (ep 156, 07/08/20).  “Nick Abbot (Whole Show)”, (01/08/20) (03/08/20) (04/08/20) (05/08/20) (06/08/20) (07/08/20).  “Poppy Hillstead Has Entered The Chat”, (ep 3, 05/08/20).  “Rob Beckett And Josh Widdecombe’s Lockdown Parenting Hell”, (S1, ep 29, 04/08/20)(ep 30, 07/08/20).  “Something Who”, (ep 5.5/A, 22/10/19).  “Soundtracking With Edith Bowman”, (ep 205, 31/07/20)(ep 206, 07/08/20).  “Sue Perkins: An Hour Or So With…”, (S2, ep 8 (ep 20), 05/08/20).  “The Adam Buxton Podcast”, (ep 130, 05/08/20).  “The Nick Abbot Habit”, (15/07/19)(03/08/20).  “The Old Doctor Who Podcast”, (ep 98, 05/08/20).  “We Will Get Passed This”, (ep 13, 21/05/20)(ep 14, 22/05/20)(ep 15, 23/05/20).  “What’s The Problem? With Nick Abbot And Carol McGiffen”, (S1, ep 28, 03/08/20).  “Morrissey”,  “Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds”,  “Snow Patrol”,  “Phil Oakley And Giorgio Moroder”,  “Florence And The Machine”,  “Beck”,  “Tears For Fears”,  “Radiohead”.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures in East London & Essex.

Week 319 Saturday 25^th until Friday 31^st July 2020.

First this week, Snail Watch…

 “Still a little shy, after three weeks”.

This week, as with last week i want to update you on Sandra the snail, whose shell was slightly crushed in a recent incident with a garden wheelie bin?  Since then she has been living in a temporary habitat in the bathroom.  During the week I managed to look at her shell it appears to be healing, but there is a small section which still looks weak.  Next week, hopefully she will be well enough to be set free in a local park with very tall grass for her to hide in and give her a chance to live a happy life.  Another update next week.

 “Cleaning out her messy temp home”.

And Now For Something Completely Different….

 “I loved meeting the mighty Nero”.

One of the first calls early this week came from an 85yr old.  Because he needed a pen, he took the phone with him into a different room.  All of a sudden, I could hear loudly “Tea for two” (composed by Vincent Youmans with lyrics by Irvin Caesar in 1924. According to searching on the WWW) playing in the background.  The wait for him to find a writing implement wasn’t as frustrating as normal. I imagined him shuffling around in a smoking jacket, puffing on a pipe while he searched for a fountain pen.  With a small white dog (possibly called “Nipper”) sitting beside a gramophone playing a 78rpm disc.

 “Who lives n a house like this?”. 

My mind runs away sometimes while I wait for people to get pens or the info they should have had when making the call.  If I am honest this really annoys me normally, but on this occasion listening to the music eased the waiting time.  When he returned, I was tempted to ask him to go away again and do another lap around the room so I could keep listening.  If only every call during the working week was as pleasant.

 “The Three Stooges”. 

And Finally….

 “I wish i could say i grew this.  It was on the plant when i bought it”.

Speaking to a friend, I asked what there postcode was.  After a slight pause they said “Why”.  I wasn’t sure what to say; apart from I wanted to send something to them.  They then explained that “Y” was the start of the code.  Yes, I felt like a chump.

 “Does anyone else see 70s children cartoon Barbapapa in this picture?”.

I said to my friend “I don’t like to rush a movement”.  From a dark corner of the room the smart speaker who is listen to everything suddenly piped up about a song with Time in the title.  If someone is listening to our conversations, they must be extremely bored by the amount of toilet talk that takes place.

 “The noise started early morning.  But luckily didn’t last long”.

Spoke to a man with the same name as a BBC presenter/reporter in the 70s/80s.  I asked if they were related.  Sadly they weren’t.

 “Beautiful plumage”.

Thank you NASA for arranging the launch (that was actually 10 milliseconds late) of the Perseverance Rover to Mars during my lunch time.  It was wonderful to be able to watch without being bothered by numpties ringing me.

 “A lunchtime i wont forget”.

Next week’s ramble will include a report on a mini break for the Clouting/Lucas clan, who were supposed to have been in Ibiza at this time.  Were staying closer to home, read all about it in Week 320 of this blog.

My Mid Life Crisis Conts……

This week I have mainly been watching:  

“10 Cloverfield Lane”, (2016).  “13hrs (Night Wolf)”, (2010).  “Better Than Us”, (S1, ep 15 & ep 16).  “Click”, (TX: 25/07/20).  “FOX 26 Houston: News at 5pm (Central US) With Tom Zizka”, (FaceBook)(TX: 26/07/20).  “Miriam Margolyes: Almost Australian”, (S1, TX: 24/07/20).  “Motherland: Fort Salam”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 5).  “Orphan Black”, (S1, ep 6 to ep 10)(S2, ep 1 to ep 9).  “Perseverance Mars Rover Launch”, (NASA TV Live)(TX: 30/07/20).  “Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience”, (S6, ep 3, TX: 01/03/16)(ep 4, TX: 08/03/16)(S7, ep 1, TX: 07/03/17).  “The Arrival”, (1996).  “The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina”, (S3, ep 3 to ep 6).  “The Mike Skipper Lockdown Saturday Quiz”, (FaceBook)(TX: 25/07/20).  “The Misadventures Of Ramesh Ranganation: From My Sofa”, (ep 3, TX: 26/07/20).  “Warrior Nun”, (S1, ep 10).  “You’re Only Young Twice”, (S4, ep 5 to ep 7).                                

Doctor Who Watched This Week:

“Timelash”, (S22, Prod Code 6Y)(ep 1, TX: 09/03/85)(ep 2, TX: 16/03/85).

“Revelation Of The Daleks”, (S22, Prod Code 6Z)(ep 1, TX: 23/03/85)(ep 2, TX: 30/03/85).

“The Trial Of A Time Lord: The Mysterious Planet”, (S23, Prod Code 7A)(ep 1, TX: 06/09/86)(ep 2, TX: 13/09/86)(ep 3, TX: 20/09/86)(ep 4, TX: 27/09/86).

“The Trial Of A Time Lord: Mindwarp”, (S23, Prod Code 7B)(ep 1, TX: 04/10/86)(ep 2, TX 11/10/86)(ep 3, TX: 18/10/86)(ep 4, TX: 25/10/86).

“Mission To The Unknown (Full Recreation): University Of Lancashire”, (YouTube)(TX: 09/10/19).

“The Making Of Mission To The Unknown (Full Recreation): University Of Lancashire”, (YouTube)(TX: 09/10/19).

This week I have mainly been listening to:  

“Coronavirus Global Daily Update”, (BBC World Service)(25/07/20)(26/07/20)(27/07/20) (28/07/20)(29/07/20)(30/07/20)(31/07/20).   “CNN, Coronavirus: Fact Vs Fiction”, (ep 107, 27/07/20)(ep 108, 28/07/20)(ep 109, 29/07/20)(ep 110, 30/07/20)(ep 111, 31/07/20).  “David Tennant Does A Podcast With…..”, (S2, Trailer, 28/07/20).  “Doctor Who: The Missing Episode Podcast”, (ep 6, 27/07/20).  “Lazy Doctor Who”,(ep 152, 01/02/19)(ep 153 & ep 154,  03/02/19)(ep 155 to  ep 157, 04/02/19)(ep 158, 10/02/19)(ep 159, 21/02/19)(ep 160, 27/02/19)(ep 161, 28/02/19).  “NASA: Houston We Have A Podcast”, (ep 155, 31/07/20).  “Nick Abbot (Whole Show)”, (25/07/20)(31/07/20).  “Poppy Hillstead Has Entered The Chat”, (Trailer, 01/07/200(ep 1, 22/07/20)(ep 2, 29/07/20).  “Rob Beckett And Josh Widdecombe’s Lockdown Parenting Hell”, (S1, ep 27, 28/07/20)(ep 28, 31/07/20).  “Something Who”, (ep 5.5, 15/10/19).  “Soundtracking With Edith Bowman”, (ep 203, 18/07/20)(ep 204, 24/07/20).  “Sue Perkins: An Hour Or So With…”, (S2, ep 7 (ep 19), 29/07/20).  “The Adam Buxton Podcast”, (ep 129, 27/07/20).  “The Late Night Alternative With Iain Lee And Katherine Boyle”, (27/07/20)(28/07/20)(29/07/20).  “The Late Night Alternative With Iain Lee And Katherine Boyle, (Bonus)”, (25/07/20)(26/07/20)(27/07/20)(29/07/20).  “The Nick Abbot Habit”, (27/07/20).  “The Supermassive Podcast”, (ep 7, 23/07/20).  “We Will Get Passed This”, (ep 1, 27/04/20)(ep 2 to ep 4, 12/05/20)(ep 5, 13/05/20)(ep 6, 14/05/20)(ep 7, 15/05/20)(ep 8, 16/05/20)(ep 9, 17/05/20)(ep 10, 18/05/20)(ep 11, 19/05/20)(ep 12, 20/05/20).   “What’s The Problem? With Nick Abbot And Carol McGiffen”, (S1, ep 27, 27/07/20).  “Morrissey”,  “Texas”,  “Suede”,  “Ocean Colour Scene”,  “Alanis Morissettte”,  “Nirvana”,  “Shed Seven”.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures in East London.

Week 318 Saturday 18^th until Friday 24^th July 2020.

Happy 8 Wedding Anniversary this week to my brother Paul and the lovely Sigrida

 “Can you see, Sandra is smiling”.

First this week an update on Sandra the garden snail, who was the star of last week’s ramble.  She is recovering in her temporary habitat of an empty yogurt pot in the bathroom.  Peering inside, her shell appears to be healing, and I have been pleased to see her on top of the cuttlefish (that wasn’t cheap) or eggshell scattered around, because calcium is very important in her recovery.  In another weeks’ time I will check her out and see if she has healed enough to be set free.  A further update will follow next week.

 “I’ve been locked down so long.  I popped to an elderly  neighbours house with some shopping in my PJ’s”.

And Now For Something Completely Different….

Lately I have been doing something in bed with lights out for far longer than I should. Especially on week nights as I am up early in the morning for work.

 “Next doors cat is looking for an agent.  If he keeps appearing in this ramble”.

The above is not as mucky as it sounds.  I recently discovered the delight/horror (you decide) of Facebook live broadcasts/videos.  There are transmissions with people playing video games, music or spinning vinyl or CDs as part of a DJ set.  As expected there is a lot of selling – semi precious gems, CBT oils, bags, scarves, jewellery even on-line Psychics (just don’t tell them your FB profile info).  There are also plenty of live auctions which appear to feature unwanted storage locker items, from the condition of many I have seen.

 “He really wasn’t impressed with my latest Doctor Who shiz painting”.

There are two types of live broadcast that I have found strangely mesmerising (you really need to watch them – I will never be able to do them justice in the small number of words available here).  There are people selling rings (for fingers, and I suppose toes) which are inside bath bombs.  And others who open oysters live, if you want to buy a coloured pearl.

 “Mr Z broadcasting, while i write this shiz”.

All of the above entertain me from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, until I move on to the next.  However, recently on a Saturday and Sunday night between 11pm to midnight UK time (5pm US Central) I have been watching a broadcast from a house in Houston Texas.  Let me explain.  A few weeks ago I stumbled across a man on screen standing in a room talking to someone off camera.  As with a lot of these videos everything is reversed, what caught my eye was a sign which read VT XOF (FOX TV); this prompted me to turn up the volume.  I was watching a news broadcast on FOX 26 Houston, being presented by anchor Tom Zizka from his house.  That was why he appeared to be ignoring his electronic device because he was reading the news looking down the lens of the professional camera in front of him.

 “Mr Z chatting to the Facebook kids, while an advert was on in the Houston area”.

As a lifelong fan of TV and film behind the scenes it grabbed my attention straight away.  What makes the broadcasts even more interesting for me is, while adverts, VT clips or the weather are being transmitted, Tom looks into his device and interacts with the Facebook audience who text questions (yes I have said hello and “chatted”).  Being a geek, I love it when he shows the FB audience around the equipment he is using to present the news from home, or talks about how the show works.

 “Peanut butter straight from the jar.  After this i enjoyed toasted Bagel’s smeared thickly with Peanut butter topped with grated cheese (both Canadian Cheddar and Red Leicester).  All that was missing to make this a truly wonderful snack was chopped Banana”.  This recipe will of course be included in my future Times bestselling Crimbum cookbook”. 

On one occasion I brought up the FOX 26 live feed on another screen so I was able to see the actual programme being transmitted.  While at the same time on my tablet I had the usual FB behind the scenes view.  Sometimes his daughter/s or wife will sit just out of shot of the TV camera but in view of his personal device, the FB audience will text them questions which Tom will read.  Being a professional, very little flusters him, such as breaking news or a last minute running order change.  This includes his dog barking outside the makeshift studio because it wants to join the FB live party.  It’s a really interesting way to spend an hour in bed.

 “Everything is growing.  Will there ever be a harvest”.

Watching the news has never been so much fun.  If you want to watch a FB live video that wont persuade you to buy an artificially coloured pearl, then search for Tom Zizka on Fox 26 (Saturday and Sunday 11pm to midnight in the UK, that’s 5pm US central. Tell him I sent you).

 “Night night”.

My Mid Life Crisis Conts……

This week I have mainly been watching:  

“Baywatch”, (2017).  “Big Jet TV: Live From Headcorn Aerodrome”, (FaceBook)(TX: 24/07/20).  “Click”, (TX: 18/07/20).  “Doctor Sleep”, (2019).  “Donald Trump: All American Billionaire: A Money Programme Special”, (TX: 29/11/10).  “Fawlty Towers”, (S2, ep 3 to ep 6).  “FOX 26 Houston: News at 5pm (Central US) With Tom Zizka”, (FaceBook)(TX: 18/07/20)(19/07/20).  “ISS Spacewalk: Expedition 63: #68 (Astronauts, Behnken And Cassidy)”, (NASA TV Live)(TX: 21/07/20).  “Orphan Black”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 5).  “Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience”, (S6, ep 1, TX: 16/02/16)(ep 2, TX: 23/02/16).  “The Art Of Persia”, (S1, ep 3, TX: 29/06/20).  “The Luminares”, (S1, ep 5).  “The Mike Skipper Lockdown Saturday Quiz”, (FaceBook)(TX: 18/07/20).  “The Misadventures Of Ramesh Ranganation: From My Sofa”, (ep 2, TX: 19/07/20).  “The Young Offenders”, (S2, ep 1 to ep 6)(S3, ep 1 to ep 6).  “Warrior Nun”, (S1, ep 9).  “You’re Only Young Twice”, (Crimbum Special, TX: 23/12/80)(S4, ep 1 to ep 4).                                

Doctor Who Watched This Week:

“The Twin Dilemma”, (S21, Prod Code 6S)(ep 1, TX: 22/03/84)(ep 2, TX: 23/03/84)(ep 3, TX: 29/03/84)(ep 4, TX: 30/03/84).

“Attack Of The Cybermen”, (S22, Prod Code 6T)(ep 1, TX: 05/01/85)(ep 2, TX: 12/01/85).

“Vengeance On Varos”, (S22, Prod Code 6V)(ep 1, TX: 19/01/85)(ep 2, TX: 26/01/85).

“The Mark Of The Rani”, (S22, Prod Code 6X)(ep 1, TX: 02/02/85)(ep 2, TX 09/02/85).

“The Two Doctors”, (S22, Prod Code 6W)(ep 1, TX: 16/02/85)(ep 2, TX: 23/02/85)(ep 3, TX: 02/03/85).

This week I have mainly been listening to:  

“Coronavirus Global Daily Update”, (BBC World Service)(18/07/20)(19/07/20)(20/07/20) (21/07/20)(22/07/20)(23/07/20)(24/07/20).   “CNN, Coronavirus: Fact Vs Fiction”, (ep 102, 20/07/20)(ep 103, 21/07/20)(ep 104, 22/07/20)(ep 105, 23/07/20)(ep 106, 24/07/20).  “In The Village”, (ep 6, 03/11/17).  “Lazy Doctor Who”,(ep 130, 19/08/18)(ep 131, 04/09/18)(ep 132, 05/09/18)(ep 133, 09/09/18)(ep 134, 01/10/18)(ep 135, 08/10/18)(ep 136, 21/10/18)(ep 137, 01/11/18)(ep 138, 03/11/18)(ep 139, 04/11/18)(ep 140 & ep 141, 10/11/18)(ep 142, 11/11/18)(ep 143, 22/12/18)(ep 144, 26/12/18)(ep 145 & ep 146, 05/01/19)(ep 147, 06/01/19)(ep 148, 07/01/19)(ep 149, 16/01/19)(ep 150 & ep 151, 31/01/19).  “NASA: Gravity Assist”, (17/07/20).  “NASA: Houston We Have A Podcast”, (ep 153, 17/07/20)(ep 154, 24/07/20).  “Nick Abbot (Whole Show)”, (18/07/20)(24/07/20).  “Rob Beckett And Josh Widdecombe’s Lockdown Parenting Hell”, (S1, ep 24, 18/07/20)(ep 25, 21/07/20)(ep 26, 24/07/20).  “Soundtracking With Edith Bowman”, (ep 203, 18/07/20)(ep 204, 24/07/20).  “Sue Perkins: An Hour Or So With…”, (S2, ep 6 (ep 17), 15/07/20).  “The Adam Buxton Podcast”, (ep 128, 19/07/20).  “The Late Night Alternative With Iain Lee And Katherine Boyle”, (14/07/20)(23/07/20)(24/07/20).  “The Nick Abbot Habit”, (24/05/19) (31/05/19) (07/06/19) (21/06/19) (28/06/19) (05/07/19) (20/07/20).   “What’s The Problem? With Nick Abbot And Carol McGiffen”, (S1, ep 26, 13/07/20).  “Morrissey”,  “Right Said Fred”,  “Razorlight”,  “Coldplay”,  “The Frank And Walters”,  “Kajagoogoo”,  “Haircut 100”,  “ABC”,  “Heaven 17”,  “Sophie Ellis-Bextor”,  “Radiohead”,  “St Etienne”,  “Travis”,  “Arcade Fire”.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures in East London, Northampton (the first time since February) and Surrey.

Week 317 Saturday 11^th until Friday 17^th July 2020.

Last week’s blog obviously wasn’t very good, as the number of views was really low.  Because I really would like you to keep reading (please press share) I haven’t written as much as normal.

 “Ahhhhh, so cute”.

And now this….

 “Attempting to garden, hiding from the sun”.

I hate the idea of any animal in pain or suffering.  Who wouldn’t stop to help a Cat or Ddog which needed help?  What about a Snail?  Yes, you read that correct, I am talking about a typical garden Snail.  Last weekend my friend and I were busy in the garden.  As she closed the garden wheelie bin she hadn’t notice a Snail minding its own business on the rim of the bin.  My friend called me over, because she remembered I recently mentioned a video I had seen about how to help a snail with a crushed/cracked shell.

 “Sandra”.

For the last week Sandra (I had to call it something) has been living in the bathroom (the humidity is good) in an old large yogurt pot filled with leaves and other greenery which gets sprayed regularly with tepid water.  Inside I have scattered small bits of fruit and importantly crushed pieces of Cuttlefish (bought specially for her), calcium is very important in helping a gastropod heal/rebuild its delicate home.

 “I like to think she’s happy”.

One question is what happens once she has healed (for once I am being positive).  I won’t want to let her loose in the garden because the birds we encourage to feed might get her.  Or one of my huge plates of meat might crush her.  She can’t live in the yogurt pot indefinitely, I would have to realise her at a different location and wish her luck.  Think of those wildlife programmes where, for example Michaela Strachan realises a Beaver into the wild after it’s been rehabilitated.  I know this will sound strange but I am growing quite attached to her.  How many people reading this can say they have seen and cleared up Snail poop, I have!  I’ll keep you informed on her progress.

 “Lovely seeing mum again”.

In other animal related news……

 “Really enjoyed spending time with Mum and Hel”.

I visited my mum and sister for the first time since March.  While driving my sister to the pub we had to stop quickly as a baby Deer just finished crossing the country road.  Standing on the grass verge its huge eyes looked at us, as we stared at it.  What a beautiful baby, hopefully mum was nearby; they are known to watch their young from a distance.  I said to my sister that we would come back via a different route because I didn’t want to risk seeing the deer crossing again, or worse it injured.

 “Being beside the canal is always relaxing”.

And finally…….

“An intimate moment seen beside the Grand Union”. 

Sadly I saw a Cat in the garden first thing one morning with a small Mouse in its mouth.  Of course I rushed outside, but the kitty with its prize had gone.  In happier news, I did successfully rescue a butterfly/moth from drowning in one the birdbaths.  After it dried its wings in the sunshine while sitting on my finger, it flew off.

 “Whats not to like”.

Trying to help (I realise I failed the Mouse) the various creature I encountered this last week, definitely helped me.  All animals big and beautiful or small and slimy deserve a chance to live a happy existence on this ball of rock we all call home.

 “Very pretty”.

My Mid Life Crisis Conts……

This week I have mainly been watching:  

“Buck Rogers In The 25^th Century”, (S1, ep 21).  “Celebrity Gogglebox”, (S2, ep 4, TX: 26/06/20)(ep 5, TX: 03/07/20).  “Click”, (TX: 11/07/20).  “Comedians: Home Alone”, (S1, ep 7).  “Fawlty Towers”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 6)(s2, ep 1 & ep 2).  “How It’s Made”, (S8, ep 10, TX: 13/03/07).  “I May Destroy You”, (S1, ep 11 & ep 12).  “National Theatre Live: Amadeus (With Lucian Msamati And Adam Gillen)”, (Original TX: 02/02/17)(Rpt TX: 16/07/20).  “Peter Kay’s Car Share”, (S2, ep 3).  “Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience”, (S5, ep 1, TX: 17/09/14)(ep 2, TX: 23/09/14)(ep 3, TX: 01/10/14)(ep 4, 08/10/14).  “Sophie Ellis-Bextor: End Of School Kitchen Disco”, (Facebook)(TX: 17/07/20).  “Spides”, (S1, ep 5).  “Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens”, (2015).  “Stuart Little 2”, (2002).  “Taskmaster”, (S1, ep 1, TX: 15/08/15)(ep 2, TX: 08/08/15).  “The Luminares”, (S1, ep 4).  “The Mike Skipper Lockdown Saturday Quiz”, (FaceBook)(TX: 11/07/20).  “The Misadventures Of Ramesh Ranganation: From My Sofa”, (ep 1, TX: 12/07/20).  “The Sky At Night”, (TX: 12/07/20).  “The Young Offenders”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 6)(Crimbum Special, TX: 14/12/18).  “There She Goes”, (S2, ep 1 to ep 5).  “Top Gear”, (S11, ep 5, TX: 20/07/08).  “Two’s Company”, (S4, ep 3 to ep 7).  “Warrior Nun”, (S1, ep 5 to ep 8).  “You’re Only Young Twice”, (S3, ep 6 &  ep 7)(Crimbum Special, TX: 24/12/79).                                

Doctor Who Watched This Week:

“Warriors Of The Deep”, (S21, Prod Code 6L)(ep 1, TX: 05/01/84)(ep 2, TX: 06/01/84)(ep 3, TX: 12/01/84)(ep 4, TX: 13/01/84).

“The Awakening”, (S21, Prod Code 6M)(ep 1, TX: 19/01/84)(ep 2, TX: 20/01/84).

“Frontios”, (S21, Prod Code 6N)(ep 1, TX: 26/01/84)(ep 2, TX: 27/01/84)(ep 3, TX: 02/02/84)(ep 4, TX: 03/02/84).

“Resurrection Of The Daleks ”, (S21, Prod Code 6P)(ep 1, TX: 08/02/84)(ep 2, TX 15/02/84).

“Planet Of Fire”, (S21, Prod Code 6Q)(ep 1, TX: 23/02/84)(ep 2, TX: 24/02/84)(ep 3, TX: 01/03/84)(ep 4, 02/03/84).

“The Caves Of Androzani”, (S21, Prod Code 6R)(ep 1, TX: 08/03/84)(ep 2, TX: 09/03/84)(ep 3, TX: 15/03/84)(ep 4, TX: 16/03/84).

This week I have mainly been listening to:  

“Coronavirus Global Daily Update”, (BBC World Service)(11/07/20)(12/07/20)(13/07/20) (14/07/20)(15/07/20)(16/07/20)(17/07/20).  “CNN, Coronavirus: Fact Vs Fiction”, (ep 97, 13/07/20)(ep 98, 14/07/20)(ep 99, 15/07/20)(ep 100, 16/07/20)(ep 101, 17/07/20).  “Dear Joan And Jericha (Julia Davis And Vicki Pepperdine)”, (S2, ep 3, 17/10/19)(ep 4, 24/10/19)(ep 5, 31/10/19)(ep 6, 07/11/19)(ep 7, 14/11/19)(ep 8, 21/11/19).  “In The Village”, (ep 4, 20/10/17)(ep 5, 27/10/17).  “Lazy Doctor Who”,(ep 105 & 106, 25/12/17)(ep 107, 27/12/17)(ep 108, 31/12/17)(ep 109, 01/01/18)(ep 110, 07/01/18)(ep 111, 11/01/18)(ep 112, 13/01/18)(ep 113 & 114, 31/01/18)(ep 115, 04/02/18)(ep 116, 04/02/18)(ep 117, 30/03/18)(ep 118, 02/04/18)(ep 119, 20/05/18)(ep 120, 02/06/18)(ep 121, 04/06/18)(ep 122, 10/06/18)(ep 123, 25/06/18)(ep 124, 01/07/18)(ep 125 to ep 127, 02/07/18)(ep 128, 29/07/18)(ep 129, 05/08/18).  “Nick Abbot (Whole Show)”, (10/07/20)(11/07/20)(12/07/20)(17/07/20).  “Rob Beckett And Josh Widdecombe’s Lockdown Parenting Hell”, (ep 23, 14/07/20).  “Soundtracking With Edith Bowman”, (ep 202, 11/07/20).  “Sue Perkins: An Hour Or So With…”, (S2, ep 6 (ep 17), 15/07/20).  “The Adam Buxton Podcast”, (ep 127, 13/07/20).  “The All New Angelos And Barry Podcast”, (10/07/20).  “The Late Night Alternative With Iain Lee”, (13/07/20).  “The Nick Abbot Habit”,(17/05/19)(13/07/20).  “The Old Doctor Who Show”, (ep  97, 17/07/20).  “The Space Boffins Podcast”, (14/07/20).  “What’s The Problem? With Nick Abbot And Carol McGiffen”, (S1, ep 25, 13/07/20).  “Morrissey”,  “Carly Simon”,  “Fleetwood Mac”,  “The Beatles”,  “Shed Seven”,  “Skunk Anansie”,  “Madonna”,  “Soundgarden”,  “Florence And The Machine”,  “ELO”,  “Feeder”,  “Kate Bush”.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures in East London (Watching birds in the garden).

Week 316 Saturday 4^th until Friday 10^th July 2020.

Over these last few months I have got used to all kinds of distractions while working in a corner of the living room.  Such as the neighbour who has been constructing a man cave from scratch in his back garden.  Another neighbour has developed shed envy and this week started to convert an existing shed into his own private hide-a-way.

 “Happy Bday this week to RAC”.

Then there are the small children in the house next door, which since March have gone completely feral.  Their poor tired parents have lost control and occasionally turn up the volume up of children’s TV to 11 trying to drown out the screams and shouts.

 “I had a metal cat in a (my) hat”.

There is a new noise, something potentially very annoying threatening to disrupt me while I work.  Last weekend road working barriers and equipment appeared all the way down the road.  A letter fell on the doormat stating for 3 weeks there will be essential maintenance taking place.  Sure enough Monday morning at 7.30, I could hear drilling and pounding further down the road.  Over the course of the coming weeks this Hi-Viz fashion parade will make its way towards me getting louder and more upsetting all the time!

 “This sticker was on a package delivered to a friend.  Yes there really was a retro time piece inside”. 

If I had to choose which noise or disruption from those previously mentioned I would prefer.  It would have to be the neighbours banging and screwing!  Even the singing of Mr Tumble through the wall is preferable to the sound of heavy plant machinery.  Let’s not mention the smell of the chemical port-a-loo sat on the pavement (I wonder how long it will be before that is tipped over by bored teenagers for a laugh).  

And Now For Something Completely Different.

 “Bread has been made (in a machine) this week”.

Lockdown felt like a period of hibernation, personally I am still locked down, I don’t really want to be out and about. This week I had an experience which made me want to hide under the under the duvet even more.

 “MOZ modelling her new Bread bin”.

One lunchtime while visiting a local shop a man approached with his dog.  He had obviously been enjoying the recent reopening of local drinking establishment because he was totally pissed (he was apologetic about this).  The alcoholic fumes mixed with stale nicotine made my eyes water.  I nodded and smiled as he slurred and spluttered random words in my direction, while I worried about the computer at home counting down the 60 minutes of free time I enjoy daily in the afternoon.  I really needed to rush off but didn’t want to appear rude and upset him.

 “No, drunks in the park”.

Things became very uncomfortable when he stepped towards me reached up and touched my forehead and hair.  Of course I stepped back straight away.  Luckily the man then became distracted by something shiny (the dog, if you were wondering was minding its own business licking its balls) I saw this as my opportunity to escape.  Anyone watching me as I rushed down the hill constantly looking over my shoulder must have wondered if I was wanted by the authorities.

 “I wish my afternoon was this much fun”.

This experience has confirmed what I already knew; I am not ready to be out and about.  My lockdown continues (if I can stay in bed even better).

And Finally……

Quote of the week “Thick and Gloopy”.  This was said by a very clever scientist on a new Horizon documentary about Pluto. I repeated that line a number of times with a smile.

 “This week i have been enjoying…… Arrack”

And

One evening I found several tiny baby Spiders. With the help of a disposable coffee cup I use when attempting to paint, the family where collected and relocated to the garden to roam through the grass.

 “This is me rushing home”.

My Mid Life Crisis Conts……

This week I have mainly been watching:  

“A Touch Of Class”, (1973).  “Alex Brooker: Disability And Me”, (TX: 05/07/20).  “Big Jet TV: Live From Heathrow Airport”, (Facebook)(TX: 06/07/20).  “Blinky”, (YouTube)(TX: 14/10/12).  “California Suite”, (1978).  “Click”, (TX: 04/07/20).  “Comedians: Home Alone”, (S1, ep 6).  “DEVS”, (S1, ep 8).  “Fox 26 Houston News Hour Live at 5pm, With Tom Zizka”, (Facebook)(TX: 04/07/20).  “Genius Of The World”, (ep 3, TX: 19/08/15).  “Horizon 2020: Pluto Back From The Dead”, (TX: 06/07/20).  “I May Destroy You”, (S1, ep 9 & ep 10).  “Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, (Original TX: 05/04/2000)(Rpt TX 10/07/20).  “National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea”, (Original TX: 01/09/16)(Rpt TX: 09/07/20).  “Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience”, (S4, ep 3, TX: 26/06/13)(ep 4, TX: 03/07/13).  “Storyville: Collage Behind Bars”, (Pt 1 & Pt 2, TX: 15/06/20).  “The Art Of Persia”, (S1, ep 1, TX: 15/06/20)(ep 2, TX: 22/06/20).  “The Long Song”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 3).  “The Mike Skipper Lockdown Saturday Quiz”, (FaceBook)(TX: 04/07/20).  “Two’s Company”, (S3, ep 2 to ep 8)(S4, ep 1 & ep 2).  “Warrior Nun”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 4).  “You’re Only Young Twice”, (S3, ep 1 to ep 5).                                

Doctor Who Watched This Week:

“Arc Of Infinity”, (S20, Prod Code 6E)(ep 1, TX: 03/01/83)(ep 2, TX: 05/01/83)(ep 3, TX: 11/01/83)(ep 4, TX: 12/01/83).

“Snakedance”, (S20, Prod Code 6D)(ep 1, TX: 18/01/83)(ep 2, TX: 19/01/83)(ep 3, TX: 25/01/83)(ep 4, TX: 26/01/83).

“Mawdryn Undead”, (S20, Prod Code 6F)(ep 1, TX: 01/02/83)(ep 2, TX: 02/02/83)(ep 3, TX: 08/03/83)(ep 4, TX: 09/03/83).

“Terminus”, (S20, Prod Code 6G)(ep 1, TX: 15/02/83)(ep 2, TX 16/02/83)(ep 3, TX: 22/02/83)(ep 4, TX: 23/02/83).

“Enlightenment”, (S20, Prod Code 6H)(ep 1, TX: 01/03/83)(ep 2, TX: 02/03/83)(ep 3, TX: 08/03/83)(ep 4, 09/03/83).

“The King’s Demons”, (S20, Prod Code 6J)(ep 1, TX: 15/03/83)(ep 2. TX: 16/03/83).

“The Five Doctors”, (20th Anniversary Special)(Prod Code 6K)(TX: 25/11/83).

This week I have mainly been listening to:  

“Coronavirus Global Daily Update”, (BBC World Service)(04/07/20)(05/07/20)(06/07/20) (07/07/20)(08/07/20)(09/07/20)(10/07/20).  “CNN, Coronavirus: Fact Vs Fiction”, (ep 92, 06/07/20)(ep 93, 07/07/20)(ep 94, 08/07/20)(ep 95, 09/07/20)(ep 96, 10/07/20).  “Doctor Who: The Missing Episode Podcast”, (ep 5, 05/07/20).  “Dear Joan And Jericha (Julia Davis And Vicki Pepperdine)”, (S2, ep 1, 03/10/19)(ep 2, 10/10/19).  “In Poor Taste”, (ep 121, 08/07/20).  “In The Village”, (Intro, 05/09/17)(ep, 29/09/17)(ep 2, 06/10/17)(ep 3, 13/10/13).  “Lazy Doctor Who”, (ep 92, 06/08/17)(ep 93, 09/08/17(ep 94, 16/08/17)(ep 95, 24/08/17)(ep 96, 02/08/17)(ep 97, 11/09/17)(ep 98, 13/09/17)(ep 99, 06/10/17)(ep 100, 07/10/17)(ep 101, 15/10/17)(ep 102, 16/10/17)(ep 103, 26/10/17)(ep 104, 14/12/17).  “NASA: Houston We Have A Podcast”, (ep 152, 10/07/20).  “Nick Abbot (Whole Show)”, (04/07/20)(11/07/20).  “Rob Beckett And Josh Widdecombe’s Lockdown Parenting Hell”, (ep 21, 07/07/20)(ep 22 10/07/20).  “Strange Times”, (ep 349, 04/07/20).  “Sue Perkins: An Hour Or So With…”, (S2, ep 5 (ep 16), 08/07/20).  “The All New Angelos And Barry Podcast”, (10/07/20).  “The Late Night Alternative With Iain Lee”, (06/07/20)(07/07/20(09/07/20).  “The Nick Abbot Habit”,(04/05/19)(10/05/19)(06/07/20).   “What’s The Problem? With Nick Abbot And Carol McGiffen”, (S1, ep 24, 06/07/20).  “Morrissey”,  “James”,  “The Strokes”,  “The Wombats”,  “Ocean Colour Scene”,  “Blur”,  “Bloc Party”,  “Linkin Park”,  “Bastille”,  “Blink 182”,  “Jamie T”,  “The XX”,  “The Bangles”.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures in East London, Essex & Surrey (I wanted an ice cream while out in Essex.  But the people in the van didn’t have gloves on, so went without).

Week 315 Saturday 27^th June until Friday 3^rd July 2020.

Like most people, I haven’t been anywhere these the last few months other than a visit to the occasional shop/supermarket, queuing up outside rushing around as quickly as possible then going straight home.  If I am honest, I haven’t missed being around other wheezing, groaning, complaining walking meatsacks.

 “Mary, Mungo and Midge the next generation”. 

Last Sunday my friend and I ventured further away from home than we have been since March. It was only a journey of 30 to 40 minutes, but seeing more and more cars and people was a little bit of a shock.  We were meeting up with Rac an old (she’s actually younger than us) friend.  Standing in the car park seeing people walking around, getting in and out of cars or on and off horses did make me feel a little uncomfortable.

 “Dirk Turpin, looks different in real life!”.

That inner stress only got worse, when we couldn’t get the car park ticket machine to work, or get a signal (yes, we probably looked silly waving our small electronic devise around hoping to catch a whisp of a stray signal drifting above our heads) to pay on-line.  In the end RAC saved us, she really was the responsible adult that afternoon.

 “Just beautiful”.

All the stress of getting there, trying to pay disappeared once we were led into the woods. Being surrounded by grass, trees, birds and squirrels really is the best therapy.  Even when it was raining, I was happy hearing the sound of the water falling on to the canopy of leaves above, watching drips fall on to the carpet of ferns and grass.

 “Singing in the rain”.

I don’t know really where we were, I didn’t need to, it was beautiful.  I wasn’t cold in only shorts, a vert top and a shawl, what was important was that I was with friends surrounded by nature and happier than I have been for a long time.  Thank you Rac!

 “One moment the sun shone, then it rained.  Followed by more sun.  A really enjoyable afternoon”.

While we were in the woods a little girl stopped (she was with her family) and asked us if we had seen the Gruffalo (normally there is a trail in those woods, that you follow to discover statues of characters from the story).  We hadn’t and wished her (We didn’t tell her that the statues have been put on to storage at the moment, so she won’t find The Gruffalo sadly).

 “Is some one re-filming Carry on Cowboy”.

And Now For Something Completely Different.

 “Not my hand.  But if you want to hire it to model your product, get in touch.  Special rates for mates”.

 Working from home is great, I have mentioned this a lot over the last few months.  While speaking to numpties on the phone, I get great pleasure watching birds on the feeders in the garden.  Other activities during a working day might include chasing a gang of local hooligan (squirrel) of the bird feeders (in a nice way of course. Which is why they probably keep returning, I am soft with animals).  Or stroking a neighbour’s cat that visits the garden, rubbing its face on everything including me (I realise this is its way of saying “I own this, this and you”.  I really don’t have a problem being its Baaaaaaitch.  I told you I liked animals). All of this is so much nicer than being cooped up in a large stuffy extremely noisy office. However, the main reason I enjoy working from home, is my commute down the stairs from the bedroom to the living room.  That journey never gets boring.

 “My owner, the neighbours pussy”.

But there are down sides. Because of this quick journey and work know that I am at home they can exploit it.  Earlier this week I got an email informing me I had an online appraisal later this month at 8am.  When I read that time all I could hear in my head was “Whaaaaaaaaat!!!!”  I don’t start until 9, at the time of the appt I am normally fast asleep. 

 “I am happy after eating a huge curry”.

I have spent most of lockdown in my PJ’s, only getting dressed when I really need to.  And am very tempted to attend the appraisal in my PJ’s sat up in bed.  I have sent an email asking if this time is correct, will I get paid or time off in leu.  At this time I haven’t had a reply!  Reading this back, I do seem to just be moaning about nothing.  But it’s the principle of having a meeting an hour before the actual time that the office opens.  My managers have children (that’s their fault) and have probably up before sparrow fart, but not me!

 “An old picture.  How i might look during my Appraisal”.

Apart from this gripe working from home is the best thing to have happened (personally) in years.  I know plenty of “office workers” who would not be upset if they never stepped foot in another badly over lit, air-conditioned work place.  This period of lockdown may have changed the way many of us work for ever.  My only issue is that it can be exploited, as with my appraisal.  I’ll keep you informed; maybe even take a screen shot for you. 

 “Always a fave moment when homeworking”.

And Finally……

Spoke to a nice woman who lives in the same street as my brother.  She probably could have opened a window and shouted to him and his family.

 “Even a small creature is beautiful”.

And

This week I was heard to say with shock “I just splashed coffee on Jon Pertwee’s face” (Liz Sladen and him are the cover stars of the latest Doctor Who Magazine).

“Very distracted at an emotional moment in classic Who, while writing this shiz”.

My Mid Life Crisis Conts……

This week I have mainly been watching:  

“Better Than Us”, (S1, ep 14).  “Click”, (TX: 27/06/20).  “Comedians: Home Alone”, (S1, ep 5).  “Crazy Craig’s Pearls – Year 3 Anniversary Video”, (Facebook)(TX: 01/07/20).  “Creeped Out”, (S1, ep 1).  “DEVS”, (S1, ep 7).  “Genius Of The World”, (S1, ep 1, TX: 05/08/15)(ep 2, TX: 12/08/15).  “Hidden Wilds Of The Motorway”, (TX: 30/06/20).  “I May Destroy You”, (S1, ep 7 & ep 8).  “Lost Pyramids Of The Aztec”, (ep 2, TX: 28/06/20).  “National Theatre Live: Les Blancs”, (Original TX: 2020)(Rpt TX: 02/07/20).  “Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience”, (S3, ep 3, TX: 21/06/12)( ep4, TX: 28/05/12)(S4, ep 1, TX: 05/06/13)(ep 2, TX: 12/06/13).  “The Adam’s Family”, (2019).  “The Luminaries”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 3).  “The Mike Skipper Lockdown Saturday Quiz”, (FaceBook)(TX: 27/06/20).  “Two’s Company”, (S3, ep 1).  “You’re Only Young Twice”, (S1, ep 6 & ep 7)(S2, ep 1 to ep 8).                                 

Doctor Who Watched This Week:

“Catrovalva, (S19, Prod Code 5Z)(ep 1, TX: 04/01/82)(ep 2, TX: 05/01/82)(ep 3, TX: 11/01/82)(ep 4, TX: 12/01/82).

“Four To Doomsday”, (S19, Prod Code 5W)(ep 1, TX: 18/01/82)(ep 2, TX: 19/01/82)(ep 3, TX: 25/01/82)(ep 4, TX: 26/01/82).

“Kinda”, (S19, Prod Code 5Y)(ep 1, TX: 01/02/82)(ep 2, TX: 02/02/82)(ep 3, TX: 08/03/82)(ep 4, TX: 09/03/82).

“The Visitation”, (S19, Prod Code 5X)(ep 1, TX: 15/02/82)(ep 2, TX 16/02/82)(ep 3, TX: 22/02/82)(ep 4, TX: 23/02/82).

“Black Orchid”, (S19, Prod Code 6A)(ep 1, TX: 01/03/82)(ep 2, TX: 02/02/82).

“Earthshock”, (S19, Prod Code 6B)(ep 1, TX: 08/03/82)(ep 2. TX: 09/03/82)(ep 3, TX: 15/03/82)(ep 4, TX: 16/03/82).

“Time-Flight”, (S19, Prod Code 6C)(ep 1, TX: 22/03/82)(ep 2, TX: 23/03/82)(ep 3, 29/03/82)(ep 4, 30/03/82).

This week I have mainly been listening to:  

“Coronavirus Global Daily Update”, (BBC World Service) (27/06/20) (28/06/20) (29/06/20) (30/06/20)(01/07/20)(02/07/20)(03/07/20).  “CNN, Coronavirus: Fact Vs Fiction”, (ep 87, 29/06/20)(ep 88, 30/06/20)(ep 89, 01/07/20)(ep 90, 02/07/20)(ep 91, 03/07/20).  “Dear Joan And Jericha (Julia Davis And Vicki Pepperdine)”, (S1, ep 7, 11/06/18)(ep 8, 20/06/18)(Special, 29/06/20).  “Grounded With Louis Theroux”, (BBC Radio 4)(ep 10, 29/06/20).  “Lazy Doctor Who”, (ep 83, 04/03/17)(ep 84, 05/03/17(ep 85, 10/03/17)(ep 86, 18/03/17)(ep 87, 26/03/17)(ep 88, 21/05/17)(ep 89, 17/06/17)(ep 90, 27/06/17)(ep 91, 23/07/17).  “Mystery Hour”, (02/07/20).  “NASA: Gravity Assist”, (S4, ep 13, 26/06/20).  “NASA: Houston We Have A Podcast”, (ep 151, 02/07/20).  “Nick Abbot (Whole Show)”, (27/06, 03/07/20).  “Rob Beckett And Josh Widdecombe’s Lockdown Parenting Hell”, (ep 10, 29/05/20)(ep 11 02/06/20)(ep 12, 05/06/20)(ep 13, 09/06/20)(ep 14, 12/06/20)(ep 16, 19/06/20)(ep 17, 23/06/20)(ep 18, 26/06/20)(ep 19, 30/06/20)(ep 20, 03/07/20).  “Soundtracking With Edith Bowman”, (ep 200, 26/06/20)(201, 03/07/20).  “Strange Times”, (Public Announcement, 20/06/20)(ep 348, 26/06/20).  “Sue Perkins: An Hour Or So With…”, (S2, ep 3 (ep 14), 24/06/20)(ep 4 (ep 15), 01/07/20).  “The All New Angelos And Barry Podcast”, (01/07/20).  “The Adam Buxton Podcast”, (ep 126, 30/06/20).  “The Late Night Alternative With Iain Lee”, (ep 6, 29/06/20)(ep 7, 30/06/20(ep 8, 01/07/20).  “The Nick Abbot Habit”,(29/06/20).   “What’s The Problem? With Nick Abbot And Carol McGiffen”, (S1, ep 23, 30/06/20).  “Morrissey”,  “Christine And The Queens”,  “Elbow”,  “My Life Story”,  “Haim”,  “Echo And The Bunnymen”,  “R.E.M”,  “Shed Seven”,  “Blondie”,  “Queen”,  “Suede”,  “Keane”,  “ABBA”.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures in East London (though it felt like The Mediterranean on Thursday and Friday).

Week 314 Saturday 20^th until Friday 26^th June 2020.

I didn’t have a good start to the working week.  When I became conscious the first thing I heard was myself saying two words (not, “frak off”) I say at the start of every call while working Monday to Friday.  I’m not sure what’s worse dreaming about taking telephone calls at work or waking up and saying those “words”.

 “I really did feel like this”.

Once up, I rush around prepping for another day tied to the telephone.  Everything is done as quickly as possible while trying to make as little noise as I can.  Admittedly if I got up earlier, I wouldn’t have to rush around like such a fool.  When lockdown began I calculated how late I could stay in bed, and still be ready for work at 9am.

 “A couple of locals who enjoy my friends garden.  I was tempted to join them”.

Here is a list of what went wrong that particular Monday morning within about of 20 minutes. During that time I mumbled many colourful metaphors, and considered changing my name to “Calamity Dana”.

 “Its Bread”.

• I stubbed my little toe on a 5k weight I stupidity left on the floor the previous day.
• Scrapped my arm against the metal part of the living room door lock.
• Inserted main password wrong.
• Walked into a chair and bruised my left knee.
• Missed the brekkie bowl while pouring milk (I did consider getting a strew and sucking it up! I didn’t).
• Got the password wrong a second time.
• Opened a kitchen curtain too far, that it ended hanging off the curtain rail.
• Had to scrabble for a piece of paper with my password written on (Yes, I realise this is not good practice).
• At 9 am I was seated at the table waiting for the phone to ring.  However 5 minutes later I realised that the thick blue cable which snakes through the house that plugs into the phone had not been unfurled.  It was only then that I though how lucky that no one in the household has tripped over that damn wire during lockdown.

All I could hope for was that the week would get better.

 “Will send this to mum”.

And Now For Something Completely Different.

Friday morning, busy at work when the doorbell rang.  Standing outside was one of the neighbours who asked if I am good with birds?  Especially Pigeons!  My face erupted into a huge smile, because I really am a Pigeon fan.  Years ago, I decided that because most people hate them, I would embrace them.  Forget the image of Trafalgar Square in London during the 70s, stop and have a look at one, they really are rather pretty birds.

 “Yes i am in my PJ’s”.

The neighbours had discovered one hiding with in there large flowerpots with an injured wing.  Because no one wanted to approach they called me.  It really was a privilege to have this freighted creature’s complete trust.  When I had it in my hands, I noticed a ring on one foot.  This is why it allowed me to pick it up.

 “My secret is out.  Why get dressed or brush hair when working from home”.

Once I had secured the box in the neighbour front passenger seat (with the seat belt around it, of course), the Pigeon was taken to a local vet.  I asked my neighbour to point out the ring because from previous experience vets are sadly not interested in a street pigeons.  But a bird with a ring means the owner can be traced.  Sadly, I didn’t make a note of the number on the ring, I was busy trying to ensure that the bird was as happy as it could be while being handled.

 “End of week, celebration”.

The start of the working week was really stressful.  The rest of the week was “ok”.  Those few minutes on Friday morning with a beautiful bird made everything better.

And Finally……

A friend’s package arrived on the doorstep during an extremely hot afternoon.  From another room I heard her shout “oh, my knickers are warm!”.  The plastic bag that her pants were delivered in really was warm to the touch.

 “Chewie picture of the Week”.

And

I did say “looks like a top shelf tubby Theresa” during the week!

 “Writing this shiz, while distracted by a live Spacewalk”.

My Mid Life Crisis Conts……

This week I have mainly been watching:  

“Click”, (TX: 20/06/20).  “Comedians: Home Alone”, (S1, ep 4).  “Death In Paradise”, (S8, ep 7 &  ep 8)(S9, ep 1 to ep 8).  “DEVS”, (S1, ep 5 & ep 6).  “Game Night”, (2018).   “I May Destroy You”, (S1, ep 5 & ep 6).  “Jack Whitehall’s Father’s Day”, (TX: 19/06/20).  “NASA Spacewalk #63 (Cassidy & Behnken)”, (NASA TV)(TX: 26/06/20).  “National Theatre Live: A Midsummer’s Night Dream (From The Bridge Theatre)”, (Original TX: 17/10/19)(Rpt TX: 25/06/20).  “Peter Pan Live! – The Show Must Go On #withme”, (Original TX: 04/12/140(Rpt TX: 20/06/20).  “Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience”, (S1, ep 4, TX: 09/02/10)(S2, ep 1, TX: 07/03/11)(ep 2, TX: 14/03/11)(ep 3, TX: 21/03/11)(ep 4, TX: 28/03/11)(S3, ep 1, TX: 07/05/12)(ep 2, TX: 14/05/12)(S9, ep 3, TX: 19/06/20).  “The Aviator”, (2004).  “The Mike Skipper Lockdown Saturday Quiz”, (FaceBook)(TX: 20/06/20).  “Timeslip – The Wrong End Of Time”, (ep 1, TX: 28/09/70).  “The Wizard Of OZ”, (1939).  “What We Do In The Shadows”, (S2, ep 6 to ep 10).  “Yes Prime Minister”, (S2, ep 4 to ep 8).  “You’re Only Young Twice”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 5).                                 

Doctor Who Watched This Week:

“The Leisure Hive, (S18, Prod Code 5N)(ep 1, TX: 30/08/80)(ep 2, TX: 06/09/80)(ep 3, TX: 13/09/80)(ep 4, TX: 20/09/80).

“Meglos”, (S18, Prod Code 5Q)(ep 1, TX: 27/09/80)(ep 2, TX: 04/10/80)(ep 3, TX: 11/10/80)(ep 4, TX: 18/10/80).

“Full Circle”, (S18, Prod Code 5R)(ep 1, TX: 25/10/80)(ep 2, TX: 01/11/80)(ep 3, TX: 08/11/80)(ep 4, TX: 15/11/80).

“State Of Decay”, (S18, Prod Code 5P)(ep 1, TX: 22/11/80)(ep 2, TX 29/11/80)(ep 3, TX: 06/12/80)(ep 4, TX: 13/12/80).

“Warriors Gate”, (S18, Prod Code 5S)(ep 1, TX: 03/01/81)(ep 2, TX: 10/01/81)(ep 3, TX: 17/01/81)(ep 4, TX: 24/01/81).

“The Keeper Of Traken”, (S18, Prod Code 5T)(ep 1, TX: 31/01/81)(ep 2. TX: 07/02/81)(ep 3, TX: 14/02/81)(ep 4, TX: 21/02/81).

“Logopolis”, (S18, Prod Code 5V)(ep 1, TX: 28/02/81)(ep 2, TX: 07/03/81)(ep 3, 14/03/81)(ep 4, 21/03/81).

This week I have mainly been listening to:  

“Coronavirus Global Daily Update”, (BBC World Service) (20/06/20) (21/06/20) (22/06/20) (23/06/20)(24/06/20)(25/06/20)(26/06/20).  “CNN, Coronavirus: Fact Vs Fiction”, (ep 82, 22/06/20)(ep 83, 23/06/20)(ep 84, 24/06/20)(ep 85, 25/06/20)(ep 86, 26/06/20).  “Daddy Look At Me – It’s Daddy’s Day!”, (21/06/20).  “Dear Joan And Jericha (Julia Davis And Vicki Pepperdine)”, (S1, ep 5, 28/05/18)(ep 6, 04/07/18).  “Grounded With Louis Theroux”, (BBC Radio 4)(ep 8, 15/06/20)(ep 9, 22/06/20).  “Lazy Doctor Who”, (ep 68, 06/09/16)(ep 69, 24/09/16)(ep 70, 25/09/16)(ep 71, 05/11/16)(ep 72 & ep 73, 11/11/16)(ep 74 & ep 75, 12/11/16)(ep 76, 18/11/16)(ep 77, 20/11/16)(ep 78, 23/11/16)(ep 79, 11/12/16)(ep 80, 08/01/17)(ep 81, 27/01/17)(ep 82, 10/02/17).  “NASA: Houston We Have A Podcast”, (ep 150, 26/06/20).  “Nick Abbot (Whole Show)”, (20/06, 26/06/20).  “Rob Beckett And Josh Widdecombe’s Lockdown Parenting Hell”, (ep 7, 19/05/20)(ep 8, 22/05/20)(ep 9, 26/05/20).  “Soundtracking With Edith Bowman”, (ep 199, 19/06/20).  “Sue Perkins: An Hour Or So With…”, (S2, ep 2, 24/06/20).  “The Late Night Alternative With Iain Lee”, (ep 4, 22/06/20)(ep 5, 23/06/20).  “The Nick Abbot Habit”,(22/06/20).  “The Old Doctor Who Show Podcast”, (ep 96, 24/06/20).  “What’s The Problem? With Nick Abbot And Carol McGiffen”, (S1, ep 22, 22/06/20).  “Morrissey”,  “The Monkees”,  “Kings Of Leon”,  “The KLF”,  “Elbow”,  “P.J.Harvey”,  “The Velvet Underground”,  “M.I.A”,  “Florence And The Machine”,  “David Bowie”,  “The Mock Turtles”,  “The Cribs”,  “The Enemy”,  “Supergrass”,  “Pixies”,  “Ash”,  “Hard-Fi”,  “Pulp”,  “Foals”,  Harvey Danger”,  “Faithless”.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures in East London And Surrey (inc worrying about the bike on the back of the car while on the M25).

Week 313 Saturday 13^th until Friday 19^th June 2020.

Is the lockdown over?  For me I am very much still locked in, working from home only going out when I absolutely need to.  Even before this period I generally tried to keep away from people, so not having contact with others suits me fine.

 “I visited a local Hospital this week”.

On Monday I had to go out, there was a moment when I stood still on the pavement looking up wide eyed like a tiny child as a train rushed over a very busy road.  That’s the nearest I have been to a train in 3 months.  When I used to travel into the office I sat/stood in tubes and trains for more hours than comfortable every week.  Even though I enjoy a train, I definitely don’t miss being a sardine! Sorry a commuter.  I was very happy to stand on the pavement and just watch the train speed past.

 “I felt very naked for a few hours”.

The start of the last week was when all “non-essential” (I suspect that every owner/manager thinks their shop and products are essential) shops reopened.  When I parked there were already queues of people waiting for the doors to open, which must have been a welcome sight to staff inside, who had probably wondered if anyone would turn up after spending months at home on-line shopping.

 “Various DW paintings, at different stages of completion”.

As with trains I don’t particularly want to be trudging around browsing “things” either these days.  For me Lockdown is continuing, it’s my own personal hibernation.  Maybe in a couple of months’ time, I will pop my head out of the burrow and see if things have got better.

And Now For Something Completely Different.

 “Booze”.

Last Saturday my friend heard a noise behind her old heater in the living room.  In the dark of the disused chimney cavity she saw a beady eye look back at her, when she pulled the heater away from the wall.  Just like Scott and Virgil Tracy from International Rescues we sprang straight into action.  An old sheet was employed as the safety net, objects, furniture and loved knick-knacks were moved safely out of the way.  A rescue plan was hatched to set the captive free.

 “Meal of the week.  Banana and Marmite Cheddar Bagels, a great brekkie”.

As you might expect nothing went as we had planned.  The terrified Starling managed to get through a tiny gap between the sheet and the chimney edge which was uncovered for a billionth of a second.  The bird flew around the room leaving soot marks on the walls and ceiling before it had the sense to fly out of the open French windows to freedom.

 “The un-named Starlings 24hr prison”.

We suspect that the poor bird had probably been trapped for about 24hrs, the previous evenings weather had been blustery.  The reason the Starling had been so quiet (in my opinion) was because the chimney was dry and dark.  Thankfully my friend heard movement when she did.  I love to be close to nature, especially birds, but I prefer to see them in the garden/outside than panicking in the living room.  My only complaint is the Starling didn’t hang around to help with the 40 minutes clear up afterwards!

 “The clean up started”.

And Finally……

 “Brought home “Shadowfax”, we haven’t been together for years.  Needs a clean and some maintenance before i can straddle it”.

One afternoon, there appeared to be so much extra noise coming from every direction while I worked in the living room.  On one side there was the hum of the generator from a jet washer being used a few doors down.  On the other side, a neighbour continues to drill while building a shed that would withstand a direct hit by a nuclear bomb from how long it’s taken to build.  While overhead flocks of pretty green parrots flew back and forth from tree to tree squawking loudly.

 “The corner of the new Bunker shed that next door are making.  The Parrots sit in that tree, and just watch”.

I was hoping that the parrots might get bored and do something useful by dive bombing both noisy neighbours to teach them a lesson.  They didn’t, but they did shiz on my friend’s car – I’m talking about the Parrots, not the neighbours.  Bloody nature!

 “Very distracted by this classic moment, when i should have been writing this shiz”.

My Mid Life Crisis Conts……

This week I have mainly been watching:  

“BIG Jet TV – Red Arrows & Patrouille de France Display Team, London Fly Past”, (YouTube)(TX: 18/06/20).  “Click”, (TX: 13/06/20).  “Comedians: Home Alone”, (S1, ep 3).  “Dark Docs – The President Who Forgot Their Nuclear Launch Codes – Dropping The Nuclear Football”, (YouTube)(TX: 19/05/20).  “Death In Paradise”, (S8, ep 1 to ep 6).  “I May Destroy You”, (S1, ep 1 & ep 2).  “Killing Eve”, (S3, ep 8).  “Midsommar”, (2019).  “National Theatre Live: Small IslandI”, (Original TX: 27/06/19)(Rpt TX: 18/06/20).  “Ocean Autopsy: The Secrets Of Our Seas”, (TX: 09/06/20).  “Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience”, (S1, ep 3, TX: 02/02/10)(S9, ep 2, TX: 11/06/20).  “Springwatch 2020”, (ep 12 TX: 12/06/20).  “The Mike Skipper Lockdown Saturday Quiz”, (FaceBook)(TX: 13/06/20).  “Some Like It Hot”, (1959).  “Television Centre – End Of Days”, (YouTube)(TX: 15/03/13).  “The Other One”, (S1, ep 6 &  ep 7).  “The Ranganation”, (S2, ep 6, TX: 14/06/20).  “The Sky At Night”, (ep 801, TX: 14/06/20).  “Trigonometry”, (S1, ep 3 to ep 8).  “What We Do In The Shadows”, (S2, ep 4 & ep 5).  “Yes Prime Minister”, (S1, ep 2 to ep 8)(S2, ep 1 to ep 3).                                

Doctor Who Watched This Week:

“The Destiny Of The Daleks, (S17, Prod Code 5J)(ep 1, TX: 01/09/79)(ep 2, TX: 08/09/79)(ep 3, TX: 15/09/79)(ep 4, TX: 22/09/79).

“City Of Death”, (S17, Prod Code 5H)(ep 1, TX: 29/09/79)(ep 2, TX: 06/10/79)(ep 3, TX: 13/10/79)(ep 4, TX: 20/10/79).

“The Creature From The Pit”, (S17, Prod Code 5G)(ep 1, TX: 27/10/79)(ep 2, TX: 03/11/79)(ep 3, TX: 10/11/79)(ep 4, TX: 17/11/79).

“Nightmare Of Eden”, (S17, Prod Code 5K)(ep 1, TX: 24/11/79)(ep 2, TX 01/12/79)(ep 3, TX: 08/12/79)(ep 4, TX: 15/12/79).

“The Horns Of Nimon”, (S17, Prod Code 5L)(ep 1, TX: 22/12/79)(ep 2, TX: 29/12/79)(ep 3, TX: 05/01/80)(ep 4, TX: 12/01/80).

“Shada”, (S17, Prod Code 5M)(Intended TX 19/01/80 to 23/02/80)(BBC DVD Version, 04/12/17).

This week I have mainly been listening to:  

“Coronavirus Global Daily Update”, (BBC World Service) (13/06/20) (14/06/20) (15/06/20) (16/06/20)(17/06/20)(18/06/20)(19/06/20).  “CNN, Coronavirus: Fact Vs Fiction”, (ep 77, 15/06/20)(ep 78, 16/06/20)(ep 79, 17/06/20)(ep 80, 18/06/20)(ep 81, 19/06/20).  “Grounded With Louis Theroux”, (BBC Radio 4)(ep 4, 18/05/20)(ep 5, 25/05/20)(ep 6, 01/06/20).  “Lazy Doctor Who”, (ep 63, 27/08/16)(ep 64, 03/09/16)(ep 65 & ep 66, 04/09/16)(ep 67, 05/09/16).  “Mystery Hour”, (18/06/20).  “NASA: Gravity Assist”, (19/06/20).  “NASA: Houston We Have A Podcast”, (ep 149, 19/06/20).  “Nick Abbot (Whole Show)”, (13/06, 19/06/20).  “Rob Beckett And Josh Widdecombe’s Lockdown Parenting Hell”, (ep 3, 05/05/20)(ep 4, 08/05/20)(ep 5, 12/05/20)(ep 6, 15/05/20)(ep 15, 16/06/20).  “Soundtracking With Edith Bowman”, (ep 198, 12/06/20).  “Space Boffins”, (15/06/20).  “Strange Times”, (ep 347, 13/06/20).  “Sue Perkins An Hour Or So With…. (S2, ep 2, 17/06/20).  “The All New Angelos And Barry Podcast”, (13/06/20).  “The Late Night Alternative With Iain Lee”, (15/06/20)(16/06/20)(17/06/20)(18/06/20)(19/06/20).  “The Nick Abbot Habit”,(29/04/19)(15/06/20).  “What’s The Problem? With Nick Abbot And Carol McGiffen”, (S1, ep 21, 16/06/20).  “Morrissey”,  “Air”,  “Sideways (Original Soundtrack Score – Rolfe Kent, 12/10/04)”,  “Manic Street Preachers”,  “Suede”,  “Blondie”,  “Natalie Imbruglia”,  “The Monkees”,  “Skunk Anansie”,  “Sandie Shaw”,  “Louis Armstrong”,  “Marilyn Monroe”.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures in East London (inc being kept awake one night by urban Foxes, doing it noisily).

Week 312 Saturday 6^th until Friday 12^th June 2020.

Lockdown (are we still locked down?) Week, wa’maH cha .

Damn you midnight! (Who decided that particular time was the end and beginning of a day?  I want their name and address on my desk in the morning, let’s all go round and post something nasty through there letter box).  I am trying to learn French with the help of a popular App.  Every night for the last few weeks I lied in bed and attempt to recognise words.  I say this because I don’t think I am really learning anything; think of me like a toddler (no offence to any toddlers reading) recognising words without really understanding them.

 “Does my nose look big in this shot“.

In bed a few nights ago while enjoying classic 70s “Doctor Who“, I thought I should do my practice before nodding off.  But because it was after midnight, I had lost my daily streak which I had proudly built up.  This streak doesn’t mean anything in reality, it’s the App’s way to make the student feel confident to move from the free platform and pay for the additional extras to help and improve their learning.

“A Parrot visiting one of our Birdfeeders.  I would have viewed for longer, but work gets in the way”.

My practice now takes place as soon as I get into bed, the adventures of my favourite eccentric time traveller has to wait.  I now ensure that I log in to the App at least once during every 24-hr period.  If I am honest, I am not going to learn anything from the app, what I really need is a French girlfriend.  If you are a redheaded lady from a French speaking land and would like to help a lardy old uneducated hag from South London please apply to, youcouldreadanything@becausefrenchsoundsonice.coke.ucake

 “Lock down is finally getting me to”.

And Now For Something Completely Different.

I love TV (look at the bottom of this ramble for proof) as with most people these days I download or watch on “catch up” almost everything?

 “I didn’t go out much this week.  So i really don’t have a lot of pics.  But a Chewie pic is always welcome”.

If there is a downside to lockdown for me personally, it’s the amount of money I have spent on DVD boxsets of classic Film and TV comedies from 60s to 90s.  Before this period I had not bought a DVD in years, now I have a new teetering pile, many waiting still to be viewed.

 “A very healthy evening meal.  Look a small Yorkshire pudding, what a treat”.

Going retro! (Are DVD’s old fashioned?)  Handling the plastic case and shiny disc has been strangely therapeutic during these uncertain times.  It has been really enjoyable watching classic comedies with my friend who I have been locked down with all these weeks.  Most of what we have watched we have seen before, however there are a couple of programmes such as “Yes Minister” which is new to us.  Speaking for myself, when I was young this well remembered comedy completely passed me by, I had absolutely no interest in it.  But watching with older eyes I appreciate the programme and wonder how much of the script was based on real political shenanigans of the early 80s, which probably still happens today in the corridors of power.

“A Frustrating start to a work day.  The computer kept buffering for a long time”.

While writing this section, I remembered that during the middle of Thursday night (and I really mean the early hours of the morning).  I ordered another 70s classic TV comedy boxset.  I am slowly getting through my list of classic Lockdown viewing.  I have even looked at purchasing a couple of Videos; I think we still have a machine that works?  Now that’s retro!

 “Do you like my Cherry”.

And Finally……

Because I am trying to be paperless at work, I decided to email it to myself a note.  The message was being sent and received by the same email address, I wasn’t sure this would work (I’m not a techie, remember I work in a call centre).  When I pressed send, I expected some sort of anti-matter feedback loop resulting in the laptop exploding in a puff of smoke.  Of course, nothing happened apart from the message arriving in the inbox straight away.  But I can’t lie that there was twinge of disappoint that the computer didn’t commit Hara-kiri.  As mentioned earlier, I have seen far too many films.

 “A fraction of a second before this bush was full of birds.  Honest”.

Also,

Spoke to a gentleman who is 100 year old.  I wished I could have stopped talking “shop” and asked him questions about things he has seen, experienced over these years.  His name is one I won’t forget in a hurry.

My Mid Life Crisis Conts……

This week I have mainly been watching:  

“BBC Archive: Behind The Scenes At Blue Peter”, (YouTube)(Part of ep TX: 25/03/68).  ’“Click”, (TX: 06/06/20).  “Comedians: Home Alone”, (S1, ep 2).  “Death In Paradise”,(S7, ep 3 to ep 8).  “DEVS”, (S1, ep 4).  “Horizon 2016: Oceans Of The Solar System”, (TX: 06/04/16).  “I May Destroy You”, (S1, ep 1 & ep 2).  “National Theatre Live: Nottingham Play House’s The Madness Of George III”, (Original TX: 20/11/18)(Rpt TX: 11/06/20).  “Springwatch 2020”, (ep 9, TX: 09/06/20)(ep 10, TX: 10/06/20)(ep 11 TX: 11/06/20).  “The Last Leg: Lock Down Under”, (20, ep 5, TX: 05/06/20).  “The Mike Skipper Lockdown Saturday Quiz”, (FaceBook)(TX: 06/06/20).  “The Other One”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 5).  “The Quiet Ones”, (2014).  “The Ranganation”, (S2, ep 5, TX: 07/06/20).  “Sideways”, (2004).  “Staged”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 6).  “The Wiz, Live!, The Show Must Go On – Stay Home #withme”, (Original TX: 03/12/15).  “Trigonometry”, (S1, ep 2).  “What We Do In The Shadows”, (S2, ep 1 to ep 3).  “Yes Minister”, (S2, ep 1 to ep 7)(S3, ep 1 to ep 7)(Crimbum Special 1984).  “Yes Prime Minister”, (S1, ep 1).                                

Doctor Who Watched This Week:

“The Pirate Planet”, (S16, Prod Code 5B)(ep 1, TX: 30/09/78)(ep 2, TX: 07/10/78)(ep 3, TX: 14/10/78)(ep 4, TX: 21/10/78).

“The Stones Of Blood”, (S16, Prod Code 5C)(ep 1, TX: 28/10/78)(ep 2, TX: 04/11/78)(ep 3, TX: 11/11/78)(ep 4, TX: 18/11/78).

“The Androids Of Tara”, (S16, Prod Code 5D)(ep 1, TX: 25/11/78)(ep 2, TX: 02/12/77)(ep 3, TX: 09/12/78)(ep 4, TX: 16/12/78).

“The Power Of Krull”, (S16, Prod Code 5E)(ep 1, TX: 23/12/78)(ep 2, TX 30/12/78)(ep 3, TX: 06/01/79)(ep 4, TX: 13/01/79).

“The Armageddon Factor”, (S16, Prod Code 5F)(ep 1, TX: 20/01/79)(ep 2, TX: 27/01/79)(ep 3, TX: 03/02/79)(ep 4, TX: 10/02/79)(ep 5, TX: 17/02/79)(ep 6, TX: 24/02/79).

This week I have mainly been listening to:  

“13 Minutes To The Moon”, (BBC World Service)(s2, ep 7, 08/06/20).  “Anti Social Show”, (ep 82, 09/06/20).  “Coronavirus Global Daily Update”, (BBC World Service)(06/06/20 x 2)(07/06/20 x 2)(08/06/20 x 2)(09/06/20 x 2)(10/06/20 x 2)(11/06/20 x 2)(12/06/20 x 2).  “CNN, Coronavirus: Fact Vs Fiction”, (ep 72, 08/06/20)(ep 73, 09/06/20)(ep 74, 10/06/20)(ep 75, 11/06/20)(ep 76, 12/06/20).  “Dear Joan And Jericho (Julia Davis And Vicki Pepperdine)”, (S1, 1, ep 1, 25/04/18)(ep 2, 07/05/18)(ep 3, 14/05/18)(ep 4, 21/05/18).  “Grounded With Louis Theroux”, (BBC Radio 4)(Trailer, 20/04/20)(ep 1, 27/04/20)(ep 2, 04/05/20)(ep 3, 11/05/20)(ep 7, 08/06/20).  “In Poor Taste”, (ep 120, 05/06/20).  “Lazy Doctor Who”, (ep 62, 26/08/16).  “NASA: Gravity Assist”, (12/06/20).  “NASA: Houston We Have A Podcast”, (ep 147, 05/06/20)(ep 148, 12/06/20).  “Nick Abbot (Whole Show)”, (06/06, 12/06/20).  “Rob Beckett And Josh Widdecombe’s Lockdown Parenting Hell”, (Trailer, 26/04/20)(ep 1, 28/04/20)(ep 2, 01/05/20).  “Spacefall A Blakes 7 Podcast”, (ep 26, 11/06/20).  “Soundtracking With Edith Bowman”, (ep 197, 06/06/20).  “Strange Times”, (ep 346, 06/06/20).  “Sue Perkins An Hour Or So With…. (S2, ep 1, 10/06/20).  “The Nick Abbot Habit”,(08/06/20).  “What’s The Problem? With Nick Abbot And Carol McGiffen”, (S1, ep 20, 08/06/20).  “Morrissey”,  “Peter Bjorn And John”,  “Artic Monkeys”,  “Blur”,  “Pulp”,  “The Style Council”,  “The Mama And The Papas”,  “Culture Club”,  “Boy George”,  “Sigue Sigue Sputnik”,  “Air”,  “The Wombats”.