4148 - The Tractor Factor

New Year's Eve's here, but not drinking tonight
In the end I succumbed at nine o'clock
Last night and got four beers, will-power too slight
Combined with satisfaction, almost shock
At all I'd achieved thus far, and to look
With joy at the footy highlights in which
I'd see Derby's win - we held on with pluck
Away at the Tractor Boys of Ipswich
We're second now, thanks to Wolves who just nicked
It away at Bristol City, a sight
That deserved a beer! Rams' defence a rock!
Tonight there's not much happening on the pitch
So no booze tonight, detox is more liked
In my mind, watching films is more my schtick

4147 - Something Old Year, Something New Year

A busy Saturday at home doing
Everything you can even visualise
Early on, clothes sorting and ironing
Creating Wednesday's comedy surprise
At the Carlton Club. Themes include New Years
But not resolutions, fuck those, baby
Although, even before it's here, beers
And fags are not somewhere I want to be
They harm my wallet, health, and industry
In two days, succeeded in finishing
A book on Manchester music, sixties
To eighties, then found them on Spotify
Some tracks that the author was describing
Kept eye on Derby - up to second place!!

4146 - Stations of the dross

No car today, had to get a taxi
To take Jo, when she finally emerged,
From my flat to Station Piccadilly
A nice Olympic cab man didn't judge
Us for being late, trudging through the sludge
To reach the cab in McDonald's car park
After Jo got home, I was very much
Late for work. Caught the train, then a long walk
Through town to the office. A spoon, not fork,
Needed for eating lunchtime soup quickly
Lentil dahl always gives tastebuds that nudge
They need and desire, but then back to work
Or rather, to begin some work today
Out of duty, bit like singing in church

4145 - Nightmare in Bolton

First day back at work, but first, the trauma
Of driving the hired car back to Bolton
Through hail and rain and slush and ice and the
Poor visibility, wrong way taken
Found Avis in the end, having driven
In circles trying to find it. Got the train
To Salford Central. At ten past eleven
Finally walked in the office again
Ending their worries, wondering where I'd been
Two meetings, a late lunch, then left at four
Although I'd meant to stay for a late one
This evening, we tasted the food of Spain
At Evuna in the Northern Quarter
Pearl's 30th birthday meal was super yum!

4144 - Time's arrow

The queen of lie-ins, Josephine, she got
Up about 1 pm, in the meantime
I read 70 pages of Against
Nature, and listened to the radio - fine
Selection on Radio 6, passed the time
Sunny day running out, so we went out
For a late brunch at Sainsburys, then a fine
Late sunny drive to Avis Bolton, nowt
Difficult, reccy proved an easy route
For returning it tomorrow, I've got
To get it there, then on the train quick time
To work in Salford. Tomorrow we're out
For a meal in Evuna, Spanish food
Celebrating Pearl's 30th! How time..........

4143 - She's not there

Boxing Day! The Christmas period goes on
Woke on V's sofa, Louis on the floor
A rainy morning. Drove home on my own
Shopped in Sainsburys. Lots of bags dragged indoors
Sleeping bag, shopping, overnight stuff, more
Clean clothes changed into, made Jo's bed, then a
Drive to Wilmslow to collect Jo, but poor
Chatting from P, that's little Jo's sister
Who seemed distracted, mentally not there
Took J back to mine, had some chat and fun
Between us, watched School of Rock, Jack Black, or
Louis lookalike! Pie and beans for our
Tea, roundup of 2017 on
TV, then Match of the Day. Harry scores!

4142 - Cat has trophy

Christmas Day! Began with a beer or two
On the balcony before retiring
For the night. In the morning, picked up Lou
In the hired Hyundai, but got lost in
Ancoats, went too far right, started driving
In circles, found V's flat eventually
Had a good day, quizzes and food, arguing
At a minimum, but wobbles by P
Over Christmas dinner catastrophe
The veg was cooked too early, and while you
Could say the carrots were cold, was eating
It all up gladly, including turkey
Moderate drinking, no-one got pissed - who
Would have thought it? Good night sofa sleeping

4141 - Pass the mistletoe

Christmas Eve, made nice by having a car
(Hired) so I could take J to P and L
At V's in the evening, presents, cards are
All exchanged in time, quizzes, won by L
(Football) and me (music). Cleaned my flat. Hell
Of a job washing duvet for J's bed
But did it in the bath after I failed
To fit it in the washing machine - far
Too big! Took Louis home. I just couldn't tell
Which way to go but did it, succeeded
Finding Whalley Range, then Wilmslow, and had
A Christmas kiss from a tipsy Tania
Got home just as Eve turned to Day and poured
A beer to relax. Family Christmas Dad!

4140 - Small towel affairs

Woke at 8, well-rested, morning chat and
Coffee (and porridge) in the old Mum way
I must admit I was worried to find
The bathroom half-naked, covered only
By a very small hand towel, but hey
I did it, washed, dressed, emerged dignified
Fully-clothed, preserved in my modesty
We chatted, then J joined us, lots more said
Then drove to West Kirby, shopped, ate some fried
Chips, gammon and beans / peas, then drove around
The area of Hoylake, and Derby
Beating Millwall 3-0 - what a great side!
Left without seeing Rob, my brother, went
At Tania's insistence, J home safely

4139 - Ant wrap

Worked til 3 at the office, then shopping
For last-minute Christmas stuff in Sainsburys
Once home, scissors, Sellotape, and wrapping
Then into the hired Hyundai (black), breezed
Down to collect J, foggy motorways
To Greasby, oft-travelled roads to Grandma's
Massive portions of fish and chips were ate
Good chat with the old lady, coke and sweets
A bit of Graham Norton, not too late
Retiring to our single beds, so great
To have such an easy time. Mum's going
To Robin's for Christmas, his girlfriend Liz
Good to catch up, poor Mum worries this date
Won't recur too many more times coming

Fri 22 Dec

4138 - Christmas highway star

It's the shortest day of the year today
And it felt like it as I drove the car
Homewards in the dark and wet rush hour, way
Unclear, rush hour in full swing, as the dear
Folk of Bolton headed home, Christmas cheer
No doubt in their hearts, no work for a few
Days - turkey, wine, the in-laws now a mere
Matter of hours away, the people who
We avoid all year round, unless they do
Something daft like dying, or maybe they
Make almost as big a mistake, they are
Determined to get married. My car's due
Back in a week. Til then I will make hay
And maybe be a Christmas highway star

4137 - Tapas fracas

This quorn mince it's lasted a whole week now
And there's still a bit left for tomorrow
Which I'll have with mushrooms. They go like wow
Together, like peaches and cream, like snow
And Santa. Talking of him, and the glow
Of Rudolf's knob, sorry, nose, and presents
I've hardly done any shopping, you know
And a handful of cards, what with recent
Oils team departures, no-one to present
Them to, at work, anyway. Was allowed
To join the Environmental Team who
Went for tapas at lunchtime. Excellent
Fish, beans and patatas bravas, washed down
With red wine. Memories of Spanish trips flow

4136 - Truly medley deeply

Another comedy night, the King's Arms
I did some Salford jokes, not Manchester
Trying out some new material does no harm
The Christmas party show, old faces there
Like Annalies and two friends, they looked fair
I did more from my set from last Saturday
Not heckled this time, and memory was clear
Enough to do 6 pages worth - ok
Thanks to extensive rehearsal today
And yesterday evening back here at home
They liked my Christmas medley on guitar
No, ukelele, actually, I say
Lift there and back, on way home got some cans
Now a quick drink and then some sleep, oh yeah

4135 - More sonnets about buildings and fog

A foggy day in old Manchester town
Could not see the buildings through the windows
As I worked. Once home, I quickly got down
On the bedroom floor. It was time to throw
Shapes, press-ups, back stretches, bending and low
Down on bended knees. Next task was to write
A few jokes for comedy tomorrow
The Christmas party at the King's Arms. Quite
A few years of this now, but sadly, slight
Progression in the business of the clown
Another uke session, then beans on toast
With fried eggs on top - that's an old favourite
And so, at 9pm, I'll now sit down
Try to learn my jokes, then a well-earned doze

4134 - On the front foot(ball)

A busy Sunday so far, arranging
Stuff, bought tickets for United / Derby
FA Cup, January - that's exciting!
Also have hired a car for all through the
Christmas period, a whole week. It'll be
Fun seeing more of Jo, going places
First off, visiting my Mum on Friday
And staying overnight with Jo. There is
A good chance we'll see Robin there, cos he's
Driving Mum to the Midlands. She's staying
There this Christmas. Right now, dinner for me
Looking forward to more of that quorn mince
It's healthy, tasty, and also filling
Then I might play on my ukulele...!!

4133 - Blue Air Planet

Went out with Josie to town as usual
Bought her present from Urban Outfitters
It was busy as you'd expect, shops full
Even book shops. I bought her some trousers
Black cords with frayed bottoms, then back to hers
In time for me to make the Garratt pub
For a stand-up comedy night, hecklers
Included. And there was quite a hubbub
Of dissent from the locals, and the nub
Of it, they didn't want political
Or David Attenborough stuff! Thought there's
A safe topic, Blue Planet, but it rubbed
Them up the wrong way! Gave them an earful
Back, then some beers with two comic fellas!!

Sat 16 Dec

4132 - Your good health? What about mine?

Second night of quorn mince all piled up high
On my plate with peas, spaghetti, quinoa
And gravy, a weird mix, perhaps, but why
Should I care? There's no-one to please lives here
And anyway, I'd say that's good for ya
Played uke again, but even more pleasing
My third exercise session on the floor
Of my bedroom this week. Yes, restarting
My quest for health and fitness, following
The Belgian beer fest and other things I
Used as excuses. They're all gone, I'm more
Interested now in tummy reducing
And muscle defining! Some comedy
To learn now, tomorrow's gig's drawing near...

4131 - Failures

A fun day at work, coffee in morning
With team in People's History Museum
Then just an hour later I was eating
In Comptoir Libanais with the small team
Under Emma's management, and the theme
Was office managers, their many flaws
How this has impacted time after time
On most of us, not our fault, their failures
To deal with the ubiquitous slackers
(One in each team, at least), and bullying
And victimisation, a modicum
Of justification for the whoppers
They tell you in your appraisal, making
A negative impact on their own team

4130 - Marmite find it funny

Early start, set the alarm for seven
Three interviews, I was on the panel
I contributed my views, while seeing
Things from the other side of the table
It was interesting seeing them struggle
The best performer was the most chatty
That's what I have had feedback critical
Of, but today it's seen positively
I was tired, and went home to doze briefly
I then ate rocket and Ryvita, run
Out of Marmite, must buy some, and I will
Next time I find myself in Sainsbury
Comedy night at the Eagle, good fun
Helping the homeless, I feel less evil!

4129 - Chopped unions

Two morning meetings, first a union
Recruitment / information talk, given
To five new officers who have just come
Onto the 3rd Floor West to join the fun
Then, straight after, into another one
In Room 303, where I had to sum
Up the Oils regime, well, the HO10
Mainly, which is all about deferment
Explaining its complexities to men
Putting together CDS within
ETMP. Do you all understand?
This afternoon, I had to prepare an
Enormous pile of printouts, cos I am
Interviewing tomorrow. Pressure's on!

4128 - It's all an acting class

At lunchtime at work - Jingle and Mingle
Everyone brings in food. I walked to town
And fetched three curries back in a single
Carrier bag, hoped they wouldn't cool down
On the way back. I had one, others downed
The other two, so it wasn't wasted
I ate so much though, couldn't stick around
After savouries, desserts, felt exhausted
Had to go home and lie down, exhausted
I managed to doze half an hour, recall
My energy levels back to the crown
Needed for acting classes, Princess Street
Last one this term, and all things being equal
I've improved lots, and feel happier within!

4127 - Don't worry, no do, no don't, oh I don't know!!!

Not done much so far today, but finished
'Happy' by Derren Brown, concluded by
Saying don't just try for that happiness
The whole book was about, even to die
Happy. No, don't ignore anxiety
By studying how to relax or hide
No, and don't repress worries, and do cry
And all that, thus undoing all he'd tried
To say all through the book. Despite this, I'd
Say he was correct, and maybe that it's
Impossible to be fully happy
And be successful or fulfilled besides
With fear reduced by calmness and detached
From what's outside our control, let's still try

4126 - Uke can't touch this

Felt pretty bad, and tired, and even sick
This morning, but improved as day progressed
Stayed in, Josie too busy with schoolwork
I watched TV, read, ate, some texts, some rest
Derby won at Barnsley 3-0, depressed
Last week when the Rams lost, lost momentum
At home to the Tractor Boys - who'd have guessed?
Also arranged a Christmas trip to Mum
Hiring a car (Mum's agreed to pay some!!)
First go on the uke for over a week
Played some new stuff, so that was quite a test
Didn't even know some of those songs. Strum
Session still went well, I am getting slick
I want to keep improving - that's my quest!

4125 - It's all an act

It was the night of our team Christmas meal
A great meal at Albert's Shed and then we
Had drinks at Dukes 92 that was real
Interesting. Claire was there, and now she's free
And when she met me she got tearful. We
Could be something, but you know the problem
Everyone is the same, but that's not me
She became tearful, but I know that I'm
Not worthy of her emotions, a bum
That she's better off without. And the seal
Is I don't really care, I'm solitary
Then I danced with Lou, and we touched our bums
Like many times before, I made them feel
There was something, but that's illusory

4124 - Belg-Lux Day 6 - Bruges to Manchester

This morning was the stuff of recurring
Nightmares, the ones about missing a plane
At 6:30, my alarm was ringing
No breakfast, walked in the dark to the train
Station of Bruges, hopped on the airport train
Straight away, thought all was well, how lucky
To catch it like that, but I thought again
As it crawled along, no longer early
It was getting late. Started to worry
No time to get a boarding pass, running
To security, then to the gate, knowin'
I'd missed it, take-off five minutes away
And yet... around the gate, people milling
Take-off delayed! So I boarded the plane!

4123 - Belg-Lux Day 5 - Ghent to Bruges

Had breakfast, put the old dry jeans back on
After a welcome shower in the hostel
Hostel De Draeke, Ghent, it was that one
Walked to the station, train to Bruges, a stroll
Round the edge of town, circular canal
The Bauhaus Hostel, Langstraat, is the place
It has its own bar, good beer, I can tell
Ate at Lion Belge, spaghetti bolognese
A huge amount, and topped with grated cheese
Guided tour of Bruges started 2 pm
Then syrupy waffle - what a waffle!
Next, viewed the blood of Christ, which was encased
In a glass cylinder. Market place, some
Christmas stalls, but didn't linger at all

Wed 6 Dec

4122 - Belg-Lux Day 4 - Luxembourg to Ghent

Woken early, some prick put the light on
And dazzled me. It turned out fortunate
Caught the 10am train going to Arlon
And on to Brussels. Changed for Ghent, and that
Enabled me to see it in the light
I tried to sleep for an hour, then went out
Ate from a supermarket - then my night
Was all about finding a bar with quiet
Atmosphere, somewhere I could drink and write
In the end, found a strange place - one old man
Bicycles on the ceiling, and a lot
Of junk everywhere. Musical delight
Provided by Radio Maria, some
Catholic station. Pissed my pants - they're wet!!!

Tue 5 Dec

4121 - Belg-Lux Day 3 - Antwerp to Luxembourg

A good night's sleep, just one guy in my room
Turned out a friendly German, a good chat
At breakfast, about writing. He writes some
Sci-fi, while I've just begun writing what
Is philosophical, with funny parts
Provisional title - Winning is for cunts
I wrote ideas while drinking beers. How's that?
Walked to Antwerp Station, a three-hour shunt
To Luxembourg City, through snowy woods
And fields. This raised my hopes that when I came
To the capital and saw the market
It would be all snowy, but that didn't
Happen. It was soon dark, I took some time
To look around. Tonight is all I've got

Mon 4 Dec

4120 - Belg-Lux Day 2 - Brussels to Antwerp

First full day in Belgium - woke at Karen's
Place. Great breakfast, her and Sebastian
Continuing the chat from last night, since
We got on so well. Some dehydration
From the beer, but slept well. I caught the train
From Brussels Central to Antwerp, but walked
Completely in the wrong direction
Hopped on a tram back to the centre, looked
At the map I'd forgot I had, and took
The right way to the shops and hostel in
The old town. Guided tour at two. Met on
The Grote Markt. Marta, our guide, she packed
A lot into the dark wet afternoon's
Chill. Had frites and beer. Now I'm staying in...

Sun 3 Dec

4119 - Belg-Lux Day 1 - Brussels

Tania drove me to Wilmslow rail station
I caught the airport train, read 'Happy' by
Derren Brown, a Stoics fan, had a ham
Sandwich on the plane. Got there in misty
Conditions to Brussels Airport, and why
Linger there? Brussels Central Station next
A quick look round Grand Place, a darkening sky
Met Karen, went to Café Leffe, looked
At the choices, chose a spicy drink, necked
It and had a good chat. Caught bus. Her home
Is in Schaerbeek, rue Artan, precisely
Had a nice stew, then we went for some ex-
cellent Belgian beer at a bar. They've gone
To bed, they're tired, so I'll go to mine. Bye!

Sat 2 Dec

4118 - Gorillaz in the mist

This day was initially in the office
Got some feedback from Katherine, on a failed
Interview from two weeks ago, and this
Didn't come as too big a surprise tale
I talked too much. You don't say! Caught the rail-
way train to Wilmslow, met Josie and went
To the Arena, the place where a hail
Of nails from a bomb blast caused huge torment
In early summer, lost young lives that meant
So much to Manchester people - but this
Was a concert by Gorillaz - assailed
Our ears with heavy bass, but each moment
Was entertaining. Late night train delays
Slept on Tania's mattress, slept really well

Fri 1 Dec

4117 - Naughty or nice?

A bloody cold day, but my cardigan
The red rusty one that was bought by Pearl
Stood me in good stead, kept me nice and warm
Even when some of us went for a small
Celebration of two birthdays, in Al-
bert Square, a temporary wooden building
Both pub and café, and it kept the chill
Away. I had a hot spiced orange drink
Laced with Jägermeister - it did the trick
Although once more it wasn't that much fun
Ignored once more by Emma - oh that girl
Has done it this time. My caring's ending
Gonna ignore her when Christmas meal comes
Tonight, 'Deep Thinkers' meeting number one!!

4116 - If music be the food of dub

A long day, prone to some sporadic lows
But just about got through, staying cheerful
In spite of real, imaginary blows
Which if not a hard man, I'd be tearful
Where is that Education job result?
Looks like I won't know til my holiday
But I won't wanna look then - I might spoil
My Christmas fun with thoughts of faraway
Failure back home. This evening, an array
Of CDs retrieved from bedroom, like those
Others last night, some well-known, some less well-
Known, but the choice tracks are now tucked away
On my MP3, and I'll enjoy those
When I hear them as I walk and travel

4115 - There ain't no blues after a snooze

Woke super early, about ten to five
Lay in bed awhile, then thought, may as well
Get up and go to work. Tried to behave
During my interview feedback, the hell
Of one more failure still a tolling bell
In my head. More emails, then the Lowry
Hotel for a corporate event, a stall
For all-comers asking 'bout Policy
Got tired by four, walked home, nice and easy
Snooze on the sofa, re-energised. Have
Spent all evening ripping CD tracks, brill
To hear old faves first time in years. They'll be
On my MP3 player before I've
Gone to Belgium. Even got some Jacques Brel!!!

4114 - Beerless and Bible Black

As a reward for not buying fags and beer
On the way home from acting, I instead
Have bought a foody treat which is just sheer
Naughty enjoyment. Second time I've fed
Myself on pork scratchings this long weekend
I bought some in Stalybridge, Friday night
In the pub, and tonight, I reoffend
But it's better than smoking. It's a right
Freezing cold evening anyway. I'd quite
Like to stay warm. And Belgium's nearly here
The home of great brewing, and also med-
ieval cloth halls and the like, and the lights
Of Christmas. Hope the Arctic wind will steer
Elsewhere by then, although snow would be good...

4113 - Border folly

A day indoors, apart from recycling
Bottles and clearing out papers and files
I listened to the news, quite exciting
As Brexit causes problems in these isles
No laughing party on the murder mile
Of the land border with the Republic
I watched The Apprentice, the usual pile
Of bigheads, but in Bruges, the historic
Old tourist town in Belgium that I have picked
To see the Christmas markets in full swing
Backed by illuminations and old styles
Of Flemish architecture.Terrific
Session on the uke later this evening
Playing Cast and Oasis faves. Big smiles!

4112 - TV beer dinner

A better day, recovery mode again
Bouncing back with inner strength, aided by
Family ties, healing wounds with acceptance
Aided by a timely book, called 'Happy'
By Derren Brown, using philosophy
In a modern context. There were showers
Today (Pennies From Heaven?!!), but still we
Avoided getting soaked in Manchester
After some hesitation a picture
Was taken (by me) of Jo in between
Two members of King No-One (she's so shy!)
I'm short on money right now, so we were
Eating in McDonalds, but it was fun
Now to watch football highlights on TV!!

4111 - The scores on the doors

I don't often feel down, though acting class
Has made me see I should perhaps feel more
And so why should I not feel like this, as
I've once more failed to advance on the floor
Where I work, after so many a year?
Newcomers, with 2 years under their belt
Have got their competencies, and their score
In interview is higher. I struggled
Once more, it seems that practice doesn't hold
Its usual benefits, not in my case
Then people tell me there's an open door
And I'm halfway there, over the threshold
Then I see others promoted so fast
And crowds of others. I'm still stuck outdoors

4110 - Crass ceiling

A bad day at work and at home - too down
To even remember to do diary
In the evening. Although I sent around
My pensions presentation, now with the
Excellent funny cartoons done by me
And these were liked, and laughed at, commented
On approvingly, still the Policy
Cloud hangs over me. It has prevented
Promotion, or a reserve slot, my bid
Thwarted once more, no hope in sight to bounce
Back, in this section of HMRC
Mind you, this is just history repeated
Instead of moving out, I played the clown
And stayed where there's no opportunity

Thur 23 Nov

4109 - That's nearly all, folks!

A day both good and bad, but mainly bad
The good part? Finished my presentation
Slotted in my own cartoons. I was glad
At how it looks. It should be lots of fun
Tomorrow when I present it in Room
303 (not 101...!!) The bad part?
Two out of two failures in promotion
Interviews with my colleagues, but I thought
It would be bad news, as I didn't thwart
My usual rambling answers that I had
Been punished for so many times. There's one
More result to hope for - that's the Depart-
ment for Education. Must be prepared
For one more disappointing frustration...

4108 - What a load of rubbish

I'm bloody tired, and look how comedy went
Not very well, too low on energy
Not only that, but had a great big dent
At work, low scores again from one of the
Interviews I had for promotion. See
The difference between scores in my building
And how I do with strangers marking me
Mind you, I don't yet know what's my marking
From the DfE. Yes, I'm still waiting
For that score. If I get that job, I'm spent
With my one department, HMRC
Who I've been with all my career. Moving
Would be nice after all the harsh treatment
Over the years I've had. It's goodbyeee...

4107 - Looking for me

What a day (again)! A long office day
Got in early, and stayed late, ready to
Go to acting class. Work was more like play
At the end, I began drawing a few
Cartoons, which were great, and caught the eyes too
Of workmates working late. They didn't know
I could draw. Pictures for my slide show two
Days away, on pensions, look great, or so
I thought! Admiration in their eyes grows
And then to acting class, while on the way
I bought tea from Tesco. I had a few
Important minutes with Chris, and disclosed
The remoteness of emotion, the way
Forward, and then acted well. Skies are blue!

4106 - Rants in my pants

Today's been about recovery and rest
To be honest, looking forward to bed
And doing nothing! At least, my vain quest
To recall what I said last night that led
To a slight falling out with those two lads
Has received factual help from D, witness
To my drunken rants, now he has texted
To explain that my bad-tempered nonsense
Was about comedy, oh for goodness'
Sake! How embarrassing! I might have guessed!
But it's not a subject to be treated
Lightly, it's not the funniest of subjects
It's worse than politics to be honest
Sometimes I wanna knock it on the head...

4105 - Fiery liquid

A fun day out with Jo, then met Dermot
For a pint in town. First I got coffee
I had a headache, so took a tablet
Or two, then met D and started to get
Drunk, although I started slow, as I was
Still recovering from last night's drinking spree
But I caught up in my liquidity
And a couple of people then joined us
But after a while they seemed to get pissed
Off as I got pissed! Can't remember it
Clearly enough to say if it was me
At fault, maybe, or whether it was not
It's a bit of a blank, but that of course
Means I won't see them again, probably...

Sat 18 Nov

4104 - Verbosity exhibition

It's been another hard day's interview, all right
Relieved it's over, four interviews now
Seems like I talked too long, but is that right?
I tried to concentrate, and not allow
Waffling to take over. Exactly how
Do they judge talking to be wrong? And when
Will I reign it in? Four interviews now
And still sometimes I talk too much, see them
Struggling to cope with my verbose torrent
They know I can do the job, but the slight
Verbal diarrhoea gets in the way, somehow
Nonetheless, I did quite well in the end
So time will tell. Don't be consumed with spite
Just be determined, and focused. Then, wow!

4103 - Getting ready, Freddie

Today was intended as prepping for
Tomorrow's interview at 1:30
Got caught up in queries. Often before
This has happened, and rebounded on me
Ill-prepared for applying, or for the
Interview itself, but lately I've learned
To put myself first. After my history
Of years of hard work, and how I've been burned
By managerial neglect, I have turned
The corner. Last week's interview I scored
Well, earned promotion, but not instantly
Building on this, my script now rewritten
Tomorrow there's two jobs here on my floor
I'll need to interview impressively

4102 - Jobs on the line

Although promotion's not immediate
As hoped, I got an email of congrats
From my third and last interview, a great
Performance that I thought was my best yet
And that was in Liverpool (Direct Tax)
I'm on their reserve list, which means I passed
And just need to await a job offer
When a vacancy comes up - Manchester
Of course, not Liverpool - no daily treks
There and back on the train tracks - what despair
That commute would be! Time wasted, no fate
I wish for, crammed like sardines with nowhere
To sit, early start to avoid being late!
And I still hope for more job offers, natch!

4101 - Souper trooper

A fast-paced day at work, no time to rest
Barely had time to eat my soup for lunch
Upheaval in the Oils Team, and unrest
As one by one the whole team takes the plunge
And gets promotion. Like a leaky sponge
The team's losing its life-blood. There's just me
Left from the old gang. Almost have to pinch
Myself. And this very week it could see
Another departure - yes, me - Tony!
If I don't succeed, that'd be the worst
Feeling, but I'll keep trying. I've a hunch
I'll get there. No shortage of vacancy
At SO level. Have I passed the test?
Will I get emailed 'Congrats' for a change?

Tue 14 Nov

4100 - Apocal-oops now

Long Monday - work followed by acting class
It's a good day, stuff gets done, then I go
Uptown, to the street that is named Princess
En route buying a meal deal from Tesco
Then upstairs to the class, and try to slow
Things down, not quite the same as in real life
Keeping more still, letting deep feelings show
It's deceptively hard, you have to strive
To feel on the inside, but not to give
Too many gestures, no, act with finesse
Monologue went OK, but oh oh oh
My face, body and eyeline, all are so
Chaotic, like a madman - that's me, yes!
No wonder I fail interviews! Hello!!!!!

Mon 13 Nov

4099 - Soul rebel

A cold, windy sunny day, with autumn
Leaves a splendid gold, but they're falling fast...
I've eaten soup for lunch, and then fudge - yum!
There's no way I can make bags of fudge last!!!
I recently bought some fudge when I passed
Through Cumbria, on my last holiday
From Cartmel. Good fudge, and good beer! Got pissed
On that, on my first night in Kirkcudbright
I've been thinking, as time passes away
Retirement's not too far off. Promotion
Hopefully imminent. One thing that must
Be true, is I'll have both time and money
To travel widely, just go on the run
UK, Europe, the States... and all the rest!

4098 - Highlighters of the day

A fun day hanging with Jo, Manchester
Saw lots of street performers - King No-One
And the old reggae guy was also there
At last, Café Istanbul! Sampled some
Of its culinary delights. Some yum
Soup, and lamb, and some nice rocket lettuce
The Christmas markets, they have now begun
They were crowded, guarded by armed police
With machine guns, like Spain, just like somewhere
With real problems. And the Arndale Centre
Was so busy! Festivity has stirred
Commerciality... Well, it takes the piss
Even bought fudge from a stall - great flavour
And me and Jo bought yellow highlighters!

Sat 11 Nov

4097 - Keeping my cool in Liverpool

My best interview so far? I think so
For Direct Tax, at the grade of SO
Imperial Court, Liverpool, had to go
A nice and easy time, 11, though
Yesterday's 11-hour day proved so
Beneficial, I felt that I cruised through
The interview. Three strangers I don't know
Two of them quite severe-looking, although
I won them round, I hope. Got one more go
At promotion, a week on, as I grow
In my technique I have a good chance to
Get SO at Ralli Quays, where I now
Work in Excise Policy - but there's no
Denying a change would be nice to do

Fri 10 Nov

4096 - Talkin' bout a revolution

I forgot Thursday's sonnet. Too tired
And preoccupied with the interview
On Friday. I remember that I tried
Only to watch some TV, and to view
Lucy Worsley's third Romanov review
Alexanders 2 and 3, Nicholas
1 and 2, revolutions 1 and 2
1905, and '17, of course
I forgot my diary with all of this
And with the pressure, and my brain was tired
With 11 hours of prep. So would you
Be tired and forgetful with all that stress
(It paid off, I think. On Friday I did
Very well, best yet in an interview!)

Thur 9 Nov

4095 - Talk Talk

Morning interview - usual fault displayed
Of waffling too much. How do I stop it?
Still, despite this, I think I did OK
But not totally sure that I've got it
I do know, though, that I'm learning that I
Must be succinct, cut down on the bullshit
Or I'll keep failing! I've got one more try
In Liverpool on Friday, and so why
Should I make that mistake again. No way!
I must be short and sharp, and get the bit
Between my teeth, and just take a minute
To set the scene, and then launch into why
I'm the man for the job. Just need to say
The normal steps I took, year in, year out

Wed 8 Nov

4094 - Views on interviews

Incredibly, today I found out that
I had, unexpectedly, another
Interview tomorrow, and just one slot
Available, at five to ten in the
Morning, for Senior Policy Advisor
Where I currently work, in Ralli Quays
Salford, although there's no job anywhere
Just now, it's a reserve pool, and that means
I'll have to wait to see what it might be
And then, one day, dropping upon my mat
Or rather, by email, future offer
Of a job. Could be Brexit. Wait and see!
Rather than this uncertainty, I want
A solid job now. Where? I'm not bothered!

Tue 7 Nov

4093 - Babylon's Learning

Whoah! An even busier day than ever!
I've worked hard for several days to prepare
For this lunchtime's interview, and guess where?
Sheffield, Yorkshire. I got the train to there
And sat feeling exposed on the sofa
(A very comfortable sofa) for half
An hour or more, rehearsing my answer
To questions that could come up. I did, of
Course, quite well, performing somewhat above
My last fiasco. At least, this time, the
Panel did not know me. It was quite fair
In that there shouldn't be no loss of love
Twenty-five posts in the Department for
Education. Fingers crossed they say yeah!!!

4092 - Weekend? What weekend?

The hardest I have worked on a Sunday
That's how I'd describe my preparation
For tomorrow's interview, but there may
Be hours more work this evening still to come
I've got to learn answers to each question
There's four competencies, with six or eight
Sub-characteristics, so that becomes
Over thirty things to learn off by heart
In the past I've tended to under-rate
The prep needed to blow them all away
You gotta put the time in, it ain't fun
But it'll be worthwhile if I can state
I've got the job this time, and more money
You see? I really DO want promotion!

Sun 5 Nov

4091 - Sea saw

Saw Jo, which has taken most of the day
No time for interview study, therefore
Although tonight, as on TV, they play
Football highlights, I'll have to learn some more
Of my acting monologue, which I saw
In Scotland - from 'Manchester By The Sea'
This guy recalls, suppressing the horror
When he set fire to his house, fatally
For his kids, though his wife survived, and he
Of course. An internal conflict that may
Be desire to tell the awful story
But the guilt and trauma gets in the way
So this man, Lee, his mind all in uproar
Must relive the scene accurately once more

Sat 4 Nov

4090 - Jest a minute

What a day, worked at home for interview
The Department for Education next
Week, Monday, and did all that I could do
I read all the advice I could collect
Then drafted all four competency sets
Using the active verbs, and expanding
With added details. Previously perplexed
And adrift, ill-prepared for answering
In the correct way, now discovering
The methodology for getting through
Now I've all weekend to rehearse my text
And also my monologue for acting
I even wrote some jokes, hosting on Tue
(Comedy night). Will try them just in jest

Fri 3 Nov

4089 - Flat out

Felt surprisingly OK today, my
Priority was preparation for
Next week's interviews, two of them, oh my!
The goal being, for once, to highly score
Realising how to play the game before
The moment of truth, interview panel
I've even bought, from Boots, a spray for more
Relaxed mood on the day. I had a real
Shock on leaving the flat. I couldn't feel
My keys after I locked the door, so I
Went to work locked out of my home, Oh Lor!
Would I need a locksmith? All turned out well
The lost keys were in my flat, by and by
After fetching some spares from Vee, haw haw!!!

Thur 2 Nov

4088 - Pension tension

Horrendous long day, and not without stress
Set alarm, went in early, to finish
My slideshow presentation, which was less
Than I intended - I'd hoped to furnish
It with some funny pictures, kinda kitsch
But no time to do that. It still went well
Two talks, well-attended, on pensions which
Is a big subject nowadays. Was well-
Knackered, tried to sleep at home, but the drill
Of road-mending was too loud, so I just
Walked to Oxford Road Station. Sardine fish
Jam-packed train to Liverpool, a struggle
To find poetry pals Steve R and Chris
Good evening there, late train home. Bed, two-ish :(

Wed 1 Nov

4087 - This is a reunion

Another long day at work - a union
Meeting, then soup for lunch. Popped out to buy
Some dragonfly tea, no less, and drank some
It's mint flavour, not made from dragonfly!!
Rather late in the day, finally turned my
Attention to preparing my pension
Talk tomorrow. Worked til seven. Still I
Have not yet prepared the presentation
And then, after that's done, I've said I'll come
To a poetry night a long way from
Here, in Liverpool. Promised to stop by
To see some old faces, even go on
Stage and read poetry. Reunion
With friends from an art form I've said goodbye

Tue 31 Oct

4086 - You've got a friend

Phew! Extraordinarily long, busy
Day! At 12:30, interview practice
With the wonderful Helen helping me
To get better at tricky interviews
And to get nearer where my expertise
Merits. It's nice someone cares for a change
Enough to do that, willingly assist
Me. Then read about pensions, to arrange
My thoughts for Wednesday, when I will exchange
My small knowledge in a talk, hopefully
Showing communication expertise
Then, straight from work to acting! Now less strange
And more natural, though still not easy
Helped by a friendly actor and actress

Mon 30 Oct

4085 - No baulking at the Balkans

Nice day out with Josephine - wandered round
The shops in our usual way, aimlessly
Sundays these days are so busy in town
The temperature, in the shade, was chilly
Ate at Pizza Express, discussed maybe
A Balkans trip next year, to Serbia
And Bosnia was not rejected. She
Is into war history, and there's lots there
Sarajevo, spark for the First World War
Belgrade, even Kosovo would be sound
I'd then have been to all Balkan countries
In the evening, meal at Sandinista
With N and D, then a film that expounds
The Death of Stalin. Good - not so funny

4084 - Jump Leeds

Carla's last day - she'll be gone in an hour
Leaving me alone again in my flat
Probably won't invite Louis for some more
Time here, he's stayed here several times, and what
Would be the point, when soon he'll relocate
To London? So the spare room may remain
Unoccupied for a few weeks. Keep it
Empty while I'm away - would be insane
To go to Belgium with a stranger in
My flat, and also Christmas and New Year
Isn't a good time to introduce that
Uncertainty. So then, Carla, stay in
Touch. Hopefully I'll visit Leeds before
Too long, to see you, and we'll chew the fat!

Sat 28 Oct

4083 - Fish to fry

Phew!!! So busy at work today! Applied
For two jobs, and did lots of other stuff
Now I'm back home and I've bought salmon. Fried
It should be nice. I know Carla has tried
Salmon (reduced price) a few times, so hope
She'll share it with me - our last night tonight!
She's leaving home tomorrow, wants to slope
Off to Leeds, but she's bought some wine to quaff
So I bought salmon, and two spuds to gulp
Down with that wine. Fourteen months have expired
Our time together has been long enough
But it's from neighbours that she wants to hide
We'll keep in touch fairly often, I hope
I think our friendship's strong, which time will prove

Fri 27 Oct

4082 - Missing

Thur 26 Oct 2017

4081 - Missing

Wed 25 Oct 2017

4080 - F-f-fire!

I went to a talk on devolution
In Manchester Fire Station, by Wing Yip
On Oldham Road. And then, when I got home
On the local news, my ears nearly flipped
When they showed a big fire. Where? At Wing Yip!
I thought, my God, I was there, just today!
That was a lucky escape! What a trip!
But at least the firemen weren't far away!!
It turned out, though, that eventually they
Revealed it was a different location -
Not Oldham Road, but another Wing Yip
Near Man City's stadium. The comedy
Tonight was good. Eddie, Lukas and Tom
All came. I went on last and let it rip!

Tue 24 Oct

4079 - Kirkcudbright Day 4

Last day. Had 3 fried eggs, and cheese, before
Leaving the house, and Galloway oatmeal cakes
The weather has returned to being poor
It looked like constant misty rain in spades
But I didn't care. Yesterday was great!
My luck remained good, however, cos when
I reached first stop, Castle Douglas, my fate
Was half an hour of sudden sunshine, and
A rainbow. Dumfries next, and then, Annan
The rain held off. I bought chips, coffee for
Lunch. Ate while driving. Next, Gretna Green. Wait!
A bagpipe-playing Scotsman, one man band
Stopped at Shap and Kendal, then quickly tore
Up the M6 to Manchester, yes mate.

Mon 23 Oct

4078 - Kirkcudbright Day 3

What a day, what a drive, what fun, what sun!
Filled up with petrol, chatted about beer
Agreed Black Galloway beer's the top one!!!
Recycled empty bottles. Now to steer
My way through Dumfries and Galloway, near
The Solway Coast the whole time, from Gatehouse
Of Fleet to Stranraer, the roads nice and clear
Castles and flaming autumn leaves and cows
Sheep and pigs and pheasants, or maybe grouse
Took pix and even a video. Such fun
In Glenluce Abbey chapterhouse! Beware -
Phone battery was low! A public house
In Drummore, charged it a bit. Last pix in
The Mull of Galloway. Meal in Stranraer...

Sun 22 Oct

4077 - Kirkcudbright Day 2

First full day in Scotland, got up at 10
Had a bath, shave, looked at maps. For breakfast
Liz's home-made soup. Despite heavy rain
I knew I had to explore this artist's
Town of Kirkcudbright. There was a food fest
In the local school. Bought both food and wine
(And beer), then walked to the Dee Bridge, and crossed...
The rain held off - I was lucky this time...
Even bought clothes! Back 'home' played uke, a fine
Use of this atmospheric room, and then
Wrote a Morrissey spoof song. Then a feast
Of haddock and chips. So full, was in pain!
Watched 'Girl On The Train' DVD. Watchin'
Football highlights now, then some well-earned rest!

Sat 21 Oct

4076 - Kirkcudbright Day 1

It started at 8 at Avis in town
Near Piccadilly. Hired car, drove northwards
The rain cleared up as I got near Morecambe
From there I drove to Cartmel, then towards
Windermere, then Ulverston - hey, this car's
Doing well! It's quite touristy there now!
Lots of cafes, but I had quite a hoard
Of food and drink in my car. Next, Barrow
The sun had left us, grey clouds glowered, no
Rain yet, though, thank God. On to Whitehaven
Via Bootle, which was cutle. Onwards
Through Carlisle. It was dark now - there was no
Point delaying, for my destination
Was still far-off! Kirkcudbright! Go forward!

Fri 20 Oct

4075 - Red today, blue tomorrow

Wear Red Day over, the main task today
Was applying for two jobs, because I'm
Not at work tomorrow or on Monday
My four day break means I'll miss the deadline
For those two jobs. So yes, it's nearly time
To drive to Scotland, the land of hard rain
I've packed and set the alarm, which will chime
At 6:45. 8 is when I aim
To drive off in the hired car to Morecambe
And several Cumbrian towns, the Solway
Firth, the border crossing. Should be a fine
Drive, some great scenes and memories that remain
And I'll have a house to myself, to play
And write in, where I'll try once more to climb

4074 - A pound for your sports

At work I organised a Wear Red Day
It was to protest against racism
The national day for this will be Friday
But I'll be driving north, I'll be absent
So I held it today - we had some fun
And some donated a pound to the tin
Sports people will be teaching schoolchildren
Not to be prejudiced, to keep within
Their minds latent prejudice, accepting
Not rejecting those from minorities
Meanwhile Carla's job interview has gone
Well, she's got a job in Leeds. She's staying
Here for one more week with no rent to pay
She just needs to find accommodation

4073 - Bloody computer!

I've just applied for a new job, at home
The internet wasn't working back in
The office, so I brought a laptop home
But when I tried here, still no connection
So I had to do it all on my own
Laptop - although strictly speaking it's not
MY laptop, it's Carla's, wait - I disown
That statement too - she lent it from that twat
Who she doesn't see now, the one who fought
With her and pushed her over - now she's goin'
Thanks to him. But my job application
Is sent. If I don't get it, 'twill be naught
It's boring tax stuff. I'd much rather home
In on that job that's in education!

4072 - Technique

Monday's a long day - work and then acting
It's fun, though, acting class, with good people
Joining me to learn the basics and ting
At last we're onto the technique of full
Immersion in performance, so I feel
I'm really talking to that other girl
Or bloke, and that conversation is real
Imagination was the word until
This term, now concentration is what will
Carry me through, live the moment, thinking
And feeling now, not rehashed rehearsal
Work hard, learn lines, be confident, fulfil
Your inner belief in yourself, showing
Off, saying you are really wonderful

4071 - Red letter days

A nice sunny Sunday in Manchester
I hope this bodes a weather improvement
For the journey to north of the border
Meanwhile today Josephine and I met
And I bought red trousers, money well spent
Only 25 quid from T K Maxx
Ready for Wear Red At Work Day, intent
Being to raise money and have some laughs
In the office on Wednesday with my tax
Colleagues. Back home, Carla is packing her
Stuff into boxes, ready for shipment
To her new place, lots of clothes, lots of books
She's been here now for well over a year
But she is running short of pounds and pence

4070 - Scot to trot

At home, trying to lie low and not spend
Jo stayed at home too, to watch United
We'll meet tomorrow, and then it's Scotland
In the forefront of my mind. Reminded
Me, I need to book a car, get prepared
Plan my route along the Cumbrian coast
Pop inland to Wastwater, water-fed
From the lakeland uplands so green and moist
Sellafield visitor centre may host
My wandering wheels and feet. Northwards I'll wend
My way towards the border, excited
Through Dumfries to Kirkcudbright, parking close
To the house on High Street, time to unbend
Think and maybe write, in the quietude

4069 - Pick a card...

Friday the thirteenth, a wet day again
I fancy watching horror films tonight
Meanwhile I played uke and I played it mean
I heard from Louis who said that he might
Stop by to pick up his new card, but night
Is drawing in, and no sign of him yet
I've had a few beers and feel like more... Wait!
He's here, I let him in, gave him his card. Let's
Go to McDonald's, and we did, and ate
Fries and a drink each, and caught up on when
He's going to London and so on. Quite
Likely he'll wait til January, I bet
And now I'm back, time to settle down and
Watch a film. One more beer and that's alright...

4068 - Hire and hire

An interesting day out of the office
In a famous old trade union building
The Mechanics Institute on Princess
Street, near the Town Hall - what a great setting
Not only for today's union meeting
But also just maybe somewhere to hire
For a comedy evening, or something
Similar, so I took a phone picture
Of the room hire details on a flyer
Pasted on doors inside. Back home, Carla's
Looking forward to a new phase - moving
To Leeds, hopefully more gigs, a career
In catering or some other service
Job. And so another day is closing

4067 - TV OD

Wet day and evening, slight headache, weary
From last two hectic days, relieved to get
Home, watched a history prog about D-
Day, old black and white film that's been coloured
Then a travel show interestingly set
In St Petersburg, where I'd like to go
Next year, after the Baltic States. Then next
It's The Apprentice, the popular show
Where budding entrepreneurs in teams blow
Lord Sugar's, or more likely, BBC
Money, designing hotel rooms that met
The luxury market's needs. The boys know
One will be fired from the boardroom shortly
Yes, I am glued now to my TV set

4066 - Pension reinvention

A LONG day, woke at 6, lay in bed til
6:45, had breakfast, then walked to
Oxford Road, got train to Newton-le-Wil-
lows, then caught a train to Lime Street, although
It is being refurbished. Lucky, so
I made the meeting in Jack Jones House, which
Is a union place in Liverpool. Oh -
Enjoyed the talk on pensions. I am rich!
The Civil Service pension scheme has switched
From Classic to Alpha, but it is still
A good one. I look forward to a new
Talk I'll give to colleagues with this knowledge
Dozed on the journey back, refreshed and well
Able to host comedy night! Woo hoo!!

4065 - Pension tension

Acting class has just finished once again
Paid fifty quid, but that payment was not
From this month's money. I have still not spent
Anything yet, meaning the trip to Scot-
land, though costly, is OK - I have got
Enough in the bank to pay for it all
And the Belgian flights are already bought
To see December's Christmas market stalls
In the Low Countries. Now to have my fill
Of egg and cress sandwiches, News at Ten
Can't stay up late, I must be hot to trot
Onto the morning train to Liverpool
For what should be a good talk on pensions
That thing that the Government wants to cut

4064 - No disputing the computing

Woke at ten, wanted to stay in bed more
But it's work tomorrow, I must retire
To bed tonight ready to doze and snore
At a reasonable time, not three or four
In the morning! Maybe I'll get up tired
On purpose, setting the alarm for six!
There's football soon, from Lithuania
Where England are playing. Before then it's
A chance to buy a laptop from Office
Outlet or whatever it's called, before
The shop closes - it's Sunday. Must buy a
Replacement for the one that broke to bits
Back in the springtime. Though it's such a bore
I must get it before the chance expires

4063 - I don't warm to colds

I woke at quarter to ten, what a great
Night's sleep, had breakfast, chatted to Carla
Went out in light rain, walked at moderate rate
Caught the train to Wilmslow, annoyed by a
Sneezing and coughing man, distributor
Of germs I can do without, having had
A nasty cold last month, Romania
Saw me with a sore throat, I felt quite bad
The adrenaline saw me through the hard
Climbs and town explorations. Had a plate
Of breakfast at Fress Cafe, and better
Sausages you won't find. Then Josie bought
Her pink trousers. Back home, uke session, wait
Til you hear me play - I'm getting better!!

4062 - Brave girl!

I'm having a fun Friday night in but
Not sure if Carla's in or if she's out
She said she'd go out, but has she or not
Her door's shut, could just be resting, about
To emerge. But sleeping this long, I doubt
So she's probably out, she deserves fun
After the tough week or two since that clout
From a nasty neighbour (and ex-boyfriend
Of sorts, maybe), talking to police, going in
And out of the building in fear, she's put
It behind her, or soon will, and at Pret
She continued to work, even doing
Comedy gigs. While in contrast I've not
Done much gigging, it just didn't work out

4061 - Oh no, we've qualified again...

England scraped a one nil win at Wembley
Against Slovenia. It was the usual
Struggle, saved only by striker Harry
Kane, edging over the goal line the ball
In the 94th minute. It is hell
Supporting England, and what's more, I'd say
Next year in Russia, we will not do well
It seems that our national team cannot play
When the pressure's on. But Kane is OK
Like when we had Lineker, maybe he
Can inherit that crown. Maybe he will
Save us from failure this time. Don't be gay
And don't support the team there, or you'll be
Victimised in that rough land, that white hell...

4060 - Oh dear!

Oh dear, a bad at Tory conference
Here (for some reason) up in Manchester
Well it's better than Blackpool! It was tense
When finally on stage came Theresa
Her first big speech - she didn't do one for
The election campaign, she hid from sight
She apologised for her campaign, it's poor
Charisma-free outcome seen as a blight
Weakening not strengthening her own plight
Dead woman walking, is how they present
It, even in the Tory press. But her
Performance was woeful. We had the sight
Of constant coughing, comedian presents
Her with P45, and lost letter...

4059 - Running away

Today I continued to arrange my
Belgian trip, plotting where I might travel
And when. Looks like I'll stay one night, say bye
Then move on to the next town in a whirl
This isn't even my next trip. No, I'll
Be going to Scotland first, later this month
Dumfries and Galloway, driving through miles
Of coast road and Lowland undulation
Cottages and cafes and fishermen
Into a quiet corner of land I'll pry
Part of Britain that I've only known well
On maps as a child. And so, until then
I'll carry on in Manchester city
A place in which I always seem to fail

4058 - (I'll Soon Be) In Bruges

A long Monday at work, then acting class
But before going to acting I booked
My flight to and from Belgium, yes, at last
And the good news is that I will be back
The day before the Christmas meal. I bagged
A great deal with Brussels Airlines, early
December. Now I can plan where my tracks
Will show, as I traverse the Low Country
From Belgium to Luxembourg, and maybe
Strasbourg, or somewhere else in northern France
All very exciting, something to look
Forward to in Christmas festivity
Bruges, Ghent and other such towns, lights on glass-
Like canals, medieval fairytale book

4057 - Something rhymed

Why have I been so tired all week? Dunno
But hope it's not the same next week. Not much
Left to do Sunday evening, might just go
As far through this Lester Bangs book as Dutch
Go through cheese and tulips, mice, canals, such
Great waffles, and waffling cannot be wrong
Saw a short but OK film 'bout a bitch
No, that was just to rhyme. OK, she flung
Some acidic comments out from her tongue
But I think she was just remote and low
'Daphne' seemed to be caught up in the clutch
Of London life, emotion must be wrung
Like dirty dishwater from those who flow
Across the bridge like dead souls on their trudge

4056 - Pink rain

Good time with Jo, and we visited Vee
Dodging the rain, buying an umbrella
For Jo to keep her hair dry. Sadly she
Forgot her spending money for trousers
(Pink ones!) We ate in that awful upstairs
Food Hall in the Arndale Centre. Oh well -
It was bloody cheap! Enjoyed seeing Lola
The Cat at Vee's, and listening to some cool
Music, some chosen by Jo from her full
Knowledge of new young bands, and the Monkeys
From Arctic lands, who came via Yorkshire
Back home, met Luca, Carla's brother - cruel
To dash our hopes of a bar trip but she
Was way too tired! Now I'll watch the soccer!

4055 - Rumble in the jungle

What's new in the news? Catalonia
Holding an independence referendum
On Sunday, Spain's police hysteria
Trying to stop it happening to them
Meanwhile a volcano's starting to hum
And hiss on Bali, residents beware
The monkeys and snakes have gone on the run
They feel the rumblings and they're getting scared
Humans, take note and move on out of there
In Yosemite Park, California
Could there be an earthquake about to come
The mountains are shedding their stone and the
Climbers are at risk. In Estonia
About Brexit, Theresa must keep schtum

4054 - Tesco fiasco

Not seen Carla so far today except
Before she got up, was recovering
From yesterday's tense trip to Leeds I 'spect
Which ended well, good show there, arriving
Home at twelve thirty, thank goodness being
Safe and sound, then a few hours' rest before
Another day working at Pret serving
Coffee buyers. Myself, I had a poor
Experience in Tesco trying to pour
Coffee from a machine. It was inept
And in the end I got a free serving
Of cold latte from the assistant for
My pains. Then for two hours I hope I helped
Some colleagues with info about learning

4053 - Big story

Oops, nearly forgot to do diary
And now the footie highlights have begun
The big story yesterday - comedy?
Well, yeah, that went well, but another one
Loomed larger. Poor Carla, Italian
Girl trying to make her way against the odds
In the so-called civilised land, England
Gets pushed over and hurt, hit the wall hard
Then dragged inside out of sight by some bad
Example of cowardly man from here
Next door, in fact. She bravely waited in
The shadows for the police, and reported
The crime. Tonight she's in Leeds - comedy
Gig. What a girl! And it went well. Well done!!!

4052 - Charlie Chortleworth

Despite waking at five, I've just written
Some new jokes and sketches, and a spoof song
It's the King's Arms, not a big occasion
Maybe that takes the pressure of - no gong
No malicious comperes, no heckler's tongue -
Now I'm looking forward to the night out
Armed with Kim Jong Un jokes soon to be flung
Producing giggles, sure as tea from spout
Some chortleworth thoughtful mirth, I've no doubt
But who cares anyway, not me, not them
But at least it's some fun, that can't be wrong
Let's hope the King's Arms barman has some stout
Not just that usual pale ale shit again
But must be careful not to get too drunk!

4051 - Taking it on the chin

A long day at work followed by acting
Meanwhile my beard and moustache are itchy
But that's a hell of a big job, shaving
All that facial hair off, but soon I'll be
Forced to do it, however painfully
So I can have a haircut and no fuzz
Down below on the chin-chin-chin-cheree
There's no way this can be done without fuss
Discomfort and annoyance, and doubtless
Some tender skin and signs of reddening
Even bleeding's a possibility
Just had time to look at Scotland - I must
Fulfil my ambition, go travelling
In its south-west, see the autumn country

4050 - There's no smoking without a liar

Went out with N and D last night and drank
Lots for the first time since the holiday
(The first part, with John) - except when I drank
Rather a lot after the comedy
Nearly two weeks ago. I knew fags lay
Unsmoked in the drawer that night, and so I
Bought wine on the way home, but since then the
Aim, which I've achieved, is to once more try
To quit smoking. Last night, somehow got by
Although I drank much beer and wine, I thank
Bacchus I was not tempted too badly
Nancy sneaked off for a cig, but cos I
Was chatting, I avoided being sunk
By her example. Still no fags! Hurray!!!

4049 - Day in, night out

No plans for the daytime, maybe Louis
Would get in touch, but no - football comes first
For him - anyway, I checked out movies
Starting with arthouse 'Home' venue, and best
Choice it was - 'In Between' - set where I'd just
Been this April, Tel Aviv, so I knew
I'd love to see that, and it wasn't lost
Time, powerful drama, hunorous too
About three women, all three struggling to
Get by in a sexist world. I should see
More films set where I've been on wanderlust
Belgium this December is in my view
Maybe Cumbria and Scotland could be
A few good days' drive through the autumn mist...

4048 - A sunny day in London town

Work trip to London, got a bit of sun
Like a return to sunny climes of late
You see, it's sunnier down there in London
While in the north it rained. Read at a rate
Of knots, 200 pages celebrate
The later years of Bowie and the end
Of that book and that life, and less than eight
Days since I bought it, shopping last weekend
This time, no Jo, she's Duke of Ed-ing, when
She's got to live rough in the country, one
Of a big bunch of fun-loving schoolmates
I'm going out at night though with two friends
Tania wants to talk tomorrow - it's some-
thing to do with Jo, but what? Have to wait...

4047 - Rocket man, but not on a suicide mission

Felt good today, like on Monday, and when
I got home, exercised, got that habit
Back now, and it was time to eat again
A big bowl of peppery green rocket
Most of it's gone now from that big packet
That only cost one fifty and is still
In the fridge. This is a lesson in what
I should eat when I'm old and poor, able
However, to stay healthy and quite full
Of life - and if you believe that... Again
I played on my uke, feeling really fit
Gonna read the Bowie biog until
Question Time. Tomorrow I'm in London
8:30 train, must make sure I catch it

4046 - Bottoms down!

Despite eating lettuce, white fish and beans
Last night, and getting enough sleep, I still
Felt more tired than yesterday. I have been
Very healthy. I no longer feel ill
With a cold, so why have I gone downhill?
Still reasonably OK though, because
I didn't succumb to booze when the thrill
Of comedy's cancellation was news
No show in Whalley Range tonight, the guy's
Not told me til I checked Facebook, not seen
Any reference to it there, but he'd killed
The show off. Now what, now the evening lies
Ahead, empty of purpose? Get some cans
Maybe cigs? No, no, I said. Let's stay well!

Wed 20 September

4045 - The point of power

Another clean-living day, benefit
Of no booze and a good night's sleep, I went
On a one-day course up on Oxford Street
In Peter House. It turned out time well spent
The aim of the course, to learn to present
A talk, PowerPoint slides, or interview
The latter was the thing that of those meant
Most to me, and I got help from a few
People there, especially after my two-
Minute mock interview. I also hit
On why I have had such disappointment
In trying to get promoted. Leaders who
Are 'drivers' - achievement-obsessed and strict
And 'amiables' like me - oh so different!

4044 - La La Voom

A day when at last energy levels
Rose to maximum - I felt great all day
And into the evening at acting skills
Class - the result of no drinking, I'd say
And a good night's sleep that took me away
To La La Land for repeated visits
It's always good when for an hour I lay
There trying to open my eyes, like slits
I'm trying to force open wide, but it's
Near impossible, it's far from simples
But when I finally wake up, I may
Feel so refreshed, I could do pirouettes
Of mind and body, performing marvels
Who'd have thought it? Teetotalling's healthy!

4043 - Johann Wolfgang von Bowie

I've read so much this weekend, it's not true
It's the main thing I've done, to be honest
I finished the Goethe, now I'm on to
A David Bowie biog, which I'll blast
Through, no doubt, easy reading, finish fast
Already on page 88 of it
(By Paul Morley) and I'm certain that that's
Nowhere near as far as I'll today get
By bedtime, bearing in mind that I got
Through the last 40 pages of the stew
Of Goethe's sober self-obsessed mind, blessed
With fame, full of self-doubt, travelling round hot
Italy in the 1780s, knew
Places I've seen - Naples, Rome and Florence

4042 - The Christmas rip-off comes early!!

Met Jo for the first time in, um, three weeks
Maybe four, she had a cold, so took it
Easy, but pretty normal box of tricks
Wandering round the Arndale and Market Street
I had some lamb, mash and gravy - a treat
Jo had pizza carbonara. And then
While still in our Bella Italia seat
She told me of a gig near Christmas when
Liam Gallagher would be playing in
Manchester Arena. She thinks he rocks
So I said OK I'll buy two tickets
Right now using your phone. Shouldn't have done!
It came to £300 - what a shock
Not sure if I'll get any back, dammit!!!

4041 - The bucket that didn't kick

More energetic today, but still not
Quite 100%, still got that cold
At work went out to Waitrose for a hot
Free coffee, buying iced buns, and they sold
Two chocolate doughnuts to me too which filled
A hole nicely. Another terrorist
Bomb in a London tube train - hasn't killed
Anyone this time, luckily. It fizzed
In its bucket and sent a fiery mist
That singed those nearby, but this time, remote
Control or timer device method failed
No suicide warrior hoping to blast
His way straight to heaven, and that has got
To have saved those commuters young and old

4040 - Missed debates

Staying in, still tired today, still recovering
I think from holidays and from virus
At least I played my uke tonight, playing
It rather well, trying not to use my eyes
I need to play by feel, so I can rise
To the challenge of singing as I play
Question Time's back on TV, Dimbleby's
Chance to influence debate to Tory
Advantage once more, not caring that they
While beneficial to him, are making
A mess of society, not just careless
But uncaring, atomised, we will stay
Divided and ruled in a land being
Torn apart by money and selfishness

4039 - Wining and reclining

Really tired after yesterday's night out
On Monday, at acting, felt energised
But Tuesday's comedy night, while a hoot
Has left me tired, but I can't be surprised
I woke at 6:30, 9 hours with eyes
On my work screen, then walk home, then rehearse
My set, then walked to pub neath rainy skies
And bought wine to drink when back home... Far worse
Energy levels, no exercises
Possible today, that's gone up the spout
Didn't even want to play uke - surmise
Then how knackered I must be! Not like this
Even on hols, walking the hills without
Any sleep! An early night would be wise!

4038 - Fun in the pub

A fun day, at work, at play, at home and
At the pub, in the rain, not many had
Ventured out, but I did, and just like sand
Resisting the tide, it wasn't too bad
The Kings Arms was attended by some lads
And it was fun, they drank pints, the banter
Was good, it was nonsense, but it was good
Ed and Mike were great audience, were there
In body and spirit, not regular
They were genuine, more fun than that band
Of semi-serious comedians
It was about fun, and temporary fare
Like pals, not suckers, people, unpaid fans
Liking each other, happy and not sad

4037 - Dry Dry Dry

First full day back in the normal routine
A day of heavy showers to be dodged
I woke quite early and I was quite keen
To get to the office, which I managed
To do, to say hello, and then to snatch
The laptop and carry it home without
A soaking. It was so quick, I could catch
Up on two weeks' emails in just about
Three hours, benefiting from homely quiet
I then cooked dinner, pie, pasta and beans
And after it was in my stomach lodged
A great uke session followed, hands in flight
And then, straight out to acting class, seeing
New faces all with enthusiasm touched

4036 - Ode to travel

So nice to be back home. Love travelling
But rucksacks and travel bags, I don't like
Limited clothes, supplies, all sorts of things
Are the drawbacks of being on the hike
But it's so mind-expanding, like rare steak
With red Ukrainian wine at a table
Watching Ukrainians having fun, a break
In the sun before the weather turns chill
As autumn unfolds. I've missed terrible
Weather here in Manchester. I'm smiling
When I see my tan, and I merely take
My thoughts back two days to Black Sea paddle
And sunbathe on Odessa beach. Thrilling!
It's travel that gives us a drug-like spike!

4035 - Ukraine Day 12

A day by which time I've already seen
The delights of Odessa. What to do?
Well firstly, last night's video song had been
Inaudible, so gave it one more go
Capturing people, cars and trams in flow
On Panteleimonovskaya Street. Next?
Several hours to fill, and Ukrainian dough
To spend, and quickly. Found a house of steaks
On Deribasivska, a place that makes
Good money from high prices. Ukrainian
Red wine, too. Next? The beach! But I failed to
Find a way through. Instead I found some rest
In a cool art gallery. Now I'm in
The air between Warsaw and huge Heathrow...

Sat 9 Sep

4034 - Ukraine Day 11

Got up at ten, but still an action-packed
Day out in Odessa. I was concerned
It looked gloomy, nay rainy, could have fucked
Up plans for sunbathing on the beach. Turned
Out nice again. Headed for Potemkin
Steps and port area, took lots of photos
Of these, the beach, and old-style cars parked in
Suitably old-style and Eastern Bloc pose
As the afternoon went on, the sun rose
And it was great on the beach. Then I tucked
Into a fab fish at a small place on
The prom, and no longer needed to go
For tea anywhere. Soon I felt knackered
Lots of walking. Hopefully, bit sunburned?

Fri 8 Sep

4033 - Moldova - Ukraine Day 10

A challenging but rewarding sojourn
First thing, so many things needed doing
I needed Moldovan lei, I had none
But also find the coach station, having
No map, or guidance from the hostel in
Kishinev (let's use the Russian name, eh?)
I got a taxi to Northern Station
And with no delay, bus to Odessa
At 11, arriving at 4 in
Or rather, near, the bus station. Asking
A lad on a bench helped me find my way
To Berloga Hostel. Roamed and found a
Travel place which gave me a map, and grand
Advice on where everything was. Smashing!!

Thur 7 Sep

4032 - Romania - Moldova Day 9

After frantic online reservation
Last night, Umbrella Hostel, Bucharest
Of the bus to Moldova, settled down
In the kitchen for a great tete-a-tete
With Alexa, a Swiss girl. Then the rest
Of the evening was beer and Facebook posts
This morning, changed euros for lei - I used
This for a taxi, and to pay the cost
Of the bus to Chisinau, which was just
80 lei - about £15 - and fun
Talking all journey and day long with best
Travelling companions Marc and  Anna, hosts
In teaching me about the whole region
And, in Chisinau, a lift to my rest

Wed 6 Sep

4031 - Romania Day 8

A good morning buying three new t shirts
From a cheap place round the corner from here
At the Umbrella Hostel, then hurtled
Towards Unity Square, Bucharest. there
Just in time for  the tour, which went to squares
And so-called palaces, and museums
There's actually quite a lot to like, but spared
Myself the tour of the inside within
The massive Parliament building that sums
Up Ceaucescu's madness. Ended up shot.
His wife Elena was a little queer
They were shot in '89, Christmas-time
After the tour I walked til my feet hurt
Now I've seen Bucharest, I can declare!!

Tue 5 Sep

4030 - Romania Day 7

Not much sightseeing today - moving on
From Brasov, heading towards Bucharest
At Brasov station, said goodbye to John
And caught the train from platform 3, no less
Than two and a half hours - old carriages
You still find in eastern European parts
With sliding doors and corridors, God bless!
It had been chilly and cloudy, but starts
To get warm by arrival time. False starts
With  finding the hostel, but I asked in
A small grocer's store, and she helped me best
To find the small street where the hostel sits -
Umbrella Hostel. Got some shopping done
And planning tomorrow's also addressed!

Mon 4 Sep

4029 - Romania Day 6

Woke up earlyish, was woken by John
Who  thought he'd heard my alarm, which was false
We had breakfast at the Ambient, then one
Wasted walk trying to find a bus, but all's
Spoiled - it was the wrong street. We felt like fools
But walked up  the right one later and found
The bus station. The bus, yellow, with wheels
Was so hot inside, but cheap. Took us down
The road to Bran, where on a hilltop mound
Stands the castle that somehow has become
Known as Dracula's Castle. In its walls
We saw not that much, actually. Around
That time there was a terrific thunderstorm...
In the evening, Brasov once more - beer calls!

Sun 3 Sep

4028 - Romania Day 5

Not much sleep in that crowded dorm up in
Podragu, near the top of the mountain
Maybe half an hour, that was all I had
Nevertheless, the long walk down was hard
And took hours to reach Victoria, the town
Nearest the peaks, where Saturday afternoon
There was nowhere to eat, so bought a snack
And waited for the bus to a railway shack
In nearby Ucea. A two hour ride
To Brasov (Kronstadt) - had to put aside
Economy, and pay a lot for this
Place, the Hotel Ambient, then a Chinese
In the town, then a hostel bar, then wine
Fell in the dark hotel room, chair upturned...

Sat 2 Sep

4027 - Romania Day 4

Slightly better night's sleep in Sibiu
Breakfast at the nice Pension Cardinal
Omelette with ham, then John and I walked to
The bus station near Thalia theatre, full
Of coaches, but no minibus, but all
Was OK when the man arrived with car
And drove us up a long and winding trail
Up into the Carpathians - see so far
From up there! Then began the long trauma
Of the day's walk to Podrigu, where you
Can stay up in the mountains. I'm not well
I'm sniffing and shivering, fed up and far
From at my best, but tonight I will do
Very well to sleep in the dorm. It's hell...!!!

Friday 1 Sep

4026 - Romania Day 3

Felt tired and ill, thank God no long walking
Got the bus from Turda to Sibiu
Tried to sleep but it wasn't happening
A nice warm sunny day, just had time to
Check out the main square, sort out tomorrow
(Bus tickets to the mountains), a few beers
For food I had pasta - was good value
Though energy was low, sun setting, fears
I couldn't last much longer, but appears
That my stamina's still good, still writing
This at twenty to twelve, and sniffing too
Bad cold and knackered, but must sleep, then gear
Myself up to walking the mountains in
The highest part of Romania, look you!!

Thur 31 August

4025 - Romania Day 2

Was so pissed, almost had a hangover
Good filling breakfast in hotel courtyard
Then got a taxi to the gorge quite near
To Turda, walked the valley, then a hard
Climb in the hot sun up the gorge toward
The top, then down again steeply, back at
The starting point, an iced coffee deferred
The dehydration for a while. Set out
To walk back to Turda, but it was not
Easy, about 12 km, wear
And tear on the old feet, couldn't afford
To give up, kept on walking. Finally got
To central Turda. A meal, but the beer
Had to wait til I felt I'd recovered

Wed 30 August

4024 - Romania Day 1

Met John at Oxford Road station, got train
To the airport in Liverpool, from there
To Cluj Airport, a taxi without strain
To Turda, Romania, and then a beer
And trout with mashed potato, and more beer
A pleasant, warm evening til sun went down
Then had to get our coats on for more beer
Ursus beer is the local beer in town
We had a few of them, and got on down
To politics with two guys without strain
They said Romania is corrupt, but they're
No different to so many all around
Looking forward to tomorrow, the main
Holiday will start, in Transylvania

Tue 29 August

4023 - Roamania

I'm going to roam in Romania
I'm leaving, I'm not going to remain here
I must admit my roaming is a mania
But not on my phone, I only use wi-fi, yeah?
It will be good to escape from the rain here
And rumour has it, it's hot in Romania
In Romania there's quite a lot of Roma
They also like to roam in their caravania
Rome is in Italy, not in Romania
But who'd have thought it, when it sounds so samier
This poem / song is getting more insanier
But let's not moan like a Brexit Remainer
When in Romania, we won't be on the plain, yeah (no)
We'll be in Transylvania's high mountainia

4022 - Bass vulture

Just been to a reggae gig. What? U Roy
Supported by Sister Aisha and band
Mixed by the Mad Professor - what a noise
Though I've heard louder back in the day, and
I'm thinking Hugh Mundell in '81
But I'm pleased with the night, as I'm getting
Old, and don't know if I could cope again
With quite that volume of the bass pounding
I love reggae and I'm pleased attending
Possibly the last such gig that destroyed
West Coast rock and prog, back when the punk sound
Went hand in hand in young people's gigging
And John Peel led us on, with these sound toys
And we imbibed them like water on sand

4021 - Hill of screams

The long Bank Holiday weekend is here
Today is Saturday, so watch and smile
I've enjoyed it, read quotations, I'm near
The end of that massive book, and yes, I'll
Finish it before I go for a while
To Transylvania and beyond, over
The hills and far away, for many a mile
The book I'll take is by Johann Goethe
'Italian Journey' - travel literature
That's fit reading, comparing yesteryear
To nowadays. And also and meanwhile
Did exercises on the bedroom floor
For the fifth day running. The need was clear -
Build up strength for the mountain walking trial

4020 - Kill the bill

Friday, the last day at work for a while
Popped out for a holiday haircut at
Lunchtime, so  now my hair's short, I can smile
It could be sunny, I should take a hat
My hair's thin nowadays, can't deny that
We'll be walking the Transylvanian hills
John will fly home, I'll head for Bucharest
Then further east, hoping for eastern thrills
In Moldova and Ukraine, quite low bills
In that part of the world, I hope. My style
Is becoming better with each trip out
And so I'll probably never get my fill
Had a few beers back home, played uke, a pile
Of great songs, now it's done, I'm a cool cat!

4019 - Bed head

Vapour recovery and ETMP
Never mind what they are, that's what I did
At work today - but will posterity
Give a toss? I suspect it won't, our kid
So why not open the biscuit tin lid?
Or crack open a can of beer? But not
Tonight. It's a night off, I need my bed
But first, a shower and hair wash must be got
Or maybe in the morning, how about
That excellent idea? Head so itchy
Last night, though, can I bear another mid-
Night scratching session, lost sleep in my cot?
No, that does not sound fun, it's lunacy
So a late shower it is. Let's be itch-rid!

4018 - Who Leeds, who follows?

Went via Leeds to Shipley with Farah
As Tom said, 'twas the arse-end of nowhere
At least it didn't rain, the humid air
Made us hot while walking and the room there
Was too hot for some. Paul C in despair
It was frustrating in some ways, but still
Let's not get into that, at least not here
Some spare time afterwards gave us the thrill
Of walking round Leeds centre shops. I will
Now have a new T-shirt in Moldova
Or Romania, ten quid, a bargain, yeah?
Ten quid's not too much of a bill
But I'm running out of money. Prepare
For eastern Europe, flying through the air...

4017 - Romania mania

I walked a few miles this lunchtime, had to
Order Romanian currency, and then
Ukrainian, even Moldovan, if you
Could. But only Romanian, in the end
Could be ordered. For the other two spends
I ordered euros, which I will convert
To the local currencies as and when
The need arises. I am still alert
So why not do my exercises? Hurt
At my own laziness, when I should do
Them and get fit before hillwalking on
The Transylvanian ridge. Tomorrow, might
Not have walked so far, so I'll pledge anew
To do my press-ups, and to do them soon!

4016 - Shakes with fear

Mainly in today, but I got a call
Just as soup was almost in microwave
From my eldest daughter by name of Pearl
To say her and her mum were 'bout to have
A look at the JD / NO show they've
Meant to see at Manchester Gallery
I thought, although I'd been before, I'd give
It another look, and see P and V
Before she returns to London city
We wandered round the exhibition, all
Of half an hour, then had late lunch, a brave
Choice of tea and cheese scone, filled up nicely
I saved my soup for work. Read Shakespeare, all
25 pages of quotes. Now feel rough!

4015 - Plastic not so fantastic

A fun day as usual with family
We met at Vee's flat, then trammed into town
The meal was nice, apart from poor Pearlie
Who found plastic in her food. Last time round
In that place there was a hair that I found
On my plate - twice in succession is not
Acceptable when you part with your pounds
And get shit in your food. Back in Vee's flat
We played a quiz that's called Articulate
Pearl, as usual, so competitively
Won for her team, while me and Vee were clowns!
The weather's cooling down, it's not so hot
It may be when I go on holiday
To Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, soon!!!

4014 - Tumbleweed connection

And so it's Friday night, a good uke strum
Along with some Old Speckled Hen, four cans
Then ate some pie and nicely filled my tum
As Carla went to bed on her return
From the local pub which was abandoned
And empty on a Friday evening
Despite the cheap pints. Makes you want to run
For your life. Watched Big Brother, evicting
Two no-mark so-called celebs, not saying
Their names, I can't even remember them
I'm certainly not one of their few fans
Some crap American film is starting
I won't watch it, it's getting near bedtime
Instead I'll read about Monty Python!

4013 - Ramblas shocker

The big shock of the day, while ironing
Was seeing news about Barcelona
Only a few days ago, was walking
With Jo along Las Ramblas with no care
And now I see people have been killed there
Reports varied about how many, but
It reached 13. It must have been a scare
And a half for the thousands who were caught
In the panic, on the floor, feeling hot
Crushed against others, trapped, and panicking
Mothers without their children, unknown where-
abouts, the police hunting, atmosphere fraught
With tension. Although I'm always missing
Spain, I'm glad I'm home, away from the fear

Thur 17 August

4012 - The stress of doing

Relaxing now after a busy time
Doing washing, playing my uke, eating...
Wait - how can I treat eating as work. But I'm
Naturally lazy. I don't like cooking
And can barely be bothered swallowing
Food. Actually, I like eating, that's not
The problem, I'm not that bad! But thinking
About doing something, and doing it
Are totally different things to me. A lot
Of things I've tried and nothing's worked. Not climbed
To the top of anything. What's the thing
That stops me? Am I too independent?
Am I that man island in the old rhyme
Is my problem just one of not needing?

4011 - Sadford

Hey folks, here I am, a good night at the Kings
Arms, Salford, three guys from Middlesbrough came
Down, a two hour drive, was it worth it? Think
It was, I'd like to think so, but don't blame
Me if it wasn't, but it's all the same
To me. I sank a few pints, and I had
A good night. It's better than staying home
Luke Helly, Dickie Probert, O.J., glad
To see them there, it made the night more rad
Rad? Can't believe I said that! There are things
That aren't acceptable within the frame
Of good taste, and rad's not, it's really bad
I'm back home now, obviously, I'm typing
This sonnet, bye bye, good night, glad you came!

4010 - Marble angel

A day late, 'cause I got so drunk last night
Started off on New Zealand 5%
Beer, then Manchester Bitter, til quite late
Staggered home with the rucksack I've been lent
It wasn't heavy, I was pissed, I meant
Started at the Marble Arch, then later
Relocated to the Angel. We spent
Only 10 minutes on discussing the
Romania trip. Told John I'd go further
After the hill-walking was done, head right
Through Moldova to Ukraine. Won't repent
This choice, Odessa's beach is a stunner
I'm hoping. A fairly expensive flight
Home, though. So that's where all my money went!

Mon 14 August

4009 - Burger point

A quiet Sunday at home, Carla chatty
Earlier on, then went for a burger to
Knutsford, in someone's car, presumably
I'd like to go there with J and P too
In the next few days, 'twould be nice to do
I wrote some 'women' jokes - it's irony
Or gentle rib-tickling; my point of view
Ain't anti-women, but it worries me
That I couldn't do those jokes normally
In the dull PC climate so strongly
Stymying the arts, politeness through and through
What will be preserved for posterity
At least from working-class culture that we
Have known but lost? Once more dictated to

4008 - Music scene 2017 stylee

A fun day with Jo, talking music, went
Into HMV, The Cribs playing there
And on Monday, Ratboy, which she intends
To see play live, exciting stuff, I swear
I bought her their CD, which she will bear
In her hand on Monday with her friend, try
To get it autographed by Ratboy. Her
Name on it, I hope. Takes me back when I
Was a starstruck teenage kid, but apply
Myself as I did, I never got sent
To a gig like that where I saw them share
Their musical gifts in a shop. But I
Did get my bag signed by Paper Lace then
In a tent in '74, yeah yeah!

4007 - Salford is mine

I had thought I'd see the Morrissey flick
'England Is Mine' but the wait was too long
To go to the cinema after work
Instead I went home, finished Milligan
In time to watch Four In A Bed and bung
Some cod in batter into the oven
Jalfrezi sauce on my pasta - that's wrong?
Probably, but it was nice. Carla's goin'
Out soon, I think, leaving me on my own
But I don't think booze is needed. It's quick
To pass the evening, playing ukey song
Reading comedy tips book C passed on
My creative writing diary, a look
At that would be good also. Nothing's wrong

4006 - News of the war

Felt good and effective today, but got
Tired later on, however I've just played
Uke along to a disco soundtrack, hot
From Sainsbury's, a fiver well spent, not heard
Some of these disco pop songs for - afraid
To say! Now drinking matcha tea, watching
The athletics, where the rain's stopped, thank God
It should make for better running, throwing
And watching. Think I'll spend the eve reading
Emails, messages, YouTube clips, the lot
Then finish with Spike Milligan. I've aimed
To finish that book before week's ending
So I can start a new one when I'm out
On the train to see Jo, weekend parade

4005 - Tough girls

First day back at work since going to Spain
The weather's improved since I got back - yeah!
Read all the emails, often such a pain
But this time, not so many. Now prepared
To push on. Women's Rugby World Cup fare
On TV now, from Ireland, with Ireland
Up against a tough team, Australia
In sunny Dublin, unlike wet London
The World Athletics venue rained upon
And also with a Norovirus strain
Breaking out and disrupting things down there
Discussed travel with Tom at work, with some
Good ideas for December. At the same
Time as Belgium, do Luxembourg - it's near!

4004 - Safely back from Barcelona

Phew! Despite all the tension and worry
Me and Jo are safe and sound back home. What
Was the cause of this partic'lar worry?
Well, firstly, reg'lar strikes at the airport
Which, out of interest, is known as El Prat
Then the news broke that a regional group
Called Arran, had started to protest at
The tourists in Catalonia. Saw daubed
Graffiti in Parc Guell, and heard they'd popped
The tyres of a tourist bus. Home journey
Fraught with other issues, like our passports
Being put in the hold with my bag. We coped
However, slept OK, and caught taxi
From hotel to train, dropped Jo off. Byeee!! xxx

4000 - Barcelona Day 2

A hot and sweaty, but a great first day
With Jo in Barcelona, North-East Spain
We had no breakfast here, as it costs a
Whopping 25 euros each - insane!
Shuttle bus into town, so hot, the strain
Of sweating on the Metro, midsummer
During a heatwave! Tasty lunch, then main
Tourist drag, Las Ramblas, the entire
Length, to Colom Column, then rode on the
Metro to Sagrada Familia, way
More complete than last time I saw it. When?
September '82! Rain, Manchester
According to Facebook video. Hey -
This hotel has automatic curtains!!

Fri 4 August

4003 - Barcelona Day 5

The final day went well - a few mishaps
But nothing serious, so cannot complain
Last day in Barcelona, a few laps
Of the grid street pattern, causing slight strain
To soles of feet and patience. All the same
We did Ramblas and the Diagonal
Then rested for an hour or more, half lame
I thought, dammit, my quest I must fulfil
To see Casas Batllo and Mila - well
I managed it, and it was great for shops
The Passeig de Gracia is one of Spain's
Top streets, and Jo found a Puma bag well
To her liking, spent her euros, so claps
All round. Now in Premier Inn, Scousepool, man!

Mon 7 August

4002 - Barcelona Day 4

A touch breezier today, but still it's hot
We had pondered walking the shopping streets
But I pointed out, Sunday shops are shut
So instead we should spend time at the beach
But first we went to the Spanish Village
And I had octopus / omelette tapas
The Metro's so hot, its sauna-like heat
Makes you sweat waiting for the train. We passed
The Maritime Museum, had a blast
At the Titanic exhibition - what
A treat, a great model of that great ship
Then a lovely walk by the sea - at last
The beach and port!!! Fun evening with Jo at
The hotel. Tomorrow - last day of treats!!

Sun 6 August

4001 - Barcelona Day 3

Another hot and sweaty day we spent
In Barcelona - the worst's the Metro
When you go down there, it's like hell - intense
Heat, sweat from every pore, just want to go
Barcelona FC, Nou Camp, I know
Few have been there, so we feel privileged
The Facebook crowd liked all those great photos
The comments and likes came without stoppage
After that, and a meal, it was Montjuich
The hill with palaces, sports stadiums, spent
A while in the hot sun, feeling its glow
At least I've not felt the mosquito's itch
We got the shuttle back, and my intent
Was to drink the hotel wine - woh woh woh!

Sat 5 August

3999 - Barcelona Day 1

A relaxing morning at home, TV
And coffee, mainly packed my bags last night
The big question - would I get soaked on the
Exposed walk to Piccadilly? Got quite
Damp, but avoided nasty downpours. Flight
From Liverpool to Barcelona was
Our intent, and we made Lennon Airport
In good time, and the flight was a success
Arriving 15 minutes early - yes!!
Walked around the airport trying to see
An info booth or the Metro. Tickets
Bought, lasting four days, fifty-five euros
For both of us. Metro and then taxi
Got to hotel, seventeenth floor - what height!

Thur 3 August

3998 - Barca farce

Excited about tomorrow's trip to
Barcelona for five days with lil Jo
She's fallen out with her mum. Hmm, I do
Remember a similar scenario
With Tania in '04. She wouldn't go
To Newquay, had to go on my own, just
Because of her arguing about no
More important thing than my driving. Most
Likely she gets tense about it all, past
Traumas revived, maybe. I hope those two
Make it up tonight before bedtime. So
Little time in the morning. My defrost
Of the fridge is done, packing bag done too
I'll see her about 2pm, Wilmslow

3997 - Fun to be a punter junta

Time's counting down til Barcelona now
Penultimate day in the office and
Completed lots of stuff in effort to
Clear the decks. Afterwards, wrote some new fun
Material, but no delivery. Stand-
Up preview by Tony Burgess. Impressed
Only four in the room to watch, could end
In embarrassed boredom, but was the best
Edinburgh preview I've seen, a blast
A comedy and drama mix, a wow
Had three pints in the King's Arms. I had planned
To do a set but Dave thought, let it rest
That's OK, I've written new stuff, allows
Me to do it some other time, dear friend

3996 - Bed of poses

Broken night's sleep, but got through a long day
At work, before heading off to acting
Last class until after my holiday
In September, a trip that's now looming
Although Barcelona's first. It's starting
On Thursday. Meanwhile, tomorrow night, it's
Comedy, but don't think I'm performing
At least not for long, as there may be acts
Doing extended festival-type sets
I'm tired so about to go to bed. May
Use the time before I doze off thinking
Of some ideas. Had no time to perfect
An act this time. Acting trumped comedy
On this occasion, don't mind admitting!