5605 - The ultimate penultimate

New Year’s Eve Eve, 30th of January 

The penultimate day of ‘21

And it was significant though sadly 

Helen was too tired to join me for fun 

And see the Blackpool illuminations 

But it was horrid, grey, dark and raining ☔️ 

And I knew already - Neil had warned 

Me of how she was looking and feeling 

And I thought it wouldn’t be exciting 

Or even worth doing seeing as she

Was not happy or well. Then later on

She messaged again, apologising 

Saying she was unhappy. Live with me

Instead, I replied to the lovely hun 

Thur 30 January 

5604 - Day completely off

This was a day completely off, lazy

Perhaps but went shopping and cleaned the flat 

Looked in TK Maxx but little to see

Got two vouchers , forty quids worth, but that 

Might have to wait til I’m in town - you get 

A bigger store, more choice. And what else done?

Guitar and watching tv, that’s been it

Operation Daybreak was a good one

About the Czechs who killed Heydrich. The gun

Jamming was a tense moment, certainly 

Now there’s a series on Franco I’ll put

On, see if it’s good. Spose I can’t complain 

Can’t do much with this sore mouth anyway 

Painkillers are helping me get through it

5603 - Visiting Grandma

Not seen my mum (Josephine’s grandma) for

Quite a while, so a nice Christmas visit 

With J was great in my hired white car

My mouth is burnt and sore - whisky spirit 

Has burned quite badly the upper palate

Almost all food and drink is agony 

So though there were snacks I struggled to eat

Egg sandwiches but the crusts? Not for me!

No crisps, even nervous about Pepsi 😀

Robin was there too. So our group of four

Had a good chat before we had to flit

Took J back to Wilmslow, dark motorway 

Back home , watched Friday Dinner, football scores

And a murder film, A Is For Acid!

5602 - Bank holiday drive

Today was about collecting my car

From Budget Cars, at Manchester Airport 

To get there was a terrible palaver 

From Terminal 2, had to go by foot 

To Terminal 1, then I found the spot

Bus Stop D, to the car rental village 

A ten minute bus journey. I had got

A nice white Citroen. Jo had messaged 

Was I free, I said yes, and I arranged 

To drive the short distance to her house where

I picked her up. The first stop was Knutsford

Mostly closed, nothing to do. Some mileage 

To Stoke , then Leek, then Meerbrook and round there

The hills round Wincle. Country drives - great sport!

Mon 27 Dec

5601 - Boxing 🥊 Day highlights

Highlights? Bit of an exaggeration 

Since didn’t really do much, Boxing Day 

The main thing I recall, a marathon 

TV session, 3 films watched. These were they -

Somme, a World War One documentary 

Then Toryboy, then Brexitannia

Then ended viewing with Match of the Day

It was fun to sit there but not all there

As time grew late I started to beware 

Knowing I’d a car to collect in some 

Few hours from the airport on the next day 

So I shuffled reluctantly elsewhere 

Like bed, for instance. I was there by one

So those are my highlights of Boxing Day !

Sun 26 Dec

5600 - Christmas Day I must say

And so here we are once again, although 

This day’s no more frequent than 10th of March

Or 23rd of August, as we know 

But we mark its return and then make such

A big deal of it, like we’re kids who clutch

At presents and chocolates early morning 

As if that childlike excitement can switch

On decades later. It’s a gathering 

That’s only necessary if meeting 

Up with kids and grandkids, snow or no snow 

How did I entertain myself? I hatched 

A plan to cook roast spuds, and succeeding 

So tasty!  Want to cook more tomorrow 

I deserve a good cookery award badge!

Sat 25 Dec

5599 - Christmas Eve I do believe

Off work today, a Friday, did cleaning 

Plant watering, bit of reading (Complete Merde)

Then met Josephine in town, us eating 

And catching up at Wagamama- her

Decision of venue. My curry would 

Have been nicer even though it was spicy 

If with those pieces of pepper they had

Chopped them up a bit more. Walked on, then we

Saw a big pick n mix sweet stall. Costly 

Though. Had to hand most back, the price shocking 

At fifty-five quid for two bags. Unheard

Of, worse even than cinemas! Then she

Caught the Wilmslow train. 15k walking 

For me, furthest for quite a while, quite proud

Fri 24 December 

5598 - Energy returns!

After a few days smoking, and a clean 

Evening yesterday, woke at 6:15

Realising I’d slept 7 hours so could gain 

Some time by getting up. Last work day, then

It’s Christmas Eve, and I’m off work again 

Until the fourth of January. Yippee!

I reviewed what Kim did yesterday, seemed

Worth doing, cos there were errors plenty 

Then updated the slides for SLT

And then the satisfying thing, I’ve been 

In a great mood since applied for jobs. Soon

As I did that, I changed enthusiastically 

Into my gym clothes, went, did my routine 

Then back home, thrashed guitar something obscene 

5597 - Chop chop

Chops for tea, lamb of course, very tasty 

With rice, too, as the pasta has all gone 

Although compared to chicken it’s bony

And they were short on fat, so that’s no fun

I need to safeguard my liver and lungs

At least for one night, so maybe I can 

Go to the gym tomorrow when work’s done 

Desperate not just for fitness but to stand 

In the gym shower, wash my hair, clean again 

Can’t face my own shower - he’s made it dirty

Not cleaning it. Disgusting 🤢 Moving on

To the rest of tonight, a one night ban

On anything that might make me happy 

I’m bored already. Shame not round Helen’s

5596 - Fourth night

That’s the last of that and it took four nights 

Listening to Spotify in the bedroom 

The night is dark but inside there’s soft lights 

It’s hard to concentrate with these earphones 

It’s a selection of cover versions 

Tonight the musical mood is mellow 

Rare chance for chanteuses to fill the room 

Oh now a man’s singing but it’s quite slow 

What’s this song anyway? Well I don’t know 

There needs to be a host for parasites 

Yet I don’t recognise all of these tunes

More gentle acoustic guitar strum flow

Ah a Beatles song! That I recognise! 

And now someone is singing In My Room

5595 - Application application

I applied myself to my applying 

And that’s application application 

I hope they apply them to replying 

And that’s application application 

No reply’s application frustration 

A celebration was in store with haste

It was laid on without hesitation 

And furnished with the best possible taste 

The opportunity was not disgraced

The magic of music mystifying 

Stationary sensation a station 

At which a great time should and has been placed

But it can turn boring lying flying 

To get up can take some application 

5594 - Guitar afternoon

For a while there I couldn’t remember 

What I’d done today. Convinced I’d gone out 

But where?  My phone tells me I’ve gone nowhere 

And so rather than me IT is right 

Funny how such a guitar session might 

Be so soon forgotten though still so good 

This afternoon axe session was a beaut 

I played for around three hours in a mood

Of doing what I was born to do and should 

Have got into earlier. Okay, the year 

I got my first guitar, ‘82 it

Was, is an age ago, but still I would 

Like to have started it even earlier 

You must start young, try to reach the top spot 

5593 - Go Van Gogh

Went to the Van Gogh show, Media City

Should have been me and Helen but I met

Johnny and Claire there, not intentionally 

Helen sent them both her and my ticket 

Luckily we all got in at separate 

Times, three of us with two tickets. Nearly 

Another twist to the tale there! We sat

In this big marquee on the floor to see

A display of his paintings accompanied 

By music, quotes from his letters, a lot

Of plastic sunflowers, seemed quite poor to me

For 24 quid. Me, Claire and Johnny 

Went for a pint, so inevitably 

Had more back home. Watched Calibre. Great Scot!

Sat 18 Dec

5592 - Found rag

Made it up with Helen Friday morning 

While working and messaging Josephine 

Put successes on the team spreadsheet. Sing

My own praises for a change. I’ve not seen 

The opportunity too often. Been 

Trying to finish this stuff for so long 

Now heading towards Christmas with a grin 

Sadly didn’t put right all of the wrong 

Helen’ll miss the Van Gogh exhibition 

Mainly because the Covid’s worrying 

I’m mainly to blame. I acted quite mean 

Fri 17 Dec

5591 - Lost rag

I lost my rag last night with Helen. Sent

Some unpleasant messages following 

The non-record playing night that we spent 

Last Saturday and part Sunday morning 

It had grown in my head, got maddening 

I didn’t like the way the previous night 

She’d laughed about it, thought I was joking 

But I was annoyed, I wanted a fight 

It had to wait until today, my spite

Was now ready to burst. Released some pent 

Up anger in the morning while working 

And then started drinking while it’s still light 

And later on went into message rant

Sent some that were extremely insulting 

Thur 16 Dec

5590 - Covsquid Game

I continue with COVID Omicron 

And with Squid Game, though it’s frankly stupid

But felt much better. Cut hair in the morn

Before work. Worked okay, did what I did 

Then after that, you know what I fancied 

A bloody good session on the guitar 

So of the Omicron took little heed

Maybe tomorrow I’ll be in some bar

Getting pissed, my recovery’s come so far

But no, I’m isolating, must stay home 

No loss of appetite, keeping well-fed

Some fellow Friday nighters tested Ja

They’re on the sick, don’t need my test, not when

I’ve got all the symptoms. Isolated!

5589 - Have I caught the virus?

Just been reading symptoms of Omicron 

It fits closely with how I feel today 

Achy muscles, scratchy cough going on

Slight fever, tiredness lasting two days 

But didn’t sleep much last night, so I say

To myself,,that’s why I’m tired. Didn’t think 

I might’ve caught it, but those symptoms, they 

Convince me that I’ve been incubating 

It, and it’s now finally manifesting 

Itself. Quite excited, have hoped to come 

Down with it, get it over with, the fray

Won by my antibodies, I’m hoping 

So I’ll be immune. But seeing Helen 

May have to be postponed this Saturday 

5588 - Bug game

Watching Squid Game but feeling not so good 

Think I caught a bug. Coughed lots, now feel cold

Hot water bottle night for me. I should 

Shudder and shake less. Last night , seemed I rolled

The covers everywhere, sheet came loose. Spoiled 

Early start chances gone, but I thought I’d 

Be ok cos sleep returned. Brains feel boiled 

Though, and coldness is conquering all sides 

Gym on Wednesday unlikely. No bike rides

Or cross trainer or push-ups. Wish I could 

But I’ve caught a bug - don’t need to be told 

Maybe the pubs last Friday night complied 

(In there, no rules anyway), but was hard

To move, so packed that bugs spread uncontrolled 

5587 - Day of rest?

Sunday, the day of rest, but got no rest

Until some time after six thirty when 

It ended and a small couch was the best 

I could get. There was sick on the big one

But before you ask, no it wasn’t mine 

A surreal comedy-tinged real-life play 

I was shocked when someone told me the time 

Six thirty in the morning. No duvet 

The one she gave me had to throw away 

It had sick on it - well, I just detest 

A sicky duvet - I prefer them clean 

Bus home mid-afternoon. Always sad day 

When leaving hers. Now I am going to rest 

Three nights of misbehaviour must now end!

5586 - Long day’s session into day

Had a good night, had a good night, had a

Good night. Repetition by The Fall played

And repetition characterised the 

Whole proceedings. Like, Where’s my card

Where’s she, where’s he, where are they, do we need 

To go out in the car and get them here

And get this and that, needed to keep speed

Down, but strangely, down became up, strange fear 

Gripped me, but I couldn’t ask. Then from where

To safety, Royle Family or crime film noir

Breathless when breath needed the most, it made

The Velvets the only solution, clear

White light - need to see where to put my head 

Sat 11 Dec

5585 - Christmas do’s and don’ts

It’s office Christmas do time once again 

Mealtime 1pm down Abel Heywood 

A pub in the Northern Quarter. Was one

Crowded place as the evening went on. Could 

Have stayed but the team leader said we should 

Relocate somewhere else. The Unicorn 

Was where he led us. We weren’t consulted 

But it worked out well, space to sit, and fun

Was had by all. Got told off by someone 

Though, hand on her leg, she said can’t be done 

So I had to remove it, though I had

Touched her two years ago when she was drunk 

Maybe it was too soon, she’d not yet gone 

Down the beery slope to want to act bad

Fri 10 Dec 

5584 - Cold play

I’m sitting in my bedroom listening to 

Jacqes Brel and knocking back the good red wine 

It’s cold to be sure with the window view 

But I can’t help it, winter is so fine  

Nobody can stop it, earth has a line

It must follow and we’re prisoners on it

We must tolerate higher powers, find

A way to get through. Though the cold is shit 

We can’t argue against global visit

On its course from the red to the deep blue

No, this is what each generation minds

They invent Christmas to lift their spirit 

And Slade do their bit, and it does revive you 

With Father Christmas nonsense from old time 

5583 - Slim gym

I’m still quite slim from going down the gym

And though I’ve taken two months off, I’m back 

Like I was never gone, but I’m taking 

Things easier than before, or heart attack 

Is a risk. Press-ups strength I seemed to lack 

But that could be because of cross-trainer

Strain on different arm muscles. Meant to stick

To 20 minutes cycling but never

Got off the saddle until the half-hour

Was up. Likewise the half hour following 

Taken up on the cross-trainer, but stuck 

To my resolve to take things easier 

A cool way to spend a midweek evening 

Enjoyed it though the night was cold and black 

5582 - Yo Yo

I was like a yo yo today, walked to

The office and then walked back home again 

Then walked to the office again anew

Then home again, again, the reason bein’

I left my laptop charger there. Seein’

It missin’ from my bag on emptyin’ it

When I got home the first time, felt like cryin’

But you have to deal with this type of shit

Sometimes in life, an’ so the road I hit

In the cold wind, hoping I didn’t do 

Damage to my achey right leg with an

Unnecessary strain on it. It hurt

Slightly, will take painkillers later. Two

Should be enough to nullify the pain 

5581 - I did what I had to do

Yes I did what I had to do , sure thing

I worked hard finishing the work I had

By the end was I glad at finishing 

This piece of work that almost drove me mad

In fact there’s been worse work. Wasn’t so bad

But some stupid meetings got in the way 

Preventin me from finishing it good 

And early. At least I had things to say

In those meetings, proved I was awake. They

Can’t half be tedious, mind-numbingly boring 

In the office tomorrow so I’m glad

I can move on to other work. The day

In the office is usually time wasting 

Anyway. Too much talk, not enough did….

5580 - Active Sunday

It’s been an active Sunday, not just sat

Gym and swim this morning but right leg sore

From long walks. I think, I’ve noticed it hurt

For weeks now. I thought walking was fine for 

My health, unlike running, but my leg’s poor 

So no more long walks for a while. Clothes washed

Then plucked up willpower to unpack speakers 

That have been sat there in their cardboard box

For weeks. Sorted out my bedroom with lots

Of cleaning, moving things, a fluffy mat

Now covers all my CDs. The idea

To make it groovier-looking. Got the cords

And cables ready, speakers, keyboard. Might 

Add coloured lights for studio atmosphere !

5579 - Brrr 🥶

There’s nothing much to say today but Brrr 🥶 

Another day in this prolonged cold spell 

Woke up to Gerard‘a clothing everywhere 

Put it on radiators. Then got well

Into reading Name of the Rose. I felt

I needed new books quick so I bought four

For 50p each. Guitar session, full

Three hours, played Spotify faves of the year 

Hope to set up keyboard soon, with speakers 

Tomorrow after keep fit, I’ll be there

In my room, tinkling ivories. Been a real 

Delay. Bought keys in June. Lazy bugger!

Finished that book. Started new one - the cars

Of the 70s! Then watched EFL

5578 - Another cold walk

Worked well for a while but then my willpower 

Crumbled on a Friday afternoon so

I nipped to the shop but too cold for beer

Decided on wine, less pissiing to do 

Sat outside for a while but turning blue 

So listened to my music safe inside 

Spotify’s year-end fave artists review 

Beatles, Sparks, Fifth Dimension tracks beside 

Podcast interviews. Then I went outside 

Time to stretch my legs in the cold weather 

Genesis, Paul Weller, Abba, come, go

Through my ears on my Shanks’ pony ride

Once back I fried diced beef for my dinner 

With curry sauce. Some left for tomorrow 

5577 - Once more battling the cold in the flat

Once more battling the cold in this here flat

Trying to limit the times I turn it on

The strange thing I find is if you go out

When it felt cold inside before, it can

Often seem warm inside when you return 

I just conducted this experiment 

Was really chilling out just sitting down 

Watching a film on London gangsters. Went

To Sainsbury’s, got curry ingredients 

For tomorrow, a Friday teatime treat 

A nice hot mouth at least will be such fun 

And stomach too, when the curry descends

I need to defrost the fridge but will that 

Be possible in this cold? Dunno, man…

5576 - San Miguel

So I started off with a bottle of wine 

I didn’t finish it but got quite pissed 

I headed to town and I met Helen 

Outside the Lost Dene and we reminisced 

Over a pint or two, nothing was missed 

Then we moved on to the Mitre close to 

Manchester Cathedral where the concert is

The first half was Corelli, Mozart too

Then Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, I’ve not viewed 

It live before but now I have and then 

The Mitre once again but she was whisked 

Off by an Uber, leaving me with you

Know who, myself, and I’m sat here alone 

Pissed, need to get home soon, oh how I wish!

5575 - I’m gonna get a cold

I’m gonna get a cold if I do this 

All the time, sitting, walking in the cold 

I had a few drinks so needed a piss 

Every so often as I knew I would 

But it’s fun doing it each time I could 

This time I walked round Salford Quays again 

Not that many about there as I strolled 

But I was well wrapped up like most of them 

Humming and singing quietly to Julian

Cope. We’re now heading towards the abyss

Of midwinter when darkness has a hold

On our lives no matter who where or when

But it’s all part of seasonal fun, Christmas 

Has to be endured like disease and mould

5574 - It’s cold in Milan too

It’s cold here, but it’s cold in Milan too 

As Pearl has just confirmed now on the phone 

It’s close to the mountains- I saw the view 

When I was there. The cold air must come down 

In wintertime, though of course you’d get brown 

If you were out a long time in summer 

Stayed in with the heat on. Let’s hope that soon 

It warms up a little or I’ll be poor

After the bills I’ll get. What a bummer 

This freezing weather! It may surprise you

I watched a Brad Pitt film last night. Reason -

It was a solar system film. I’m a

Sucker for those. Might watch something now too

Mustn’t stay up late - there’s work to be done 

5573 - Leisure pleasure

I did it - went to the leisure centre

Walked there in my tracksuit trousers again 

Like the summer when I often walked there

In t shirt and shorts under the warm sun

Those barely-worn tracksuit trousers 👖 have lain

Unworn a couple of months as I retired 

From my short-lived keep fit craze. The heart pain

Scared me, I had to step back or expire

No press-ups, no sit-ups, thwarted desire

To keep slim and toned, though I’ve walked a fair

Amount this autumn. So felt I had won

An early Christmas present. Didn’t tire

Myself, moderate cycling and cross-trainer 

Session, and a swim. Snow walk later on. 

5572 - At your leisure

I didn’t go out except for shopping 

Couldn’t avoid that, there was no bog roll 

A short trip out but it was so freezing 🥶 

Read quite a bit but this cold takes its toll

Needed the heat on, much of the day. Real

Struggle to stay comfortable. Didn’t do

Much physically today. Tomorrow will

Be different though. I shall be walking to 

Clarendon Leisure Centre. At least two 

Months since gym or swim. This is exciting 

Can resume keeping fit. Seems they are still 

Doing lane swimming, Sundays. This means you 

Get value for the subscription, getting 

Back in the fitness groove is the new goal!

5571 - When you walk through a storm

The wintry weather continues apace 

Heat on in the flat, worked flat out, wanted

To finish early, natural on Fridays 

I felt I’d earned a drink or two, and did

Rush out soon after 3, got cans to sit

Out on the balcony with in the cold 🥶 

Storm Arwen was building but endured it

For an hour or so, but I had to fold

The chair up and move inside so I could 

Keep listening to the Swans, their stuff was ace

But once the beer was gone I then headed 

Out for a walk, a decision quite bold

Considering it had been too cold to face 

But in my warm clothes I felt protected 

Fri 26 Nov

5570 - Even colder nights!

By God, today felt cold even in the flat 

Heating had to go on in the morning 

Turned it off but the temperature plummet

Meant it went on again at work’s closing 

And I’m reluctant to think of turning 

It off yet, despite the potential cost 

How must poor families be managing 

To keep their kids warm? And old folks can’t roast 

In comfort, can’t sit there feeling like toast 

They can’t afford the bills to manage that 

So instead they must sit there shivering 🥶 

The gas prices have rocketed the most 

But electricity too. So now what 

Will a cold winter bring? Surely, dying 

5569 - Cold nights

Cold nights are back, I know because I went 

Out for a walk after work and some drinks 

10k tonight, round Kersal Dale, I spent 

An hour or two, some great music listening 

Interspersed with some funny messaging 

Hopefully walked off some weight gain with that 

Then came home and ate a meal of chicken 🍗 

That filled me up but shouldn’t make me fat

Lots of spinach leaves 🍃 first went on my plate 

Lubricated with ricotta, intent

On eating healthy salad and good things 

To make up for the bad things that I had

Caught up with the football. Man City sent 

A message, against PSG, winning 

5568 - Boots

My brown boots have already worn right out

Mind you they often last 6 months roughly 

So that will cost me between twenty pounds

And forty. At Salford Shopping City

It’ll be the cheaper end, definitely 

Noticed my worn out sole as I headed

Out to work at the office, more early

Than I originally intended

Chat to Fiona, then Raheel (I met

For the first time today), then heard the shout 

Of a familiar voice. Sian walked by me

Unpacked her bags, then came back for a chat

The Plastic Packaging Tax workshop ought

To be finished next week. Sounds good to me!

5567 - High energy (love it)

A decent night’s sleep, feel so much better 

Than yesterday, post-party and washed up

Instead I worked so hard that my dinner 

(Sorry, lunch) was delayed, I had to skip

Quickly to heat some Marks and Spencer’s soup 

At 3:15pm. Worked til 6, but

Could have continued, didn’t wanna stop

Had to, so I could cook my tea and eat

Before Gerard got home. It’s hard to fit

Two people in my tiny kitchen where 

We must cook at different times. Had to pop

Out for a bracing walk on a cool night 

I almost wished I could stay out longer

But my headphones battery sadly gave up

5566 - Birmingham

Walked round Lichfield briefly after leaving 

The Cottage on St Chad’s Road where I’d stayed 

The night after my dancing and drinking 

And attempted joke telling. Was afraid 

I’d already walked round Lichfield enough. Made

A decision therefore to catch the train 

Several hours earlier than planned. Big parade 

Around Birmingham instead was my plan 

I really enjoyed seeing its new design 

Very impressed. Couldn’t help comparing 

It favourably to Manchester. It had

So many more public spaces, more fun

Things for all ages to do, including 

Better Christmas markets and shops. Real good!

5565 - Death in Lichfield

Ok it didn’t go so well tonight 

My comedy set bombed but that’s ok

Lack of reaction leads to fight or flight

At least I stuck it out, but lost my way 

A little bit but recovered and they 

Dug it in the end, sort of. Had a good 

Time, danced to the band, danced and also swayed

Robin pounded the drums, and the neighbourhood 

Or at least the room, reverberated 

I had a good time even though despite 

My struggle, was invited anyway 

For a drink with these guys and somehow did

Get in though wearing trainers. Quite a night 

Got some love, got drunk, chatted. Not bad, eh?

5564 - Slog away Friday

My own fault really - just couldn’t get going 

With that work that had to be done today 

Tinkered with this and that, just postponing 

The priority work. Then it’s halfway 

Through the afternoon and it’s Bad Friday 

I knew I had to start, don’t really know 

Why I always put off the big things day

After day, whether work or play. It’s so

Self-limiting. Applying for jobs - go

To the back of the queue. Relegating 

My career and a salary jump way

Down the list, so far down it doesn’t show 

And is conveniently forgotten. Think

I’ll never change, just live for now, always 

5563 - Late night walk

I went on a late night walk after a

Few San Miguels out on the balcony 

I’m back now and need to rehydrate here

Just had a drink but it went down quickly 

Need more hazelnut drink and rapidly 

Catching up on the news and weather now 

I’m relying though on the BBC

Probably not the best idea anyhow 

I’ll give Newsnight five minutes, and allow 

A tiny amount of my time, but the

Remote will be used to change forcefully 

Wait - they’re going to cover the big row

Over the railway u turn. Manchester 

To Leeds is scrapped. Levelling up? Hee hee 😛 

5562 - Banging away

The neighbours were banging away today 

I thought I heard some shagging from below 

But I definitely heard DIY

From above, lasted for hours, but was so

Focused on my work, didn’t bother me though 

Didn’t do what I should - the AEO

Stuff - but by the afternoon tiredness can

Cause energy to dip and mind to slow 

However, I just couldn’t understand 

The managerial MDP programme 

In the end though I did, and found the way

To find and download documents and go

Through them and fill them in. Then I began 

The diagnostic test, did it all! They 

Will be impressed! My score was far from low!

5561 - In and out of the office

Sat in Slug and Lettuce with crap coffee

Fire alarm went off on my office day 

That’s 3 out of the last 4 when it’s me

In the office one day a week that they 

Have thrown us out! Walked in the cold and grey

To the Arndale for a much needed piss 

Met James, who ignored me and walked away 

I walked into Starbucks and there he is

Again, so I walked out. So I’ve got this

Crap coffee at an outside table. We

Now have builders by me doing a survey 

Need to put scaffolding up mate. What bliss!

Time for another check on re-entry

Chas isn’t in either. Bad choice Tuesday 

5560 - Sodding hard work

Hard work to work at all, the way I felt 

It’s self-inflicted, drinking like crazy 

Sank a large bottle of sambucca. Melt

My liver, if I kept it up. Scary

When I first turned on my computer, the

Effort to get started hurt my brain bad

But achieved my main goals, and they were three 

A process statement for Customs that had

Been postponed so often, and I just could 

Not get started for ages, but I filled 

It in a minute before had to be

In a People Group meeting. But my dread

Was reserved mainly- I say without guilt -

For process mapping of SCDP!!!!

5559 - More trips

My first trip was today and done on foot 

My second was planned today. Next weekend 

I’ll be in Lichfield. Premier Inn sold out

So resorted to Air BnB and

Found somewhere easily without big spend

Excited I’ll be staying near Stowe Pool

A part of my home town I never went 

To very often. I intend that I’ll 

Have a good look around, sightseeing stroll 

Before or after my comedy spot

Back to today’s walk - got lost trying to find 

The chemist’s where my booster jab was. Fool!

Down Seymour Grove, Old Trafford, got all hot

And sweaty, was late, but jabbed in the end!

5558 - Spending spree

The main thing I needed was a kettle 

But first I took a long walk in the sun

One of my favourite walks, that’s to Kersal 

Then Salford Shopping City - that’s often 

What I do now, two birds killed with one stone 

A pleasant keep fit walk and some shopping 

And at SCC I had shopping fun

No kettle bought, but I bought two hangings

A rug and a wrap for my bedroom - things

To make videos look better, covering all

My old CD collection when I’ve done 

Music or comedy in there. Going 

Out again, finally got my kettle 

Protecting us from electrocution 

5557 - England

Great day, in office, met Helen for drinks 

Tried the Oasthouse, ended up in The Bridge 

Left the office early, because methinks 

I could get drunk on Sambucca, and did 

Listening to music like the Grateful Dead

Idles new album, Bolan and some Charles 

Aznavour. Cooked some tasty teatime food 

Then not long to wait until the footballs

Got kicked by England in the net. Those fools

In Albania’s defence are on the brink

Of a thrashing, if England can indeed 

Maintain momentum and provide more thrills 

Kane’s got a hat trick in the first half. King

Scorer, he should soon beat Rooney’s record 

5556 - High energy day

One of those great days when you’ve energy 

And will to do most anything you feel 

Put in a decent day’s work, then I see

I’m in the office tomorrow and I’ll 

Look awful if I don’t cut my hair. Well 

I did just that, then cooked and ate some fish

(Kippers), then recycled. Sainsbury’s to fill

My bag with much needed greens 🥬. Not had much

Of those on my Italian trip. Finished 

All my holiday sonnet typing. Spree

Of messaging to various, a big deal 

For me, don’t do that often. I’m rubbish 

At keeping in touch. Now I’m happily 

Ready to read some Rebus. Clues, reveal!!!

5555 - Salford Day 1

Joke title, that is! I live in Salford! 

Too much limoncello last night, for sure 

Nearly the whole bottle, but it was good 

Relaxing after all those walking tours

My feet pounding Italian streets and floors

But I felt ok while working- surprised!!!

Very chatty and lucid, and the cause

Of tax was never better served. Reprised

My airport trip, for Day 2 test. It’s prized

Nostalgia for my hols, and on the head

Phones was the Jarvis Cocker stuff Pearl saw

Fit to play in her kitchen as I sized

Up her wine collection. And then we played 

Monopoly. But being home’s not a bore

Tue 10 Nov

5554 - Milan Day 5

Slept well again on Pearl’s comfortable bed

While she slept on the sofa, which was kind 

I did offer to swap- not such a cad!!

But we stayed where we were all of the time 

Last day in Milan. Today I was flyin’

Home. On this last day, saw The Last Supper

Was almost too late to get in, though I’m 

In possession of a ticket. Next the

Design Museum in Sempione. A

Treat, but I’m afraid, still not quite as good 

As Copenhagen’s. Next, had lunch in mind!

It was in Chinatown. Then, Centrale 

To catch bus to Bergamo Airport. Sped

Thru the evening, flying an hour back in time 

Tue 9 Nov

5553 - Milan Day 4

Pearl was working today, and so I had

My day planned for me by her at breakfast 

First, Sant Ambrogio Church, and I was glad

I went. Then back the way I came, Castle 

Sforzesco and Sempione Park just 

Before it rained. Walked towards the Duomo

Not been in before. Bought tickets and passed

An hour or more inside. Fantastic view

From the rooftop. The Rinascente shore

Was amazing, specially the household goods

San Bernardino Church, a shocking past 

Full of human skulls and bones!! Crazy, no?

San Siro Stadium, then Cenisio and

Meeting Pearl again. Then her dancing class!

Mon 8 Nov

5552 - Milan Day 3

Lazy morning, woke at 9, then breakfast 

Cooked by Pearl - poached eggs in yoghurt. Quite nice 

The first place we went was one of the best 

Cemeteries I’ve ever seen. Sculptures twice 

As high as say in France. It made my eyes

Pop out. Monumentale was it’s name. 

Then Porta de Venezia was the place 

We hung out that afternoon. It is famed

For ornate 20s/30s buildings. Lame 

Ideas like ears by doors. Caught tram. We passed 

Thru neighbourhoods til Isola, and twice 

Or 3 times took wrong turns. Frida bar came 

Into view finally. 3 drinks, then haste 

Homewards to warm up. Meal of peas and rice

Sun 7 Nov

5551 - Milan Day 2

Breakfast of a pastry and espresso 

Then bus to Centrale, and then the train 

Quite a long journey then to Torino 

And it was so sunny - no sign of rain

Did the tourist thing, did it once again 

So nice to be back in Europe, with Pearl

As guide and translator. Hunger ingrained 

After some sightseeing, sat at table 

And had lunch in the sun. Now fairly full

We headed for the pretty River Po

With yellow and red autumn leaves, insane 

Warmth and beauty for November. A real

Enjoyable first full day. There’s more though

Italian Monopoly played! My gain!

Sat 6 Nov

5550 - Milan Day 1

Excited but nervous, the Italy

Trip begins today, but have I done all 

The paperwork correctly? We will see!

Bummed around, firstly packing, then a stroll

To Sainsbury’s for perfume. Then grabbed all 

My stuff in my black bag - I’m airport bound 

Got on the plane ok. I was enthralled 

By great views of cloud, sea and land. The ground 

Safely reached.  Thru passport checks in seconds

Caught the train to Bovisa, Milan. We

Met at the station, walked to her flat, full 

Of excitement that I’d made it there. Sound

Start to the holiday. Nice meal out, free

Limoncello at the end. That’s so cool!

Fri 5 Nov

5549 - Eve of trip

So it’s been hard, these last couple of days 

Couldn’t have done it without Pearl’s help, no

After working hard, had to make my way 

To Manchester before shops shut. I’d go 

To the printing shop on Deansgate but oh

Their colour printer wasn’t working. I

Ended up at Ryman’s but even though 

I got a good colour printout of my

Passport, they didn’t give it me back. Why

I don’t know, but I checked my bag. Always 

Worth doing. Retraced my steps, I had to know 

If they had my passport so I could fly 

And yes they did. Had to have a few beers 

Cos I’ll be in Italy tomorrow! 

5548 - Hard day’s flight

It’s been a hard day’s preparation but

Things are nearly ready for Italy 🇮🇹 

Thanks mainly to Pearl’s help I have now got 

A negative test result. She helped me 

With the Passenger Locator Form. We

Did that fairly fast, but my boarding pass

Proved somewhat elusive, rather tricky 

Did it in the end though. The airport was

Relatively deserted as I passed

From my Covid test location there at

The station, to Terminal 1 to see

The EasyJet check-in people. Then fast

Train back to Manchester to sort this out

With Pearl’s help. I’ll be in Milan, Friday!! 

5547 - Tuesday again

Tuesday again, so many Tuesdays gone 

Each Tuesday is new unlike earlier days 

Each day is special but Tuesdays are one

No one celebrates them but I see ways 

I’ve had a good Tuesday in inner space 

I went to the office, met Chas at last 

The day as usual went at quite a pace 

Rushed home and sank beers and I felt relaxed 

But time was short and so I made some tracks 

In the dark to the Quays and had some fun 

Not used to this darkness though in the Quays 

So many summer strolls, now they are past

And the sun is now once more upon the run 

Still we remember when it was ablaze 

5546 - Preparation for the trip

My trip to Italy is very near 

Not organised it yet, until today 

Booked Covid tests, one for the departure 

And one for my return to the UK

A lot to do on Wednesday and Thursday 

Going to the airport for a Covid test 

If it goes well I’ll have my holiday 

Still feel okay if not quite at my best 

I hope the result will make me impressed 

By Milan and Turin when I get there 

Pizza pasta made the Italian way 

I can’t wait until I become Pearl’s guest 

It will be my first flight somewhere this year 

And we’re in dark November already 

5545 - Long day’s journey into Manchester

Oh my god what a daymare, Halloween 

Stuck in Euston, overcrowded as hell 

With Covid all around and no mask screen 

Train cancellations more than I could tell 

No guarantee I could get north at all

Kept going down into Dante-esque lows 

When my goal was above all to stay well 

The Italy trip so soon that might close 

If I got diseased breath inside my nose

Yet fallen trees on the main line had seen 

To my hygiene priority. So will

I pass the test on Wednesday or disclose 

To Pearl that I can’t go? Or if I’ve been 

There, then test positive? Hope not, Pearl 

5544 - Sutton Warmfield

I was born up in Sutton Coldfield 

Near Birmingham, but today we were down 

In Sutton, Surrey, at the football field 

And it was warm the whole time in that ground 

Great for the end of October, a sound

Use of the day with Louis. Full breakfast 

In Leytonstone, then long train journey round

East London, Waterloo, Wimbledon, rest

On the platform bench waiting for the next 

Train to West Sutton, where the ground revealed 

Itself between hedges. In the shop, found

A nice bath towel with the Sutton crest

Shame I can’t sunbathe on it, it’s too cold

For that, now that we are late autumn bound

5543 - Back to London

Back to London, this time to see Louis

Train to Euston, then on to Leytonstone 

Everything transport-wise went swimmingly 

Main task though is to avoid infection 

Especially Covid, as my vacation 

To Italy to stay with Pearl is just 

A week away. It’s worrying me some 

Got to get the paperwork done, quick. Must

Give that priority next week. We passed

The high street, headed down to the house he

Shares with three others. Ordered curry from 

A website. Delivered. It passed the test 

Then watched a film called ‘Spotlight’ late in the

Evening, then read until half eleven 

Fri 29 Oct

5542 - Mind elsewhere

Mind elsewhere but mind also where you are 

You can be in two places at one time 

When the mind and the body are at war

And reason sometimes loses to the rhyme 

When the body is at war with the mind

Know where you are see the way to get out 

You don’t want to leave your body behind 

So think of how you’re thinking every thought 

Is that why you’re still seeking what you sought 

You know that coming back is just as far

As going out, you’re using the same line

Don’t stray too far away from where you ought 

And do not lose sight of the nearest star

But do not stare at it or you’ll go blind

5541 - And so to today

And so to today what we gonna do

The next minute is oh so far away 

Each second brings so clearly into view 

That it in turn is split a thousand ways

And each must be explored, each one for days 

Each day on horseback, sea sun sky and sand

Sunlight reflected from mirror to eyes

Or are they shiny stones upon the ground 

I dismount jumping and take one in hand 

This will give the scientists something to do

They sit and smoke in their laboratory 

And like the universe their minds expand 

Into the same dilemma as we two

That’s what to do today. What do we say?

5540 - Smooth PM

I finished work early, putting stuff off

The balcony was out there calling me 

I went out and like a cloud just went puff 

Away listening to fairy like hippie 

Stuff from the 60s, and the 70

Then watched Charlie Says, was overshadowed 

By Tarantino’s flick about Old C

But I thought it was equal or in mode

Superior. Then lying in my abode

Listened to groovy Silver Apples stuff 

West Coast Pop Art Band they played well for me 

And Pere Ubu amazed me like a toad

Then watched Pusher 3. This stuff is quite rough

And so it ended at least for today 

Mon 26 Oct

5539 - Forgettable day

Forgettable? It’s already forgot!

Incredible? I tell you it was not!

I’ve mainly just been sitting on the spot 

And my mind was peaceful, with little thought 

Finished work early, nipped to Sainsbury’s 

Raced back while the sun was above the trees 

And listened to something that made me freeze

Silver Apples remade that balcony’s

Reputation, which has recently sunk

Like I did when my head made quite a thunk 

As it landed last Sunday after drunk

I was making out just like an old monk

SA made it good again, I should say 

What a band, if listened to the right way 

5538 - Speakers corner

Speakers Corner is now my bedroom floor 

Or will be on Tuesday when they arrive 

They’re being delivered Tuesday around 4

For my keyboard they’re so imperative 

Because it’s soundless. It’s been supplied with 

No inbuilt nor no external speakers 

It took 3 months to unpack, but I gave 

It my full attention this weekend cos

I wasn’t wanting to drink, need a pause 

I turned it on, lights lit up, 5 or more 

It was black and shiny. This could be love

But pressed a key, silence only occurs

Volume knob useless. In manual, saw

I needed speakers, cables, in my hive

5537 - A three film problem

No problem really, just a Sherlock joke 

Dachau, Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd 

Then a gripping film called Polytechnique

About a young guy you’d want to avoid

Walking round with a gun, students destroyed 

Especially clever girls into science 

This was more memorable because Gerard

Had seen someone in Piccadilly and

So that meant my mind wasn’t so advanced 

But my senses had been given a tweak 

After that, Pistorius, then Motherhood 

Seen that episode before but it stands

A further watching for sure. Football took

An hour, then BBC reggae was played 

Sat 23 Oct

5536 - Old faces

Old faces from before the pandemic 

I’ve finally seen again in the office 

No senior managers to spoil the craic 

Didn’t get much that done because of this 

Jacqui, Kay and Charlotte we all have missed 

Their banter, and home working can be fine 

But in person today it resurfaced 

While outside there was rain, inside, sunshine 

Avoided temptation from beer and wine 

Went into Sainsbury’s but managed to stick

To food purchases- bread my only vice

Ate some with Marmite on, soon as I find

Myself home. A book, a film, guitar, slick

Groovy stuff. Keyboards this weekend. Promise! 

5535 - Whey to go

First time I’ve tried whey powder- it’s chocolate 

Flavour, mixed with milk in the cereal 

Bowl, so it gives a morning protein hit

And yes I felt pretty engaged and well 

All through the morning’s work. Though I felt full

Enough to need no snacks, had soup for lunch

Couldn’t resist chicken soup in a bowl 

While watching the news, with nothing to munch

Alongside it or dip in it. No crunch

Of Ryvita, it stayed on the shelf, not

Fattening I know, but I’ll remain careful 

To prevent any fat stomach relaunch 

Read a fair bit, watched films. Feeling a bit

Nervous about office black eye reveal 🥺

5534 - Arms on the mend

My arms feel almost better. They have hurt

Since my exercise regime began in

Early July. Gym possible soon but

Mustn’t overdo it, I’ll be taking 

It easier than I did, so no straining 

Of arms, lungs or heart. I went for a walk 

Not a long way, just round the Quays, seeing 

That it was already getting quite dark 

As I began. United fans, all talk

Heading to Old T with big game spirit 

But they’re losing to Atalanta. Bring

On a new manager!  Ole’s a dork!

Derby meanwhile are bottom, haven’t bought 

Anyone cos they’re bankrupt! They’re sinking 

5533 - Intense

A good night’s sleep, much needed, early start

Tremendous workload, much I had to do 

Did such a lot, really did such a lot 

And all there’s left to say now is just phew

Had beers left from Sunday, and had a few

But stopped short of drinking them all, well done 

To me, and cos I’m generous, to you 

Watched Mary Queen of Scots. Glenda Jackson 

As Queen Elizabeth. And Mary’s son

Became King of England, the first Stuart

As English monarch, but Protestant true

Maybe because he had to be. Began

Campaign against witches, survived that plot 

Short-lived dynasty. Cromwell saw it through 

5532 - Bloody🩸 face / Blood Orange 🍊

Left with a bloody face from last night’s fall

I awoke to see I have a black eye

Lucky 🍀 I’m not due in the office til

Friday. It might have healed by then, so I 

Hope. Gerard noticed soon as he came by

From work, commented straight away, that’s how 

Obvious the bruises and cuts are. But try

Though I might, couldn’t stay home, needed now 

To go shopping 🛍 for pasta, coffee ☕️, so

I walked round the aisles in the shopping mall

A bit self-conscious of my looks, but why

Worry? Let them wonder, why not allow 

Them that diversion? Has someone been cruel?

Or has he walked into a door? Poor guy! 

PS Watched ‘Blood Orange’ - a film starring Iggy Pop

5531 - Velvet Underground/ Fell Right on the Ground

Went to see the new Velvets film with Hel 

And it was a good watch, I’m glad we did

Shouldn’t have had three cans of San Miguel 

Before leaving home, though. I overdid 

The boozing. Several pints, bottle of red

Shared in the cinema as we sat back

And soaked up the sixties vibes and Lou Reed

And John Cale, Maureen, Sterling, the whole pack

Then to Corbieres for more beer. But alack!

I fell off my chair! I felt quite unwell 

Back home after I opened the fan lid

A four pack of Kronenbourg, a whole stack

Of yet more to knock back. Once more I fell

On the balcony, bashed my face in bad

Sun 17 Oct

5530 - Fast day

Time flies sometimes and today has flown by

Saturday maybe but didn’t lie in

After breakfast, turned the tv off. I

Thought I was clever, I’ll do some reading 

But forgot I’d paid for a film morning 

At the cinema. Shame. It was about 

The deadly Irish potato famine 

I’d heard it was a good film, and I doubt 

The timing could’ve been better, amount

Of Irish-themed books and films recently 

Used time well though, got Covid pass on phone 

And read all holiday emails throughout 

Downloading apps as required. Long walk by

The Irwell, Aldi shop, guitar session 

5529 - Sunset walk

A sunny Friday, and began quite well 

Arranging to see Helen on Sunday 

Got stymied somewhat - partly, I can tell -

By sudden Brexit news I had to say

To colleagues, must go up and right away 

Preventing me from cracking on with my

Main work item. Afterwards, though Friday 

No drinks this time around. I thought I’d try

Instead to do the canal walk right by

The Bridgewater, before the darkness fell 

Sky and water reflecting it, lovely 

Blue sky, orange-tinted clouds, watched geese fly

In the wider more spacious Quays, they spill

Onto the water, crash land beautifully 

5528 - Early start early finish times two

Early start early finish sometimes is

The way to approach a drinking session 

Today it applied in two different ways

Firstly with work, I attacked it full-on

Starting early, soon after eight a.m.

Enabling me to get so much stuff done 

I could stop mid - afternoon and drink beer 

On the balcony. There was even sun

For a while. All was well, but it grew near 

Gerard’s return from work. To disappear 

Before then was my aim, but with five beers

To knock back in two hours, that’s going some

I did it though, put on boots and coat, steered

Myself outside real quick in near darkness 

And walked 11k and had great fun 😁

Thur 14 Oct

5527 - Long day’s journey into fight

It’s nothing serious, no, really it’s fun

Yes, a long day in the office and yes

Some heated debate between me and one

Colleague, Fiona, as we tried to face 

The challenge of attempting to retrace 

A whole complicated customs process 

She drew it on big paper, and all based

On my notes that I wrote with great prowess

Friday and Monday, not without distress

She kept arguing but worked on and on

Because her complaints and almost abuse 

Were just because we get on well, no less

She’s relaxed with me enough to respond 

In that way and we stay friends nonetheless 

5526 - Italy here I come

I organised my flights to Italy 

While on the phone to Pearl there in Milan 

That’s where I’m headed in a week or three 

We planned time there and also in Turin

Only an hour by train - how exciting!

After yesterday’s hard work, was able 

To finish early and sit out drinking 

After that, a decent walk to Kersal 

Almost dark but knew where I was the whole 

Time, whole place to myself. It felt really 

Special as I walked round all on my own 

Listening to Northern Quarter music, real

Modern stuff for a change, slightly drunk. Be

Happy with the day- yes, I really am!

5525 - County Lines

The only thing that I can remember 

About today was watching ‘County Lines’

The end was happy, saw him recover 

From the beating he took for petty crimes

Also started on Rebus, my first time 

Descended into sleep fairly early 

Time was truncated because I was trying 

To finish a hard piece of work, you see

Just as I finished, Pearl rang. Italy

Beckons. There’ll be a trip in November 

Milan airport, then a few days of mine

And hers together in that great country 

And that was it, the evening was over 

Despite that, had fun, time was flying 

Mon 11 Oct

5524 - Recuperation Sunday

Feeling noticeably better at last 

Able to bend my arms back far better 

Than yesterday or for several months past 

Not since I began swimming this summer 

Earrly July have they felt flexier 

One down side though. Took a fairly long walk

My legs ached more, even knees, than before 

Though my toes weren’t as bad, start of my stalk

Around streets and later, canals. My luck

May be in, then, or has good health now passed

The heart still aches a little, not despair

Just maybe needs more repair. Sit and talk

Even the odd beer and smoke can’t be missed

Til a gentle gym trip feels right and fair

5523 - England v Andorra

Ok so Andorra are not the best 

But it’s still exciting when England play 

And there’s live coverage on the tv. Let’s 

Enjoy it, and see whether it’s ok

It’s not our best line up but I would say 

We should still beat them handsomely and score

A few goals and put Andorra away 

Now to see if we can do it just once more 

I’ve downed my beer and now I’m ready for 

The game. We want to see some bulging nets

And goal-scoring stats start to make their way

Can England polish off the great Andorre 

Or will this prove to be a harder test?

Now to find out. Bring it on. It’s the day!

5522 - Aching all over

I’m not shaking all over, I’m aching 

Shoulders, and the upper right arm

Guitar session last night, is that causing 

This discomfort advancing, doing harm

Whenever I exert myself. What am

I going to do, I wonder. Will it heal

Or am I falling apart, limb by limb

Sometimes it’s the right leg, sometimes I feel 

Pain in the left toes, walking. And my heel 

Used to be stiff first thing in the morning 

Wish it was just that now! Causing alarm!

Should I pay for a check-up? There’s no real 

Need. Flu jab soon. That’s when I’m mentioning 

It to the doc, opinion to inform

5521 - Horrible ready meal

I just had a horrible ready meal 

I never normally eat this garbage 

It looked good on the pack, so I thought, deal

10 minute microwave job, at no stage 

Do I need to cook, wash pans, wait an age

This was my reward after a long day

At work, followed by a walk, a rampage 

In the bedroom with my guitar, a play 

That’s one of my best ever plays, I’d say 

However, this curry and rice was vile

It was Weight Watchers though so no poundage 

Put on, hopefully. Bedtime soon. I’ll lay

There reading’McCarthy’s Bar’ til I feel 

Ready to drop off as I turn the page

5520 - Autumn sun

The sunniest day this week. Finished early 

So I could relive summer days again 

And got beers in, went on the balcony 

Got pissed on San Miguel while listening 

To music before the lodger got in

From work. Since then watched the Bulger killers

Docu, then the one on Joy Division 

Which I first saw long time ago, oh, years!

In the old cinema called the Cornerhouse

Never got over Ian’s suicide. He

Was the best. Visited his grave there in

Macclesfield cemetery. Bring on the tears

A good day overall like so many 

Will continue relaxing until when…

5519 - A week of no keep fit

A week has now gone by of now keep fit

No gym, swim or long walks for me these days 

But it was nonetheless a definite 

Landmark day, first day back in the office 

First meet with Dean, my HO. Also this

Should have been first meet with my manager 

Chas, but he’d not booked a desk, so we missed 

Seeing him too. More chatting went on there

Though, no senior managers to beware 

Of. So it was a fun day. Finally got

Down to some work as the afternoon rays

Of the autumn sun mixed with rain declared

The time ebbing away. Stayed til half six

Enjoyed it, but it’s back to the home phase

5518 - Still don’t feel quite right

Back at work, at times felt somewhat unwell 

But carried on though I finished early 

Went for a walk afterwards but I felt 

Less motivated, overall really 

It all now feels a bit pointless. Where’s the

Excitement of recent weeks? Gone so quick 

Vanished with this heart discomfort. It’s me

Who’s to blame. Have I really been so thick

As to disable myself keeping fit?

If this persists, before too long, guess I’ll 

Have to see the doc. I can’t even see

The point in a heart monitor. A sick

Piece of luck  it’s ruined now, I’m too ill 

Right now to exercise. It’s so shitty!

5517 - I am the passenger

Sitting in a National Express coach. South

We head, through green lands and bare hills, twisting 

Rivers, service station stop, Tebay. Both

Times I’ve liked stopping here. First time, shining 

Sun and scenery. This time I’m shopping 

In the Farm Shop, so much good stuff, hope I’ll 

Be back soon. Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, drinking 

Two bottles of beer tonight, each bottle 

From a local brewery. A slight struggle 

To carry it all with no basket. Mouth-

Watering Kendal mint cake is adding 

To the pleasures later. Manchester full

Of police cars, vans, horse boxes. It is both

To protect Tories and watch the protesting…

Sun 3 Oct

5516 - Wedding in Glasgow

Hannah and Adebiyi’s fine wedding 

In a fine location up in Glasgow 

St George’s Tron church, with live YouTube screening 

Seen by Mum, Pearl all those who couldn’t go 

Rain threatened and there was a shower or two 

But on the whole pictures outside taken

And the walk to Trades Hall, weren’t soaked, and no

Need even for an umbrella. Not on

The level of David and Emily’s, stunned

Though at times by the costumes and dancing 

Bagpipes, ceilidh, African, Kevin though 

Did tone down the preaching and kept it fun

Great views on the bus there and back. Loving 

The chance to really see hills, and Clyde’s flow

Sat 2 Oct

5515 - Glasgow- it’s cheap

Rushed to the National Express bus station 

In Manchester, got there on time, thank God 

The landscape on the journey up was fun

The sun shone and it looked great from the road

Some showers, but sun came out, on my tod 

I walked around the shops, got souvenirs 

Then went out with brother Robin, had good 

Time with him and Liz and Poppy, so cheers 

To them. Amazed by the low beer prices 

Went to the Hard Rock Cafe, but I’m one 

Who can no longer stuff their face. Thin bod 

Is what I desire, not stuffing faces

Back in the hotel already by ten

Good day then, wedding tomorrow, more food!

5514 - The next day

Two days on from my heart scare in the gym 

Telling me to take it much more easy

I still feel a bit weird up there within 

On top of this, work today was really 

Long and hard. 7 pm I finally 

Shut down the laptop and I cooked a meal 

And while doing so, was called by Louis 

Arranged a visit to his place, real

Pleasant surprise! Then it’s our usual deal 

Talking politics. Sainsbury’s had to win 

After all this, and I had to agree

A few beers, and even fags, had appeal 

I suppose that this constitutes a sin

But who cares? Glasgow tomorrow, yippee!

5513 - Need to chill

Yesterday’s gym session was successful 

In terms of my performance, but I had 

A shock while running. Felt a brief rumble 

In the heart region, could have ended bad

But did the full 20 minute period 

And went home. Noticed however I still 

Felt in that body zone not quite as good 

As before, and today still not quite well 

Gerard advised that this happens. It will

Improve but I must be more sensible 

In the gym. It’s not good to try that hard

The body may have become powerful 

But the heart can’t always cope, it can struggle 

So I’ll eat less and in the gym, I’ll chill 

5512 - Leg ache again

Got leg ache again, gym session, Tuesday 

Despite not finishing work until 6

Punished my legs cycling quite a long way 

Though of course the bike machine was static

5.3 miles in just 20 minutes 

And at difficulty degree 20

Which is tougher than I’ve done before. It’s 

Gruelling, but I did it. Oh glory be!

Then 20 minutes running quite quickly 

At 5.5 mph, 10 degree

Incline, or thereabouts. I got my kicks

Walked home through the dark park, now routinely 

Doing this, and it’s a great way to stay

Healthy, better than booze on these dark nights

5511 - Went for a walk after work

Went for a walk after work while still light 

This will soon not be possible, sadly 

As autumn progresses to early nights 

Decided to head towards the city

Seeing old haunts not seen much recently 

Crossed the white bridge outside my old office 

Saw my current office, too, over the

Other side of the road. Marks and Sparks is

A fun place to browse for food. Bought some juice 

And 15 eggs. I thought the price was right 

And watched ‘Aguirre, Wrath of God’ - widely 

Seen as an all-time classic. But my eyes

Struggled to stay open. This is the plight

Of the hard worker and hard walker - me!

5510 - Hello again Helen and friends

Was eagerly looking forward to this 

A meet-up with Helen again and friends 

A meeting that seemed to hold the promise 

Of a good laugh, though it would have to end

Quite early, being Sunday, but til then 

We’d meet in the Shakespeare, two pints each bought 

Then went to Thaikhun, spicy ‘Jungle’ blend

Of food in a bowl full of soup-like sauce

Then walked to the King’s Arms. Been there of course 

Oodles of times for fun performances 

In Dave Turquoise’s open mic night. Spent 

Many nights in that snug, but today was

A play held in the theatre space upstairs 

Beckett’s ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’ chosen by Helen 

Sun 26 Sep

5509 - Listenin’ playin’ and watchin’

Music - I’ve been listenin, playin, watchin

Listenin while walkin 15k almost 

Playin the guitar back home, enjoyin

My increasin ability. Can’t boast 

Bout playin live successfully- been toast 

On occasion, not that I try it now 

But been meanin since June to get that closed 

Keyboard box opened and to get to know 

How it works and records backing tracks so

I can do videos at least of singin

And playin live at home. Maybe uploads

Of the backing tracks, then some studio

Time just for vox and guitar. Inspirin 

Me even if some keep fit time is lost

5508 - Legs are aching

My legs are aching, I spent Friday night 

In Ordsall gym, though had to leave early 

It closes at 8 on Fridays. Seems right 

No-one there at all - well, except for me

Then I just had to leave and quite quickly 

No time for a shower til I got home 

Now watching a rock documentary 

The Kinks and Led Zeppelin, to name but some 

Watching this stuff while my legs throb and thrum 

Bedtime soon and if I can sleep all right 

I may go for a long walk Saturday 

Perhaps somewhere different, like Birmingham?

No, that’s too far. I could take a tram ride

And explore somewhere that takes my fancy

5507 - Thursday not the worst day

It’s Thursday and it’s not been the worst day 

In fact it’s been okay, more than okay 

Work was fun and productive I would say 

And I finished early, made me happy 

Sank four San Miguels on the balcony 

The sun shone somewhat intermittently 

Listened to music meanwhile, happily 

Then I watched some music on the tv 

The Doors and Yes to be precise. Amy

Winehouse is lined up, I’ll watch that Friday 

Or possibly if not on Saturday 

I’m looking forward though to this Sunday 

Going with my mates to drink and see a play 

But for now I am happy, quite simply 

5506 - Sunset upset

A beautiful sunset for last two nights 

Tonight went walking slightly earlier 

Saw more of it, one of my favourite sights

Especially pretty over the water

At Salford Quays (too tired to go further)

As I approached the first white bridge, noticed 

Some silhouettes, walker after walker

Realised they were United fans, there must

Be an evening game at Old T. They lost

At home to West Ham, League Cup upset. Slight

Surprise, but West Ham are doing well this year 

So Man United’s treble hopes are dust 😂

My post-work walks becoming darker, lights

Of the Quays pretty though to onlooker 

5505 - Bloody work

That bloody work, have to work my arse off

That bloody work, it makes me need to cough

That bloody work, it’s something you can shove

That bloody work is something you can’t love

That bloody work, it makes my bowels move

That bloody work, it’s less Brighton, more Hove

That bloody work, it’s more raven than dove

That bloody work, reminds me of Frank Bough

That bloody work, barman, a Molotov

That bloody work, it’s something you can stuff

That bloody work, I just can get enough 

That bloody work, it’s a dog’s life, so wuff 

That bloody work, I’d rather sniff some snuff

That bloody work, that’s enough of this guff

5504 - Last sunbathe

Today has probably been my last sunbathe 

This year 2021, most likely 

So glad I got work done and felt good with 

The weekend’s keep fit good activity 

And was able to sit on balcony 

While the sun still shone bright, with beer at hand 

Listened to Can and Yes but got chilly

Had to swap shorts for jeans, cardy not planned 

But necessary as the heat descends

And the sun dropped behind the trees. I saved

Myself from freezing. But was good to be

Out there in time to enjoy the last stand 

Of summer heat before autumn’s cold bath 

Now I’m ready for what must be will be

5503 - After gym and swim

What can be done for the rest of the day 

When you’ve been down the gym and had a swim?

The gym just by itself would be okay 

But a hard swim can leave you short of vim

It’s only once a week I do both, in

Clarendon Leisure Centre, but it’s true 

Most Sundays after going there, there’s slim

Chance I’ll feel like I’ve energy to do 

Much. Take today. All I’ve done is to view

Several films on Amazon. Couldn’t stay 

Awake the whole time either!  But did trim

My hair, bought bus ticket to Glasgow. Knew

This could be the result. Every Sunday 

Feels wasted. But it’s helping me get thin!

5502 - Second-longest walk

Had been on course for longest recent walk

Headed along the Irwell as usual 

Feeling strong, hours of daylight left, I stalked

Along, though wearing jeans, oh what a fool 

But just as things looked great, phone battery fell 

To very low level, not only could 

I no longer listen to music - will

I even be able to know if I did

Beat my old long distance walking record?  

If the phone dies I’ll never know! Did talk

To a few en route, about dogs and - Tell

Me where I am!  Turned out I was headed 

Back homewards, not towards Bury. I’d cocked

It up. But next time I’ll get there, for real!

5501 - Tired but it’s Friday

Tired from a poor night’s sleep but it’s Friday 

So after work I had to celebrate 

What else could I do on a sunny day?

Struggled to walk to the Co-op to get 

My cans of Guinness but soon as I sat

Down, all was well. I only had seven 

Left, so four cans of quite weak beer, yes that

Was just right for this poor situation 

Not enough to get drunk so I still can

Do a few things. Watched two Netflix films - they

Were both good. The Last Days, about the fate

Of Hungary’s Jews at war concentration 

Camps, then ‘Schumacher’ - number two today 

But no film of him in his present state

Fri 17 Sep

5500 - Another first

Another first. Work. Getting pissed. A walk

A 13k walk, mainly in the dark 

First time I’ve walked after a session. Look -

That’s impressive in itself, quite a lark 

But 13k? That’s some feat!  Through Peel Park

On the way back, weaved my way through dark lanes

Explored in the summer. I felt my stark

Vulnerability at times. It’s insane 

To thread through dark alleys in Salford. Main

Thing though is I survived, I had good luck

I won’t repeat that hopefully. The mark

Of success is learning again, again 

About survival I’m equipped to talk 

Having got this far, like some aged shark 

5499 - Energy reduction

Yes, obviously today couldn’t match 

Yesterday for energy levels. Lay

In bed last night still wide awake, night watch 

Despite ten hours of work, one hour of ‘play’ 

In the gym, ending up with Doug Murray -

The Strange Death of Europe, my current book

One that I find easy to read quickly 

So today I’ve been a tad tired, but look

I still worked over eight hours, then a walk

Of over 8k past canal and bridge 

This fitness lark compels me to obey 

And though less time left for music or talk

It’s healthy and I’m reducing my bulge

It’s cheap, it gets me out, rounds off my day 

5498 - First dark gym

My first gym session after the darkness 

Crept upon the autumn early eve sky

It was descending as I neared the place 

And by the time I left, unsure if I 

Could go through the park. Was it shut? I’d try

And enjoyed the novelty of a stroll

Through the dark park, but there was lamplight. My

Amazement was complete. I’m on a roll 

I can work for ten hours but still feel full 

Enough of energy to then do this -

Go down the gym at seven thirty 🕢. Why

Surely it must be working after all 

My weight loss programme, allied to fitness 

Increase. The evening has fairly flown by! 

5497 - Autumn after-work walk

Walked nearly 14k after work this

Evening, until it got dark. Enjoyed it

Walking around Kersal Dale as cyclists 

Joggers and dog walkers went by. Habit-

Forming, though soon these evenings won’t be lit

And then this walk just won’t be possible 

After work, when the darkness will restrict 

These nice quiet green places, accessible 

Only in working hours or weekends. All

The students jogged round Peel Park. Scooterists

Made walking on the pavement feel a bit

Insecure at times, but I’d be a fool 

To let this stop me walking where I wish

For at least one more month it will be nice 😊 

5496 - Last day off

Sad to say, I must be on me way back 

To boring old work tomorrow, but I’ve 

Had a great two weeks off, blessed by some crack

Weather most of the time during this leave 

Late summer sun accompanied my skive 

Was even able to sunbathe one day 

When most were at work or school. Glad I have

Had that experience. No real holiday 

As in, a week or two spent far away 

But those few days in London and those back

Up north in a rented Peugeot (that saved

Paying for accommodation), well they

Were all great days! What positive impact!

Travel produces memories you can save

5495 - Twenty years on

Twenty years since 9/11 took place 

I first heard about it while out shopping 

I drove home and sat watching the replays

Of the airplanes and twin towers falling 

A 10 kilometre walk this morning 

Salford Quays and the canal. Intended

To keep going further but power failing 

In my headphones, so no music, headed

Back home and just did some reading instead 

And then played guitar til the last sun’s rays

Discovered that Channel 4 was showing 

The US women’s tennis final. Had

To watch it live, historic stuff. Emma’s

In the lead but Leyla’s out there fighting!

5494 - STILL somewhat hot

The sun was mainly behind cloud but still 

It’s too hot for long trousers. Wearing shorts 

Some walking, but to return car. I will 

Hire one again next time I’m on leave - it’s

Been fun seeing places ticked off the list

And often it was done in company 

Of family and friends, preserved in great pics

A late summer early autumn happy

Time it’s been. After I got back, really 

Sunk lots of beer and wine, and quite a thrill 

Listening to music, then two films (Netflix)

1917 (seen before), Sorry

We Missed You (not seen before), Newcastle 

The setting. Covid test. Not out of sorts 👍

Fri 10 Sep

5493 - It’s still hot

I was wrong. Yesterday wasn’t the last 

Hot day. Today was too - just not sunny 

In fact it rained so hard, but what a blast 

Driving with Josephine from A to Z (zee)

In the Peak District. Of course it’s hilly

And the rain fell so hard up there, the road

Filling with big puddles, so slippery 

I had to slow down for safety. I slowed

And got safely down. But my drive was flawed

I went the wrong way, and some time had passed 

Before I realised I’d chosen wrongly 

Back to the hills we’re headed, silly sod

More rain up there, but soon it again paused

The sun came out, all ended harmlessly 

5492 - Last hot day

This is the last hot day of summer and I went 

To Grandma’s with Josephine. Got some fish 

And chips of course. Then through the tunnel in

To Liverpool to her student place which 

She’ll be living in soon. Fresher’s week, then it’s 

The start of her law course. Hope Street is just 

Around the corner. Lockdown threatened. Shit - 

Is it really necessary? They’ve pushed

It too far if they do. But seems they must 

Then drove to Crosby Beach where statues glint

A few pics taken, then got caught in rush

Hour traffic from there all the way. A crush

On the M62 and so returned 

Her home, then saw the football and got pissed

5491 - A relaxing day relaxing

No driving in the hired car today 

The hot sunshine suggested sunbathing 

I could’ve driven to a beach, okay 

But then thought that’s a waste of kerching ching 

Could sunbathe in the local park. Josephine 

Was working so couldn’t go out with her 

Instead we’ll go out tomorrow driving 

Today though, the task was to get browner 

But first, just time for the gym before the 

Lunchtime close for two hours. So when I lay

On the grass after working out, feeling 

Rather smug. This was the first time ever 

I’d done these two different things in one day

Then did some long-delayed guitar playing 

5490 - North Wales

So today as forecast the sun came out 

Eventually after a cloudy start 

Picked Helen up and drove to the Welsh coast 

But it was cloudy so we did divert 

From the Lleyn Peninsula to the heart 

Of Llandudno where there is more to do 

We got the tram up the Great Orme. Bar shut

So we did mini golf an hour or two 

Time had run out, we had intended to 

Sunbathe but no good beaches were about 

Next was Deganwy but it turned out shit 

Luckily, Conwy was nearby, rescued 

The situation. A pint and chips, riot

Of seagulls and all was well. Day was great!

5489 - Lancs and Yorks - not for dorks

About halfway through my car hire period 

Of ten days. Today was sunny Sunday 

On my own, but a superb drive I had

Through Lancashire and Yorkshire, north west way

On impulse I peeled off the motorway 

Decided to see Ramsbottom, but I 

Ended up at the Peel Monument. They

Were abseiling down it for charity

Then Clitheroe, and into the Lancs country

The Bowland area was fab, sun and broad

Expanses of rolling hills. Settle lay

Like a jewel in the hills, then north to see

Ribblehead Viaduct, trains with their load

Of passengers. All in all, what a day! 😀

5488 - Tony’s Pony

No driving today, it’s Tony’s Pony

In action, my version of Shanks’s. And

I’ve walked 14k today. Stats really 

Taking off with the walking. I don’t want 

To go in the car, Louis said. So planned 

To meet at Piccadilly Gardens by

The tram stop. Cafe snack, fattening food banned

But I had a fried breakfast, naughty I

Then we played pool and air hockey. Went by

Too quick. Ten pin bowling, pre-booked only 

No good films so for a while walked around 

Then Louis left and I decided I

Would watch ‘Annette’ the Sparks film. Happily 

It started poor but got good in the end!

5487 - Car trip 3 - Yorkshire again

Wasn’t sure I was well enough to drive 

But in the end I just couldn’t resist 

I thought a short drive might be a relief 

So headed towards Halifax. A mist

On the M62, queues slow to shift

But I turned off to get to Halifax 

And though Piece Hall was closed, enjoyed my drift

By foot around the town. It was relaxed 

Yellow stone everywhere. And then my next 

Goal was Ilkley. Drove through Keighley. Survived

What seemed like peak rush hour, brought car to rest 

At the foot of Ilkley Moor and then tasked

Myself with a bloody good walk. I thrived

Despite my cold. Ferns, heather, sheep. What bliss!

5486 - Great 2nd day but…

Great second day with the car but I’ve got 

A terrible cold, it’s been brewing for 

Best part of a week, since London. It’s not 

Going away, it’s getting worse and more 

Debilitating. Tania just rang, saw

The chance it could be Covid. Me, I’d say 

It’s more likely just a cold. Just last year 

Caught a similar one on a holiday 

To Scotland. Public transport is the way 

I catch germs. But today drove Helen at

A brisk pace round the Yorkshire Dales. And for 

Most of it I was just about okay 

But on the way home I got a sore throat 

A good night’s sleep and I may feel better 

5485 - Good start

Good start to my car hire for ten days. No

Desire or time to go too far or spend

Money on petrol for no reason, so

I looked in the atlas, thought it could lend 

Some ideas of nearby places. And then 

I saw Lyme Park, and that it’s near Poynton

Collected the Peugeot 208, an

Impressive blue, but went the wrong way on

A one way street. Bus nearly ran me down 

Found Pott Shrigley from where I used to go

On my run through the hills and woods back in

The nineties and noughties. I went right round 

My old route, just walking. Got locked in, though

Climbed over the locked gate. Feet ache. Again 

5484 - Here come the embers

It’s the last day of August and so here 

Come the embers, the fire is dying now 

It wasn’t hot for long. Will September 

See some late much-needed sunshine? And how 

Will the next few months be? Well we’ll soon know 

I don’t like this yearly change of season 

But September itself is alright though 

It’s pleasant, the light of early autumn 

Until the clocks go back will still welcome

You outside, walking or sat on a chair 

This year’s vaccinations helped this year go

A bit better than last but are they long-

Lasting enough to see us through winter?

Keeping fit is my goal, darkness or no

5483 - Day of rest

It may not be Sunday but I’m resting 

All day, apart from a good 8k walk

I watched tv about neighbours arguing 

Then more tv about police highway work

Always good when you’re brain dead. No more talk

Except what’s coming from the TV set 

Last night I had beer, so now there’s no cork

And no booze to celebrate when I got 

Home from my few days in London. A lot

Of walking done while there, it’s exacting 

After a holiday like that, you seek

A day of nothing. Whole series, that’s not 

Usual for me, The Chair, by name, bingeing 

Feeling lacklustre, all effort is shirked 

5482 - Bye bye London

Just time for a last breakfast at Caffè 

Nero, Earl’s Court, our home these last few days 

The man behind the counter knew we’d say

Our usual order, sausage rolls, it raised

A laugh. Then it was time to make our last 

Tube journey, to Victoria coach station 

Left enough time that things were not too rushed

The coach trip took nearly five hours but on

The whole we weren’t too bored. I read Scotland 

Street, dozed a while, Facebook comments - yes, they 

Made me laugh. Some passengers were amazed 

At Pride Festival in full swing upon

Canal Street, by the coach station. Walked J

To Piccadilly station. Time for beers!

Sun 29 Aug

5481 - London Day 4

Last full day in London, fatigue sets in

But still we did ok, despite the cloud 

Late start, waited for J, I couldn’t win

Her round to Richmond, so then Brixton would 

Be the first stop. A vibrant market mood

But the gloom ruined it. J seemed weary 

We agreed a museum might be good 

But Tate Modern was ticket only. We

Walked towards the London Museum. Lucky

Though to pass ‘The Clink’ on the way. Within 

Was a cool little history lesson. Blood 

And instruments of torture. Emily

And David, plus Ariana, in Tooting

We ate at Richard’s, chat and some great food 

5480 - London Day 3

Where today, you say? Tower Hill, Tower Gateway 

To Island Gardens, Millwall, Isle of Dogs

Crossed under the Thames by foot, found the way

And came up in Greenwich. The Cutty Sark’s

Still there. Back on the tube, London Bridge. Sucks -

The London Dungeon’s gone to Waterloo 

But the London Bridge Experience, it looks 

Similar. Was OK but got a few

Bad vibes from being shouted at. Who knew 

You couldn’t take pictures, why anyway?

After that, walking or cycling in parks

Dominated our time. Hyde Park, we two 

Pedalled round. Kensington, Holland Park, Thai

Buffet in Hammersmith when it got dark 

5479 - London Day 2

We both lay in as sleep was slow to come 

Josephine isn’t well with a bad throat 

But it’s been great today. Not until one

Did we have breakfast right here in Earl’s Court 

Then caught the tube down to Notting Hill Gate

Wandered up and down Portobello Road 

No market so not crowded. Saw Rough Trade

Shop, popped in. Next, St John’s Wood, Abbey Road 

The zebra crossing crossed, didn’t get mowed

Down by cars. Next, we tubed it to Camden

Sat by the lock and even saw a boat 

Primrose Hill next, great view of the whole load

Of London, central and eastern. Then on

To Brick Lane, Hannah and Ade, curry fun 

5478 - London here we come

Despite a bad start, ended up just fine 

Got a call early this morning to say 

Sorry you can’t stay in the flat, there’s been 

A ‘fight’ - it’s cordoned off. I thought, No way!

Where will we stay? Booked hotel straight away 

Caught train and Josie jumped on at Stockport 

The Garden View Hotel is fine and they 

Have given us a room each (it’s Earl’s Court)

And this has proved far easier than I thought 

This central spot is great and it has been 

Possible to go anywhere, easy 

Tower of London, South Bank, Westminster, Lord

Nelson’s Column, Notting Hill Gate in time 

For pasta, then hotel again, hooray!!!

5477 - Bad day at the WAH

Been a bad day at the Working From Home 

My boss rejected the main thing we did

Punched it full of holes, now feel like a gnome 

Worked long and hard, our reputations bid

Us to make amends somehow if we could 

That’s my last day, I’ll see you next Tuesday 

Off to London tomorrow with the daught 

They’ve not returned my call, the place we’ll stay 

In Ilford, Essex, that’s a slight worry 

But the money’s been paid so they should phone 

If not tonight, tomorrow. Better had!

Done most of the packing for going away 

Wednesday til Sunday, round The Smoke we’ll roam

So now work’s done, I can get excited 😆 

5476 - Reading frenzy

Despite finishing work early and beer

On the balcony, read Filth to the end 

A hundred and fifty pages or more 

I didn’t even think, try to pretend 

I could finish it tomorrow, intend 

To take another book to London, but

I’ve done it with a day to spare. I went 

To fetch the next book I can put

In my travel bag. It is Scotland Street 

By Alexander McCall Smith, a mere

Slip of a size book in comparison 

I’m chuffed with myself, what a literary feat

And another book set in Edinburgh 

A respectable book I can defend!

5475 - Gym, Swim and Guitar

Three elements of my life today are

Gym, swim and guitar, the first two have clear

Physical benefits, while the guitar 

Is more a mental thrill, but still we are

Using our bodies, especially finger

Power to make that music sound just right 

And in the gym and swim, the brain’s leader

The general, deploying soldiers to fight 

The arms and legs must overcome their fright

The resistance of the weights or water

You try to lift or splash your way through, they’re 

All overcome by willpower leading might

Though it takes years to finally master 

The art of sport or music, we’ll get there!

5474 - Chernobylia

Another film found about Chernobyl 

A place that in ‘86 almost ruined 

My life, I should’ve been in Minsk but will 

Always be glad I switched courses to end

Up in the States not Ukraine when it stunned 

The region and all Europe, cloud drifting 

This film is Russian, new, on Netflix, and

It’s called Chernobyl ‘86. Gripping,

Not least because of outdoor scene shooting 

Which is so well done, the whole thing seems real 

Visited mum’s with Josephine, a send-

Off for J to uni. J is going 

To study law in nearby Liverpool 

Some firemen came to fit smoke alarms. Grand!