how come we...

how things come full circle, how come history repeats itself. Well... you're on your own, to quote a fave musician's lyrics. Where do I go from here?

"...all he needs now is a gorilla suit! "

Last night was the last gig (for now) for Alberts Kitchen, in it's present state. We played along with La Zag at dougs' 60th birthday party at the Tudor Barn. It was so nice to be back at the barn (see last years May/June entries). I have alot of history there.

La Zag played two storming sets, ending with Richard drumming on two songs and doing a sterling job. We went on quite late and only played about five songs, but still had a great time, joined by La Zag for "Im a rover". It was quite sad packing my banjo back in its case, we'll hopefully get back together soon. I think we played better than ever too.

The stage looked like a music shop, there were guitars, basses, banjo,hurdy gurdy,violin,drums, lute, mandolin, bagpipes and more....

What a storming night!!

As Richard finished his storming drum finale on the last La Zag song, the chap next to me said... "all he needs now is a gorilla suit!" Classic!

new born

Today was the first day of my pottery teaching under the WEA. The morning was abit lacklustre, but then the afternoon saw a group shipped in from Newark, who were great. The two staff were brilliant and the students were lovely... I feel like I've stepped back into the fray after quite a while just coasting...

..talks like a gentleman

Morning sickness is still on the menu. It's my last gig for the foreseeable future next wednesday-a 60th birthday party. I can't keep up the momentum at the moment, it's all just so slightly knackering to say the least. More importantly I can't be away from home with such pressing events looming... I'm sorry for not being so talkative just lately to my few online friends-especially Elenor, it's been a trying time! Employment still seems to be in a tricky situation, it's all very un-nerving. I wish I just had one stable position that I could be happy with, that challenges but also rewards. But then I suppose that's a daydream... (don't we all want that?)

...and the raindrops

I've just been out in my back garden. It's 2-00 in the morning. There is a strange sort of peace at this time of morning that is difficult to explain, something that feels comforting as I wander around in the gloom. I love the dark, I went for a lengthy walk in Suffolk last month around Ian's farm to soak up the darkness, it's sort of exhilerating and terrifying all in one.

It can have it's pitfalls... I fell into a ditch in Devon and got covered in cow shit at midnight a couple of years ago. Christine went bananas the next morning when she saw the trail of crap! It was all over the shop...

I wish I had a vast estate that I could wander around in the dark, I would need a dog aswell of course...

I wandered around our local woods once at 5 in the morning and caught a glance of a chap dashing through the undergrowth in full Edwardian dress. To this day I still don't know whether he was a ghost or not. It was years ago, the woodland is part of an old Stately hall with alot of history behind it. Where was he going at that time of the day? (I was stalking rabbits with a mate ) My friend did not see him and did not believe me, he thought I was winding him up. I know what I saw....He dissapeared into the undergrowth with a Strange days.

in a little while

Back to the future... been to Newark Antiques fair today, one of the best in ages. Purchased some amazing instruments. The first was about two minutes into the fair, a Russian Balalaika for £12. Next was a brass fronted ukulele banjo for £20, then later a flat back mandolin for a tenner. We had one last wander around in the afternoon, where I happened upon a very dilapidated 5 string banjo.... £2 !!! It needs extensive renovation including a new fretboard, but should end up a very nice instrument. I could move it on in its present state on Ebay and make a nice profit, but that almost seems defeatist. I like the idea of returning it to playability, although it will have to be a fretless (I'm no good at cutting frets).

I'm really looking forward to playing the Balalaika. Only trouble is I fall in love with these instruments and find it hard to sell them on, the whole idea of me trading in the first place! Maybe I'll keep it just for a little while...

This is not helping create any more space for the nursury though!

all apologies

I shouldn't use my blog to winge. it should be a site to celebrate life and the ability to communicate that joy to the rest of the world, so I apologize for shit kicking yesterday. If my employers are crap then I suppose that's my problem! Here is a picture of me in 1994 dressed as Dick Turpin the notorious highwayman...

I can't believe that was 13 years ago, how we've grown.... Pictured are Victor, Anna, Me and Liz in a back garden somewhere in Cardiff... I vaguely remember talking to Geoff Swindell in the pub about playing in bands (he was a drummer as well as the head of Ceramics) he said my costume looked fitting to my personality. How incredibly accurate was his prediction of my future! Shit! I seem to have been destined to work in heritage even though I yearn to be a potter once more...

"The coast is always changing..."

...like marmelade

I have powered up my shed with a solar panel! There are no photos to prove it but trust me, it works! The solar panel cost me £80 and charges up a car battery which in turn works an energy saving bulb which is more than adequate. I can now work through the cold and dark winter months should I have any time spare after juniors' arrival. Other news...My job is safe on condition that I go on a call out rota and expose myself to potential burglars and arsonists in the call of heritage duty, in the middle of the night, leaving my pregnant wife home alone, for no extra pay. Forgive me for sounding slightly sarcastic and cynical about this, but, if anyone who manages Lincolnshire County Council is reading this, a few points to mention... 1- I AM entitled to my own opinion 2-You don't own me outside employment hours 3-What the FUCK are you thinking you stupid, dumb, arseholes 4-Do you care in the slightest about the employees? 5-Which planet are you currently residing? There, got that off my chest,... this has been nearly a year of upheaval and stress that has accomplished absolutely nothing- at the considerable expense to the tax payer. If these people ran their own business's they would be closed in the blink of an eye through their incompetance and myopia. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Stupid. And, p.s. they've even stopped paying me for my first aid duties, so beware if you choke on a fish bone...I'm not insured to save you. Official. Do I check my contract as you're turning blue....? Hooray! It's Newark antiques fair next week time to stock up on more instruments ready for ebay. Blah blah, I'm waffling now, time to log off