Bank Hol.

 

Today, being a 'Bank Holiday,' people in England are enjoying a day off.  The weather here is not too bad, the roads are quiet, bar those folks returning home from some distance away, and I did not realise the holiday was today until last Friday.  No-one tells me anything!   

The Banks are indeed closed today, though High Street Banks are not organisations that see themselves as charity shops.  Ina  magazine from 1909 a man tells the story of how a London Bank Teller treats him with snooty contempt while he cashes a cheque.  Nothing much has changed.

The shops are of course mostly open, Bank Holidays is when they make money, and Sainsburys at 10 am was busy today.  I went today hoping it would be quiet, how wrong I was!  Still, that means no wandering out tomorrow.

Lazy Bank Hol

Too tired/lazy/thick to write posts today.  This Bank Holiday has worn me out.  I've done nothing, but thinking is hard!  I might finish something tomorrow...

Bank Holiday Drivel

Being a Bank Holiday, one I did not realise was in the air until late last night, the weather has arrived as normal.  Bright clouds in the morning, rain threatening ones now.  This is how UK weather works.  It offers the prospect of sunshine early on, waits until the family have ventured out into the great outdoors, and darkens the skies, ruins the day, adding extra rain if possible, and leaving tension and fury abundant.  It happens all the time and they still fall for it.  Men in shorts, dark glasses fixed, walk past ignoring the chill in the air and muttering about cold drinks for lunch.  The English, probably the stupidest nation on earth.  I mean, who else would still try to claim Brexit worked?  And this why we find them adjusting the dark glasses in the rain!

I remain closeted indoors.

With nothing happening, and the only live football not appearing on my screen, I am forced to think for myself about the world around me.

Silence.

I tried coffee but this did not inspire.

No news to react with.  Nothing but fillers concerning Charlie's big day.  An occasional murder, a grumpy tv presenter, and myriads of Bimbo's in the media.  Nothing worth noting.

I have watched the steam engines on the West Somerset Railway passing by.  This was interesting, though I would much rather have been there on the train itself.  In fact my Railcard, offering reduced travel, ran out and I had hardly used it and therefore got no bargains from it.  That must be changed and I must get onto a train soon.

I could read books, there are plenty I am reading all at the same time alongside me.  But the effort is so trying.  They must be lifted, carried, opened, read and sometimes thought about.  Too much on a Bank Holiday I say.

I discovered this the other week, this has some interest.  The author runs around Edinburgh tenements

seeking the stories of those who have lived there in times past.  He checks on them through the local papers.  The lives lived are mixed as much as you can imagine in Edinburgh.  Rich and poor, good and bad, but all worth a look I say.  ''Tenement Town' sums Edinburgh up nicely.  Large and dominating tenements thrive in Scotland.  This was due to the 'Feu Duty.'  A tax paid to the owners of the land.  This did not exist in England, and the way around this was to build tenements four story's high.  Each had four flats on a floor and this meant in buying one flat you only paid part of the 'Feu.'  The flats were usually then 'let out.'  I was reared for almost three years in one before moving to the then, new estate.  Some were inhabited by those with money, others like us!  The better ones had a complicated door mechanism.  The front door, the main door was locked.  The brass bells were on the side, you chose one and pulled hard.  This rang a bell outside the chosen flat, if they wanted you they came to their front door, pulled another brass lever, this clicked it's way to the main door, lifted the latch, and allowed entrance.  I remember many of the better buildings having these in the 60's.  I suspect the lower orders moving in has either meant the main door is unlocked or new bells are installed, with a phone attached!

Bank Holiday Mutterings

 

 

This bright shining star reappeared very early this morning.  I lay down before ten last night and the sky was still quite bright, and as I drowsily woke around 5 am the sky was a similar colour.  

How wonderful!

The sun makes a difference to life.  No wonder those who see clouds and gray skies much of the year develop a cynical outlook on life, no wonder those in sunny climes often smile more.  

I required to visit Sainsburys and while there chatted to a bored security guard, a black man willing to smile more than most others.  He could afford to, nobody was there.  Quite why the shop opens at 8 am on a Bank Holiday is unclear, Sunday hours would suit surely?  Later I intended to wander around the public gardens in the sun but felt the need to return home and lounge all day instead.   

 

 

Thanks to our inept PM's refusal to stop flights from India, the 'Indian virus' now appears to be sweeping the nation.  Thousands of people have entered the country via Heathrow, many bringing the virus, some without knowing this.  Boris, who fears 'LockDowns' will soon be having another one, even though the last one has not yet been totally eased.  We know this will happen, the press have been warning us of this recently, a kind of official message from Downing Street to lay the foundation of LockDown again.   How many more will die before this man is brought to justice I wonder?

Joanna Cherry MP

I note Joanna Cherry and the SNP heirarchy have been continuing their tiff.  This time it may be the use being made of money 'ring fenced' for Independence, thus allowing Indy to take a back place.  Another gent stood down from his position recently indicating some things are not going well in the Bunker.  No doubt in a very short time Joanna will be welcomed into the arms of Alex Salmond...hold on..welcomed into the arms of 'Alba' as another MP, making 3 in Westminster.  That would both please and upset Nicola.

 

Ok, the publicity stunt to keep bad news off the front page has worked with his friendly media, but this leaves only one question, how long will this one last?  

I suspect once he has been taken out of office, and preferably put before a court, his beloved will be off, gathering her dog, child and cash, and seeking another to help build her career.  But then, I am just a little cynical about all this, are you?

 

Bank Hol, Henry Jackson and Ted.

May Bank Holiday Monday, a day to celebrate the united workers of the world, if any are left, naturally it is freezing.  Very high winds from the southwest bring rain clouds, people huddle together in the park pretending they are enjoying the day off, the early tree leaves hang on grimly as the branches are tossed about, pigeons wonder what has happened to Spring sunshine?  Nothing has happened, this is normal!

I cling to the radiator, spending time annoying people on Twitter who tell me there is no Coronovirus, that mask wearing is wrong, and do not wish to listen to the African doctor who opposed mask wearing and did not beleive in the virus from which he died.  

Some of the beliefs spouted online amaze me!  The confusion in the minds of many also amazes me.  It is as if there is an attack on the nation by a secret government organisation, or Bill Gates or Communists, or 'leftists,' a new term for anyone you disagree with, or someone out there.  This reminds me of the old 'Avengers' series of the 60's when John Steed and his woman in black found underground armies and power mad scientists.  

In truth it is more simple than that.  This is just very rich people confusing the issue through many and varied means to ensure they hold the levers of power and make money.  Something Bill Gates does not need to do.

In days of yore we did not know what these many and varied people thought, but the internet allows them space to speak.  What was once a bore in a bar or a strange workmate now appears daily on Twitter!

Funnily enough I am on there daily...

 

Interesting this tale of Iran interfering in Scots politics.  Interesting, not because it may be true but because the 'Henry Jackson Society' have made a report on it.  'Henry Jackson Society,' is a US paid for right-wing organisation with very right-wing tendencies.  A powerhouse of neoconservative opinion in the UK and not known for their care for Scotland.  They have not mentioned the interference in Scots politics by fake internet accounts generated by No 10.

 

Also mentioned in the unfortunate invasion of Old Traffford last night which led to the postponement of the game between Manchester United and Liverpool.  These two teams were of course leaders in the 'European Super League' which fell to earth at the response of the fans and jealous clubs not invited to join.  I think the intention was to highlight fan disaproval of both clubs abuse of the fans with this idea, and wandering about the pitch as they did this certainly made everyone aware of what the fans opinion of the greedy club owners.  

Of course other clubs would join if invited, but only if they had enough fans!

 

 

I spent some time this morning attempting to online shop.  I have used the Nat Galleries Scot  before but as always the internet caused me headaches.  Possibly it was too early for me, it may be I am just stupid, what?  However, it took four attempts before I worked it out.  So, being a Holiday Monday in Edinburgh as elsewhere I sat back and waited for confimation tomorrow that the order was being processed.  This afternoon I got a reply saying the order had been posted and it was too late to change!  Posted, on a Holiday?  

This email is now standard in so many companies, taking from you the chance to change your mind.  I am sure it is illegal, and while this order needs to go ahead it bothers me that one day it will cause bother.

 

 

Shopping Joy and Holiday Carnival...

Westbourne Grove Church

Having forced myself into Tesco late this morning, forced is the word as the place was bloated with people, most not quite clear as to what they were doing, I obtained most of my needs and the most important gift card for yet another nieces birthday.  I am convinced that some of these girls are fraudulent as there appears to be a birthday every month and sometimes two!  Are these really family members or hangers on who have somehow got their name on my calendar, it is a mystery. 

Back home resting my maladies I became aware that Monday is a Bank Holiday.  As the card must arrive by Monday that means I must post it now and ensure it gets there on Saturday, this meant leaving my comfort and once again heading into town.

After much shillyshallying I trudged all the way into town, some seven minutes away, and posted the card in the box I know will be collected, sometimes Mr Postman misses the nearer one, the cad!  

As I sauntered around I had intended to visit Sainsbury's and collect the oven chips that I forgot when amongst the masses in Tesco earlier but the herds of people suddenly had vanished!  The streets were clear, well almost, and 'Iceland' lay over the road with few people to be seen.  Naturally with only one item to obtain I spent £14:63!!!  At least the freezer compartment is full now.   I even tolerated the 16 year old with an attitude.  This was a surprise as most of the girls here in Iceland are usually quite good, cheery even, I suppose working is a new experience for some.

The Bank Holiday brings out the Notting Hill Carnival and whenever I see pictures of this I am glad to be out here far from the event.  Over a million people, hassle, police, yobs, noise and mess everywhere, it makes me glad to be here indeed.  The church pictured where my friend is minister has to close on Sunday because of the crowds.  In times past it remained open but many struggled to get past the police cordon to get in, then struggle again to get out.  The church attempted to make something out of the carnival by opening and offering tea and coffee but that had too many problems and nowadays it is easier to just close for the day, well two days as the building is usually used on Mondays.  Most locals head off out of town and do not return until Tuesday of they can, a wise precaution.

I will sit here in boredom watching football, it passes the time.   

Friday: Bank Holiday

Being a bank holiday the population has rushed to get away from it all and found it all at the railway and bus stations, on the motorways and in all the holiday 'get away from it all' hotspots.  Naturally road and rail works begin at this time as once the rush is over less people travel.  Quite why more people do not leave on Thursday and return Tuesday I know not as most can make such arrangements.  
Once I entered Kings Cross station for the eight O' clock train for Waverley and found myself amongst half the population. This was in the eighties and before the Conservatives had managed to mess up the railways and increase prices while giving profits to their friends in foreign countries and the crowd enabled the railways to put on another service.  A porter announced the 'other train' on a far platform and a mad rush ensued.  I remained where I was (near the front) and obtained a seat on my train.  However I was soon crushed in alongside others with people standing all the way to Edinburgh!  I was unable to get out until we reached the destination and while standing in Newcastle the 'other train' arrived alongside.  It was clear there also the crowds were standing all the way along!  Even losing folks at Newcastle did not make much difference that day.  I ensured I never went anywhere on a bank holiday again.
Of course I cannot go anywhere this Monday Holiday as there will be no transport.  Buses are hard enough to find and the Tories have cut another one this week, Sunday Service on the buses means no service here.

The talk re books has forced me to send off for two second hand ones via Amazon.  Not that I need them, I just need to buy them!!!!  I also feel I must wander around the charity shops, on a Saturday, to check the books.  On top of this I found myself searching my books for one to browse and here it is beside me.  This is a good example of why never to dump books, unless they deserve it.
Since writing began in Sumer some three and a half thousand years BC there must have been millions of words written.  For much of that time most could not read but in the last two hundred years reading and writing has been a worldwide activity.  The availability of books or reading material through cost often being the only hindrance but even in such circumstances books, magazines and papers do get passed around.  The problem being only the type of writing being read.
The bible was and is still often banned as it enabled people to think free, governments and wrongdoers hate that.  Politics has banned many books that oppose the emperor whoever he may be and as we have seen the influence of newspapers can give a referendum a bad name.  People are lazy and prefer to be told how to think and tabloid media know this and too many follow their lead so they can live an easy life.  That does not work!
Read uplifting, refreshing, entertaining and thoughtful good things to change your world and the word around you.  Hmmm, maybe I ought to write another book ...?   Jenny, Mike, here is your chance to advertise!

One of the local papers has published a list of items referring to Essex towns in something called the 'Urban Dictionary' whatever that is.  We are listed thus:-

 9. Braintree

"Where the true G's r from innit.
"Braintree U.K u gotta visit it's the place 2 b 2005 true ghetto visit Braintree n ur a true G [sic]."

I have absolutely no idea what they are talking about!  Other Essex town are listed and in my limited experience of them limited correctly here:- 14 Towns.

 

   

Sunday Snooze

I have been in snooze mode all day.  While in St P's this morning I listened attentively to Colin but could not stop my mind drifting onto lesser things.  He spoke well but my mind kept wandering all over the place.  It has not yet returned.
I keep finding days like this partly because I try to lose weight by eating less and when I eat less my head dies.  My beer belly does not however.  I really need a better breakfast to see me through the day until evening.  Today I woke about 5:15 and desired urgently a pizza!  This has not happened before so unless I am pregnant I must not be eating properly.  Chips are required to make my mind work by that appears too easy an option early in the morning.
Keeping this hulk going while losing weight may be beyond me.  

The 'Strong and Stable' Kim Jong May has made an appearance in Scotland.  The Tory media inform us Scotland is turning to the Tories so the Dear Leader ventures to meet her people in a village hall in Crathie.  
"Where?"
Crathie!  It is the village where the Royal Family of benefit scroungers go to visit church when staying for three months at Balmoral Castle.  What they do there is a mystery but there it is.  The Dear Leader went unannounced to the village hall, the notice said a 'Children's Party' had booked the hall, and no press were allowed and no questions from the invited guests (all party members).  Instead of being interviewed by the media Ruth the leader of the Scottish Tories asked Kim Jong May the questions she was told to ask.  The great one then fled back to Englandshire.  She avoided Edinburgh, the capital city, Glasgow, the largest population, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Perth, Dunfermline, Kilmarnock etc but managed to visit an obscure village where the locals were not told she was arriving.  
Indeed the country is turning to the Conservatives.   

Tomorrow is a bank holiday, the May Day Holiday Mrs Thatcher banned because it was too Communist.  The Labour Party reintroduced it when they returned, at least that is how I remember it.  Thatcher did not like people enjoying themselves when they could be working for low wages in poor conditions.  Not that much socialism will appear around here tomorrow.  Those who can have gone away already, those who can't will do little bar sit around eating or visiting the shops, I suspect they will be open.  Socialists working therein might get extra for it but I doubt it.

Holiday Monday

Being Bank Holiday Monday the weather was cloudy and a wee bit chill hung in the air so I remained indoors bar a morning wander to Tesco for bread.  As the football season comes to a close this day is used to play some important fixtures and I happened to be indoors long enough to see something of this theatre.  I began by watching Fleetwood attempt vainly to win a 'must win' game at Walsall.  This the failed very well.  As I watched I worked on ironing all those shirts that have been lying around for a while stopping only to eat and then put smelly fluid down the bath plughole to ensure it works correctly.  The joy of life!  

As I moved onto the next pile Brighton and Derby were kicking lumps out of one another for my delight.  The result was interesting for both of them but the strange town of Brighton (London by the Sea depending on what you are looking for) must now beat Middlesborough to progress to the higher division.  Unfortunately Middlesborough have to beat Brighton to do the same thing.  That might be a game worth watching next week.

As I bundled the shirts tidily into the cupboard I began to watch Burnley successfully make promotion a reality as they beat QPR 1-0.  The hot iron was stashed away, the table dumped back into the dusty corner (I must fix that hoover) and suddenly the football was finished.  What to do?

Worry not, Dundee tonight send their local rivals Dundee United down into the lower division so I will soon wander off to watch this game.

Four games in a row, ironing done, bath kind of cleaned, dinner made and would you believe it the rain is hammering down!  Oh yes and my cold has returned, I love my life!

     

 

A Thought at Twilight.

I spent the day working on updating the war memorial site and listening to people sniggering worldwide at my Win 8 problems.  It may indeed be 8.1 but I have yet to work that out.  This is a Bank Holiday weekend, one of the biggest of the year.  Today many disappeared to get away from it all and spent the day with millions of others doing the same thing.  One day people will learn something about this.  I did many years ago when I arrived at Kings Cross station on my way to Edinburgh.  The queue was long and the trains were coming and going, station staff attempted to keep order in the queues but not always successfully.  This was a busy Friday and not the situation I adore. Eventually one of the staff shouted that an extra train had been put on over on platform whatever, and pointed in that direction.  Half the concourse ran over there and crushed themselves onto the train.  I waited thinking, stupidly, that this meant less people and more room on our train.  Wrong!  I got in and sat down.  In those days open coaches had four seats, two facing forward, two backwards, with a table between them.  Acceptable when quiet not so when trapped therein for four hundred miles through the night!  I do not know how I survived but I did.  I had to and folks were standing all along the train!  When we arrived at Newcastle the other train came in also at the other platform and I could see they too were standing crushed together all the way.  I never travelled at a holiday time again, bank or otherwise.  I chose off peak as it was quieter.

My holiday consisted of taking a walk after seven as the sun was going down in a vain hope of getting a good picture of the sky.  This was a mistake as the camera is full of dust and I have had to faff about with the one decent shot. The colour is now w bit iffy but reflects something of what was out there.  The cool off the day, especially after it has rained, gives off a distinctive aroma as the flora (or is it fauna I can never remember) absorb the water after the dry day and fill the air with sweetness, well in my mind anyway.  The streets are quieter, except in town centres, less traffic, no children, and walking where I have not wandered for a while refreshes this dulled mind greatly.  Simple pleasures for the simple minded.  Cheap too!

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Dreich Bank Holiday

Bank Holiday usually indicates dull clouds and wet streets, this bank holiday has therefore not disappointed as it is gray, wet and dreich.  Not that I care as the virus has left me looking for sleep most of the time.  Sunday was a bright day but I watched it from my bed, except when I left to watch the football.  The brute of a virus hangs around today also and tomorrow the kids will fill the museum. I'll get them some time off school the week after if I cough enough.  I ventured as far as the bins this afternoon suddenly realising how many adverts are found on the shop wall next door.  It reminded me of those Victorian photos when such advertising abounded everywhere, clearly uncontrolled at the time. It makes me wonder if the council notice, or care to notice, whether this breaks some by-law.  I hope they do not notice as he is a good man struggling to make his business work.  Without the ads it is possible the town could not operate properly.  

The good book says we should not rejoice when our enemy falls, that is not the heart of God in action, however I allowed myself a moment or two of giggling. You see Hibernian, who I may have mentioned before, played their 'play-off' game against Hamilton Accies on Sunday and were in an unbeatable position. It was impossible for them to lose their two goal advantage against a team from the lower division.  Yet they did!  Worse, they went on to lose a penalty shoot out and all this after laughing out loud at our relegation, caused as we all admit by mismanagement leading to administration. Hibernian's talented players have by sheer willpower crawled from Fifth place in the league to the lower relegation! Oh how we laughed!  Now I am not one to taunt the Hibbys when they are down - but I managed it! It fair cheered me up and wore me out! They are not speaking to me today, it's a giggle innit?  

So here is the victor of the moment, posed appropriately in front of English flags, enjoying his breakfast I presume.  He will sleep well tonight content with the fear running through Westminster.  The Conservative Party have watched their voters run to Farage and Labour watched their voters stay at home.  Half a million people in this region voted for UKIP, and ten thousand in Edinburgh voted that way and that is a surprise to me!  This area is dominated by wealthy Conservative types but there is also a large working class Tory vote and they have gone for UKIP in a big way.  Whatever happens in the next few weeks I know not but Scotland must go for independence, England will be dominated by the right of centre for the next few years.  Some of those are so far to the right they think Thatcher was a Communist!  If you have never prayed - start now!  

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August Bank Holiday

Rain!

More Rain

And MORE to come!

Summer?  Bah!

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Bank Holiday

Today was a 'Bank Holiday' in the UK. It was possible to know this because a) the banks were closed, b) most shops were closed and c) the sun disappeared! Although the weather is joked about in every part of the nation one joke is almost always right, if it is a holiday the clouds will arrive! The British Isles, as opposed to Britain, is situated to the east of the Atlantic Ocean. This means that anything affecting the sea affects the land. Any disturbance, a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, or the wind changing direction over the sea, creates a change in the weather patters here, almost always bringing rain clouds! Luckily the weather often changes direction and winds blow from the east. This you will be pleased to hear does not bring horrid rain, however as it begins in the Arctic Circle and passes over Russia, Poland and several refrigerator factories it brings only    freezing cold winds and snow drifts. If it arrives from the north it brings the same cold result, with the occasional Icelandic volcano thrown in to upset the airline people. I have noted wind coming from the south on occasions,the wind from the Sahara that rushes across Spain occasionally brings warmth to this land, although it leaves the sand in the Spaniards homes thankfully.  


The weather does bring benefits of course. One English king, his name escapes me but they are all the same butchering, imperialist type, chased a Scottish army one summer in another failed attempt to dominate there. The Scots withdrew and withdrew into the hills and the king doggedly followed after them. Unfortunately for him it was raining heavily at the time and his army and their stores suffered badly. Living off the land was impossible and after three weeks, yes three weeks, of the constant rain his troops began to rebel and he went home disappointed!  


The doom mongers were telling us recently that the UK would gain a Mediterranean climate under 'global warming' which some tell us will heat the planet and it's all our fault (always man's fault, never woman's you will note), others tell us that 'global warming' does not exist and it's all man's fault. I am rather annoyed that we will not be sitting under our own fig tree and drinking home made wine. Tea and toast do not have the same elegance I reckon.


  

August Bank Holiday

As I left behind my somnolence this morning, it struck me that this was a 'Bank Holiday.' I knew this immediately I glanced outside that this was a 'Bank Holiday' because the sky was battleship gray, and a strong wind was waving the tree branches opposite. The term 'Bank Holiday' refers to the time when the banks, and most others, took time of for religious festivals, 'Saints days,' as they were originally, at least in England. Over thirty were known in the early part of the nineteenth century and gradually these have been amended to a handful. No longer concerned with Saints or banks it has become a standing joke that each holiday is greeted with cries of despair as the rain teems down and the wind howls along the streets! However it is not always this way, this is the UK after all, and there is just as much chance of sunshine as rain on such a days. Now for instance, as I glance at the passing girls trees opposite I see the sun is shining and the sky is blue and people are out attempting to make the most of the hot sun.

This admiration for the sun I admit is not always good. A figure has just passed by on the other side, shirtless, with large bare boobs, and wearing my indoor glasses which are not good at that distance, I first thought it to be a female! But no, (and it's a big butt!) the creature was a near naked male taking his kids through the streets! I am just glad there were no whaling boats around just now or there may have been a harpoon flying in his direction! Jings what a sight! I'm glad I was wearing the wrong glasses! This sort of thing might be all right in the privacy of your own home but lease, not in public!

Anyway, early this morning, after stuffing my fat face I cycled off against the westerly wind and headed up the old railway. (Known as the Flitch Way)Because of the Holiday few were around even at that time, just after half past seven, and the empty track encouraged me to travel further afield than usual. In fact I made it to the old rail bridge that once led into Felsted railway station, I say once, as it has long since been removed. The station is now a private dwelling, (how nice is that?) and the occupants probably dislike the idea of people tramping past their window. Getting there and back gave me a run of around twelve miles on the bike, the most I have managed for a while. In the, now distant, past I made it all the way to Bishops Stortford and back, around thirty miles, yet today I struggle to do this little run. However at least I can do this and that pleases me, especially once I get home!

Very few people around, a few dog walkers, most giving a happy, if reluctant, greeting, except the miserable lass with two big gray dogs scowling as she always does. I think she believes herself attractive and expects men are looking at her, hmmm, not with an expression like that dearie! Why do women mistake a grunted greeting as you pass with an attempt on their honour (honour?). Is it arrogance that they think you should be looking at them, or that the girl is herself always on the lookout for a fancy man herself? Hmmm I wonder. One couple were noticed far ahead walking fast in an exercise pattern. Walking quickly, then swinging the arms, and I suspect knee bending every so often, as she put herself, and her man through torments to keep themselves young. They were probably the cheeriest people out there on the 'Flitch Way' today. As I made my way back they were still happily getting fit, although I believe he was already thinking of his bath, a quick rub down and a fine whisky by that time!


There is always one miserable jogger making his way along the old line. Usually someone in his late thirties, early forties, 'iPod' plugged in, doing his best to ignore the world and wishing death on each and everyone who greets his passing. What is it with such men? Are they desperate for fitness because of the needs of their job, or could it be a desperate desire to retain the last vestiges of youth? Sometimes I feel there is a mid life crises there and a fear of a slackening sex life, a loss of desirability to women, and a real fear that life has passed them by. The fact that we all go through this escapes them and their anguish is dealt with alone and unannounced to the world, at least in words. It's the manly way! I sometimes watch these men, often 'successful' in their sphere, big car, good house, good money, wife and kids, yet worried about their image or their place in the rat race. They are not content, that can be seen in their attitude. Now I realise that these attitudes change with each day, however we reveal ourselves more indirectly than directly in many occasions. I sometimes want to grab them and tell them Jesus can make their lives worthwhile, but you know they will pass by, either afraid to consider this or have no thoughts about Gods reality for them at all. What is going on in there?

The biggest problem today was of course the weather and the slopes of the old track. Now as I made my way west I hurtled along at a good speed as much of the line is flat and with the bike well oiled, and the tyres full of air, even on the slopes I made good time and this was indeed a fine healthy exercise for the heart. However the wind was somewhat against me though hidden to some extent by the trees and high bushes at each side. I was however glad the return journey could be taken in a more idle fashion, down hill. Naturally having reached the end, wandered around for a while to denumb my bum, I gratefully headed home. It was several minutes of avoiding the many rabbits that waited till the last minute before scurrying away at my passing before I realised I was still going upwards and now fighting an easterly wind. Where did this come from? Why is it that each and every day the wind and the slope is against you no matter which direction you are headed? I considered a phone call to the meteorological office but suspected that they would fiddle a computer somewhere and turn on the rain and complete my day for me. However I made it home, tired and grateful that I could cycle a bike, managed to smile at most folk I met, discussed the rules of the way with a dog or two and could stuff my fat face and then sit in a hot bath for an hour or two reading books (pictures available for a price!).

Of course my back now aches with stiffness, my knees are telling me this was too far, and I have not lost an ounce in weight. Still, it was worth it and I might try something similar tomorrow, if the weather lets me.

Bank Holiday Monday

It was obvious this was a bank holiday Monday. The minute I woke I could here the rain outside.
The few cars that passed swished through the wet roads, and rain drops thudded slowly, but steadily, on the ledge outside. However, those walking the dogs in the park found the weather, while wet, quite warm. Summer type rain may come straight down but can be actually quite refreshing. Not sure the dog walkers early in the day thought this way mind.

Easter Weekend

I almost missed the Easter weekend. I knew it was coming but suddenly it is upon us. Today I suddenly realised is Thursday, clever of me, and this means tomorrow is Friday, Good Friday! The intellect is straining now. This weekend is therefore the Easter weekend. This explains why the traffic is rushing by my window so early. Everyone is desperate to be off and relaxing at home, or wherever. Sainsburys will be crowded with shoppers stuffing the bags full of groceries they do not need, desperate to ensure they will not starve to death during the break. Only one person died at Easter, and he rose again, so relax a bit folks. Come Tuesday, all their bins will be full of uneaten food, wasted when thousands starve elsewhere in this world. And in this house when I consider it.

Strange experience watching people flock to their breaks. The idea of a few days off is meaning;less to someone with too many days off already. A day or two of work would be an experience, and now the weather is improving, the sun shines and one day soon the warmth will reach us, the idea of work seems inviting. Of course this depends on what work actually is available. So far, nothing. I may as well just continue to sit here and peddle this rubbish day by day eh? What's that you say...? Oh!

Another Essex Spring Day

You can tell by the cloud overhead. Not dark, but not quiet what one would call light either. The difference between Essex and Edinburgh is striking. Here the East wind is several degrees warmer, in Edinburgh it always cuts through the natives like a knife. There is cloud here while the sun shines on Edinburgh (no I will not say 'Sunshine on Leith' - drat! I did.) this is unusual. Now Easter is approaching we can expect the snow to return at any moment.

Easter! This occasion in which we remember the dying and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth for all our sins, in an attempt to reconcile us to God! We celebrate this by buying over wrapped and overpriced needless chocolate eggs, sending overpriced cards and indulging in a long weekend romp. Sometimes we even consider the religious side of it, but hey! lets not be a fanatic about this eh?

Sunny Easter (hopefully) approaches. The kids will be out en masse shoplifting, the parents, if not dozing at work, will be otherwise occupied, and most probably uncaring, well some of them anyway, not all parents are bad even if the kids are. many at this very moment are crowding Stansted Airport waiting for the 'Easyjet' to Spain. Their idea of fun is to sit in a bar drinking foul Spanish wine or imported lager, read the 'Daily Mirror' or 'Sun' daily to ensure they do not miss anything important, and spend the rest of the day catching cancer lying in the sun smoking cheap fags. I envy them......