My card to Lynette
Lynette’s finally catching up with me. When we met she was years and years younger than me. Now she’s only 6 years behind me. By the time I’m 60 she’ll be 58. And on the gloomy note. Happy Birthday Lynette XXXXXXXX
Dad, Auntie Madge and her special fella, Bill
I learned this week that my lovely Auntie Madge passed away. She was part of a large family on my dad’s side and whenever she came over to visit was always up for a giggle. She used to make fun of me and I used to make fun of her. I enjoyed hanging out with all my aunties – especially Auntie Madge.
It’s been a stressful week. Pudding went into the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals a week ago. The surgeon (pictured) operated to remove part of the disc in the spine that was causing paralysis. Amazingly he was ready to come home 4 days after surgery. We have to support him in a two handled harness. He’s 18kg so it’s like carrying a large shopping bag filled with potatoes around the house. He’s still a bit wobbly but already able to walk. Not bad for a 15 year old hound. What he really doesn’t like is having to be protected in his crate so we’re coming up with all sorts of strategies to allow him to be left but not able to jump or climb stairs.
Our wonderful companion Pudding became wobbly on Wednesday evening. Thursday morning he could barely stand. We took him to the Royal Veterinary College and they diagnosed possible slipped disc. They arranged for us to see a neurologist at the main RVC campus in Potters Bar. Pud needed an MRI. This confirmed slipped disc and he was operated on last night. Afterwards, the surgeon called to say Pud was recovering. It was a very emotional day yesterday. We’re now waiting for more information on prognosis. We will not be able to see Pud for a few more days and it may be a week before he’s able to leave hospital. The recuperation will take months of physiotherapy. Pudding is an essential part of our family and we are praying for a healthy recovery.
Our songwriting class with Chris Difford (copyright Brew Mbirika)
I just met the most wonderful group of friends and musicians at the Premises Music Education programme. Over 5 days we learned new songwriting techniques taught and facilitated by the lovely Helen Reddington (aka Helen McCookerybook from the punk band the Chefs) and her partner Martin Stephenson of the Daintees. We had a masterclass given by Chris Difford of Squeeze and an insight into the commercial side by Paulette Long deputy chair of the Performing Rights Society.
What a wonderful show Suggs is doing right now. A stand up review of his life. We were in stitches from start to finish. Yes, funny things happened to him, and some sad too. But it’s his delivery that really makes it. Well done to Suggs for this innovative and open sharing of human experience.
Can’t believe another year has gone by. Saw Kate last year at Southbank – this year at Barbican – for her festive review of Sheffield and South Yorkshire carols. Wonderful evening. I mean, what a voice. The musicians we fantastic also.
Had a wonderful evening at the English Folk Dance and Song Society Folk Rising event. It’s a showcase for new bands that blend a variety of acoustic styles. I was very impressed with a band called Apple of My Eye.
This year I’ve been working with some more with Soki2u, an independent arts collective
Cover of Dancing Through The Needle's Eye
run by Derek Schuurman. The label has just released a new compilation entitled Dancing Through the Needle’s Eye and I had the great pleasure of working with a number of musicians on this album.
Evie at Royal veterinary College
Evie was running in the park when she ran into a derelict chain link fence. The wire from the fence went right through her leg. I couldn’t remove her from it as the wire was hooked. It was an awful moment and Evie was screeching. Fortunately, Cecily from the allotments was there and I shouted for her help. She had some wire cutters and bandage. Our neighbours Ed and Frances kindly rushed us to the Royal Veterinary College Hospital. That was two weeks ago. Evie’s been doing OK and tomorrow she gets her stitches out.