Bob James "Westchester Lady" (1976)

Dreaming of 1976 and the hot summer...Bob James -smooth -mellow and cool

10th December 2010 - RELIEF!

It started with snow!!



and ended with sun...





In between these two photos I have experienced the worst 9 days on the chemotherapy so far...

It has been a particularly bad reaction this time and I've been feeling really fed- up and sorry for myself..not felt like blogging either..

Anyway I'm back now and have about 11 days before my next dose...so I'm planning to do some more pleasant stuff than just talking to my toilet!

May even try to get some Christmas decorations up this week and try to get in the Christmas spirit...I'm normally a big Christmas fan but this year I haven't really felt in the mood..

Anyway enough for tonight. My lovely brother David is coming to visit us from Leicester (seen below with Sylvie - in the amusement arcade in Swanage) so will update again really soon...hope you all have a great weekend :-)



- Posted using BlogPress on my iPad

Location:Wareham

5th December 2010

9.15am

Just decided to drive down (through freezing fog patches) to Swanage for a morning tea and the opportunity to catch up with my blog...

Since my last entry I have undergone my second dose of chemotherapy and it seemed to react a little better this time...less nausea and although very tired this week I have been feeling a bit more settled. I had a slight blip yesterday when on Friday night (following a visit to visit my brother and a few friends


In Bournemouth early evening) I decided to eat very late on Friday evening...not only late but very rich, processed foods which left me feeling pretty horrible all day yesterday.

Anyway enough moaning!

I woke early this morning (5.00am) and checked on the England cricket score in Australia.. We (well I say we...England) are doing very well with an a first innings lead of over 300. It's ours for the taking now...

This is my venue on this Sunday morning...a perfect place to have a drink and lose yourself in your thoughts...


The views from this cafe are truly stunning and I feel so lucky to live in this part of the world..



The Crafty Cockney has a report to write for work this morning so unfortunately see couldn't join me.. Just received a text from her as she doesn't like to feel too left out!

We are both off to a Christmas Recital this afternoon at the Lighthouse Arts Centre in Poole and then digestion permitting a Roast Dinner at our local Toby Carvery...

Anyway might write some more later but now for a heavy dose of daydreaming!!


Posted using BlogPress on my iPad

Location:Ulwell Rd,Swanage,United Kingdom

30th November 2010

Just sitting in the Chemo ward at Dorchester waiting for my second dose of chemotherapy. If the first one is anything to go by then I'm in for two or three days of sickness before things settle down for a bit...

Ian (a young man I met on my first session) has just joined me for a quick cigarette outside. He has been told there is not enough of his chemo mix for him to receive his normal dose so he has to come back tomorrow to get his full dose..

Pippa and the rest of the nursing team are doing a great job with a full compliment of patients.. The group seem less lively than last time and there seems to be a much more calm and quiet atmosphere in the room...

I'm just about finished my preparation and should be getting my chemo very soon....

It's on it's way into my arm....feeling ok...if a little warm in this well heated ward....

Quiet time before a chance for a cuppa and a sandwich soon...:-)

6.15pm

Finally at home...ready for my dinner :-)

- Posted using Blogpress on iPad

Location:Dorchester,United Kingdom

White Christmas by Bing Crosby

Its getting close to Christmas and this is one of my favourite songs from Bing Crosby to get me in the mood....

23rd November 2010

8.00am

Meeting Simon for coffee as I have an appointment with the bank at 10.00am this morning in Southbourne..

Had a fab weekend in Wales with my family and a few school friends...pictures to follow

Anyway Simon's here now so I need to catch up with the gossip from college...catch you later :-)


- Posted using BlogPress

Location:The Lansdowne Roundabout,Bournemouth,United Kingdom

18th November 2010

GeoTagged, [N50.72253, E1.86695]

7.50am at Centro Coffee Bar, Bournemouth

Well a very good (if a little wet) morning to you. Haven't done a blog from my iPhone for a while now and getting my fat fingers used to this little keypad is trying to say the least.

Well I have been signed off work until I have completed my chemotherapy so today I'm out and about early to catch up with some friends. Simon should be here soon for our normal morning coffee and I have even parked in my staff parking space at the college for convenience.

Planning on meeting Tara and Alison at 11.00 in Westbourne then it's off to the New Forest to meet with Martin and possibly Julie...

Will update as I go through the day... Bye for now people:-)

Slim Gaillard Live @ The Wag Club

Just a chance to share with you one of the artists I came across while living in London in the 1980's. Slim Gaillard performed at the Wag Club and we also managed to book him at the Dolphin Brasserie in Pimlico where I was Restaurant Manager at the time...Great man who had worked with all the great Jazz/blues musicians of the 50's and 60's including Charlie Parker

The parody, Newport State of Mind.

The parody of New York State of Mind which I love because it has been written with a Welsh theme and in particular with reference to Newport.. Funny :-)

Monday 15th November 2011

4.00am

Ever since my re-diagnosis with Melanoma I seem to be in a routine of waking up around 3.00 - 4.00am in the morning and although tired I thought I might try using these times to update my blog....

On the subject of my blog it has in the recent few weeks become a little "patchy" and relatively short on content and I apologise....This is partly due to the recent news and treatment of which there will be more to talk about...


 Although not writing too much I have however been taking some photographs in this period and while I'm sitting here on my Mac waiting for my iPad to do a software update I thought I would include some of them with short descriptions in the hope it might give you a flavour of the period....

Eddie - He's a Baby!

The "Beast"

Miles - The Car Salesman

Barbers for short cut (Southampton)

Sandra with the CC at her birthday evening at the Black Bear..

David doing stretches with the CC at West Bay

Kate's Jewelery stall at Bridport Market

 B

Abadha and the CC in Bridport

Ruth, Bridpo

12th October - Nausea Week!!!

5.00am

Woke up early this morning following 2 full days of living hell for me....Since my first Chemotherapy session on Tuesday I have been feeling continually nauseous....I have to say at this stage, I have never done sick/vomit very well in my life so I was secretly dreading this particular side effect...

Well without going into details both ends have been errupting for 48 hours and finally today it seems to have settled down.

I'm going in to work for a few hours today so I will try and update again later....Ta Ta for now :_)

............Never got round to updating this day as I was completely knackered and went to bed!

Saturday 6th November

Well another week has passed and it has not been without it's moments.....

 

 

The Count take place in North Road

I might have mentioned before that I had put my name forward for the post of college governor. The election took place this week and although getting excellent support and votes from my colleagues I was soundly beaten in to second place by one of my rivals....anyway a little disappointed yesterday (in fact you might say a tiny bit bitter!) but have come to terms with it already.

At the De Vere in Southampton

 

I'm writing this as I sit in the De Vere Hotel in Southampton. I'm here to pick up my new (well nearly new) car from our friend Miles who is also a top car salesman for Hendy Ford.. As you know by my earlier blogs I'm a bit of a gadget lover and this new car has some lovely built in toys which I can't wait to play with later.. More importantly it's a diesel, auto which is great for my back (no gear changes) and runs very economically.










Had a little bit of a shock on Thursday when I went for my 12 week cancer check. Mr Osbourne informed us that my melanoma cancer has returned and I am to undergo some chemotherapy from next Tuesday. Who knows my next blog might well be from the chemo ward in Dorchester Hospital...watch this space!

My lovely wife the Crafty Cockney (and our families and friends) are a little upset but they all know I'm a fighter and between us we will do all we can to eradicate this latest setback....

Speak soon folks...it's time to pick up that car....Mmmmmmmm!

4.30pm

Finally left Southampton the very proud owner of a car we named "The Beast" - I think a few photos will help show how pleased I am with it.....

- Posted using BlogPress

Location:W Quay Rd,Southampton,United Kingdom

Sunday 31st October

8.15am

A strange and quite challenging week - hence the lack of blogs folks sorry!

I had my 12 week check-up on Wednesday at the Melanoma clinic in Poole NHS Hospital. Unfortunately a small lump has developed on my neck which has raised concerns....Ever since then I have been back and forth to hospital for more tests including a CT scan on Friday. We are all in a state of limbo know as to what the results (due in the next few days) will show...


The Crafty Cockney is understandably concerned as are my close family and friends. I'm quite stoic about the whole thing as usual although underneath the confident facade I'm a little bit on edge I must admit....

Anyway we have had some good times as well this week and went shopping to Southampton following all the tests to take our minds off things....We saw a car that we both fell in love with:-

Watch this space!!!!

Ready Steady Cook April 19th 2001.m4v

My appearance on Ready Steady Cook in 2001

I thought it would be fun to apply to Endemol for a place on the show as I was using the Ready Steady Cook concept with the ETE students at the college on their cokkery/life skills sessions.

I also had worked with Ainsley Harriet back in the late 1980's at Dolphin Square when I was the Restaurant Manager there... (he remembered me almost straight away)

It was a great day, although I found it quite nerve-wracking!!!

Friday 22nd October

8.10am
Sorry folks have had a manic week (I'll have to watch how I use the word "Manic") and haven't had a minute to do any blogging.

Sitting here in Poole after our first week of students attending the course it's good to reflect on all the positive stuff from the last few days....

Unfortunately the week has been overshadowed by the Governments Spending Review announcement on Wednesday which will have a major impact on most people in this country.

On a personal level the news of a 25% cut in Further Education funding over the next few years has got me very worried about my own job security...

Anyway a busy weekend ahead with a visit to Southampton planned with the CC on Saturday and yet another Car Boot sale on Sunday morning...

Will try and be a more regular blogging person this week!


Just a random picture today....Photoshop is great!!!!

Location:Blanchards Coffee Shop, Poole

Tom Jones - Help for Heroes Concert 2010

20th October 2010
Just thought I would start the day with a bit of Tom..

Sunday 17th October

10.10
Having a coffee in my favourite cafe (Ocean Bay) in Swanage. Using my iPad to blog this morning. So easy and pleasurable to type on a bigger screen than my iPhone..

Just got a direct reply from Jonathan Ross through Twitter.. Mentioned I was in Swanage and he said he would be down here in a few weeks... Look at me chatting with the celebrities!!

Waiting for the CC to come home from her trip to Weymouth (College reunion) about 12.00midday and then we are off to see baby "Eddie" at Jake and Donna's....

Location:Ulwell Rd,Swanage,United Kingdom

Saturday 16th October

9.56pm
"Whirlwind!" often a word used to describe someone's pace of life and is certainly a word I can use about the last week. The extreme, mostly joyful) feelings which last weeks wedding party left me with were immediately replaced with a huge workload and a poorly wife (Sylvie was signed off for a week with a virus on Monday and has been quite under the waeather, poor thing).

However, we have reached the weekend and managed to cope quite well with everything that was thrown at me..... During the week I completed my application to represent the college staff on the Board of Governors. After noticing this post being advertised last week I initially put in for this, not really believing I would have a chance of winning but as the week as progressed my thoughts are now much more positive and I think I might be quite dissapointed if I don't get voted in.... (Voting starts on the 1st Novemeber and results will be announced on the 5th November...fingers crossed!)

Before I settle down to watch Match of the Day I just wanted to mention my new aquisition of the last few days....I've bought an Apple Ipad and as a lover of all things "gadget" this piece of technology tops the list of must-haves. Such a well designed and functional piece of kit....Still haven't done a full blog from it but I will be using this while my broken iPhone 3GS gets repaired... (anyone see the irony of buying an iPad and in the same week your iPhone breaks down!!!)

Anyway goodnight and I will leave you with a picture of an iPad....

Mmmmmmmmm!

14th October 2010

12.45pm Centro

Been off the blogosphere for a few days as I've been really busy in work.... Enrolment week so been filling in endless amounts of paperwork and official forms. Going to catch up with my tales at the weekend... So watch this space?

Location:Lansdowne Crescent,Bournemouth,United Kingdom

Monday 11th October - Review of the Wedding Party Weekend

6.50am
What a weekend!! - Saturday saw all our family and friends arrive to celebrate our wedding which took place a few months ago...(we had a quiet registry office ceremony on 18th June) and boy was it a celebration!!!

I will let the photos speak for themselves on this one but just to say it was one of the best nights I've ever had in my whole life....

Friday 8th October

GeoTagged, [N50.68590, E2.11035]

8.30pm at home

A long and exhilarating day which started this morning at 3.30am! Yes you read that right 3.30am I was up and dressed ready for a trip to Southampton to watch the arrival of the new addition to Cunard Cruise Lines... 'The Queen Elizabeth'

Had a great morning down at The Royal Victoria Park with a couple of old ex-QE2 crew mates Sean and Kenny.

Arrived just after 5.30am and apart from 2 other enthusiasts and a film crew from ITV's Daybreak morning programme there was little activity.

By 6.45am the place had got quite busy and the feelings of anticipation were thick in the air.

Finally at about 7.10am we saw our first glimpse of the new vessel peering through the morning haze.

It had sailed past by 7.45am and the excitement of the last 3 hours had finally subsided into the lingering sea mist.






Back to work by 10.00am and following a tiring admin day we are now going through final arrangements for our wedding party which takes place tomorrow evening..

5th October - Day trip to Cherbourg

GeoTagged, [N49.63977, E1.62229]

1.40pm French Time

The poor CC (because of flu) couldn't join me on my day trip to Cherbourg. I'm sitting in the square with a coffee and ciggie thinking how much she would have enjoyed the trip and just as I write the sun is breaking through the heavy Normandy Clouds.

Only got about one and a half hours left. Enough time to get a bowl of the delightful local mussels and a glass of crisp dry wine before boarding the sea-cat home to Poole.

I love France and all it's idiosyncrasies and being here today has reinforced my feelings to live eventually in another country in Europe. Photos and thoughts from the trip to follow. Off to eat!!!

Sailing past Old Harry Rocks - Purbeck

The Class of Sea Cat for the journey

Our Favourite Cafe in Cherbourg

The Theatre in the Square

Pumpkins for Sale in the Market

The Old Atlantic Terminal where the QE2 used to dock

Sunset as I return to Poole following the day trip

 A fabulous day all round....

Monday 4th October

GeoTagged, [N50.72221, E1.86675]

8.15am
It's back to work for Prancing Taffy today. Just sitting in Centro with my coffee pondering the last 2 weeks and all they have brought with them. The Macmillan Charity Event and all the organising for that. The sale of the flat falling through and the resulting financial worries. The CC being ill for a few days and in between was just room to celebrate my 51st birthday!

An admin week this one so a bit of paperwork to complete before we enrol next week.

Simon has turned up for coffee now so more later.....

Sunday 3rd October

GeoTagged, [N50.68513, E2.10951]

8.00pm
A quiet weekend spent mostly watching the Ryder Cup Golf Competition on Sky Sports. This was combined with nursing the CC as she had a bad cold all weekend. She seems a bit better this evening and she has just ate a huge home cooked chicken dinner and has settled down in front of the X Factor.

I'm really looking forward to the second edition of the ITV drama "Downton Abbey"

We were both a bit disappointed with the Arsenal result this afternoon, but to be fair Chelsea deserved their 2-0 win.

Back to work in the morning but as it's an admin week it should be an easy week. Off to France with the CC on Tuesday for a day trip. Mmmmmmmmmmm!