Hey, Its Monday...

The sun is shining, I'm upbeat plans are afoot, I'm positive. OK I'll say it nothing exciting planned but that's not a complaint. Many live by a kind of routine whether they work or stay at home for whatever the reason and their lives are often mapped by the routine they keep. If they are happy that's fine by me.

For some the week is mapped out by the tasks carried out each day. That might come back to tradition like Monday was Washing Day, Friday Baking Day. There could a be coffee with friends in a little café in town or someone pops around for a chat. For some and I used to see it travelling to work or going to school(it happened more when shops were not open 24/7)older people were waiting for the shops to open with a shopping bag in their arm or a shopping trolley. The shopping would be done in minutes and they'd be home and having a cup of tea perhaps an hour later.

For many the church was the hub of the community and centre of their lives. Now I guess much of that is done at a PC screen or looking at smartphone all the time.

Last night three females in my company were together as a group but barely spoke, there was entertainment but the whole time they were tapping on their phones texting or surfing the internet.

And then for some it may be the reading of a book and laying in a cosy bed, listening to music, watching a favourite TV programme or film or the new hobby of binge on a box set. Sometimes alone, sometimes with friends. Horses for courses or another term(am I really saying this?)What floats your boat.

I won't criticise anyone for their choice for fun or what they do to to make their life happy and even my mentioning of those on their phones was not a criticism. They are doing what they want to. I suspect there are many more things they could be doing that would be seen as harmful. Its not, to use an ancient term sex, drugs and rock and roll.

I am out soon having bloods taken at the Dr's surgery, out this afternoon. Then I''m starting serious business and puling the garden into shape. Looks like the weather is going to be kind. The ground is quite OK for standing on too. It will have to be done very slowly and in stages but I will get there.

Have a good day.

Been A Good Day...If You Don't Include...

seemingly losing a reader of my blog but these are only a collection of thoughts. A snapshot and when written in the cold light of day without seeing the expression on someones face, the tone of a voice or an immediate response from someone things can be misunderstood/assumptions made.

Hey ho...

I start the week having bloods taken(and I think they'll be OK)as the gout has improved. Does gout affect blood tests? I don't know. Check up on Thursday.

Hoping to take a look at the garden this week and if the weather allows maybe do some trimming of hedges before they start to sprout foliage and that must be easier. Some rubbish to go(household and garden)I think I said earlier though we have a recycle collection a lot of rubbish now does not go to landfill and is converted to electricity.

Soon I think I will be looking for a decorator and perhaps calling in favours to see what I should consider in the way of carpets and curtains. Being single I don't need a lot of furniture. Its less to get rid of should I move. Thinking a new bed, suite of furniture for the lounge perhaps a wardrobe and/or a chest of drawers.

I can make a move on the mobility scooter and/or power chair.

Does this sound miserable? Its not supposed to.

Fun and games with the digital radios...The older one is picking up some of the new stations starting in March which the newer is unable to but that radio is picking up some, the older one is unable to(Go figure)Also the older one where it does show the same stations says they are unavailable and to go to a website for an update of software but the website says as yet my model cannot be upgraded yet. I hope they get that fixed soon. Its only four years old if that.


There appears to be an explosion of extra services but I don't think I'll be listening to many of them, there's a children's radio station, some religious stations. Asian stations, a second station similar to and run by Talksport, I think some stations from the neighbouring area may be picked up here but they carry services we get on other commercial stations so the only difference may be the jingles and station ID's. However after a break of something like 12 years plus we are going to get a new talk radio station produced by the owners of TalkSport. Ironically they replaced the original TalkRadio with Talksport and I was sorry to see it closed. My fear is that it may just become a station of "Shock Jocks" out for a reaction at any cost.

I'll have to listen and decide.

A Less Fraught Day...

More positive. If you are not depressed and feeling down in the dumps you can put negative thoughts where they belong.

I have two casseroles in two small slow cookers...I am about dressed and shaved. Gout is much improved and whilst there is money...the ticket was purchased ages ago. Its only £5 tonight I will be watching a local brass band in a local church. Not too far away and the bus service though not great...it isn't bad.

We seem to have little entertainment on our own town which is big, always have to go off town.

I'm the last of my line. There is much that I don't know. I'm not sure what I have to gain if I did. There must be relatives out there but its not as if anyone has contacted me so perhaps they are not curious either.

However I know how Mum and Dad met and where. It doesn't exist any more but mention the "Rink" in Spennymoor there are still many who know of it or remember it. I don't know Spennymoor that well and until recently if I was not passing through it to go somewhere else or doing a small shopping trip there is no reason to. Again, bus services in the evening don't get me back here and without meaning to be demeaning there's not much there. If you live there its your town as this town is mine.

However a few weeks ago I was collared by someone pushing religion and given leaflets. One mentioned a church(even if I wanted to go to the services they are difficult to get to as most are in the evening.

On a piece of paper it says the church is next to a "Older people's Complex(How they describe it)where the rink used to be" So one day soon, I am planning to visit the location and contemplate that around where the "Home" is was where my parents met. Its another connection. Its only taken almost 58 years to make it.

Update:The concert was enjoyable and by chance someone I know spotted me and I was given a lift home afterwards. So I was home before the time the bus I would've had to catch had even turned up.

I also had a nice supper, a bowl of my casserole. That warmed me up. Its a variation on soup I guess.

Think I Have Beaten The Gout...

Today I was at a funeral...a Humanist funeral. My first. It was fine. The only difference was no reference to the Bible and religious figures. The weather stayed cold but fine too. Don't know if the family chose the music or the person the funeral was for. Interesting hearing his personal story/history(which I did not know)The Music? Norman Wisdom singing "Don't Laugh At Me 'Cause I'm A Fool" and a tune played by Dire Straits used for Newcastle Football team games.

I've got myself more than a little worried about finances. If I continue to receive help I can absorb some further reduction in my budget but its going to be tight. If I fail any tests I really am up the creek without a paddle*

New legislation means if I have to reclaim or there is an interruption I will be under the new rules and I may be able to afford(just)my rent, electric and gas. This is because one benefit is about to be reduced by £30. So if you have no other savings or any other help is stopped that's it.

If you are able to claim additional help and no one knows that will always be available that will have to be used even further to do all the daily tasks and costs such as electric, gas, food etc...when originally it was to pay for extra costs having medical issues can cause.

There is a lot of talk on social media but its barely been mentioned on the media or in the newspapers.

So its Friday night, I have coffee, a radio to listen to and a hot water bottle. I'd quite welcome a lovely sleep. In dreams all seems well.

*I say me but I'm talking in very general terms and thinking of the many examples I have been hearing.

How Fortunate...

My next few concerts and shows are a few days away thank heavens so I do hope that I can get to them. Brass band on Saturday. At a push the bus stops near the venue. The big one with 60's singer Lulu is twenty two days away, I would hate to miss that. I was fortunate that I made it to the Gilbert O'Sullivan concert last Monday.

Yesterday when I was at my worst it just happened to be what would've been Mum's birthday(the fourth since her passing)she would've been ninety.

If I can continue to improve hopefully all will be well for my bloods on Monday and my hospital check up on Thursday.

Its only coming up to 10.30pm but I am going to have a weak coffee and make up a hot water bottle and take to my bed and listen to the radio if I don't fall asleep first. I find it very easy to do that.

Finally Perhaps An Improvement...

I have had gout but never as bad as these past days. Though having said that twenty years ago I was in a hotel and in bed for three days and had to crawl to the toilet on my hands and knees so maybe I had it then.

Talking to a taxi driver on Saturday he told how he laughed at the thought of gout and he too was crawling on all fours with swollen feet and ankles but in a lot of pain.

You know I am bad when I did not attempt to go out last evening to the little bingo club or this afternoon. Sadly three weeks ago I planned to be at a Chinese New Year event this evening but I've called that off too.

I want to say that I have improved(thanks to painkillers and gout medication)and at last in bed I can bare the blankets touching my foot. I managed to get to the toilet in a little less pain but having got up to come on here and to use the telephone it seems to be coming back.

I can give it until Friday but will then perhaps have to seek out more medical help. Drinking lots of plain water to flush out the system and eating toast.

Hobbling About...

but determined to get to the music show at 7pm.  I'm dressed, shaved. Had a lamb stew. But painkillers are a must and a slow walk to the bus stop and it will be slow. I'll be dosed up on painkillers and a rare event...I will use two walking sticks tonight and hope it helps. I am struggling just get around the house. Being able to take the weight off my legs somewhat may make all the difference.

Once on the buses I alight at the venue. The struggle is the walk to the
first stop and the walk home. At least once there I am just sitting.

A Few Days Have Passed...

I have stayed close to home and I seem to have gone down with the Luigi again. Been coughing and spluttering again but been able to sleep.

What has got in the way has been another bout of gout and that's made getting around painful and difficult.

However, though not exactly inexpensive I am out at a music event tonight and the bus there is near where I live and it stops almost outside of the venue. Once there I am sat in a nice comfy chair. I will probably be dropped off outside my home at the end of the night.

I have another event planned tomorrow which I found out about by chance and again luckily the buses are quite good. And stop near the venue. That is also inexpensive and should be fun a quartet of ladies who sing songs of The Andrews Sisters and the like. Its at a church in a neighbouring town and it appears they do an event every month. So that may give me something to look forward to.

Remember the wonky veg? A fruiter's in a neighbouring town has been selling boxes of it for over a year and you get more than in the box offered by the supermarket so though it will be a little difficult to get there and bring it home(there is again)quite a frequent bus service and if I use my shopping trolley I may still be able to take advantage of a very good offer.

The weather could be better so I'll make certain that I am well wrapped up when I head out around teatime. I only have to get shaved. I've had two bowls of lamb stew so I am well fed. The right kind of food for a proper Winters day.

Don't Look On The Internet...

But we do. I saw Gilbert O' Sullivan in concert last night. Spur of the moment thing(some seats were still available)I'll make the money up(but after a few recent wins at bingo)I was at least not out of pocket(slightly better off to be honest)so I just transposed money from one pleasure to another. Sadly I missed two wins yesterday and did myself out of £10.

It meant the ticket only cost me £15(If I'd paid more attention and won that extra £10)it would've been like only spending £5.

So I took a seat on the end of an aisle in the Dress Circle. It meant I could stretch my legs. Also no one's head was in front of me as I could lean slightly and look down the aisle.

In the end people were up dancing downstairs and from past experiences that meant I would not be able to see what is happening on stage and if I stand I can't for long anyhow and being shorter in height doesn't help.

I could've sneaked photo's but expected I'd be stopped so I didn't try. He didn't mind and never said "Don't" there were no announcements before the concert either. Some were warned by usherettes but people were sensible when taking images and were not taking loads nor videos either. Generally they couldn't stop everyone. And few if any were using flash. I no longer do so I change the exposure.

My reference at the start of my post is because I obviously wondered how old he is and it turns out that he is 69 years old.

He had all the energy of someone younger. His voice sounded as I remember. It has to be said the audience responded most warmly to the songs we remember from our early days and when he was most popular. Sometimes we had feedback on the sound. For me and for the size of venue I often find they have too much bass and the vocalist gets drowned out, if we have to have the band as loud they need to amplify or tweak the voice so it carries over the music.

Its probably the one and only time I will see him. After 20 years he has a song on the BBC Radio 2 playlist which is typical O'Sullivan and it sounds good "No Way!" This Friday there is a special on Radio 2 between 8pm - 10pm. That will no doubt have perfect sound and he is backed by a 60 piece concert orchestra. I'm out but I'll try and record it. That will be available for approx a month on line and will probably get a repeat but this reference will soon be out of date.

We were told in the publicity blurb for the concert he was being backed by a ten piece band but it was eight if you include the two female backing singers. If you don't it was a six piece band.

He said that he lives in Jersey(Channel Islands)nice.

Am I glad that I decided to go? Of course I am.

Saturday Was Good...

Mobility better for me...I found a better way to get to the Chinese New Year Dragon display in Durham. These days its actually better to catch a bus from my town and then get off the bus on the outskirts of Durham in the middle of nowhere and catch another that runs every 15 minutes but goes into the town a different way.

I arrived approx 15 minutes before the dance started. It was brilliant especially considering the dragon was much smaller than the one I saw last week in Sunderland and as far as I could see there were no Chinese taking part and it seemed to be performed by English people(is that the correct term?)In Sunderland the performers were mainly Chinese.

Their display lasted 15 minutes.

Chinese New Year Celebrations in the Sunderland Museum.

(Due to the weather and a small corridor I did not get as many images as I'd have liked)

Chinese New Year Celebrations in Durham City

(My camera failed and refused to take images so the video is actually better)

I could've hung around in Durham longer but hopped on a bus to a neighbouring town and did a very small shop and timed it so I caught another bus without waiting much and came home feeling good.

I was a bit concerned the weather would not hold as setting out we hit a spot of freezing rain and without gloves my hands were freezing. But it picked up and stayed fine in Durham so the display went ahead as planned.

In the neighbouring town we had a couple of nasty showers a mixture of rain and hail. Luckily, I was reasonably wrapped up. And once home looking out later we seemed to have quite a wet night.

I have left it quite late to consider going out today and its not bad weather wise but I don't want to go shopping and with a Sunday bus service getting around is limited. If I am honest mobility isn't as good today so maybe not a bad idea being home. I think I have a small dose of gout again. I'll listen to the radio, do some more house work, perhaps a wash. Rest a bit. Go out to the Bingo(there's only two of us tonight)

The weather looks quite good(fluffy clouds, blue sky and sun)and the days are getting longer. So perhaps I will get out more and I'll pull the garden into shape as I said earlier.

I may make the effort later and do a nice meal. I'll take a couple of items(not much)for the bingo(perhaps a ham bap and crisps)just a put off.

Been knocked for six a little today as word got back to me that another person I know was taken into hospital yesterday and passed away. I fear this is going to be something I will have happen more and more in my life(its them or me)and its the part of life that to be honest sucks.

Music Club...

on Tuesday was great. I took a little buffet but in the end there was only myself eating it. And it kept me going until yesterday.

Its been a quiet week hence a lack of posts.

I haven't been out that much but if I am up to it and the weather is kind I may go on a bus ride.

I have slept well(eaten reasonably OK)not feeling tip top but not feeling down in the depths either.

It appears that DAB radio is to expand soon and we'll have access to dozens more radio stations but where my older radio seems ready to offer a way to upgrade the software, the newer one I purchased a few weeks ago may not so I am not happy about that. But we'll see.

I'm going to pop out and get my computer magazine and post a letter. That's a rare event these days.

At least its getting lighter in the early evening now so we can say the says are becoming longer and you can see that it is.

At this rate getting the garden into shape looks even more likely. I've seen an article in a local newspaper with the name and phone number of someone they say erects/delivers garden fencing at reasonable prices on the town so you never know. There's no rush though.

Slow Day...

Not much going on(that's better than the alternative)I have my political head on and could say so much but I'd frighten some away by boredom or perhaps attract negative responses, Generally though on my travels I find more people that seem to agree with my take on things and I am willing to listen to other views. And my political rantings tend to be shared elsewhere on the internet.

We're always told don't talk about religion and politics but perhaps for all the arguments that can come from doing so...maybe by not doing so we have no right to complain when we don't get the country or world we would like and those in power do whatever they like. Not always with a mandate.

The sun is shining though it seems a bit cold outside. The fence is still standing(for now)I plan to start on the garden again when March arrives. Just giving myself a a few more weeks before I start getting active again.

Taking a little buffet out with me tonight(what remains from Sunday)so I can nibble a little...crackers, crisps, cherry tomatoes, cheese, cake and some ham and caramelised red onion chutney. If I end up having my own little party that's fine. I won't have eaten that much before anyhow.

There is music and a raffle. And unlike last week I will be there this time.

Tired...

Saturday I went to see the Chinese New Year event in Sunderland but by the time I got there the weather had turned very wet so whether it was always the plan the Dragon dance took place in the corridor of the museum and people had to line up along the sides or that decision was made at short notice I am unsure. It was a bit cramped so the opportunity for seeing it or getting images was difficult.

They only performed twice as far as I know(that is a guess on my part again)as if the first display was as early as it seemed it was probably missed by many. I always thought it would be taking place outside but due to the weather it would be called off or the other alternative an areas known as the Winter Gardens covered by a see through glass roof and containing plants. Not knowing the building I was ready to give up but I got word that they were planning to perform around 1pm.

Somehow I managed to fill the time and still be there when it happened. That was more by luck. As it took me a long time to walk to the museum, then I rested and as I was about to go the display was due to start. I was also surprised to find two dragons and again I had almost disappeared before the second display. Sadly, though worth seeing it was difficult to get decent images. Cramped space and due to lots of movement of the Dragon dance some were blurred.

Slowly I returned to the town centre and spent a good half hour or more sitting in a soft leather chair in a shopping mall before getting the bus home.

On Sunday I took off for the Marina area of Hartlepool(I've never been there before)but that did not go to plan. Near the first stage of the journey where I had to change to another bus...there had been a car accident and the road was blocked and my bus could not turn around. These things happen and more importantly I don't think anyone was hurt but I could not see anyone just the cars. And a police car was parked across the road blocking off the road. Two low loaders were positioned to take the cars away. They did not look like write offs but both had pranged the front wing of the drivers side. The Police said we'd be held up for 10 minutes bit it was more like twenty,

When I arrived at the bus station I had missed the connection by 3 mins. I had to hang around for an hour until the next bus. I went into a shop to keep warm. Then when I arrived at the Marina the weather had turned cold, windy and there was the threat of rain.

I could find no seats and this is a massive area and what I wanted to see I seemed unable to find access or was closed so I ended up in another b***** supermarket over the road filling in time until the next bus home was due.

When it did it took arrive it took me around a roundabout to the other side of the road. I then had to get off and hang around in the cold for twenty five minutes under a bus shelter before it commenced its journey. Then unlike the journey to Hartlepool where you virtually get off one service onto another, if there isn't a delay, returning home there is a gap between services and I had to sit in the draughty bus station for fifty minutes.

Not the greatest day out I almost wished I'd stayed at home. I am not convinced that I will be in a hurry to revisit the Marina any time soon.

Update:I have been talking to a few people about the Marina area since and they've all said its not as it used to be and many interesting businesses and exclusive shops have disappeared. Coming home on the bus within minutes of the Marina what a lot of run down areas. I lost track of how many buildings are boarded up and falling into disrepute. Possibly because they were a niche idea. People have moved. Instead of leaving them as empty properties which are never likely to be used as a retail unit again and with many not on a popular/regular bus route.

I wonder why they are not demolished or turned into converted flats especially for those who do not need large houses especially when we keep being told that we are short of social housing? It could revitalise neglected areas. Someone will give me a reason why this isn't being done. Its not Hartlepool's exclusive problem. These past few days I have gone through many unfamiliar towns and found it is the same there too.

Tidy...

At least my home is tidy again and not just because of a visit on Wednesday(its the check on the gas central heating)

Therefore, I can't go too far from home...I was going to see Fairport Convention(perhaps the last and only time I could)on Tuesday but opted for a cheaper but as enjoyable option at my music club with two favourites.

Going to do some cooking this weekend...its the weather for it. Taking some snacks with me for my trip today but generally try to trek out with little or no baggage. And I don't need much food. I probably could manage without.

Talking of food...many of us were pleased to see a major supermarket trialing boxes of seasonal vegetables for £3.50(US $5.08)which they claim will feed a family of four for a week. They have to start somewhere so the trial is commencing in 128 stores. However, customers delight and praise has turned negative because many areas are not included. Not one store(not even their super stores)in the North East of England. I have read there are none in Wales or N. Ireland so some of the countries we share this Island with are left out.

Its even been suggested some stores that did have stocks only had as few as twenty boxes. And they were only available over a 24 hour period so if you could not get into the store within that time span or the twenty boxes had gone, you were out of luck. You cannot even buy online. I am so happy I found the list of stores taking part before wasting my time going in search of a box.

Its a trick the greengrocers could/should be filling or even other supermarkets, the demand is obviously there as it probably always was and used to be years ago. Before everything was produced to be as perfect as possible.

You may've guessed by that last sentence what makes this trial special is that the vegetables in these boxes would normally be thrown away or never reach supermarket shelves because they have imperfections usually only in their appearance. Otherwise there is nothing wrong with it. Hence it being sold under the name of "Wonky Veg"

Not A Place I Know Well...

and can say I have been there a lot but luckily there is a bus to Sunderland hourly until teatime. And though sometimes we are not served well by public transport it is close to where I live. It takes around 90 mins and saves me changing buses and adding extra time to the journey.

I don't know what the weather has in store today but its a look out, I'm only sitting on a bus and it comes to a destination so if I want to I can even go to sleep. If I manage to get the same bus home it stops even nearer to where I live than the outward journey.

I have never been before...its the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens where they will be celebrating the Chinese New Year. It runs from 11am-3pm but I doubt it will change much between those hours so I may not need to stay the whole time and I am going for the 9.30am bus which later than originally planned so I will be there for around 11.30am. Its better than going to early and hanging around waiting for the place to open.

So I am away now to get all my gear together because it could be chilly, also to get shaved. Of I am ready nice and early I can relax and know all I have to do is leave as it gets near to the time to board the bus. Not much walking involved either.

Yesterday Was Father's Day...

It was a struggle to get to the Crematorium to see the book of Remembrance only in that no bus goes past it(people I talked to think that's wrong)and its a long walk to it for elderly/bad mobility and then inside its a long road to the building. On the plus side the weather stayed fine.

According to the travel website and a timetable outside the Crem at a bus stop a bus does go past offering a limited service bit I waited for 30 mins and none materialised. I missed a bus by seconds back on the road where one does run(only two per hour)and had to wait for 30 minutes. It was too far to attempt walking back to the town centre,

I felt calm and quite comforted seeing his name in the book and it was as I remembered and as though I'd gone every year and never missed doing so. You don't want to leave as you have a connection whilst there. I took a photo so if its gets more difficult I have my own record of his entry in the book.

I had a little win at the bingo in the evening that paid for my fruit and cucumber so you could say it meant my shop was free or I had a free night at the bingo.

Been talking to someone who recently erected a fence and they believe I can get the cost down still further, I am hoping to get the name of who she used. There is also the possibility according to her that my Housing Association may do the work if I am prepared to pay and it could still keep costs down. As she almost used them for her fence.

She also could see my point of using a natural break of shrubs and bushes to keep down costs and they wont be blown over or damaged by winds. Birds and possibly hedgehogs may prefer that idea.

The weather has been mild the past day or two but it seems to be getting blustery again so I will probably stay home again and concentrate on hopefully the trip to Sunderland tomorrow and the Chinese New Year celebrations.

I May Have To Spend Money...

on the garden fence but we'll see if I can find someone locally who does odd jobs and see what I can find in the way of reasonably priced fencing.

Fortunate that at a push I can just about find the money. If not I'll dig out the credit card and pay it off over a few months.

Killing off/removing some of the ivy growing over and from the other side during summer probably instead of helping has worked against saving the fence. It could have been protecting it and helping to stop it moving.

I'm not going to worry over it though. That won't help anyone.

I suspect I'm talking £300 plus labour.

*Not planning on going anywhere again today, still shaking off my cold. Lots of sleeping too. Annoying if you are enjoying something on the radio. I drift off quite easily.

I can do that even when not sleeping. I have heard it said that if you don't think or do something within 15 minutes your brain kind've shuts down not unlike when you set a computer to rest after so long. It could be a load of clap trap for all I know.

Perhaps I'll do something nice for my tea or have it for supper when I come home. Something warming.

I may seeing I am up at this silly hour have some porridge and fruit followed by toast. And for my trip on Saturday(Chinese New Year)for the first time in perhaps over a year have a full "English" Breakfast of bacon, eggs(fried or scrambled)mushrooms, sausages, tomatoes and baked beans. But if I am leaving around 7.30am(and I will have to)I will have to be getting this ready around 6am.

I can cheat though by preparing the bacon/beans/tomatoes maybe even the eggs in the microwave(s) to save time. If I don't mind some items being cold and as you eat food does cool down. I could do some of the food in advance.

So tonight will be my first look out since the theatre in Durham and I'll get to play bingo again.

*I said that I wasn't going out but I may...why? Its 32 years today since my Father passed away and because its not the easiest place to visit without a car it could be twenty five years since I saw his name in the book of remembrance at a local crematorium and so today I think that I am going to make the effort to see his name, Reflect a little. I may attempt to take an image of it too.

I Missed The Music Club...

Made the right choice...the body wasn't up to it. Had a peaceful day and night on Tuesday. Woke an hour or so ago and felt the opposite. Perhaps I dreamt something.

Well I will have a coffee, play some games and take to my bed again, should I sleep, I may feel different by morning.

If the weather allows and I feel upto it(hence resting is a good idea)I'm hopping on a bus early Saturday and travelling to Sunderland to watch an event celebrating the Chinese New Year. Towards the end of February there is a smaller event in Durham I hope to visit the Lunar New Year Lantern Festival, the end of the New Year activities. But we'll see.

More Expense...

Looks like storm Henry may have done for me and broken four panels of garden fencing. So deciding whether I can stake what remains with posts or whether to hope my neighbour may share the cost or replace the fence. Whether not to bother replacing it and go for a natural break using shrubs/bushes and hedging(its cheaper)

I think I have finally shaken off the cough and cold.

I'm staying in as the weather is horrible but I will go to the music club later.

I'll throw more rubbish out later so its not a wasted day.

If the weather stays mild I'll start gardening again in March.

The travel arrangements to the theatre last night could not have gone easier and I'll do that again. It is the ideal way to get to most of the centre area of Durham city. Sadly, I did not enjoy the play, I may've been the only one who didn't going by the reaction.

And it was good to get back home and not have tired myself out.