chrisf

For some weeks now I have been smitten by aches and pains, mostly in the region of the lower back and upper legs. As with all pains, some days are better – or less worse - than others. It hurts much more when I move about than when I sit still. If I am stuck with the pain for much longer I may have to opt out of the Tolworth show at the weekend, which will not please me one bit. Apart from that, I discovered at 3.30 yesterday afternoon that I had forgotten to buy my lottery tickets. Fortunately I discovered the omission in time to buy them yesterday. As I was doing so I found that I had neglected to buy them last week as well. When I do remember to buy tickets I get a lucky dip. What if one or more of the tickets that I should have bought had been a winner? Perhaps fortunately, I will never know. Chris

Sad news for those of a certain age: the actor Leslie Phillips has died at the age of 98. I remember him most from his role in The Navy Lark and the catchphrase "Left hand down a bit". Chris

Yesterday my diary told me that I was due a blood test. The trip from home to hospital is not arduous but does require a change of buses. When I reached the hospital their diary told me that the blood test had been rescheduled for today. "I do wish someone had told me" was my response. I had the blood test. Chris

I have never bothered with proprietary decorations. Instead, I use any seasonal greetings cards that I might receive and fix them to the walls with Blu-Tak. There is something pleasingly random about this process. Chris

I've done a bit of forward planning this morning. The weekend after next sees the Portsmouth show, the journey home from which is convenient for a brief encounter with an old friend who lives in Weybridge. A brief exchange of e-mails has sorted the arrangements. After two years we have some catching up to do. It would be a good idea to write her seasonal greetings card before then so that I can deliver it in person. The festive season is horribly close and I am nowhere near ready for it. Neither, I imagine, is anybody else. Chris

I have been taken to task discreetly for not posting here as often as I might. My plea in mitigation was that I had nothing to say. This, I was told in reply, does not stop others. Actually, I do have something on my mind at the moment - backache. Its unwelcome presence is deterring me from moving about unnecessarily, not that I am likely to do such a thing whether or not the consequences are painful. Whether sitting on the sofa for hours watching TV is cause or effect I know not. On past form the pain will get better and go away. All together now: get well soon. Chris

There was a concert in Bedford last night, featuring a female vocal and instrumental trio named The Magpies. Fortunately they were much more melodious than the avian species and it will be no surprise that I now have two more CDs in the collection. I could have done without the backache that detracted from my enjoyment but such is life. It is time to stock up on seasonal greetings cards. How time flies. Chris

Akela. Chris

A gig for Chris tonight: Grace Petrie at The Stables. Should be good! Chris

For the past few weeks my Sunday evenings have been spent being utterly captivated by David Attenborough's "Frozen Planet" TV programmes. The series ends tonight, though tonight's episode will be repeated next Sunday afternoon. His must be the most accessible way of presenting wildlife and climate change issues. Yes, I know: I spend too much time watching TV. That is how I know just how much of what is shown is tripe. Chris

It is certainly keeping him busy. Today is the last day. Chris

I had thought of attending Barry Pride today but thought better of it. Maybe next year I will feel more able to march along the causeway to the Island and join in the revelry. My thoughts to friends and family of AndrewC. Chris

A few posts ago we touched on holdings of currency, however obliquely. I have significant stashes of euros and Swiss francs with no plans, immediate or otherwise, to visit mainland Europe or Switzerland. It occurs to me that it might be sensible to trade them in for sterling and worry about equipping myself for overseas travel when the time comes, if come it ever does. What do savvy gentle readers think? Oh, and last night's concert was excellent but poorly attended. Chris

Chrisf here. I have not forgotten about ERs and hope to post a little more frequently in future. CF

Good morning all. When I rose this morning I ran me a deep hot bath in which I luxuriated before going back to bed for an hour or two. Now that I have surfaced again I find that TV reception has decomposed significantly, which I suppose is some sort of hint that I should not spend quite so long in front of the box. At least said box took with it some of the aches and pains. Chris

I have just had a phone call from the GP surgery about the medication that I am prescribed. It seems that there is some disagreement between them and the consultant who is treating me for prostate cancer about some preparations containing calcium. If I understand correctly, and that is a very big 'if', after protracted discussions the surgery has now fallen into line with the consultant and I will be receiving all of what has been prescribed for me. So I should think! As I pointed out to the surgery, medication is prescribed for a reason. I am not at all sure that the GP should be arguing the toss with a consultant, but hey, what do I know? I am only the patient. Chris

I have just finished the ironing. There was a lot more of it than I realised. Unsurprisingly I have a touch of backache. A period of rest would be a good idea. Chris

Second Tuesday of the month already? I shall probably take the opportunity to attend the RCTS meeting in Hitchin this evening. This time I shall try not to get done for speeding again. Retribution for the last time will be on 3rd October. You can tell how much I am looking forward to that. Chris

Chris Wood gave a good performance last night at The Stables. There was something familiar about his songs though I do not remember seeing him before. I look forward to listening to his CDs. Chris

As one of the old lags in question I can attest to this. It was a convivial gathering and a splendid way of achieving isolation from what was going on in the outside world. Chris

Chrisf here. I have not been feeling at my best for the past few days - nothing serious! - and have therefore been taking it easy. I look forward to keeping a social appointment in London at the weekend with at least one good friend. Chris

I do wish that I did not feel quite so tired today. Maybe it will be better tomorrow. Chris

I am pleased to report that my laptop is now as near serviceable as it is ever likely to get. Not having full use of it was frustrating to say the least and whether I will ever complete the task of catching up is a good question. Many thanks to Brian for staving off some of the speculation as to my whereabouts. The "fine" that someone mentioned is the £92 fee for a national speed awareness course in Luton that I am due to attend on 3rd October. 8 am on a Monday is hardly the best time for such a thing. It will be interesting to find out how many other suckers got caught by the same speed camera and how many, like me, had no idea that it was even there. Since you ask, it is in Cotton End on the road from Hitchin to Bedford. Why, oh why, did I go to the RCTS meeting that night? Chris

I'm OK, thanks for asking, but I have computer trouble again which is bound to be expensive. Chris

Thanks, Kelly. I did the course some years ago. Will they notice if I do it more than once? That's food for thought, that is .... Chris