where art collides

here I come

Sat in total silence, coach 8 seat 45, 08.55 Eurostar St Pancras to Paris. I’m wearing my Bose headphones again. They continue to impress. The beautiful thing about them is the fact that I can still hear the tannoy announcements but very little else. I have switched on the Radio 4 Today programme.

I’m in a Standard Premier seat. It’s basically a first class seat but without the champagne service. Sokay. Sgoodenough. The journey time to Brussels is 2 hours 17 minutes after which I switch to a train to Antwerp which I think is around half an hour.

Lovely night last night after the ITSPA meeting. Hannah and Tom joined us in the Flying Horse in Wilson Street and Jolyon Parsons came with us for a curry in SoHo. v nice it was. Afterwards Tom headed back to the beeb to get his bike and ride home and the Hansk, Jolyon and I went to The Phoenix Artist Club for a couple. Uber back to the Hilton Euston and a crash out. Lift in the hotel was broken!

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Underground and there is no signal so I’ve temporarily transferred typing to “Notes” for safety. It’s a while since I was on the Eurostar. Hannah’s 21st in Paris. That was a great weekend. She had a crowd of Lincoln pals over and I bought everyone dinner at Au Bon Coin on the Saturday night.

A fair old engineering project this Eurostar line. Long tunnel through London. It would be interesting to plot its route. We have emerged into daylight at 09.04 so that’s approximately 8 or 9 minutes underground.

Just passed a fine looking stone church surrounded by post WW2 mass produced semi detached houses. Didn’t seem right. Now pulling in to Ebbsfleet. Looking at things to do in this neighbourhood I note that the Hot Rod Diner is a mere 17 minutes walk away in Northfleet. Alas I have to move on.

This Eurostar train is a very smooth ride fair play to it. Much better than the ones I catch from Lincoln to Laandan. Expect to disappear shortly so will post this and catch up later.

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Antwerp trip pics here. Walked from station to hotel. Only 20 mins or so and very pleasant through the main shopping street. Wide pedestrianised road but lots of bicycles. Very noticeable buskers but without amplification. Far more civilised than the UK where they blare their music out using amplifiers. I never give to such buskers but I did give to the first accordionist – see vid below. It’s shorts weather here so was a bit hot by the time I got to the hotel. Nice Hilton in the Old Town. Going to nip out for a skeet.

dinner with Tom and Hannah tonight

London bound again. It was foretold. No rain but pleasantly cooler autumnal conditions. I’ve taken my C2C raincoat just in case.

Sausage sandwich with a glass of milk for breakfast. I need to get back into training but it will be pretty pointless this next two weeks as there is so much going on. After that the fortnight’s enforced jury service should kick start the process. Until Madrid…

Bumped into Anna, landlady of the Strugglers, on the platform. She’s off to London for a day trip. It’s nice to go every now and again. It’s a young person’s place. Great if you are young and single, and have money. Not sure that most young persons have money. They must get by somehow. I did it for a year. Dinner with Tom and Hannah tonight, after the ITSPA council meeting.

Just passed a field of shorn sheep. Fwiw. The fields changed noticeably whilst I was away in August. They were just turning yellow and now are mostly brown since the harvest came in. Some have even been ploughed up and resown for the next crop. Dosed up with chemicals no doubt.

This morning I changed the footer on philosopherontap.com from Copyright 2009 – 2013 to 2016. Not a big deal really but you never know:) trefor.net probably needs some similar attention but I’m not sure I can really be bothered.

One of the things I love about Autumn is the set of new things to look forward to. Especially the build up to Christmas which has over the years developed a few fixed dates in the calendar: trefbash, our Christmas market Party and the Morning Star carol night. Trefbash is changing format this year and will be lonapbash. This is partly so that some of my pals in the networking industry who can’t normally make it stand a chance by making it a justifiable business event. Also I have had 6 terrific trefbashes and I feel it is worth getting out at the top.

The 10.54 from Newark is running late. Eta 11.05. Not too bad I suppose. I have an hour and a half spare at the other end anyway. Arrived at 11.00. Driver put his foot down probs.

Quite a full train. I’ve had to sit in my allocated seat which I rarely do. They always allocate seats in coach M and I normally go and sit in L which is usually emptier. Not today. Wossgoinon?

Footnote

I use a plug in called Yoast for SEO optimisation in WordPress sites. For trefor.net posts I typically follow its SEO rules. At least I have for the last couple of years. It doesn’t seem appropriate for philosopherontap. This is partly because I no longer care. Is it important to me whether lots of people are attracted to the site? I don’t look to see how many visitors it gets and those that do visit rarely leave comments.

This is for me an interesting dilemma. Part of me wants anything I write to be read and hopefully appreciated. I guess in that respect the more people that see my stuff the better. The counter to this is that good art doesn’t necessarily need to be seen by lots of people for it to be good. Also if it really is any good then surely it will be seen because people will share it.

There is a scenario where nobody understands what I am saying anyway. This is OK. I’m thinking of upping the ante on the creative stuff. Only because I like doing it. Look out for a Facebook Event in October. More anon…

of the season

Bit of a lie in this morning as I ended up with Nige in the Lincoln TapHouse and Kitchen having had dinner there with John. Got back from IoM at 7.15, changed and went straight there. Was nice as we had a drink with Joe after he had finished work and also potentially found a new tenant for one of the rentals to replace the ones who leave at the end of the month.

Still lovely weather – sat outside having a cup of tea after breakfast. Noticed a spider’s web in the raspberry patch and went over to see if I could photograph it. When I got to the raspberry patch I discovered loads of ripe ones waiting to be picked. See featured image. Normally we eat them as they ripen so they rarely make it as far as the kitchen.

Today is John’s last cricket match of the season. They are playing Carholme down at the West Common Should be a good afternoon for it. I’m dropping him off at 1pm but will head back down later to watch. Later we are having a bbq. Pork loin fillet marinaded in a sticky bbq sauce.

btw sounds a bit dramatic doesn’t it “The last game of cricket”. Hence the h3 heading “of the season”. Were it the last game of cricket ever I imagine the TV cameras would be there. Probably a huge uproar. A demo even. You can’t stop people playing cricket. Can you???

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45 minute round trip to Carholme Road. Lincoln University student intake day. The roads are rammed.

I’m okay though, just late

I can think of better things to do than sit for 90 minutes on the tarmac in seat 20D on Ezy855 non stop direct from the IoM to London Gatwick North Terminal. We missed an apparently overly optimistic departure slot due to a delayed inbound aircraft.

There are a number of factors that are helping make the delay bearabale:

1. I have my new Bose headphones. I can’t hear anything other than my Spotify Playlist.
2. I haven’t had any beer and thus remain reasonably alert without tiring from a discontinuity of intake. I am driving when I get to Newark.
3. I have a flexible train ticket –  a decision borne out of long experience.
4. 20D is an aisle seat.
5. I have a book to read – The Age of Reform 1815 –  1870 by Sir Llewellyn Woodward (OXFORD HISTORY OF ENGLAND). This is 631 pages plus maps, bibliography, index etc and is very heavy going. However I like this kind of stuff.

That’s it. There are no other positives. Being cocooned in lyrics Bose environment I’ve not chatted to my neighbours who are in any case engrossed on their copies of the Sun newspaper and some sort of TV guide.

I have no Internet connectivity and this post is being written by right thumb and left forefinger on my s7 edge using the WordPress for Android app.

I am ok. I feel as if some yoga would be appropriate. Enforced downtime and relaxation. However I don’t know any yoga positions and I’m not sure the other passengers would appreciate me taking up aisle space.they have swapped btw. She now has the sun and he is checking out what’s on. That word search will keep her busy.

Philosopherontap was down last night. Problem at the host apaz. Back up now as you can see.

They have opened the bar onboard the plane. A gonna be a while before they get to row 20 and the captain has announced that we will start taxiing in 15 mins. That’s at 2pm.for a 2.15 takeoff. I’m thinking can of San pellegrino limonata with maybe some pringles . We shall see. Don’t really want anything.

Went to the loo. For something to do more than anything.

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Now in the air. I’ve had enough of the book for now. More a reference book really. Something to dip into when you need to know something specific. Written in 1961,  the year of my birth. The book is written in a very heavy academic style that feels born of the social constraints of those times. Very correct and serious. Fortunately I have my tunes and the expectation of  trolley that is getting closer by the minute 🙂

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Have to say the bose headphones have been a revelation. I have no hesitation in recommending them. Joe has a pair of professional in ear phones moulded to the shape of his ear. Don’t think I want inears again after the bose experience. Joe needs them to protect from loud drumming sounds on stage.

We are preparing to land. Finally. God knows what time I’ll get home now. John will probably have sorted himself out food wise and Joe will be at work.

This is a full flight. Bloke next to me said they were oversold by 20 and were offering nights in a hotel. They are going on a Mediterranean cruise that starts from Southampton tomorrow so not much use to them. Me neither.

We have landed.

14.10 train to St P then 17.17 arr Newark 18.45.

Up early and down to see Fenella Beach and the breakwater. Went in the car but only because I don’t have any warm clothing and this is the Isle of Man we are talking about. Swung by Shoprite to purchase some Manx dry cure streaky bacon, chestnut mushrooms and crusty rolls for the purpose of breaking the fast.

Feeling good this morning. This isn’t necessarily the same story for Ann and Sue who stayed up on the wine until 2.30am. Couldn’t do it myself but there again I am the older sibling:)

It was a good funeral yesterday. John Chester was a very popular guy and the crem was full to overflowing. Back to Peel Golf Club afterwards and left there at around 5pm swinging by the Whitehouse pub en route home. Dad and I walked down Rheast Lane and came across the plaque featured in the image below – Philip Christian Clothworker. I googled him and he was the benefactor who funded the foundation of the Peel clothworkers school. Inneresting.

Now at Ronaldsway International with Ann waiting for our delayed EZY852 to Gatwick. Featured image is peeps queuing for an earlier also delayed flight to Liverpool. Young couple sat opposite on way to Canada for their honeymoon. Sweet. He is an Everton fan, fwiw. Liverpool beat Chelsea 2 1 away last night, again fwiw.

funky shirt r us

Life is really about funky shirts. I’m up, breakfasted on bacon sandwich, packed and ready to rock and roll down to London. Dress code is shorts, custom made funky shirt and deck shoes together with jacket as unfortunately I am going to a funeral tomorrow. I have other clothes to change into but that will wait until tomorrow. The jacket wouldn’t have gone in my Osprey laptop bag.

The rest of the family is out of the house apart from Joe who was working last night and goodness only knows what time he got in. I’ll be driving to Newark this morning and parking the car there. There are lots more train options from Newark than from Lincoln. This is especially the case when I return on Saturday.

As yesterday today is a slightly misty start but the forecast is hot hot hot. Wow. We just aren’t used to this us Brits Irish. Dunno if I told you but a copy of mam’s birth certificate arrived yesterday from Ireland. Just mine and mam and dad’s wedding certificate need now for me to be able to progress with my application for an Irish Passport. I will also be registering all four kids as Irish citizens of foreign birth. You never know when it will come in handy especially when it comes to avoiding having to have a visa for European travel, getting in the right queue for passport control etc.

Joe is now up and about, upstairs at least. I’ve been informed of his unavailability to provide a lift via Facebook. Fair enough. He is off to Newcastle himself today. Taking some of his stuff back in advance for the new term. Anne has gone to her saxophone lesson and I am left wondering which keys to take.

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Bloke sat across the aisle with a humongous watch. Not sure I understand. Looks like a salesman. Another guy just walked off and dropped some papers on the floor marked CONFIDENTIAL. Picked them up, put them on his table and headed into the next coach. Can’t be bothered to go over for a read. I’m on a video conference call anyway:) The Macbook is telling me there is low bandwidth but by and large the video is coming through ok. Impressive considering there is only 2Mbps symmetrical between the whole train.

Wearing my Bose headphones for the first time in anger. The people on the conf call told me they could hear stuff in the background on the train that I was unaware of because of the headphones. Good eh? Dipped out in the interest of a smooth meeting. Was one rearranged from yesterday and I wasn’t really available this morning.

Hope you like the featured image. It’s me wearing my Bose phones on the train. The funky pattern goes well with my (handmade) shirt, I think. It should come as no surprise to you to learn that I have the domain name hawaiianshirt.co. Not done anything with it but you never know…

If you have a funky shirt shot you’d like to share do get in touch:)

ham sandwich and the living is easy

Whilst I do like the gentle change from Summer to Autumn I am also quite happy to take another week of perfect Summer weather as appears to be happening right now. This morning is a cooler start but the day ahead is promising to warm up again.

Joe has just played me the acoustic version of the next Pylons single. V cool. The boys have been in session at Alex’s folks farmhouse. It’s meant Joe has been using the Micra. Not normally an issue but Anne’s Citroen has been in the garage being MOT’d and it’s taking longer than normal. She has had to learn to drive my car.

So I am now sat in the office waiting for a conference call/video to start.

I can see a pirate flag flying in the allotments behind the house. Just between the branches of the trees at the bottom of the garden. Fair play. Allotments with attitude. The left hand side of the bottom of the garden is already looking a lot better since we cleared it yesterday. Anne wants to paint the fence the same =grey as in the front. It’s somewhat rotten in parts but never mind.

Anne has a great eye for getting things to look nice. Visitors to our house for the first time often complement it. I have learnt by and large to accept change when she instigates it. It isn’t always a practical change but I guarantee it will look nice.

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It’s been a very relaxing morning sat at my laptop. Anne has been busy around the house and in the garden. She’s a lovely girl. John is at school and Joe is back at the farm Pyloning so it is almost as if it’s just the two of us left. In two years time it will be thus.

It’s quite a strange feeling really. The clock is being wound back 25 years. The main difference is that we would both have been out at work then and now we are both in the house. Anne has a routine that gets her out of the house for much of the time and I still seem to find myself away quite often.

Earlier this week, having been travelling for a month, I did find it somewhat difficult to settle into things back at home. Felt as if I should have been on a train or plane. Tomorrow I will be on both train and plane again heading to the Isle of Man.

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Very nice home made chicken and sweetcorn soup and a ham sandwich. Eaten out on the patio in front of the conservatory. Taking advantage of the fact that the weather still allows it. Nuff said.

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The random key word for this post is ham sandwich. See this post for a guide to the perfect bacon sandwich.

made it through to another week

Breezy day today. Anne is off out to do her usual volunteering at Eastgate School and I have the doors open to the garden. It’s my first day back proper today and I have a few things to sort out. All quiet here.

Dad called using Facebook Messenger earlier. Had a nice 11 minute chat with him. It’s good that at the age of 82 he can learn new things and communicate over the internet. Also it’s Hannah’s first day at work at Colt today. V exciting. She has already been in a few times but this is it for real. Feels strange mind you. She is at the start of the journey and here I am throttling back.

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Warmed up by lunchtime. I’ve been out and hacked the ivy away from the workshop roof. Even put the cuttings in the green bin because that’s what Anne would have wanted. Refilled the bird feeder though I imagine there is plenty of nosh around for them at this time of year.

The earth continues to spin on its axis.

Anne is off out on the lash tonight with the Friends of William Farr so going to have to think of something for me and John to eat. Joe is out at a Pylons songwriting session of indeterminate length. Da dum dum de dah…

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Now sat in the back garden drinking the jasmine tea I bought in Hong Kong. It’s a balmy afternoon with a very gentle breeze.

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Falafel and potato wedges for tea. V nice fair play. Thanks to Anne. Watched some TV – Sink The Bismark and University Challenge followed by some David Attenborough.

or early autumn

Probably both. It’s a great time of year.

Nice tea and pudding down at Helen and Stefs last night. They are fundraising for Rosie to go on a school trip to South Africa in 2018. Met someone who had recently finished the Coast to Coast in 15 days. Good to compare notes.

Afterwards to the Taphouse and Kitchen for a couple of beers with Nige. Joe was working there. Was fairly busy.

Had been a wet day all round. We’re now waiting on a quote from Phil for a new flat roof and some work on the gutters. Needs sorting. Today is looking much nicer than yesterday on the weather front and the week ahead is looking great. Hottest September day for 55 years in prospect on Tuesday apparently. Wow.

Just had a bacon sandwich for breakfast. Anne having banana pancake with mixed fruit compote. All home made. She is a dab hand. Bacon at home is usually much better than that of a hotel. They cook it on a tray in the oven. Rubbish really.

Today’s lunch is spit roast pork in smoked sea salt rub. Traditionally a winner since earlier this year.

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Have moved operations into the garden. Lovely autumnal smell to the morning. Grass is still very wet but I’m sure it will dry as the day goes on. I have a job to do today – the ivy needs removing from the outside of the brick shed/workshop. Needs to have dried out or I will get soaked.

I’m happy to move on to autumn now. It’s a season I love. Especially Sundays. Relaxed. Cooking a nice meal. I like putting effort into the Sunday meal. Not always a roast. Can be a pie or casserole. After today’s pork, which we are having at lunchtime which is unusual for us but Joe starts his shift at the Taphouse mid afternoon, we are going to see the open day at Lincoln Castle workshops followed by blackberry picking. Good times.

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Spit roast on. Started to clear the ivy but unfortunately the bbq gets in the way and it’s a tad dangerous. The ivy will have to wait until later. Also Joe now been called in to work for 1pm which unfortunately blows away the family lunch. Work eh?

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Sat in the back garden enjoying the late sun. There is a bit of tidying to do but for the moment I am content to just sit here. I’m waiting for the temperature to settle on 180 degrees centigrade on the bbq after which I am free to do other stuff. The veg is largely prepared. The spuds and carrots are going in the drip tray under the pork but it is too soon right now. Courgettes will be sliced and cooked on the bbq griddle once the meat is done and resting. The birds are happy. You sense it. Seeds blow on the breeze. There are still insects a plenty. I can see a bee working its way round the flowers. Washing is drying quickly this morning. Strange how it can be relaxing just sat here watching the washing on the line gently sway in the wind.