where art collides philosoperontap

I get a kick out of you, saxophone. Strains of saxophony coming through the wall from the next room. TV on without the sound. Lying back on the settee staring at my screen. It’s a different kind of stare as I have banished the “Book” from my everyday life and am also avoiding sources of political news. There’s too much bad stuff going on so I figured I’d shut my eyes, cover my ears and shake my head whilst saying lalalalalalala can’t hear you.

Now watching football on the TV with Anne. Looks cold out there. Quite picturesque mind you. The green baize pitch dappled with snow. I’d rather be in here in the warmth having a nice cuddle.

That’s going to be a Liverpool throw in says the commentator. It already feels a little strange not looking at Facebook every other minute. I switched off for a month last year but this time it’s going to be longer. Maybe permanent, aside from some page maintenance. Anne’s Vans et al. I want my life back.

Bloke called Wilfred Indeedy playing in the game on the TV. Yes indeedy. Something like that anyway. Sounds right.

I’ve also decided to revamp my bookcase organisation. I keep running out of space in the posh walnut bookcase. Some of the books in the TV room are going to be boxed up and stored in the attic. I rarely read any of them anymore. Fiction from decades ago plus a load of large format hardbacks that we seem to have picked up over the years. Christmas presents, book shop remainders, rear admirals, that sort of thing. Many never read. I don’t like throwing books out.

A few years ago I spent a day or three sorting my books out. All the fiction arranged alphabetically by author, for what it’s worth. Not that interested now. Going to selectively withdraw some from view. I think this is the beginning of me changing my approach to books. I’m going to up the ante on purchases. I got the idea from JP Rangaswami with who I went to the cricket last summer at the Oval. He said he had 30,000 books! Collected over a lifetime. I’m late starting but it isn’t too late. I don’t want 30,000 of them but a few more won’t go amiss.

Musings on Christmas Eve

There’s a lot of crap around in this ole world right now so I’m going to concentrate on nice things.

Sue and Dad are in Lincoln for Christmas. Staying at the Lincoln Hotel. They will be around shortly. I’ve finished all the shopping and this morning will get cracking on some of the prep by making the parmesan parsnips. Not sure whether we will need some more parmesan but that can be sorted.

The fire is lit and I’m chillin (so to speak) on the sofa next to it. What’s the difference between a sofa and a settee?

The one present I need to wrap is ready, for Hannah to do it. This is Anne’s present obviously. She wraps all the others:)

There are new lights on the tree which is looking splendid and is surrounded by a number of packages that will tomorrow morning turn into a frenzy of flying wrapping paper.

Anne is shortly off out to the Bailgate. She will be off to church later and then we will need to decide whether to pop to the Morning Star for early doors after the service. This, whilst being somewhat of a tradition is not a done deal. There have been times in recent years where the pub has been full of people we don’t know with kids running rampant. Also dad is less mobile these days so access and access to seating will be a consideration.

All is calm. Tom is doing something on his laptop in the conservatory (Tom Davies in the conservatory with the laptop #cluedo). Hannah and Joe have popped out to the shops. John is still in bed.

I have already been out to buy the last few bits of supplies we need for Christmas. Bread, turkey crown, salad. This year we are having turkey for the first time in a long time. Most of us find it bland and it has been replaced by beef as our standard Christmas Day joint. However Anne likes it so this year we are having both turkey and a sirloin of beef.

Tonight Tom is cooking us a cheese fondue ably assisted by Sue on grater. That will do for now. I may post an update later. In the meantime have a great Christmas wherever you are and I hope that Santa suitably rewards you for your goodness during the year 🙂

My plan for today

Already broken the fast with a toasted bacon and mushroom sandwich and now sat in front of the newly lit fire which is crackling as the kindling is made up mostly of pine. No match required as it self lit from last night’s embers. I will shortly get dressed and start prep for lunch. A simple roast chicken with stuffing, roast potatoes, parsnips, carrots, broccoli (yuk) and peas. The gravy will be top notch (ahem) and there will be pigs in blankets because we have the materials. Classic FM on the Sonos. Anne is off to church heavily decked out in purple. Must be a warm colour. I have to go and pick up a train ticket for John and a couple of items from the Post Office collection depot at Firth Road. Later I am headed to the Strugglers. Hey Dude are on at 5pm. A relaxed ease into the evening, home and likely an early night.