Finally, a decent longer term break to recount. This one aboard the Silversea Silver Wind, boarded at Reykjavik after a flight and two night break there, followed by a cruise around both the islands and mainland of Canada. Well, it should have been, but the first two ports were, quite understandably, never visited because of what some might describe as ‘interesting’ weather conditions.
Snape 2019 – Gigs Three and Four
The last two gigs of this year’s Snape Proms (for us I should add) consisted of two contrasting bands from the folkish side of popular music; and it’s not giving too much away to confide that it was as usual a very fine way to enjoy both the new and familiar through these Snape performances. Although it is , as we shall see, always good to finish with the best of the lot.
Gilbert O’Sullivan (Snape Proms 2019)
This was the Monday gig that worried me. I had always had a sneaking regard for Gilbert O’Sullivan’s early releases (‘Alone Again Naturally’, ‘Nothing Rhymed’ etc.) but given that they were recorded at very start of the 70s, that seemed a very long time ago and I will freely admit to knowing little of him or his material post late 1970s (at the latest)…..
Pee Wee Ellis
That time of year again and Monday night was the first of four somewhat interesting choices for this year’s Snape Proms. Pee Wee, as any Van the Man fan will tell you, was Morrison’s horn player and musical director for much of the 80s (again in the 90s), although Ellis has had a much richer and varied career than that….
Maritime Harwich..
On Saturday, decided on the spur of the moment to revisit Harwich after a mere 12 year break or so. We set out with the idea of running around the designated Maritime Heritage Trail and, whilst we covered quite a bit of it, it didn’t quite pan out like that in the end….
Essex and Beyond…
Well, just Essex to be honest. Mrs. No Name organised this Monday overnight stay to support her assertion that she contributes to organising and booking these breaks as proof that she takes responsibility at least once every three years or so :-). Gratifyingly for her in particular, this one proved to be particularly satisfactory…..
Maverick 2019
Spent Saturday at the by now well regarded annual pilgrimage to the Maverick Americana festival. As usual, took up our accustomed position in front of the Southern Sounds Stage for the afternoon session. It’s long been the case that even when not familiar with some of the lesser known (to me) artists the performances are never left that enjoyable and 2019 proved no exception.
London and the cricket
Just back from three nights in London at the Park Plaza Riverside hotel (very pleasant with spacious rooms). Managed to fit in a walking trail around old Pimlico followed by dinner with friends in the evening. The Saturday was largely filled with Sri Lanka vs. Australia world cup cricket at the Kennington Oval (a mere 10 minutes or so walk from the hotel) – a …
Homepage Conundrum
Never thought I’d ever have to update the site’s front page! But it looks as though that is definitely what I should be doing next. No more need be said, but a manager called Chris Wilder and his squad had a lot to do with it and Mr. Wilder in particular deserves all the plaudits that have subsequently come his way!!! Watch this space……..
Malta Break
Just back from a five day break in Malta with friends. I’m taking the kudos or this one because the weather, the hotel and Valletta itself were all excellent and the break proved a very fine pick me up for all involved. The flight from Southend was a suitably relaxing start, although the airport has fairly ambitious plans for expansion so it might not remain relaxed for that much longer…
This and that…
Had what must have been our first proper country walk for ages yesterday, along the river at Orford. A decent four miler, followed by coffee and a bite to eat. Other than that, I’ve been going to the gym a couple of times a week, had a few lunches at a variety of lovely pubs (including a visit to the Lighthouse at Aldeburgh) and had …
Ablation Update
Attended a follow-up appointment at Papworth on Wednesday of last week. Generally positive and a reduction in the heart rhythm medication all for the good. Will probably be on Apixaban (the blood thinners) for life but when you’ve had a stroke that’s no bad thing. Will now keep in contact with the consultant by email as I reduce the flecainide over the next two months. Will be interesting to see if the AF holds off without the medication. If it does, the ablation outlook looks very promising….