I rgemember I bought my first B.B. King LP (yes it was vinyl) in around 1974 or so. It was called “Lucille Talks Back” and was probably some kind of hybrid UK release, as I’ve never seen it on any official discography. The LP singlehandedly generated my life long love of the blues.
Otis Grand at the Apex
Caught Otis Grand and band at the Apex in Bury St. Edmunds last night. Worried that at 7.25pm he was going to be playing to a largely empty hall, but then within the next five minutes it was virtually full – Apex regulars know how to time their pre-gig drinks!
Continuing Care – Part 2
When we got back from Japan, we had a letter waiting for us outlining the result of the Independent Review Panel that we attended in Leeds back in March. I may have remarked at the time that it had taken over two years and a lot of hard work (and much detailed analysis from Denise) and frustration to get to the IRP and challenge the Clinical Commissioning Group’s decision that my mother did not have a primary health need.
Japan In A Hurry (April 2015)
Not long returned from a two week tour of Japan (or the main Honshu island at least). This was a trip we had been promising ourselves for a while, and decided that a tour was on balance probably the best way to get a sense of Japan in the time we had available. On reflection, we both agreed that the ratio of travelling to ‘experiencing’ was a little off kilter and might be improved by extending the length of the tour, but more on that later.
Picture of Doreen Gray – Wolsey Theatre
Yesterday, went to see the latest production from Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding – known collectively as Lip Service. This year’s offering takes its cue from Oscar Wilde’s A Picture of Dorian Gray. All the usual Lip Service trademarks are present and correct – the minimalist set is the butt of many of the jokes, the ageist humour is in full flow and the facial mugging and …
Back on Track?
After a couple of months without any serious rambling (multiple bouts of flu and cold etc. have kept us away), popped up to Snape yesterday for a fairly gentle ramble along the river Alde to Iken. Always plenty of wildlife to see along the river (should have taken the camera) and although we didn’t spot any seals on this occasion we were rewarded with a variety of birdlife. …
Leeds – Business and Pleasure!
Just back from a three night stay in Leeds. Based around a visit to the Department of Health in Quarry House (see below), we at least managed to get a look around the City Centre, fit in a play and film and have a couple of decent evening meals to kill the pain!
London Rubens Palace Hotel Bash – 6th to 9th February
It’s not just the monarchy that gets two birthdays! On Denise’s “official” birthday (actual birthday last week), we indulged in a three night break in London at the Rubens Palace Hotel. First afternoon we had an excellent afternoon tea at the hotel and, following the leaked news that the break was a delayed birthday bash, the hotel very kindly provided a couple of glasses of champers, a ‘birthday cake’ and happy birthday in chocolate in the tea selection (and a birthday card). Lovely service and a pretty good reflection of the hotel generally.
Aldeburgh Break
Excellent weekend at the Wentworth House Hotel at Aldeburgh to celebrate Denise’s ‘big birthday’. Been threatening to sample this hotel for a while and, although certainly not cheap, it was definitely worth the money. Excellent food (although sad to report that a big cream tea followed by a three course dinner in the evening is now seemingly beyond us) and lovely public spaces, it’s possibly best …
A Rambling We Shall Go – 2015
First ramble of the New Year today. Coincidentally, it started from Newbourne Village Hall, which was the location for our first Ramblers’ walk in June of last year. Not the same walk though, this one took in lovely countryside, some estuary walking along the Deben and parts of Kirton. Strongly suspect we transgressed some local path closures along the estuary, although it wasn’t marked as …
A Sunderland Christmas
Just back from Christmas with Scott and Ginnette in Sunderland. Lovely time, despite not feeling too good with man flu (cold, sore throat, cough etc.). Excellent home made food and an ‘extensive’ selection of alcohol. Boxing Day at the Stadium of Light to see an absolutely woeful display by the Black Cats as they lost 3-1 to Hull City, despite being gifted a goal in …
London Again (03/12/2014)
Can’t stay away at the moment, another trip to London yesterday, second time in six days. Until these recent visits, we hadn’t been down to ‘the smoke’ for quite a while. Same format as the week before, a visit to an exhibition followed by a matinee and then a bite to eat.