MisFits Mid-Life Crisis….

Week 516, Saturday 4th until Friday 10th May 2024.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures In North, Central And East London & Kent (Twice) and Suffolk.

Tracked my baby sister as she flew home from her week away.

Happy belated Bday to the beautiful Claire Hammond. I promise to be on time in 2025.

This ramble is late, it’s been a very busy week involving a lot of travelling up and down motorways and A roads. What I noticed more and more is how the price of petrol changes dramatically from forecourt to forecourt. Of course, as with every other driver over the last few years, I notice the extreme rise and occasional fall of the price of petrol every time I take the car out. But because of the number of miles travelled this week the price fluctuations were even more noticeable.

***“The Roses In Regents Park Need A Few More Weeks”.***

The highest rip off price spotted was £159.9, while a few miles down the road it was £147.9. There were a couple of locations with petrol stations opposite each other one on each carriageway branded with the same company name but the price difference of 5p. I personally don’t understand how the amount charged is so different, if I did then I would be a successful businesswoman and not an unemployed scally.

I am just a normal punter, my opinion doesn’t count for anything, but I feel that the travelling public in the UK are being openly robbed. I realise that all the companies involved are trying to make money and have costs, but there must be a better way to price fuel more fairly for all. The person I felt sorrier for this week was my friend who was strapped in the passenger seat and subjected to my continual ranting about how we are all being legally pick pocketed. One day I would love to try an electric vehicle (EV) and see how it handles especially on long journeys like the ones I did this week. From what I have seen our recharging infrastructure is still not good enough to switch to a greener option to traveling up and down the UK motorways. But hopefully it will be here soon.

***“So Nice To Be In Southwold, Even For Just One Day”.***

***“I Always Love To See The Lighthouse”.***

***“One Of My Favourite Views, Sizewell In The Distance”.***

And Now For Something Completely Different……

Last weekend I visited a craft show that I have been visiting for many years. Lots of lovely crafty products packed in to large tents made by very clever talented people. There were a small number of objects that I felt (I have no proof) have been bought in bulk cheap and sold in a marquee in a field for a large mark up. I suppose if we could all do, we would, as I mentioned above, I’m not a businesswoman, so what do I know.

The highlight of the day is watching the falconry display seeing these magnificent birds swooping around the trees and low over the audiences’ heads really is special. The star of the show is a tiny Owl called Peter, who I saw at last year’s demonstration. I suspect he knows what a superstar he is from the way he paraded around in front of the audience and expect next year to see him being carried out to the arena in a huge glittery carry case. None of the bigger birds stood a chance after Peter left the stage. Backstage I could imagine larger birds of prey with sharp beaks and huge claws watching little Peter with jealousy and contempt as he was carried past. It doesn’t matter who or what the performer is, show biz is a bitchy world.

The most stressful part of the day is trying NOT to catch the eye of the exhibitors sat behind trestle tables of each stall. As I walk slowly around, I feel the eyes of each vendor boring into my sole wanting me to pay for a product, it really makes me feel very uncomfortable. I want to look, touch, and feel the products before moving onto the next stall all in my own time. My heart does go out to people sitting behind a desk with no one browsing while the next stall has crowds of people all wanting to look at the products. But I cannot look, show interest in everything. My personal mantra at a craft fair, is just jeep walking, and only stop if I really want to look at something.

And Finally……

Had a lovely conversation with a man called Derrick about cakes.

This week I opened the fridge while putting away some keys. Maybe it’s time to book my place with Dignitas.

While enjoying a Veggie sausage, I made the mistake of saying I like the girth of what was on my plate.

***“Spotted This Week In A Comments/Wish Book”.***

I said a little too enthusiastically, “I would love to see her Miss Marples”. On the TV was a trailer for a documentary about Dame Margaret Rutherford.

This week my cookery discovery is adding Turmeric to baked bean while heating them up makes them even better.

My Mid-Life Crisis Conts……

This Week I Watched……

“Anatomy Of A Fall”, (2023). “Angel”, (S5, ep 5 to ep 22). “Click”, (TX: 04/05/24). “Boeing Starliner: CFT launch – 1st Attempt (SCRUBBED)”, (NASA TV)(TX: late PM 06/05/24 to early AM 07/05/24). “Challenger: The Final Flight”, (S1, ep 2 to ep 4). “Dead Boy Detectives”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 2). “Eloise”, (2016). “Gardeners’ World”, (2024, ep 3, TX: 29/03/24)(ep 4, TX: 05/04/24). “I Kissed A Girl”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 2). “Murder, They Hope”, (S2, ep 3). “Orphan Black”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 10). “Planetarium (also known as The Summoning)”, ( 2016). “Shogan”, (S1, Ctp 1). “Taskmaster”, (S17 (S8 on C4) ep 6, TX: 02/05/24)(ep 7, TX: 09/05/24).

This Week I Listened To……

“Angel On Top”, (S1, ep 9, “Hero”, 17/10/18). “Brian And Roger”, (10/05/24). “Broadcasting House (With Paddy O’Connell)”, (BBC Radio 4/Sounds)(05/05/24). “Buffering The Vampire Slayer”, (S1, ep 11, “Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight”, (30/11/16). “Clinton Baptiste’s All-New Paranormal Podcast: Spooky Stories Archive”, (#021, 10/05/24). “Crash Course Pods: The Universe”, (“Trailer”, 10/04/24)(ep 1, 24/04/24)(ep 2, 08/05/24). “Dinner’s On Me With Jesse Tyler Ferguson”, (07/05/24). “Doctor Who Literature”, (ep 26, “The Planet Of The Spiders”, 27/02/22). “Exocast”, (ep 49-b, 05/03/21). “Explore Exoplanet: The Discoverers”, (ep 11, 09/05/24). “Lazy Doctor Who”, (ep 245, “Invasion (Invasion Of The Dinosaurs)“, ep 1, 10/05/24). “Liza Tarbuck”, (BBC Radio 2/Sounds)(04/05/24). “NASA Curious Universe”, (S7, “ep 8, 03/05/24). “NASA: Houston We Have A Podcast”, (ep 335, 10/05/24). “Nick Abbot Whole Show”,(LBC)(04/05/24)(05/05/24)(06/05/24)(10/05/24). “Pale Blue Pod”, (06/05/24). “Radio Astronomy (Sky At Night Magazine) Star Diary“, (“May 4th to 10th”, 05/05/24). “Random Movie Generator With David Earl And David Edward’s”, (S3, ep 19, 08/05/24). “Random Trek”, (The Incomparable)(ep 12, (VOY) “Collective”, 16/08/14). “Romesh Ranganathan”, (BBC Radio 2/Sounds)(04/05/24). “Rylan On Saturday”, (BBC Radio 2/Sounds)(04/05/24). “Smersh Pod – Sherlock Holmes In New York”, (Pt 1, 04/01/21)(Pt 2, 05/01/21). “Space And Things Podcast”, (STP193, 09/05/24). “Space Rocket History Podcast”, (ep 208, 17/05/17)(ep 209, 24/05/17)(ep 210, 31/05/17). “Star Trek Universe Podcast “, (06/05/24). “The All-New Angelos And Barry Podcast”, (08/05/24). “The Mystery Hour With James O’Brien”, (LBC)(09/05/24). “The Nick Abbot Habit”, (LBC)(06/05/24). “The Rewatcher: Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, (S1, ep 11, “Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight“, 05/12/22). “The Space Above Us”, (ep 188, 05/05/24). “The Space Shot”, (ep 346, 25/04/18)(ep 347, 27/04/18)(ep 348, 28/04/18). “Universe Today Podcast”, (07/05/24)(08/05/24). “What’s Your Problem With Nick Abbot And Carol Mcgiffin”, (LBC)(06/05/24).

This Week I Enjoyed Music By……

“Morrissey”, “Alanis Morissette, “Basement Jaxx”, “Buffy The Vampire Slayer Cast (OST: Once More With Feeling)(2002)”, “Catatonia”, “Elbow”, “Florence And The Machine, “Garbage”, “Goldfrapp”, “Groove Armada”, “Guillemots”, “Hairspray : Original Broadway Cast Recording (2002)”, “M.I.A”, “Manfred Mann”, “Massive Attack”, “Midnight Oil”, “Pet Shop Boys”, “Portishead”. “Sophie B. Hawkins”, “Spice Girls”, “Starship”, “TLC”, “The Bangles”, “The Cardigans”, “The Coral”, “The Specials”, “Voice Of The Beehive”, “White Town”,

Week 515, Saturday 27th April until Friday 3rd May 2024.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures In East London, Essex & Surrey.

This week I celebrated Happy B’day to my dear friend April and beautiful cousin Catherine this week.

My baby sister Hel went on holiday, I tracked her flight for a few hours until she landed safely. I really do need a job fast.

Talking of finding work, the last couple of months I have been on a course that might improve my chances of finding employment. Everything about the course has been badly run. I was originally told the duration was once a week for four weeks from 10am till 2pm. So far, the course has lasted seven weeks with sessions starting at 9.30am and finishing at 2.30pm. Some weeks we have been in a proper classroom, other times we have been situated in a large open common room space which at certain times becomes busy with noisy students making it very difficult to hear my tutor or just concentrate on the screen in front. It was also never explained at the start that there would be an exam with a 80% as a pass mark. Last week there was a mock exam something else that was never mentioned. This meant that all week I have revised for the final exam this week.

***“Another Nice Visit To Hylands House”.***

I walked into class this week and asked what time the exam was taking place, only to be told that the final test is now next week. This has messed up everything that I had arranged at the start of this week. For a few months I have had a crazy idea that If I got a SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence I stand a chance of getting one of the many jobs posted all the time. I should say the type of role I fancy is overnight work where security is locked in a building, checking doors now and then. Sitting on my lardy arse all night really appeals. The type of job I desperately wouldn’t want is door (pubs and clubs) or shop security, I couldn’t think of anything worse. The security course is for three weeks starting next Tuesday.

***“Moved New Plants Inside My Temporary Growing* *Structure”.***

As soon as I become aware of the clash, I communicated with the job centre and the course provider. After a short back and forth, I was informed in no uncertain terms that I wasn’t eligible anymore, even though the amount of time I would miss was just a couple of hours. To say I was annoyed with the current course organisers is an understatement. As expected, I haven’t said anything to an official, which is why I am moaning and ranting here to you.

Fingers crossed the exam goes well next week after all the trouble it has caused. SIA courses seem to come round regularly, hopefully nothing will get in the way of my next application. I think I would look good in a uniform locked in an empty property overnight, it could be a rewarding position.

***“While Walking I Met Another Rambler”***

And Now For Something Completely Different……

This week sat in a coffee shop minding my own business just watching rubbish. When excitement broke out for a few seconds when because two police officers rushed in asking other patrons also staring at phones, laptops and other electronic devices if they had seen the people they were searching for. Of course no one saw anything that wasn’t on a screen. When people visit a coffee shop these days, the real world around ceases to exist.

***“It’s Supposed To Be Spring, This Is How I Looked Popping Into The Garden While Raining”.***

The reason I am telling this boring story, is I was the only person that the officers of the law didn’t bother approaching. Obviously, I saw nothing as well, but it would have been nice to have been asked. Maybe they took one look at me and though that the poor old dear really wouldn’t understand what they were asking.

And Finally……

You never know who you’re sitting nearby. A person sat at a table opposite me explained to companions that they used to be a chaplain in death row prisons in the US. There were so many questions I had, the fascinating stories they could tell.

This week I could have sworn I saw LBC (and Sky/ITV) presenter Nick Ferrari driving a London bus. Does he really need another job, save some for us unemployed time wasters.

Called the hair dryer a vacuum, a hoover and then a blowy thing. Sadly, I cannot blame the menopause, I am just bloody stupid.

Quote of the week, “Angel’s been sucked into his own Portal”.

My Mid-Life Crisis Conts.

This Week I Watched……

“BBC Elections 2024”, (BBC News)(TX Overnight: 02 to 03/05/24). “Angel”, (S4, ep 10 to ep 22)(S5, ep 1 to ep 4). “Berlin”, (S1, ep 4). “Buffy The Vampire Slayer (The Movie)”, (1992). “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, (S7, ep 11 to ep 22). “Carry On Cabby”, (1963). “Challenger”, (S1, ep 1). “Click”, (TX: 27/04/24). “Doctor Who: The Three Doctors – A CG Set Tour!”, (Andrew Orton/YouTube)(TX: 01/05/24). “Fubar”, (S1, ep 8). “Galaxy Quest”, (1999). “Have I Got News For You”, (S67, ep 5, TX: 03/05/24). “LBC Election Night Lives 2024: Overnight Results”, (LBC)(TX: 03/05/24). “Late Night Lycett”, (S2, ep 3, TX: 26/04/24)(ep 4, TX: 03/05/24). “Lexx”, (S3, ep 13)(S4, ep 1). “Love, Lies And Records”, (S1, ep 2 to ep 6). “Murder, They Hope”, (S2, ep 2). “Shardlake”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 3). “Star Trek Prodigy”, (S1, ep 9 & ep 10). “Strays”, (2023). “The Devil On Trail”, (2023). “The Moorside”, (S1, ep 2). “The Show”, (2020). “The Spiderwick Chronicles”, (2008). “The Walking Dead”, .

This Week I Listened To……

“Brian & Roger”, (02/05/24). “Broadcasting House (With Paddy O’Connell)”, (BBC Radio 4/Sounds)(28/04/24). “Buffering The Vampire Slayer”, (S1, ep 11,“Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight”, 30/11/16). “Clinton Baptiste’s All-New Paranormal Podcast – Spooky Stories Archive”, (#020, 03/05/24). “Doctor Who Target Book Club”, (ep 18, “Galaxy Four”, 23/09/17). “Doctor Who Toby Hadoke’s Time Travels – Happy Times And Places”, (79.3, “The Greatest Show In The Galaxy”, 29/04/24)(79.4, 03/05/24). “Hard Boiled Eggs And Nuts A Laurel And Hardy Podcast”, (ep 46, 08/07/18). ”LBC Election Night Live”, (LBC)(03/05/24). “Liza Tarbuck”, (BBC Radio 2/Sounds)(27/04/24). “NASA Houston, We Have A Podcast”, (ep 334, 03/05/24). “Nick Abbot Whole Show”, (LBC)(27/04/24)(28/04/24)(03/05/24). “Pale Blue Pod”, (29/04/24). “Radio Astronomy (Sky At Night Magazine) Star Diary”, (“29th Apr to 5th May”, 28/04/24 ). “Random Movie Generator With David Earl And David Edward’s”, (S3, ep 18, 01/05/24). “Robot Or Not?”, (ep 135, 09/07/18)(ep 286, 29/04/24). “Rylan On Saturday”, (BBC Radio 2/Sounds)(27/04/24). “Sicker Sadder World: Rewatching Daria”, (S1, ep 9, “Too Cute”, 02/05/17). “Smersh Pod – Return To OZ”, (29/04/24). “Space And Things Podcast”, (STP192, 02/05/24). “Space Boffins”, (29/04/24). “Space Rocket History Podcast”, (ep 206, 03/05/17)(ep 207, 10/05/17)(ep 208, 17/05/17). “Star Trek Universe Podcast”, (TOS, S1, ep 29, “The City On The Edge Of Forever”, 26/04/24)(02/05/24). “The Cosmosphere Podcast”, (30/04/24). “The Documentary – 10, 9, 8, 7”, (BBC World Service/Sounds)(21/04/19). “The Dropout”, (ep 6, 27/02/19). “The Dropout: Elizabeth Holmes On Trial”, (05/08/21)(31/08/21). “The Laurel And Hardy Podcast”, (ep 19, “Should Married Men Go Home?”, 07/01/22). “The Marx Brothers Council Podcast”, (ep 12, 27/02/19). “The Mystery Hour With James O’Brien”, (LBC)(02/05/24). “The Nick Abbot Habit “, (LBC)(29/04/24). “The Supermassive Podcast”, (ep 52, 30/04/24). “The Space Shot”, (ep 336, 15/04/18)(ep 337, 16/04/18)(ep 338, 17/04/18)(ep 339, )(ep 340, 19/04/18)(ep 341, 20/04/18)(ep 342 & 343, 22/04/18)(ep 344, 23/04/18)(ep 345, 24/04/18). “Universe Today Podcast”, (ep 338, 27/05/17)(ep 339, 30 /05/17)(26/04/24)(30/04/24)(02/05/24). “Very Nearly An Armful – A Tony Hancock Podcast”, (S7, ep 2, “The New Nose”, 27/04/24). “What’s Your Problem With Nick Abbot And Carol Mcgiffin”, (LBC)(29/04/24)(03/05/24).

This Week I Enjoyed Music By……

“Morrissey”, “Bowling For Soup”, “Courteeners”, “David Bowie”, “Dubstar”, “Duran Duran”, “Cypress Hill”, “Ice Cube”, “Jack Johnson”, “Natalie Imbruglia”, “Nirvana”, “Oasis”, “Panic! At The Disco”, “Queen & David Bowie”, “Queens Of The Stone Age”, “Stereoscopics”, “Suede”, ”T-Pau”, “The B-52’s”, “The Bangles”, “The Cure”, “The Hives”, “The Killers”, “The Kinks”, “The Libertines”, “The Stone Roses”, “The Strokes”, “Thompson Twins”, “Weezer

Week 514, Saturday 20th until Friday 26th April 2024.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures In East and Central London, Surrey & Essex.

It has been said before that my priorities are all over the place. Most of the time I flit around like a fart wafting through the air without a care. There are many things that should be my number one priority, sorting out my storage, clearing up (and out) my room, dealing with my fluctuating weight and becoming healthier. And most importantly become employed (on that point, I am applying for many, many positions each week and so far, no luck). Yes, my priorities are not good, but at least I can admit it, for someone of my age it’s probably not a good thing to be honest about.

***“It Was Lovely Catching Up This Week With Moria, SAZ, RAC And Of Course MOZ”.***

One priority I have had since 23rd November 2021 is to watch one episode of my favourite TV programme each day. If you have been reading this ramble for a while you will know I absolutely love Doctor Who, my love for this show is decades old and it doesn’t appear to be waning. No wonder I am single, thinking about it there is no person that could be as good for me as this 60-year-old drama.

***“What A Collection Of Bowling Bums”.***

In the past I have re-watched all of the programme over a period of time, bingeing, cramming as many episodes each day as I could. But in 2021, I decided to be good to myself and just watch one episode each day.

***“Not Someone I Thought I Would Ever See, But The Ticket Was Free. My Review, Daniel Beddingfield was Really Very Good, An Enjoyable EveningOut”.***

The marathon started on the 58th anniversary of the programme and continued until 21st April 2024. The re-watch was simple just watch episode after episode. I know what episode and stories follow each other well, but to make life easy for a long time I made a monthly calendar that was stuck to the wall showing what I would be viewing in the coming days. During the final couple of the re-watch months, I produced a virtual list was a far more environmentally friendly way of planning my future viewing.

Every episode (including the 1996 TV movie) between 1963 until crimbo 2023 was viewed. Sadly, there are 97 missing episodes from the black and white years (1963 to 1969), but these were enjoyed through a combination of excellent fan made reconstructions using the original soundtrack matched up with telesnaps and publicity shots plus the occasional fan filmed footage (and CGI). Then there are official animations for a number of the missing instalments, all of this helped fill the gaps.

***“This Week I Enjoyed A Beautiful Cake”.***

For this marathon I decided to include Comic Relief and Children in Need charity shorts as well as minisodes which were a continuation of the story being told as part of the current series. As far as I know I watched everything, nothing was forgotten or missed out. As I type this, I am having a well-earned rest (maybe I should deal with some of the proper priorities I hear you scream) as I and many others around the world wait for 11th May when the new series, the first season of the 15th Doctor played by Ncuti Gatwa begins. Once I have seen those 8 episodes, I am seriously considering re-starting the marathon will start all over again. It is very difficult to express my feelings for this slightly silly very English TV show that is now embraced all over the world. Modern Who is beautifully made, its spectacularly shiny in every way. But the black and white episodes have a real charm to them. Considering the limitations of Television production in the 60s, what the production team managed to pull off weekly really are little entertainment miracles. Of course, I love 70s and 80s Who but there really is something very special about the early years.

***“My Audition For Gardeners’ World, How I Sowed Sunflower Seeds”.***

Watching an episode per day really became a priority something I looked forward to daily. Doctor Who is I suppose my comfort blanket against my issues with the world. As I mentioned earlier there are so many other things/priorities that I really should deal because my life feels like it’s been at a standstill since the early 90s. My existence really needs a kick in the arse, does anyone have any spare jump leads or a defibrillator I could borrow. Only I can priorities my life, maybe it’s time to act like an adult.

***“Year 4 Of Getting Messy In The Garden. Will Anything Grew”.***

And Now For Something Completely Different……

***“Putting The Bins Out Never Looked So Pretty”.***

I did a mock exam for the course I have been recently doing. The results will be made known next week just before I do the real examination. No pressure there then.

***“I Just Heard Max Bygraves Singing You Need Hands, When I Saw This”.***

And Finally……

While stuck in a traffic jam I thought the presenter on the radio said “shit smear”, of course I was wrong. But it made me chuckle as I imagined a band with that name being introduced on stage to perform in front of a po-faced royal. Those few moments made the queue of traffic a little easier to deal with.

***“Seeing This Colour Made Me Want A Boiled Sweet. What A Beautiful Shade”.***

Quote of the week, “Angel, might have been sucked into his own Portal”.

***“Don’t Worry They Were Rehomed In The Garden Safely”.***

My Mid-Life Crisis Conts……

This Week I Watched……

“60 Songs BBC 2 At 60”, (TX: 20/04/24). “ABC News (Australia) – Voyager 1 Segment”, (Facebook)(TX: 25/04/24). “Angel”, (S4, ep 1 to ep 9). “Baby Reindeer”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 7). “Beoing/NASA Crew Test Flight Test – Butch Wilmore & Suni Williams Press Conference At Kennedy Space Centre”, (NASA TV)(TX: 25/06/24). “Beyond Paradise”, (S2, ep 6). “Blankety Blank”, (S7, ep 1, TX: 07/09/84)(ep 3, TX: 21/09/84). “Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft Rolls To The Launchpad To Meet ULA’s Atlas Rocket”, (Spaceflight Now/YouTube)(TX: 17/04/24). “Britain’s Biggest Dig”, (S1, ep 3, TX: 29/09/20). “Britain’s Got Talent”, (S17, ep 1, TX: 20/04/24). “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, (S7, ep 1 to ep 10). “Butterflies”, (S1, ep 1). “Click”, (TX: 20/04/24). “Disclosure: Dead Man Running”, (TX: 27/03/24). “Gardeners’ World”, (2024, ep 3, TX: 29/03/24). “Have I Got News for You”, (S67, ep 3, TX: 19/04/24)(ep 4, TX: 26/04/24). “Killer At The Crime Scene”, (S3, ep 11, TX: 06/11/23). “Late Night Lycett”, (S2, ep 2, TX: 19/04/24). “Miranda”, (S1, ep 1). “Open All Hours”, (S1, ep 5). “Replay! China’s Shenzhou 18 Crew Launches To The Tiangong Space Station”, (VideoFromSpace/Youtube)(TX: 25/04/24). “Star Trek (Original Series)”, (“S2, ep 7, “Catspaw”, TX: 27/10/67). “Steptoe And Son“, (S8, ep 3, “Porn Yesterday”, TX: 18/09/74)(ep 4, “The Seven Steptoerai”, TX: 25/09/74)(ep 5, “Upstairs, Downstairs, Upstairs, Downstairs”, (TX: 20/10/74)(ep 6, “Seance In A Wet Rag And Bone Yard”, (TX: 10/10/74). “Taskmaster”, (S17 (S8 on C4) ep 5, TX: 25/04/24). “The Last Leg”, (S30, ep 7, TX: 29/03/24). “The Moorside”, (S1, ep 1). “The Red King”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 6). “What If You Spent 5 Seconds On Mercury?”, (What If/YouTube)(TX: 24/02/24). “What If You Spent 5 Seconds On Mercury?”, (What If/YouTube)(TX: 24/02/24). “Wish”, (2023).

Doctor Who Watched This Week……

“The Giggle”, (60th Anniversary Special – 3)(TX: 09/12/23). “The Church On Ruby Road”, (TX: 25/12/23).

This Week I Saw Live……

“Daniel Beddingfield”, (London Palladium)(23/04/24).

This Week I Listened To……

“Brian And Roger”, (25/04/24). “Broadcasting House (With Paddy O’Connell)”, (BBC Radio 4/Sounds)(21/04/24). “Buffering: A Rewatch Adventure”, (ep 1.10, “Nightmares”, 23/11/16). “Clinton Baptiste’s All-New Paranormal Podcast – Spooky Stories Archive”, (#019, 26/04/24). “Doctor Who Toby Hadoke’s Time Travels – Happy Times And Places”, (79.1, “The Greatest Show In The Galaxy”, 22/04/24)(79.2, 26/04/24). “Exocast”, (ep 48-c, 29/01/21). “Hard Boiled Eggs And Nuts A Laurel And Hardy Podcast”, (ep 45, 07/07/18). “Liza Tarbuck”, (BBC Radio 2/Sounds)(20/04/24). “NASA Curious Universe”, (S7, ep 7, 23/04/24). “NASA Houston We Have A Podcast”, (ep 333 26/04/24). “Nick Abbot Whole Show”, (LBC)(20/04/24)(21/04/24)(26/04/24). “Pale Blue Pod”, (22/04/24). “Radio Astronomy (Sky At Night Magazine) Star Diary”, (“Apr 22nd to 28th”, 21/04/24). “Random Movie Generator With David Earl And David Edward’s”, (S3, ep 17, 24/04/24). “Smersh Pod – Outland”, (Pt 1, 28/12/20)(Pt 2, 29/12/20). “Smersh Pod – Stargate”, (Pt 1, 22/04/24(Pt 2, 23/04/24). “Space And Things Podcast”, (STP191, 25/04/24). “Space Rocket History Podcast”, (ep 202, 29/03/17)(ep 203, 05/04/17)(ep 204, 12/04/17). “The Drop Out”, (ep 5, 20/02/19)(ep 6, 27/02/19). “The Mystery Hour With James O’Brien”, (LBC)(25/04/24). “The Nick Abbot Habit”, (LBC)(22/04/24). “The Rewatcher: Buffy The Vampire Slayer “, (ep 10, “Nightmares”, 28/11/22). “The Space Shot”, (ep 331, 10/04/18)(ep 332, 11/04/18)(ep 333, 12/04/18)(ep 334, 14/04/18)(ep 335, 15/04/18). “Two Watch Who”, (S23, Story 4,“The Trial Of A Timelord – The Ultimate Foe”), (17/04/24). “Universe Today Podcast”, (ep 332, 03/05/17)(ep 333 & ep 334, 09/05/17)(ep 335, 20/05/17)(ep 336, 22/05/17)(ep 337, 23/05/17)(25/04/24). “What’s Your Problem With Nick Abbot And Carol Mcgiffin”, (LBC)(22/04/24)(26/04/24).

This Week I Enjoyed Music By……

“Morrissey”, “Aimee Mann”, “Biffy Clyro”, “Black Box”, “Bronski Beat”, “Buzzcocks”, “Coldplay”, “Dusty Springfield”, “Gary Numan”, “Ian Dury And The Blockheads”, “Muse”, “Pet Shop Boys”, “R.E.M”, “Radiohead”, “Sleeper”, “Stereophonics”, “The Breeders”, “The Killers”, “The KLF”, “The Vaccines”, “Travis”, “U2″.

Week 513, Saturday 13th until Friday 19th April 2024.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures In East London & Surrey.

This week I have had a major urge for food I enjoyed when I was young. A time when everything on TV was black & White and smoking was allowed in one half of the cinema or the top deck of a London bus. The ingredients purchased this week were cheap white sliced bread, low-cost nutty butter, and jam with very little fruit content but crammed full of yummy artificial additives and sugar. These sarnies really were the best, within 20 minutes I had eaten three that’s six slices of bread.

From now on I am going to treat myself to something like this every now and then, this is comfort food taken to the next level. The sandwiches got me thinking about other treats/food I loved as a child, maybe this is my chance to produce a unique cookbook. Other recipes/meals I have fond memories of include cheese on toast a simple warm treat made of cheap cheddar on white sliced bread of course. As a kid our grill was gas run so a lot of the time the food was burnt, but that made the flavour ever nicer. In the early 90s this classic recipe would have been enhanced with a slice tomato and onion on top. Today the 21st century version would have garlic added with a drizzle of brown sauce over it. Another favourite treat was a sausages sandwich. Today the filling would be veggie or vegan covered in onion and garlic smothered in either brown or red sauce.

As you can tell I love bread, it is a down fall of mine. Cheap white sliced bread is not something I have eaten in decades picking it up in the supermarket this week made me feel happy and slightly grubby, if honest.

***“At College I Thought I Would See How Last Weeks Ramble Looked On A Big Screen”.***

Instead of struggling to find work, maybe I should produce a cookbook of ridiculously simple recipes that people who grew up in the 70s and 80s enjoyed, a time when life really was a lot simpler. Before our taste buds became more sophisticated in the 90s. All that weight I lost since Oct 23 will pile on now if I start eating all these retro comfort treats.

***“A Couple More Have Escaped In To The Wild”.***

And Now For Something Completely Different……

I do enjoy a quiz show, my programme of choice these last few years is The Chase. I don’t purposely seek it out, if I am changing channels and it’s on, I will play along. It’s one of the few TV quiz shows I would consider applying for (many years ago I attended a recording of a celebrity edition which was fun) but I really am not clever enough.

***“Fun In The Garden, Luckily The Shoe Is A Little Large”.***

This week I saw an advert for contestants for the classic quiz Mastermind, another show I enjoy if I catch it. For a few moments I considered applying and started to fill in my details. The issue is they want a choice of five specialist subjects, mine were all TV and film related with Doctor Who at number one. There are subjects such as Astronomy and science in general that I have a good (maybe very good for an unqualified numpty) knowledge of. I can certainly talk about them all night but answer real questions that’s another thing.

The reason they ask for multiple specialist subjects is just in case a contestant goes further through the process. A different subject would be needed for each new episode. It goes without saying that I won’t be applying for a future series of the popular BBC quiz.

When I worked for the BBC, I took part in a demonstration test run of the general knowledge/snooker quiz show Big Break. Don’t panic I was answering questions and not attempting the snooker part. This was a very basic proof of concept that took place in an office at Television Centre. The presenter was not Jim Davidson (not a name I ever thought I would mention in this ramble) I really cannot remember who they dragged in for this demo. I did some shadowing on several episodes of Blankety Blank hosted by Les Dawson. Two memories, the unpleasant one seeing a very famous celebrity sitting in there dressing room with only a flannel covering certain bits. The other, my panic and shock when I dropped a cue card during the recording. I was terrified that they might have to stop and start again (they didn’t, all was ok). I do enjoy a quiz, maybe one day I might have a go.

And Finally……

While watching a weather bulletin I became distracted by the mention of the jet stream. I thought it was a good description for those occasions when several farts escape quickly in short succession.

My Mid-Life Crisis Conts……

This Week I Watched……

“Angel”, (S3, ep 7 to ep 22). “Any Old Port”, (1932). “Beyond Paradise”, (S2, ep 4 & ep 5). “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, (S6, ep 7 to ep 22). “Chris And Meg’s Wild Summer”, (S1, ep 6, TX: 03/10/21). “Doing Money”, (2018). “For All Mankind”, (S4, ep 1). “Gardeners’ World”, (2024, ep 2, TX: 22/03/24). “Have I Got News for You”, (S67, ep 2, TX: 12/04/24). “Journey To The Centre Of The Earth”, (1959). “Late Night Lycett”, (S2, ep 1, TX: 12/04/24)(ep 2, TX: 19/04/24). “Love, Lies And Records”, (S1, ep 1). “Passenger”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 6). “Parkinson: Parkinson Meets Shirley MacLaine”, (TX: 04/09/71). “Renegade Nell”, (S1, ep 4 to ep 8). “State Of The Union”, (S2, ep 1 to ep 10). “Taskmaster”, (S13 (S8 on C4) ep 3, TX: 11/04/24)(ep 4, TX: 18/04/24). “The Apprentice & You’re Hired!”, (2024, S18 ep 12, TX: 18/04/24). “The Dropout”, (S1, ep 6 to ep 8). “The Great Celebrity Bake Off For SU2C”, (S7, ep 5, TX: 14/04/24). “The Last Leg”, (S30, ep 5, TX: 15/03/24)(ep 6, TX: 22/03/24). “The Mask Of Zorro”, (1998). “Top Of The Pops”, (TX: 16/04/81).

Doctor Who Watched This Week……

“Flux – Chapter Five – Survivors Of The Flux”, (S13 (S39 Since 1963) ep 5, TX: 28/11/21). “Flux – Chapter Six – The Vanquishers”, (S13 (S39 Since 1963) ep 6, TX: 05/12/21). “Eve Of The Daleks”, (TX: 01/01/22). “Legend Of The Sea Devils”, (TX: 17/02/22). “The Power Of The Doctor”, (TX: 23/10/22). “Destination Skaro”, (“Children In Need”, Mini – Episode)(TX: 17/11/24). “The Star Beast”, (60th Anniversary Special – 1)(TX: 25/11/23). “Wild Blue Yonder”, (60th Anniversary Special – 2)(TX: 02/12/23). “Doctor Who’s Ncuti Gatwa Breaks Down Every Doctor In The Show’s History – Entertainment Weekly”, (Entertainment Weekly/YouTube)(TX: 16/04/24).

This Week I Listened To……

“Braving Babylon 5”, (ep 50, 04/06/17). “Brian And Roger”, (19/04/24). “Broadcasting House (With Paddy O’Connell)”, (BBC Radio 4/Sounds)(14/04/24). “Clinton Baptiste’s All-New Paranormal Podcast – Spooky Stories Archive”, (#017 & #18, 19/04/24). “Doctor Who – Toby Hadoke’s Time Travels – Happy Times And Places”, (78.3, “The Celestial Toymaker”, 15/04/24)(78.4, 19/04/24). “Doctor Who Target Book Club”, (ep 17, “The Time Meddler”, 09/09/17). “Exocast”, (ep 48-b, 25/01/21). “Hard Boiled Eggs And Nuts: A Laurel And Hardy Podcast”, (ep 44, 01/07/18). “Liza Tarbuck”, (BBC Radio 2/Sound)(13/04/24). “NASA Curious Universe”, (S7, ep 5, 06/04/2)(ep 6, 16/04/24). “NASA Houston, We Have A Podcast”, (ep 331, 13/04/24)(ep 332, 19/04/24). “Nick Abbot Whole Show”, (LBC)(13/04/24)(14/04/24)(19/04/24). “Now Playing Presents – On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, (24/08/12). “Pale Blue Pod”, (28/11/22)(15/04/24). “Radio Astronomy (Sky At Night Magazine)”, (19/04/24). “Random Movie Generator With David Earl And David Edward’s”, (S3, ep 16, 17/04/24). “Random Trek”, (ep 11, TNG – “Conspiracy”, 07/08/14). “Robot Or Not?”, (The Incomparable)(ep 134, 25/06/18)(ep 285, 15/04/24). “Sicker Sadder World – Rewatching Daria”, (S1, ep 8, “Pinch Sitter”, 25/04/17). “Smersh Pod – The Forth Protocol”, (Pt 1, 19/10/20)(Pt 2, 20/10/20). “Space And Things Podcast”, (STP190, 18/04/24). “Space Rocket History Podcast”, (ep 197, 15/02/17)(ep 198, 22/02/17)(ep 199, 01/03/17)(ep 200, 08/03/17)(ep 201, 15/03/17). “Star Trek Universe Podcast”, (12/04/24)(15/04/24). “The Drop Out”, (“Trailer”, 15/01/19) (ep 1, 23/01/19)(ep 2, 30/01//19)(ep 3, 06/02/19)(ep 4, 13/02/19). “The Laurel And Hardy Podcast”, (ep 18,“There Purple Moment (1928)”, 20/11/21). “The Marx Brothers Council Podcast”, (ep 11, 30/01/19). “The Mystery Hour With James O’Brien”, (LBC)(18/04/24). “The Nick Abbot Habit”, (LBC)(15/04/24). “The Space Above Us”, (ep 187, 14/04/24). “The Space Shot”, (ep 325, 04/04/18)(ep 326, 05/04/18)(ep 327, 06/04/18)(ep 328, 08/04/18)(ep 329 & ep 330, 09/04/18). “The Vicars Watch”, (ep 56, “Doctor Who”, 19/04/24). “Two Watch Who”, (S23, Story 3, “Trial Of A Timelord – Terror Of The Vervoids”, 15/04/24). “Universe Today Podcast”, (ep 325, 11/04/17)(ep 326, 12/04/17)(ep 327, 16/04/17)(ep 328, 18/04/17)(ep 329, 21/04/17)(ep 330, 26/04/17)(ep 331, 03/05/17)(13/04/24)(19/04/24). “Very Nearly An Armful – A Tony Hancock Podcast”, (S7, ep 1, “The Unexploded Bomb”, 13/04/24). “What’s Your Problem With Nick Abbot And Carol Mcgiffin”, (LBC)(12/04/24)(15/04/24)(19/04/24).

This Week I Enjoyed Music By……

“Morrissey”, “Buffy The Vampire Slayer – Once More With Feeling (OST)”, “Catatonia”, “Coolio”, “David Bowie”, “Gorillaz “, “Kesha”, “Nirvana”, “Ocean Colour Scene”, “Pet Shop Boys”, “Shakespeare Sister”, “Simple Minds”, “Soho”, “The Beatles”, “The Chemical Brothers”, “U2″, “Voice Of The Beehive”.

Week 512, Saturday 6th until Friday 12th April 2024.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures In East, West and Central London & Essex.

During the last seven days I wished friends who celebrated the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Eid Mubarak.

***“An Electronic Doodle I Made For Friends”.***

This week I want to talk a little about the wonder of the eclipse that 30 plus million Americans enjoyed with their own eyes this week. While I and millions around the world were gripped to the internet enjoying it vicariously.

***“Screenshots From All The Different Locations That NASA Broadcast From”.***

Because I watched on NASA TV, I technically saw the eclipse 10 times (it would have been 11 but Niagara Falls was clouded over) because they were broadcasting from various sites along the path of totality. The time we live in is such a special one, because the moon is 400 times smaller than the sun, and our star is 400 times the distance from the moon is why we see this phenomenon of the moon fully blocking out the sun. In the past the moon orbited closer to the Earth, so anyone looking up wouldn’t have seen an eclipse. Our celestial companion is moving away from the earth roughly 3 to 4 centimetres a year, this means that in the future when the moon is too far out to completely cover the disc of the Sun so who/whatever inhabits the earth won’t see what millions enjoyed this week.

I have only had a couple of real-world experiences, in 1999 there was a total eclipse visible from London, but of course the weather didn’t behave. Then a couple of years ago I did successfully view a partial while on holiday in Suffolk. Of course, I packed my certified solar specs to see the eclipse safely. Fingers crossed medical science can keep me alive so that I can witness the next UK total eclipse on 23rd September 2090 when I would be a spritely 121 years old. Science is making amazing leaps and advances all the time; it could be possible that I might be around. Seriously I will have to travel abroad to witness a total eclipse with my own eyes, it would be a shame not to, after all I have the glasses packed away.

***“The View While Enjoying Coffee And Cake. Watching The Strong Winds Batter The Landscape”.***

NASA TV’s programme really was very good, at each location they had a very excitable presenter with a guest to talk about what they’re seeing and experiencing. I felt for them because during the event they couldn’t just be silent and amazed at the natural phenomenon above them, they had to keep talking. Sadly, most of the commentary consisted of, “Oh my god” and “Wow”. I am not blaming them as I wouldn’t really know what to say. Even though I loved the coverage I could have done without the screaming and screeching from each commentator. But it is a once in a decade/generation experience it must be tough to remain composed and professional while the sky around darkened.

***“Really Enjoyed Watching The Recording Of A New Hancock Podcast”.***

The star (no pun intended) of the production must be the telescope operators in the various locations, all were credited on screen, some even got a verbal thanks from the presenter in a few of the locations. The views really were captivating. I did disturb my friend occasionally sat next to me excitedly pointing at the screen, don’t worry I never uttered an O.M.G or Wow once. She was one of the few people on the planet not impressed with what was happening. The coverage really was excellent, it does make me wonder what this type of broadcast will look like in 2090. By then it will probably be projected straight into a person’s brain, which would be good because I don’t want to be fighting other care home residents trying to get them to lower the sound of an episode of The Chase they have seen 300 times before. Future broadcast technology will make a presentation like this even more spectacular.

***“Was Very Tempted By This 55 year (1978 to 2033) Calendar For £5. But I Really Do Not Need Anymore Tattoos”.***

And Now For Something ~~Completely~~ Different……

***“Maarten Baas, Art Installation Outside Paddington Station”.***

At one point this week I had to crake open a bottle of my favourite brand of Factor 50. Yes, sun cream season has officially started. Between now and September exposed skin will be smeared and greasy to the touch.

***“A Beautiful Old Banger Seen While Out And About”.***

I am a lover of the Sun as an astronomical body, but not of how it makes my skin feel. Over the coming weeks I will need to do a stock take of what cream I have left from last year and make sure that I have supplies for this summer. Hello, my name is Dana, and I am a sun cream addict.

And Finally……

After stepping on to a Bus, I heard the following exchange between two women directly behind me.

Women 1:, (angrily), “You were determined to get on first”.

Women 2: “Well I was here first”.

Women 1: (sarcastically), “What on this planet?”.

Women 2: (making a point), “At this bus stop”.

People really have lost the ability to queue these days in the capital.

P.s, my thoughts are with ML during this difficult time.

***“My Brother-In-Law On Holiday With A Surf Board. Which I Had To Deface. Sorry Tim”.***

My Mid-Life Crisis Conts……

This Week I Watched……

“10 Lives”, (2024). “Angel”, (S2, 21 &ep 22)(S3, ep 1 to ep 6). “Beyond Paradise”, (S2, ep 3). “Britain’s Biggest Dig”, (S1, ep 1, TX: 09/04/24)(ep 2, TX: 10/04/24). “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, (S5, ep 22)(S6, ep 1 to ep 6). “Click”, (TX: 06/04/24). “Hypnotic”, (2023). “Landing of MS-24 (NASA TV Live)(TX: 06/04/24). “Murder, They Hope”, (S1, ep 3)(S2, ep 1). “Oppenheimer”, (2023). “Renegade Nell”, (S1, ep 3). “Scoop”, (2024). “Spies In Disguise”, (2019). “Taskmaster”, (S17 (S8 on C4) ep 2, TX: 04/04/24). “The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad”, (1958). “The Apprentice”, (S18, “Week Eleven”, TX: 11/04/24). “The Apprentice: You’re Fired”, (S18, ep 11, TX: 11/04/24). “The Assembly”, (TX: 05/04/24). “The Dropout”, (S1, ep 2 to ep 5). “The Final Delta IV Heavy: ULA Launch”, (NSF/YouTube)(TX: 09/04/24). “The Great Celebrity Bake Off For S2UC”, (S7, ep 4, TX: 07/04/24). “The Huntsman: Winter’s War”, (2016). “The Land That Time Forgot”, (1974). “The Little Rascals – Shiver My Timbers”, (1931). “The Sky At Night”, (TX: 08/04/24). “Total Eclipse Over USA: 2024”, (NASA TV)(TX: 008/04/24). “Travel Man: 48 Hours In…”, (S12, ep 4 , “Lanzarote”, TX: 12/04/24).

Doctor Who Watched This Week……

“Ascension Of The Cybermen”, (S12 (S38 Since 1963) ep 9, TX: 23/02/20). “The Timeless Child”, (S12 (S38 Since 1963) ep 10, TX: 01/03/20). “Revolution Of The Daleks”, (TX: 01/01/21). “Flux: Chapter One – The Halloween Apocalypse”, (S13 (S39 Since 1963) ep 1, TX: 31/10/21). “Flux: Chapter Two – War Of The Sontarans”, (S13 (S39 Since 1963) ep 2, TX: 07/11/21). “Flux: Chapter Three – Once, Upon Time”, (S13 (S39 Since 1963) ep 3, TX: 14/11/21). “Flux: Chapter Four – Village Of The Angels”, (S13 (S39 Since 1963) ep 4, TX: 21/11/21).

Tony Hancock Appreciation Society Live Recording Of Very Nearly Am Armful & Showing Of Colour Version Of The Blood Donor (“Hancock”, S7, ep 5 , TX: 23/06/61)”(Riverside Cinema 06/04/24).

This Week I Saw Live……

This Week I Listened To……

“Angel On Top”, (ep 1.08, “I Will Remember You”, 03/10/18). “Broadcasting House (With Paddy O’Connell)”, (BBC Radio 4/Sounds)(07/04/24). “Buffering: A Rewatch Adventure”, (ep 1.09, “The Puppet Show”, (16/11/16)(ep 0.02, “Intv With Armin Shimerman”, 19/11/16). “Clinton Baptiste’s All-New Paranormal Podcast”, (“Spooky Stories Archive”, ep 016, 12/04/24). “Doctor Who Target Book Club”, (ep 16, “The Chase”, 26/08/17). “Doctor Who – Toby Hadoke’s Time Travels – Happy Times And Places”, (78.1, “The Celestial Toymaker”, (08/04/24)(78.2, 12/04/24). “Exocast”, (ep 47-c, 13/12/20). “Hard Boiled Eggs And Nuts A Laurel And Hardy Podcast”, (ep 43, “The Battle Of The Century (1927)”, 30/06/18). “Liza Tarbuck”, (BBC Radio 2/Sounds)(06/04/24). “Nick Abbot Whole Show”, (LBC)(06/04/24)(07/04/24)(12/04/24). “Pale Blue Pod”, (08/04/24). “Radio Astronomy (Sky At Night Magazine) Star Diary”, (“8th To 14th Apr”, 07/04/24). “Random Movie Generator With David Earl And David Edward’s”, (S3, ep 15, 10/04/24). “Random Trek”, – (VOY),”11. 59″, (The Incomparable)(31/07/24). “Sicker Sadder World: Rewatching Daria”, (S1, d 7, “The Lab Brat”, 18/04/17). “Space And Things Podcast”, (STP189, 11/04/24). “Space Rocket History Podcast”, (ep 193, 18/01/17)(ep 194, 25/01/17)(ep 195, 01/02/17)(ep 196, 08/02/17)(ep 197, 15/02/17). “Star Trek Universe Podcast”, (TOS, S1, ep 28, “Errand Of Mercy”, 08/04/24). “The James Bond A to Z Podcast”, (“Barbara Broccoli”, 04/03/21). “The Mystery Hour With James O’Brien”, (LBC)(12/04/24). “The Nick Abbot Habit”, (LBC)(08/04/24). “The Power Of Music Requests And Music Memories With Annabelle (Speaking To Dave Giles)“, (Cotswold Radio)(06/04/24). “The Rewatcher: Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, (ep 9, “The Puppet Show”, 21/11/22). “The Supermassive Podcast”, (ep 51, “Bonus”, 10/04/24). “Two Watch Who ”, (S23, Story 2, “Trial Of A Timelord – Mindwarp”,08/04/24). “Universe today Podcast “, (05/04/24)(08/04/24). “What’s Your Problem With Nick Abbot And Carol Mcgiffin”, (LBC)(08/04/24).

This Week I Enjoyed Music By……

“Morrissey”, “ABBA”, “ABC”, “Altered Images”, “Bran Van 3000”, “Buffalo Springfield”, “Culture Beat”, “Dave Giles”, “David Bowie”, “Enya”, “Fleetwood Mac”, “KT Tunstall”, “LCD Soundsystem”, “Lana Del Rey”, “Len”, “Manic Street Preachers”, “Men Without Hats”, “Oasis”, “Percy Faith”, “Soho”, “Sparklehorse”, “Suede”, “The Bay City Rollers”, “The Chemical Brothers”, “The Seekers”, “The Wambats”, “Yeah Yeah Yeahs”.

Week 511, Saturday 30th March until Friday 5th April 2024.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures In Central, North and East London, Kent & Northamptonshire.

Hopefully everyone reading that celebrated last weekend’s chocolate festival had a good one, I did.

***“Terrible Easter Doodle Stamps Sent To Friends And Family Via The Royal Mail”.***

If you have read this ramble over the last few years, you will know I love being outside. Regularly I enjoy long walks in the area I live in, these strolls are not pretty because of all the people and traffic of every description speeding by. But I still enjoy the walks while plugged in listening to podcast allowing me to ignore the world around me.

***“Love Seeing The Tower From Regents Park”.***

***“MOZ Was Having A Good Time, Honestly”.***

***“Rochester In Kent In Always Nice To Visit”.***

This week I got to spent quite a lot of time amongst greenery in landscape that really exercised my chubby leg muscles. The first was in Regents Park in the centre of town. A lovely park that in parts I have to remind myself that I am in one of the busiest cities in the northern hemisphere. This is a park I visit a few times a year it’s always a highlight to see squirrels, robins, pigeons, lots of other birds and the occasional brave day loving inquisitive fox. Later in the year there are bed after bed of beautifully coloured and scented roses which is always lovely to see during summer. The only downside to this park is the number of wheezing, groaning and moaning meat sacks wondering around. Another reason to plug in and listen to a podcast.

***“Thanks Hel and Mum For Having Me”.***

The older I get the more I realise that I prefer to not be in large groups of people. This week I went to visit my Mum and sister who live a couple of hours north from the big smoke of the capital. Normally I drive the 100, but this time week I took the train. The journey didn’t go quite as planned due to London Underground running slow on the two lines I required. Because of these delays I missed my mainline train by minutes resulting in having to purchase a replacement ticket. The funny fact was that my alternative train was faster than my original choice. But this didn’t really matter because the bus to mum’s village is once an hour, arriving early meant I had longer to wait.

One of the first things I did after spending a little time with mum and my sister was visit a local graveyard. I love these places, I read, watch something, or just sit listening to a pod enjoying the beauty of the gravestones. The next morning even though there was rain in the air, I left early for my marathon walk a route I have done three times before. The stroll does include small sections on very busy A roads, but luckily most of the time was spent beside the canal or quiet country roads with no pavements. The most important part of this stroll is being surrounded by field after field some with cows while others populated with sheep including lots a lot of lambs bounding about. I realised this week that the bad weather is good for me, because I didn’t pass a single sole walking the four to five kilometres beside the canal. Usually there is the odd walker with a dog, this week nothing.

A few miles/kilometres before I return to mums I always pop into a pub beside another section of the same canal. I sit on my own with an adult beverage watching a download keeping myself to myself. Once again, the bad weather meant that the drinking establishment was quiet just the way I like it. There have been occasions when the pub has been a little busy for my liking because the fiery ball in the sky decided to show its face. This pit stop prepares me for the final section of the walk which is mainly up hill.

A visit to Mum and my sister Is always fun and special, I last saw them on Crimbo Day this made my trip even more important. I got to spend a lot of quality time with these two very special people. But of course, the highlight was my walk. The next time I am going to shake things up and change the route, I would like to reach 30km / 18.641mls. The 22.87km / 14.211mls of this walk just didn’t feel enough. Next time, I need to push myself a little harder. Until my next visit up north, I will keep walking local roads and parks of London. Stopping to feed monkey nuts to squirrels in the parks as a replacement to seeing farm animals while out.

Week 510, Saturday 23rd until Friday 29th March 2024.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures In East London and Essex.

One of my baby sisters and her family have gone abroad for a couple of weeks. I am very jealous and am looking forward to all the videos and pictures that they send of their Adventures.

It felt like I travelled across the world with them even though my large behind never left the sofa. This was achieved because of an App that tracks flights. Because I use the basic free version of the App, I had to find the flight that they were on. Once found the screen was just left open next to me, so I could glance at regularly to see who they had progressed. Even though the plane icon moved very slowly across the map, I knew that in reality they were travelling at four to five hundred knots per hour at a height of around 41,000 feet. I am a bit of a luddite and love a map especially a paper one (remember them kids) but watching the plane on the screen really was amazing. As a kid i saw this sort of tracking on dodgy 70s sci-fi, the computer would have taken up half the room. The fact that I can view all of this on a small phone anywhere around the house and beyond really makes me realise how amazing science and technology is. Maybe in the future I will be able to sit on the sofa tracking the flight and seeing actual images of what my loved ones are seeing.

There is no substitute for travelling, I miss being out and about in new and unusual places. To help keep me sane these days I am very aware of how long I must wait until my next visit to Ibiza in July. Then after this there is the annual return to Southwold in late October. My future travel plans really are helping the job hunting to not feel as stressful as it should feel. I had an interview this week (the very nice woman said the company don’t consider them interviews, they are meet and greets). It was obvious I like to travel, because when she asked about what holiday plans I have I was able to go in to quite a lot of detail about plans later this year. Fingers crossed the shop might want me.

If I can save some money once I have a job, I really want to visit the Shetlands. I have mentioned before here that it’s a location I have never been to (though I have visited Orkney) but feel I could live there. It’s very difficult to explain why I feel like this, but the remoteness of the Island is very appealing. Later this year, if possible, I intends on doing a recce to the island to see if it’s a location I could stay longer than a short visit.

***“In A Pub, The Next Table Had A Wine And Cheese Tasting. I Really Wanted To Join”.***

My sister and her family are in for a treat these next couple of weeks, i wish I was there to see the faces of my nephew and niece for real instead of on a screen as they experience a totally different life and wildlife they don’t normally encounter.

***“You Never Know What You May Encounter While Out And About”.***

Next week I am travelling spending a few days with my other baby sister and mum. This trip I will be extremely relaxed because I am letting the train take the strain. I intend on just staring out of the window watching the world speed by. Any travel, abroad or a couple of hours north of the capital is so exciting and makes me feel better.

***“Of Course I Wanted To Take This Home, Who Wouldn’t?”.***

And Now For Something Completely Different…..

***“Yes, I Really Was Sat In Seat 666”.***

Last weekend after waiting 2 years I saw Peter Kay live at the O2 with MOZ and RAC. It really was a funny show very enjoyable. There were very few of the 20,000 seats empty from the laughing everyone else had a good evening. I can’t imagine what the feeling must be standing on the stage talking to that many people at one time. That kind of power would go to my head, I would be asking the audience to hop, stand on one leg things like that. An event like that is almost like a religious experience, the crowd all watching one man talk, tell stories while making them laugh. That’s a superpower.

***“In The God’s But We Had A Great View”.***

And Finally……

This week I was responsible for making a woman, a total stranger jump when I sneezed while passing.

Heard different people this week say flippertyjibet, wimsey and tinker’s cuss. None of these have been heard in decades. New word of the week is lollygagging.

***“Sending Out Rubbish Easter Doodles To Family”.***

NEXT WEEK, I am sure there will be a mention of the chocolate festival that is Easter.

***“Wearing My Nieces School Blazer. It Must Be Bigger On The Inside Like The TARDIS”.***

My Mid-Life Crisis Conts…….

This Week I Watched……

“3 Body Problem”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 4). “A Life In Ten Pictures”, (S2, ep 2, “Carrie Fisher”, TX: 21/03/24). “Angel”, (S2, ep 7 to ep 14). “Below Zero”,(1930). “Beyond Paradise”, (S2, ep 1 & ep 2). “Big Gay Wedding With Tom Allen”, (TX: 27/03/24). “Blotto”, (1930). “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, (S5, ep 7 to ep 14). “Catch Me A Killer”, (S1, ep 7 to ep 11). “Click”, (TX: 23/03/24). “Death In Paradise”, (S13, ep 8 (ep 107), TX: 24/03/24). “Death On The Nile”, (1978). “Drop Dead Fred”, (1991). “Flash Gorden Conquers The Universe”, (S1, ep 7, TX: 1940). “Gardeners’ World”, (2024, ep 2, TX: 22/03/24). “Galaxy Quest”, (1999). “Ghostbusters”, (1984). “Ghostbusters Afterlife”, (2021). “Marnie”, (1964). “Muppets From Space”, (1999). “Northern Comfort”, (2023). “Renegade Nell”, (S1, ep 1). “Seize Them!”, (2024). “Star Trek (Original Series)”, (S2, ep 5, “The Apple”, TX: 13/10/67). “Taskmaster”, (S17 (S8 on C4) ep 1, TX: 28/03/24). “The Apprentice”, (S18, “Week Nine”, TX: 28/03/24). “The Apprentice: You’re Fired”, (S18, ep 9, TX: 18/03/24). “The Champion”, (1915). “The Great Celebrity Bake Off – Stand Up To Cancer”, (S7, ep 2, TX: 24/03/24). “Things You Should Have Done”, (S1, ep 4). “Two Tars”, (1928)

Doctor Who Watched This Week……

“Demons Of The Punjab”, (S11 (S37 Since 1963) ep 6, TX: 11/11/18). “Kerblam!”, (S11 (S37 Since 1963) ep 7, TX: 18/11/18). “The Witchfinders”, (S11 (S37 Since 1963) ep 8, TX: 25/11/18). “It Takes You Away”, (S11 (S37 Since 1963) ep 9, TX: 02/12/18). “The Battle Of Ranskoor Av Kolos”, (S11 (S37 Since 1963) ep 10, TX: 09/12/18). “Resolution”, (TX: 01/01/19). “Spyfall”, (S12 (S38 Since 1963) ep 1, TX: 01/01/20). “Doctor Who – SEASON 1 Trailer – Reaction”, (The (New) Old Doctor Who Show/YouTube)(TX: 24/03/24).

This Week I Saw Live On Stage……

“Peter Kay Live – London”, (O2 London)(23/03/24).

This Week I Listened To……

“Angel On Top”, (S1, ep 6, “Sense And Sensitivity”, 08/08/18). “Broadcasting House (With Paddy O’Connell)”, (BBC Radio 4/Sounds)(24/03/24). “Buffering: A Rewatch Adventure”, (S1, ep 6, 19/10/16)(ep 0.01, “Welcome To The Mailbag!”, 26/10/16). “Clinton Baptiste’s All-New Paranormal Podcast”, (29/03/24). “Doctor Who Target Book Club”, (ep 15, “The Space Museum“, 05/08/17). “Doctor Who – Time Travels – Too Much Information”, (4.7, “Assassin At Peking (Marco Polo)“, 25/03/24). “Exocast”, (ep 46-b, 20/07/20). “Hard Boiled Eggs And Nuts A Laurel And Hardy Podcast”, (ep 40, 29/06/18)(ep 41, “You’re Darn Tooting (1928) & Leave ‘Em Laughing (1928)”, 30/06/18). “Liza Tarbuck”, (BBC Radio 2/Sounds)(23/03/24). “Lucy & Sam’s Perfect Brains”, (“A Blessing From Julian Clary (Extended Trailer)“25/03/24)(ep 1, 29/03/24). “NASA Curious Universe Podcast”, (S7, ep 3, 26/03/24). “NASA Houston, We Have A Podcast”, (ep 329, 29/03/24). “Nick Abbot Whole Show”, (LBC)(23/03/24)(24/03/24)(29/03/24). “Radio Astronomy (Sky At Night Magazine) Star Diary”, (“25th to 31st Mar 24”, 24/03/24). “Random Movie Generator With David Earl And David Edward’s”, (S3, ep 13, 27/03/24). “Robot Or Not?”, (The Incomparable)(ep 284, 28/03/24). “Sicker Sadder World (Rewatching Daria)”, (S1, ep 4, “Cafe Disaffecto”, 28/03/17)(ep 5, “Malled”, 04/04/17). “Smersh Pod – Krull”, (Pt 1, 25/03/24)(Pt 2, 26/03/24). “Space Boffins Podcast”, (29/03/24). “Space And Things Podcast”, (STP187, 28/03/24). “Space Rocket History Podcast”, (ep 186, 23/11/16)(ep 187, 30/11/16 ). “Star Trek Universe Podcast”, (TOS, S1, ep 27, “The Devil In The Dark”, 28/03/24). “The Adam Buxton Podcast”, (ep 224, 29/03/24). “The All-New Angelos And Barry Podcast”, (29/03/24). “The James Bond A – Z Podcast”, (“Albert R. ‘Cubby’ Broccoli”, 25/02/21). “The Laurel And Hardy Podcast”, (ep 17, “You’re Darn Tootin (1928)”, (09/10/21). “The Marx Brothers Council Podcast”, (“Bonus Holiday Minicast”, 06/12/18). “The Mystery Hour With James O’Brien”, (LBC)(28/03/24). “The Nick Abbot Habit”, (LBC)(26/03/24). “The Rewatcher: Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, (S1, ep 4, “Teachers Pet”, 17/10/22)(ep 5, “Never Kill A Boy On A First Date”, 24/10/22)(ep 6, “The Pack”, 31/10/22). “The Skewer”, (BBC Radio 4/Sounds)(S11, ep 7, 27/03/24). “The Space Above Us”, (ep 186, 24/03/24). “The Space Shot”, (ep 320, 30/03/18)(ep 321, 31/03/18). “The Supermassive Podcast”, (ep 51, 26/03/24). “Twenty Thousand Hertz”, (17/11/21)(01/12/21). “Universe Today Podcast”, (ep 315, 09/02/17)(ep 316, 25/02/17)(ep 318, 08/03/17)(ep 319, 13/03/17)(ep 320, 14/03/17)(22/03/22)(26/03/24)(29/03/24). “What’s Your Problem With Nick Abbot And Carol Mcgiffin”, (LBC)(25/03/24)(29/03/24).

This Week I Enjoyed Music By……

“Morrissey”, “Alanis Morissette”, “Barenaked Ladies”, “David Essex”, “Ed Welch (Blockbusters Theme)”, “ELO”, “Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass (Its A Knockout Theme)”, “James”, “Journey”, “Keith Mansfield (Grandstand Theme)”, “Outkast”, “Prefab Sprout”, “Segun Akinola (Yaz And Nani End Credits – Feat. Shahid Abbas Khan)”. “Slade”, “Steve Harley (R.I.P) & Cockney Rebel”, “T’Pau”, “Tears For Fears”, “The Mike Flowers Pops”, “The Who”, “The Wombles”,

Week 509, Saturday 16th until Friday 22nd March 2024.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures In East & North London and Surrey.

Some weeks I have far too much to rant about, ending up making notes to use the following week. Then over the course of that week I either expand on the badly typed stream of (un)conscience or add new notes as ideas pop into the soggy mass I call my mind. This results in some, or all the original ideas being kept back for a few weeks’ time. Some ideas just keep being shunted from week to week and are never used.

But this week my mind really is a blank. Part of me is tempted to just to leave the blog empty (this might make your blog experience a little more interesting) with only a single picture / caption that says something along the lines of “Back Next Week”.

Unlike last week I haven’t met any celebrities in a dark smoky (full of dry ice, not cigarette smoke. Is it wrong I like being in a dry ice environment. It reminds me of great times in the audience of a show or at a gig, or working on TV and film sets where smoke is needed) Soho club, but I have fed lot of squirrels in various parks. Most days this week I have tried to get out for a walk instead of sitting on the sofa all my waking hours, which I am extremely qualified to do. Being out and about just makes me feel better about life. While in the park I attempt to make myself useful by feeding squirrels monkey nuts. I have wondered several times what others must think when they see a large untidy lardy unemployed meat sack talking to a rodent in a high pitch sing songy voice normally used to speak to a baby. Every time I successfully hand feed a monkey nut, I feel that I have achieved something in life.

Something else that I probably look strange doing in the park is trying to spot a Robin. I love all birds, even the Green Parrots whose population appears to grow with each passing year. There is something so special about hearing and seeing a Robin. This week I have been lucky to spot a number while out locally and in North London. As with feeding squirrels I am very prepared to crouch down looking at bushes and other plants metres away while trying to spot this beautiful small slightly plump red breasted bird. This week I was lucky to have a wonderful experience with a Robin as I sat sipped coffee in North London after a lovely walk on Hampstead Heath. This bird hopped around near me and seemed as interested in me as I was of it. The little one probably went back to its nest and told its partner of its experience with this huge, strange creature who wouldn’t shut up from talking in a strange high pitch squeaky tone that made no sense. It would be amazing to know what animals (all of them) are thinking and what they make of interactions with humans.

As you can see, I really have very little to report, but these moments outside with nature gives me a huge amount of joy and happiness. It’s only now I realise that I could bore you about all the knitting I have done during the last seven days, or how I completed 12 Easter Doodle Stamps for family and friends. But none of that is very interesting to anyone, sadly talking about my encounters with Squirrels and Robins will have to do.

***“This Beauty Was Spotted In North London”.***

This week has not been a good one, at the beginning I did a lot of thinking about what’s the point of my existence. Where has this life gone wrong and why do I keep frakking everything up. But as I type this in a coffee shop on Friday morning I feel better about my place in the universe and this world in general. Sitting in the garden or walking in local parks and beyond really is my therapy. One week I might be honest about how my mind thinks. Maybe that’s a little too serious and dark for a not very popular pointless ramble that I hope in the future my nephews and niece might have a look at.

This is a good time to shut up, and hope that in seven days I have something more important and interesting to report. If not, then I might just leave the ramble blank with the picture / caption I mentioned earlier, it’s always good to be prepared.

My Mid-Life Crisis Conts……

This Week I Watched……

“Angel”, (S1, ep 19 to ep 22)(S2, ep 1 to ep 6). “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, (S4, ep 20 to ep 22)(S5, ep 1 to ep 6). “Catch Me A Killer”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 6). “Click”, (TX: 16/03/24). “Coma”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 4). “Comic Relief 2024 – W1A Sketch”, (TX: 15/03/24). “Dixon of Dock Green”, (S2, ep 12, “Pound Of Flesh”, TX: 25/08/56). “Doctor Who In Studio: The Five Doctors CG Set Tour”, (Andrew Orton/YouTube)(TX: 20/03/24). “Doctor Who On BBC Video: The Ice Warriors VHS Boxset Teaser”, (From The Archives/You)(TX: 21/03/24). “Gardeners’ World”, (2024, ep 1, TX: 15/03/24). “Life Inside The Space X Dragon Capsule!”, (The Space Race/YouTube)(TX: 09/09/23). “Miranda”, (1948). “Star Trek Prodigy”, (S1, ep 7). “The Apprentice”, (S13, “Week Eight”, TX: 21/03/24). “The Apprentice You’re Fired”, (S13, ep 8, TX: 21/03/24). “The Completely Made-Up Adventures Of Dick Turpin”, (S1, ep 1). “The Frighteners”, (1996). “The Great British Bake Off – Stand Up To Cancer 2024”, (S7, ep 1, TX: 17/03/24). “The Last Leg”, (S30, ep 3, TX: 01/03/24)(ep 4, TX: 08/03/24). “The Last Telephone Box Painter In London (Wet Paint – A Short Documentary)”, (Matt Livingston/YouTube)(TX: 16/03/24). “The Walking Dead”, (S3, ep 7). “Top Gear”, (S18, ep 3, TX: 12/02/12). “Truth Behind The Moon Landing”, (S1, ep 6, TX: 07/07/19).

Doctor Who Watched This Week……

“The Doctor Falls”, (S10 (S36 Since 1963) ep 12, TX: 01/07/17). “Twice Upon A Time”, (TX: 25/12/17). “The Woman Who Fell To Earth”, (S11 (S37 Since 1963) ep 1, TX: 07/10/18). “The Ghost Monument “, (S11 (S37 Since 1963) ep 2, TX:14/10/18). “Rosa”, (S11 (S37 Since 1963) ep 3, TX: 21/10/18). “Arachnids In The UK”, (S11 (S37 Since 1963) ep 4, TX: 28/10/18). “The Tsuranga Conundrum”, (S11 (S37 Since 1963) ep 5, TX: 04/11/18).

***“This Is Not Mine, I Will Have To LearnTo Crochet One”.***

“Doctor Who (2024) – Official Trailer – Disney+”, (Disney Plus/YouTube)(TX: 22/03/24). “Season 1 Teaser – Doctor Who 2024”, (Doctor Who/YouTube)(TX: 25/12/23). “Season 1 Trailer – Doctor Who”, (Doctor Who/YouTube)(TX: 22/03/24).

***“Anoodle Knows How To Enjoy Herself “.***

This Week I Listened To……

Angel On Top”, (ep 0.00 “Trailer”, 09/05/18)(S1, ep 1, “City Of…”, 30/05/18)(ep 2, “Lonely Hearts”, 13/06/18)(ep 3, “In The Dark”, 27/06/18)(ep 4, “I Fall To Pieces”, 11/07/18)(ep 5, “Rm W/A Vu”, 25/07/18). “Blake’s 7: The Mutoid”, (ep 23, SB, ep 10, “Voice From The Past”, 20/03/24). “Broadcasting House (With Paddy O’Connell)”, (BBC Radio 4/Sounds)(17/03/24). “Buffering The Vampire Slayer”, (ep 1.04, “Teacher’s Pet”, 05/10/16),ep 1.05, “Never Kill A Boy On The First Date”, 12/10/16). “Clinton Baptiste’s Spooky Stories Archive”, (#015, 22/03/24). “Doctor Who Target Book Club”, (ep 14, “The Crusaders”, 22/07/17). “Doctor Who Toby Hadoke’s Time Travels – Happy Times And Places”, (76.5, “The Green Death”, 17/03/24)(76.6, 22/03/24). “Exocast”, (ep 46-c, 12/06/20)(ep 46-b, 30/07/20)(ep 46-d, 09/07/20). “Explore Exoplanets: The Discoverers”, (ep 9, 16/03/24). “Hard Boiled Eggs And Nuts A Laurel And Hardy Podcast”, (ep 38, “From Soup To Nuts (1928)”, 24/06/18)(ep 39, “Early To Bed (1928)”, 26/06/18). “Liza Tarbuck”, (BBC Radio 2/Sounds) (16/03/24). “NASA Curious Universe”, (S7, ep 2, 19/03/24). “NASA Houston, We Have A Podcast”, (ep 328, 22/03/24). “Nick Abbot Whole Show”, (LBC)(16/03/23)(17/03/24)(22/03/24). “Now Playing Presents – Casino Royale (1967)”, (17/08/12). “Outlook: Surviving A Serial Killer”, (BBC World Service/Sounds)(20/02/24). “Random Movie Generator With David Earl And David Edward’s”, (S3, ep 12, 20/03/24). “The All-New Angelos And Barry Podcast”, (16/03/24). “Radio Astronomy (Sky At Night Magazine)”, (22/03/24). “Radio Astronomy (Sky At Night Magazine) Star Diary”, (“Mar 18th to 24th 2024”, 17/03/24). “Random Trek”, (The Incomparable)(DS9, “Looking For Par’Mach In All the Wrong Places”, 17/07/14). “Sicker Sadder World (Rewatching Daria)”, (S1, ep 1, “Esteemsters”, 06/03/17)(ep 2, “The Invitation”, 12/03/17)(ep 3, “College Bored”, 21/03/17). “Smersh Pod – (Smersh Hits!) For Your Eyes Only”, (18/03/24). “Space And Things Podcast”, (STP186, 21/03/24). “Space Rocket History Podcast”, (ep 184, 09/11/16)(ep 185, 16/11/16)(ep 186, 23/11/16). “Star Dogs Podcast”, (ep 28, 19/03/24). “Star Trek Universe Podcast”, (TOS, S1, ep 26, “This Side Of Paradise”, 19/03/24). “The All-New Angelos And Barry Podcast”, (21/03/24). “The Laurel And Hardy Podcast”, (ep 16, “From Soup To Nuts (1928)”, 04/09/21). “The Mystery Hour With James O’Brien”, (LBC)(21503/24). “The Nick Abbot Habit”, (LBC)(18/03/24). “The Outlook Podcast Archive: The Astronaut Who Made A Quilt In Space”, (BBC World Service/Sounds)(12/04/22). “The Rewatcher: Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, (ep 3, “Witch”, 10/10/22). “The Skewer”, (BBC Radio 4/Sounds)(S11, ep 6, 20/03/24). “The Space Shot”, (ep 314, 24/03/18)(ep 315 & ep 316, 26/03/24)(ep 317, 27/03/18)(ep 318, 28/03/18)(ep 319, 29/03/18). “Twenty Thousand Hertz”, (ep 2, 15/11/16)(ep 11, 21/03/17)(ep 43, 11/06/18)(ep 44, 25/06/18)(ep 67, 26/12/18)(ep 65, 22/04/19)(ep 100, 05/08/20)(ep 118, 24/03/21). “Universe Today Podcast”, (ep 311, 10/01/17) (ep 312, 18/01/17)(ep 313, 27/01/17)(ep 314, 27/01/17)(15/03/24)(16/03/24)(17/03/24)(18/03/24)(19/03/24). “What’s Your Problem With Nick Abbot And Carol Mcgiffin”, (LBC)(18/03/24)(22/03/24).

This Week I Enjoyed Music By……

“Morrissey”, “Adam Ant”, “Blur”, “Echo And The Bunnymen”, “Howard Jones”, “Irene Cara”, “Kaiser Chiefs”, “Kate Nash”, “Nirvana”, “Radiohead”, “Simple Minds”, “Siouxsie And The Banshees”, “The Black Keys”, “The Charlatans”, “The Cranberries”, “The Last Dinner Party”, “The Smiths”, “U2″.

Week 508, Saturday 9th until Friday 15th March 2024.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures In Surrey, East & Central London.

This week I celebrated my nephew Leo’s B’day and gave a Ramadan card to my neighbours.

This week I learnt an important lesson in time management. Let me explain, one day this week I had an early appointment at the job centre. The plan was to get up and just leave, walk the 3.5 kilometres attend the interview then rush home finally jumping in the shower to complete my early morning activity. I realise that going out the house before showering to see a government official is rather grubby, but I knew that walking there and back was going to result in me feeling hot and uncomfortable so showering after seemed sensible. Could I use the excuse that I am trying to save the planet by not wasting water, have only one shower instead of two (one before the walk and one after).

***“Lovely Evening With Sarah And SAZ”.***

The appointment was at 9.15am with the alarm was set for exactly an hour earlier. The walk of 3.5km normally takes 35 to 40 minutes, which would give me a little time to cool down and not look flustered as if I had been dragged through a hedge. Stupidly I went to bed very (I really mean VERY) late, before unconsciousness took me over, I decided to reset the alarm for 8am which would give me a little more time before needing to leave.

***“Chatting With My Beautiful Mum On Mother’s Day”.***

***“Doodle Stamps For Mum, My Sister SAZ And Sister-In-Law*** ***Sigrada*** ***Mother’s Day Cards***

In the morning, I really got a shock when checking my alarm to see how much more time I can stay in bed because my screen said 8.15am. My immediate thought and worry were why the alarm had not gone off when set. This is where I have learned my lesson, the alarm was set for 9 not 8am. If I had woken late, I really would have been in trouble, not standing a chance at arriving on time. From now on I won’t reset the alarm while horizontal and half conscience.

As expected, the interview only lasted a couple of minutes, the person behind the desk looked as if they were half awake and probably wouldn’t have noticed if I had been late. When I do these walks, I really try to walk as fast as possible only stopping if I absolutely have to. For the next appointment I will make sure the alarm is set well before bedtime.

And Now for Something Completely Different……

This week I excitedly watched with millions around the world as Space X’s Starship launched on its third demonstration test flight. Because this was a test not everything went 100% as expected, there is still a lot to do before the company has a fully reliable and reusable launch system. But this recent attempt was a step in the right direction. The official feed gets better and better with each launch, they have stunning HD views from drones flying around the launch complex as well as static cameras situated nearby or on the pad. The best views were from camera’s attached to the rocket’s hull, one day lucky Astronaut’s and other passengers will enjoy those views with their own eyes. As you can probably imagine I really wish I was one of those lucky people. I think what Space X is doing is great, fingers crossed everything about this system will get better and better with further launches.

***“Screenshots From Space X Stunning Feed Of Starship 3rd Demo Flight”.***

I am looking for work, I wonder if Space X needs a dish washer. Sadly, I am probably not qualified enough for even that position. I can only imagine what kids of today make of these instantaneous amazing images that space companies and national agencies present to us. The first launch I remember as a child was grainy footage of a modified Saturn V carrying Skylab in 1973. I was hooked from an early age. The kids of today are so spoiled and don’t know how lucky they are.

***“SAZ And I Enjoying A Free G&T At The Box In Soho. I Wondered If They Thought We Were On The Guest List”.***

I love to watch launches live on a screen. But the ultimate dream is to see one in person, it must be amazing to see the stack lifting off the ground, feel the vibrations and hear the sound of a launch first hand. No matter how good coverage on a screen is it surely can never compare to being there.

***“Absolutely Loved Watching Steve Porter (Daisy Doris May) Live On Stage”.***

***“A Little Audience Participation At The End Of The Show”.***

***“Actors Susan Wokoma And*** ***Alexandra Roach Sat Next To Us And We’re Lovely To Meet. I Recognised Them Both From Across The Room, And Couldn’t Believe It When They Sat Next To SAZ And Myself”.***

And Finally……

Had to snigger when I heard someone sitting near me say “hat with flaps” as part of a conversation. In another location a woman said louder than she probably thought, “bum holes”. I assume she was publicly self-censoring herself because of little delicate ears nearby.

***“Met This Beautiful Family In A Local Park”.***

Highlights from college this week, there was confusion over which room the class was in. I had to tailgate a group of young people (pretending to look at my phone while loitering beside the doors) because my pass wouldn’t let me in to the technology block. There was unnecessary stress of having to find and collect a laptop for the class because the room wasn’t appropriate. And during the class a younger person called out to the tutor that he was “going to h the Lemon”. Because I am old it took me a few moments to realise what he was saying.

My Mid-Life Crisis Conts……

This Week I Watched……

“Apollo 9 Launch (03/03/1969)(HD Source)”, (Retro Space HD/YouTube)(05/12/18). “Apollo 9 Special TV Reports – Restored Footage (HD)(17/03/1969) – Walter Cronkite“, (Retro Space HD/YouTube)(TX: 22/03/20). “Angel”, (S1, ep 3 to ep 18). “Black Swan”, (2010). “Blast Off! SpaceX Starship Launches To Space On 3rd Integrated Test Flight”, (VideoFromSpace/YouTube)(TX: 14/03/24). “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, (S4, ep 3 to ep 19). “Click”, (TX: 09/03/24). “Death In Paradise”, (S13 (ep 105) ep 6, TX: 10/03/24). “Extraordinary”, (S2, ep 1 & ep 2). “Inspector Bum Hat – TV Go Home”, (Haydnpayne/YouTube)(TX: 25/10/09). “Murder, They Hope”, (S1, ep 2, “Evil Under The Bun”, TX:15/05/21). “NASA – Space X – Crew 7 Splashdown”, (NASA TV)(TX: 11/03/24). “Nanny McPhee”, (2005). “Space X – Starship IFT-3 Launch”, (Space X LIVE)(TX: 14/03/24). “Space X – Starship IFT-3 Launch (Pre Space X Feed)”, (Spaceflight Now)(TX: 14/03/24). “Star Trek (Original series)”, (S2, ep 3, “The Changeling”, TX: 29/09/67)(ep 4, “Mirror Mirror”, TX: 06/10/67). “Star Trek Prodigy”, (S1, ep 6). “The Apprentice”, (S18, “Week Seven”, TX: 14/03/24). “The Apprentice You’re Fired!”, (S18, ep 7, TX: 14/03/24). “The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers”, (2002). “The Titan Sub Disaster Minute By Minute”, (S1, ep 1 & ep 2). “Top Gear”, (S5, ep 24/07/11). “When Chat Shows Go Horribly Wrong”, (TX: 09/04/17). “Whitechapel”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 3)(S2, ep 1 to 3)(S3, ep 1 to 6)(S4, ep 1 to ep 6).

This Week I Watched Live On Stage……

“How To Flirt, The Ted XXX Talk (With Steve Porters)”, (The Box SOHO London, 14/03/24).

Doctor Who Watched This Week……

“Oxygen”, (S10 (S36 Since 1963) ep 5, TX: 13/05/17). “Extremis”, (S10 (S36 Since 1963) ep 6, TX: 20/05/17). “The Pyramid At The End Of The World”, (S10 (S36 Since 1963) ep 7, TX: 27/05/17). “The Lie Of The Land”, (S10 (S36 Since 1963) ep 8, TX: 03/06/17). “Empress Of Mars”, (S10 (S36 Since 1963) ep 9, TX: 10/06/17). “The Eaters Of Light”, (S10 (S36 Since 1963) ep 10, TX: 17/06/17). “World Enough And Time”, (S10 (S36 Since 1963) ep 11, TX: 24/06/17).

This Week I Listened To……

“Being James Bond”, (ep 003, 26/11/06)(ep 004, 03/12/06). “Brian And Roger”, (“S7 Patreon Exclusive TRIAL”, 11/03/24). “Buffering: A Rewatch Adventure”, (ep 3, “Witch”, 28/09/16). “Clinton Baptiste’s Spooky Stories Archive”, (#014, 15/03/24). “Doctor Who Literature Podcast”, (ep 15, “The Green Death”, 20/02/22). “Doctor Who Toby Hadoke’s Time Travels – Happy Times And Places”, (76.2, “The Green Death”, 08/03/24)(76.3, 11/03/24)(76.4, 15/03/24). “Liza Tarbuck”, (BBC Radio 2/Sounds)(09/03/24). “NASA Curious Universe”, (“Here Comes the Sun Series Trailer”,11/03/24). “NASA Houston We Have A Podcast”, (ep 326, 08/03/24)(ep 327, 15/03/24). “Nick Abbot Whole Show”, (LBC)(09/03/24)(10/03/24)(15/03/24). “Planetary Union Network – The Orville Official Podcast “, (ep 21, 25/07/18). “Radio Astronomy (Sky At Night Magazine) Star Diary”, (“11th to 17th March 24″, 10/03/24). “Random Movie Generator With David Earl And David Edward’s”, (S3, ep 11, 13/03/24). “Random Trek”, (The Incomparable)(ep 7, (TOS), “The Apple”, 10/07/14). “Robot Or Not?”, (The Incomparable)(ep 283, 14/03/24). “Space And Things Podcast”, (STP185, 14/03/24). “Space Rocket History Podcast”, (ep 181, 1/10/16)(ep 182, 26/10/16). “Star Trek Universe Podcast”, (TOS, S1, ep 25, “Space Seed”, 12/03/24). “The Adam Buxton Podcast”, (ep 223, 10/03/24). “The James Bond A to Z Podcast”, (ep B pt 3, 18/02/21). “The Mystery Hour With James O’Brien”, (LBC)(14/03/24). “The Nick Abbot Habit”, (LBC)(11/03/24). “The Rewatcher: Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, (ep 2, “The Harvest”, 03/10/22). “The Skewer”, (BBC Radio 4/Sounds)(S11, ep 5, 14/03/24). “The Space Shot”, (ep 312 & ep 313, 23/03/18)(ep 314, 24/03/24). “The Supermassive Podcast”, (ep 51, “Bonus”, 13/03/24). “Universe Today Podcast”, (ep 306, 25/12/16)(ep 307, 28/11/16)(ep 308, 29/11/16)(ep 309, 06/12/16)(ep 310, 09/01/17)(08/03/24)(09/03/24) (11/03/24)(12/03/24)(14/03/24). “What’s Your Problem With Nick Abbot And Carol Mcgiffin”, (LBC)(11/03/24)(15/03/24).

This Week I Enjoyed Music By……

“Morrissey”, “Alice Cooper”, “Baccara”, “Blur”, “Elbow”, “English Teacher”, “Enigma”, “Feargal Sharkey”, “Grace Jones”, “Goldfrappe”, “Grandmaster Flash & Melly Mel”, “James”, “Jamie T”, “Ladyhawke”, “Lilly Allen”, “Muse”, “Peter Gabriel”, “Queen”, “Queen & David Bowie”, “Red Box”, “Richard Marx”, “Romy”, “Supergrass”, “Teddy Swims”, “The Buggles”, “The Stranglers”, “The Sundays”, “Voice Of The Beehive”,

Week 507, Saturday 2nd until Friday 8th March 2024.

Misfits Mid-Life Crisis Adventures In East London & Surrey.

Last week I had an interview, at the time of writing nothing has been heard. I thought the interview went well; I won’t hold my breath. No news is good news I suppose.

This week I went back to college for the start of another course. Unlike the previous one (which I passed) I was asked if i wanted to take part. The subject is digital skills which normally wouldn’t be cheap, but because I am out of work this is free. The duration is only for a month once a week but after only the first class I have already learned things. This might lead to something.

***“This Is On The Wall In The Technology Section Of The College”.***

By the end of the course, I will have learned the basics of coding, making, and producing webpages and content for certain social media platforms. The tutor is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and regularly would go off topic telling another story about computers or things they have seen or done.

***“My Old Cactus Has A Few Flowers”.***

Walking through the college before the class, I passed table after table being set up with cupcakes and other treats to entice passers-by. I later found out this was for a skills day. Of course, once my class had ended all the cakes had gone and the tables were being put away.

***“Enjoying Some Time Travel Fun After The Class”.***

After the class I made my way slowly through a building regularly stopping to look through large windows to admire all the hard work, beautiful art in different mediums, fashion that wouldn’t look out of place on a cat walked of a major fashion show. There were room after room of people working with metal and wood as well whole areas that dealt with 3D printing.

Of course, I felt very out of place a real case of Imposter Syndrome I desperately tried not to catch anyone’s gaze. I hate to think what all the young people gathered in groups must have thought seeing this old person wonder around aimlessly. They knew I was supposed to be there and didn’t need to call security because I made sure my ID badge was on display.

***“Only A Few Other People In The Cinema, That’s Just How I Like It”.***

After this course If I am still out of work, I will have a look at other courses I might be able to attend. It would be lovely to do something arty, but I suspect the authorities will want me to do something that will help my work prospects. In my mind being arty could also help me with future employment happiness. I don’t know what the normal price of course are, that is something to investigate when I have a job and saved some cash. The college has a combination of young college students and adults learning as further education. I would imagine most of the classes for older people are in the early evening.

***“Enjoying More Time Travel Fun In A Coffee Shop”.***

I never enjoyed studying, of course I wish I had worked harder years ago. Maybe I could make a few changes now that will make my future chances and possibilities better.

And Now For Something Completely Different……

When Facebook went down for a period this week, it got me thinking how we take digital services for granted. The fact that some social media platforms were not working really was not a problem, it was just an annoyance for millions. Image if banking systems around the world went down, within hours there would be social unrest unlike anything we have seen before.

One thing that I did think about is all the collections of books, music, films, and TV that are in the cloud or available form streaming that we have carefully put together, these really are so fragile. Digital art stored on personal hard drives would be safe. But most of what we enjoy on a screen or by downloading would be out of reach. I have always been a lover of the physical product, books, DVD’s etc. But even I now stream pretty much everything, I have collecting’s of physical media which I really don’t know these days what to do with. Should I sell things or give to charity shops, it’s a problem that so many people have these days. The worry of losing everything if the internet went down does make me think physical is better, maybe I will be paying for storage for a lot longer than I thought.

And Finally……

This week I did say “thingamabob” a couple of times in a sentence while trying to remember a name.

***“This Is Still Not Finished, Should Be In The Next Seven Days”.***

Explaining to a friend about the college I called the refectory, a repository, and a suppository. Now you know why I never went to college while young.

***“Lots Of Customers At The Restaurant One Afternoon”.***

Turns out I worked in a semi-pro theatre in the last 80s with a now well-known actor with famous parents (I don’t remember I if met them). I wonder if they would remember me and give me a job.

My Mid-Life Crisis Conts……

This Week I Watched……

“BBC One – Pebble Mill At One – Arthur Lowe’s Last Ever Interview And Appearance- Dad’s Army – 1982”, (Nostalgic News UK/YouTube)(TX: 15/04/22). “Angel”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 2). “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, (S2, ep 15 to ep 22)(S3, ep 1 to ep 22)(S4, ep 1 to ep 2). “Dixon Of Dock Green”, (S9, ep 17, “Green Wedding”, TX : 05/01/63). “DUNE Part 2”, (2024). “Escaping Twin Flames”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 3). “Keep Sweet Pray And Obey”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 4). “NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 Launch”, (NASA TV)(Launch Scrubbed, TX: 03/03/24 UK Time)(Successful Launch, TX: 03/03/24 UK Time). “Single White Female”, (1992). “Synchronic”, (2019). “The Apprentice”, (S18, Week 5, TX: 29/02/24)(“Week 6”, TX: 07/03/24). “The Apprentice: You’re Fired”, (S18, ep 5, TX: 29/02/24)(ep 6, TX: 07/03/24). “The Way”, (S1, ep 3). “The Walking Dead”, (S3, ep 6). “Things You Should Have Done”, (S1, ep 1 to ep 3). “This World: Why Planes Vanish: The Hunt for MH370″, (TX: 06/03/24). “Top Of The Pops”, (TX: 21/09/95)(TX: 28/09/95).

Doctor Who Watched This Week……

“Hell Bent”, (S9 (S35 Since 1963) ep 12, TX: 05/12/15). “The Husbands Of River Song”, (TX: 25/12/15). “The Return Of Doctor Mysterio”, (TX: 25/12/16). “The Pilot”, (S10 (S36 Since 1963) ep 1, TX: 15/04/17). “Smile”, (S10 (S36 Since 1963) ep 2, TX: 22/04/17). “Thin Ice”, (S10 (S36 Since 1963) ep 3, TX: 29/04/17). “Knock Knock”, (S10 (S36 Since 1963) ep 4, TX: 06/05/17).

This Week I Listened To…….

“Broadcasting House (With Paddy O’Connell)”, (BBC Radio 4/Sounds)(03/03/24). “Buffering: A Rewatch Adventure”, (1.02, “The Harvest”, 21/09/16). “Clinton Baptiste’s Spooky Stories Archive”, (#13, 08/03/24). “Doctor Who Toby Hadoke’s Time Travels – Happy Times And”, (76.1, “The Green Death“, 04/03/24). “Exocast”, (ep 45-b, 02/06/20). “Hard Boiled Eggs And Nuts – A Laurel & Hardy Podcast”, (ep 37, “Perfect Day (1929)”, 24/06/18). “Liza Tarbuck”, (BBC Radio 2/Sounds)(02/03/24). “NASA Houston, We Have A Podcast”, (ep 325.5, “Bonus ep”, 06/03/24). “Nick Abbot Whole Show “, (LBC)(02/03/24)(03/03/24)(08/03/24). “Now Playing Presents – Thunderball”, (14/08/12). “Radio Astronomy (Sky At Night Magazine) Star Diary”, (“Mar 4th to 10th 24”, 03/03/24). “Random Movie Generator With David Earl And David Edward’s”, (S3, ep 10, 06/03/24). “Random Trek”, (The Incomparable)(ep 6, ”Reunion (TNG)”, 03/07/14). “Robot Or Not?”, (The Incomparable)(ep 282, 04/03/24). “Smersh Pod – Ghoustbusters II”, (Pt 1, 04/03/24)(Pt 2, 05/03/24). “Space And Things Podcast”, (STP184, 07/03/24). “Space Rocket History Podcast”, (“An Encore Presentation Of ep 1”, 21/09/16)(ep 177, 14/09/16)(ep 178, 28/09/16)(ep 179, 05/10/16)(ep 180, 12/10/16). “The Adam Buxton Podcast”, (ep 222, 04/03/24). “The James Bond A to Z Podcast”, (16/02/21). “The Laurel & Hardy Podcast”, (ep 15, “Finishing Touches (1928)”, 05/08/21). “The Mystery Hour With James O’Brien”, (LBC)(07/03/24). “The Nick Abbot Habit”, (LBC)(04/03/24). “The Rewatcher: Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, (ep 1, “Welcome To The Hellmouth”, 03/10/22). “The Skewer”, (BBC Radio 4/Sounds)(S11, ep 4, 06/03/24). “The Space Shot”, (ep 306, 16/03/18)(ep 307, 17/03/18)(ep 308, 18/03/18)(ep 309, 19/03/18)(ep 310, 20/03/18)(ep 311, 21/03/18)(ep 312, 23/03/18). “Two Watch Who”, (S22, ep 6, “Revelation Of The Daleks”, 04/03/24). “Universe Today Podcast”, (ep 301, 04/11/16)(ep 302, 13/11/16)(ep 303, 15/11/16)(ep 304 & ep 305, 22/03/16)(01/03/24)(02/03/24)(04/03/24) (05/03/24). “What’s Your Problem With Nick Abbot And Carol Mcgiffin”, (LBC)(04/03/24)(08/03/24).

This Week I Enjoyed Music By……

“Morrissey”, “Aha”, “Beck”, “Cast”, “Erasure”, “Fat Boy Slim”, “Fleetwood Mac”, “Garbage”, “Jamie T”, “Joni Mitchell”, “Moby”, “Roxy Music”, “The Killers”, “The Prodigy”, “The Sundays”, “Wheatas”.