Apr9

Curry, Karaoke and Chaos!

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Curry, Karaoke and Chaos!

Last night thirty keen curry and karaoke types from Company X descended on that top Indian establishment The Jewel in the Crown. And having heard the dulcet tones of many of the vocalists and experienced top hospitality from Kash’s boys, I can speak with confidence when I say that the staff were the jewels and we merry-making music types – the crown.  And as for Howling Karaoke - they were the best !! The most comprehensive range of songs I’ve ever seen in a karaoke set-up. So, if you like a bit of a howl and a great night out – book ‘em Danno – they’re excellent!

Starting at 6pm and not finishing until after eleven thirty, this was a night to be remembered with appearances made by Elton John, Lionel Ritchie, Neil Diamond, Abba, Tammy Wynette, The Black Eyed Peas and of course Elvis – a star-studded night indeed. And everyone joined in which was fantastic – and as we all said: the combination of curry and karaoke is always a winner!

So, as we let our voices recover, hangovers to subside and dignity to be regained, we look forward to the next opportunity to howl with the Howling Karaoke team! And as for Kazim and the Jewel boys? They were absolutely fantastic and made our evening so special. An enormous thank you to them for all of their efforts and hospitality! They are the best in town!!!

Apr8

Sun at last!

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Sun at last!

Hurray for a sunny day! After all this cloud, rain and wind it’s wonderful to look out of the office and see sun and blue skies. Just a shame I’m on the wrong side of the glass! What this does mean is that with the prospect of a sunny week end, Saturday will be a day out and not a day in doing cleaning and DIY. My hot suggie is a train to Weymouth with a walk on the coastal path to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Lunch at aforementioned DD and then a walk back along the cliffs.  

Life just now is very domesticated. Ian has finished decorating the front spare bedroom and now cleared the landing of all DIY accroutrements. So now it’s time for the interesting part – choosing curtains and carpet and furniture. The plan is also to lay a wooden floor in the hallway as polishing the existing boards will not be possibe due to warping and damage so we’ll buy a nice oak flooring to lay. We’re thinking a dark red carpet to go up the stairs and across the landing with the addition of brass stair rods if funds permit…

So what of the writing? Well, in effect I’ve had a three month break having been back at work for three months but now feel ready to start the editing process of the book. The break in writing has been refreshing after 12 months slog where I got to a point where my creative brain would just seize up and I felt exhausted. But 12 weeks of using the other half of my brain has left me hungry to get started again so that I have a fully edited novel ready to take to the Winchester conference in July ( thanks to Kerry and Kay for nagging me on this! )

But there is no room for culture tonight – for this evening we have a curry and karaoke night at the Jewel in the Crown - the very best Indian restuarant on the South Coast. Yes! Thirty people from Company X will be descending on the Jewel for a night of spice and song. So, watch out Shirley – here we come!

Apr6

Easter Sunday

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Easter Sunday

We were delighted to be joined by Junior for lunch on Easter Sunday. Following initial concern that due to a virus he may not be able to attend, this plucky lad showed that he was made of stronger stuff and arrived on time escorted by his minders, Mr and Mrs Q. It would clearly take more than a bug to keep this little tot away.

Wearing a Pooh Bear themed ensemble, Junior quickly entered into the spirit of the proceedings by heading up the lunch table in his co-ordinated teddy motif high chair. Chewing on a coaster and surveying his fellow diners, Junior watched as the table tucked into a roast turkey meal followed by Mrs Q’s crowning glory – a sticky banoffee pie. Washed down with a couple of bottles of Bucks Fizz, the lunch was a resounding success, re-confirmed when Junior was overheard to comment: ‘ The turkey looked succulent and well basted and I was particularly impressed by the golden colour of the roast potatoes. Cooking doesnt get better than this.’

After lunch, the party retired to take coffee and listen to that wonderfully spiritual ensemble ‘Pick ‘n’ Strum.’ Strum had come prepared with some new ideas and Pick was only too happy to join in and fill the Easter air with a cordial harmony of melodic sounds. Junior meanwhile was seen to accept gifts marking his first Easter which, despite feeling under the weather, did not deter his enthusiasm and excitement. Can nothing get this little lad down? We cannot but be impressed by his positive and cheery attitude, especially as Mrs Q then commenced to rummage through a bin bag of unwanted clothes donated by the writer. What was particularly special was her willingness to model a host of potential outfits, showing her creativity, vivid imagination and detachment from reality.

After trifle and another of Mrs Q’s triumphs – an enormous chocolate and raspberry cake - Junior announced his intention to depart. ‘I’ve had a wonderful day,’ he was heard to say,’ and thank my family for their kind gifts. The trifle and cake would have been a firework to the palate – so why do I get given pink yogurt? I’ll be taking that up with my personal nutritionist.’

Having waved off the merry party, Mrs E is understood to have commented to Mr E: ‘£2o for an Easter Egg ? What a wicked waste! And she’s not wiped those skirting boards yet I’ll bet – I couldn’t live like that.’


Apr5

The Box Of Delights

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The Box Of Delights

Just finished reading a lovely copy of John Masefield’s The Box of Delights. My in-laws bought me a beautiful retro copy of this ‘delight’ for Christmas. I’d wanted to read it for ages as it is a 1930s timeless British childrens’ classic. At first I struggled with the paralell universe inhabited by Kay and his young friends but after the first three chapters I adapted quickly to his world where magic, medieval lanes and mystery are commonplace. I have to say I would challenge Philip Pullman, of His Dark Materials trilogy, to deny having been just a little bit inspired by Masefield’s curious world.

The story starts with Kay arriving home for Christmas by train. On a late December afternoon, with snow starting to fall, Kay encounters a strange Punch and Judy man who grants him custody of his ‘box of delights.’ The box enables Kay to ‘go swiftly’, ‘go small’ and to peer into strange worlds which he is able to enter by just looking into the old box. Kay quickly falls into trouble as a criminal group come after him, keen to gain the box which Kay seeks to protect.

While the dialogue is dated and the narrative at times laborious and overly explanatory, the descriptions are vivid and colourful as Masefield portrays a parallel world where as much is unfamiliar as familiar. A lovely nostalgic read which transports the reader back to a wonderful wintry world seen through the eyes of an eleven year old boy. And especially for Dad, I’ve attached a YouTube link where the original music can be listed to.

Mar31

Lads wot lunch

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Lads wot lunch

We were thrilled today to be joned by Junior for lunch. This little lad, clearly accustomed to dining out, was spotting smiling for photographers as they snapped away at him. But dealing with the paparazzi is all in a day’s work for this young socialite. Dressed in a smart casual combo of cowboy motif dungarees with feature turn-ups and matching navy corduroy soft bootees, Junior continues to raise the bar and set the  scene for fashionistas in the PO postcode area.

Dining on a 100% organic meal, Junior demonstrated his committment to healthy living and a zero tolerance to harmful additives and colourings.  His official minder, Mrs Q, finished the look and feel of sophisticated dining with a stunning soil and bark coloured outfit, teemed with leggings and hoof boots. Standing with hands on hips, with her overly toned calves, she looked rather like Henry the Eighth as she was seen shovelling scampi and chips into her mouth. Normally a lover of suckling pig and a dancing bear, Mrs Q was still able to relax into casual dining mode.

Rounding off the lunch, Junior ( aka Sammy Sparkle ) joined that infamous Vegas gambler Kitty Glitter for a go on the slotties. This young man really sets the social scene alight with his ready smiles, erudite sense of humour and ability to charm. Clearly no stranger to such hostleries, Junior exited to enjoy an afternoon of soft play before heading home for a light supper. We thank Junior for his time and look forward to seeing him again soon!

Mar26

A typical working day

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A typical working day

This could be the dullest post ever written but for the few people out there who are fascinated with the minutiae of suburban living it might hold a modicum of interest.

I started thinking about my daily life and became conscious of the repititious nature of it. Not that I am bored by any means, just that systematic and repetitive routines play an important part in my day to day living. Its not just about doing certain things, but doing them in the same order which gives me some control and organisation. So, detailed below is an introduction to a day in the life of a resident of No 35.

Morning – Pre work – this routine never seems to change and the order of activities remains constant:

7am get up

Go down to kitchen, switch on Radio 4, put kettle on and turn the TV on in the front room to GMTV.

Do some clearing up, load dishwasher and put washing on

Stare out of kitchen window

Remember I should have filled the kettle with water

Make sandwiches and pack them up ready for work and decide not to buy chocolate at work

Weigh myself

Groan

Shower, wash hair and blow dry in front of GMTV with a cup of tea

Eat cereal such as Maple Crisp in front of TV and wish had gone for healthier option but finish bowl anyway because it’s a crime to throw away food

Stare out of front room window watching someone tampering with a car – or maybe just going to work

Panic at lateness of hour

Clean teeth and grout up with make-up

Take Ian tea and cereal in bed

Check out cat – is it still alive? Does it require feeding?

Get dressed and leave for work

Return home as have forgotten sandwiches/phone/purse/pass

See cat has turned up and still shows vital signs so feed it

Exit building

Curse at the time

Evening – after work

Leave work circa 6/6.30

Buy food for dinner from Sainsburys avoiding scary Shirley sorts hanging around own brand vodka

Arrive home, switch on TV, and turn on radio 4 in kitchen – I hate silent rooms when I’m on my own

Put keys back in handbag and throw away chocolate wrapper from work

Hide latest arrival from Amazon

Unpack food in kitchen and put CD on: Elvis or Duffy or some ‘Ethnic tripe’ or maybe a talking book

Prepare food – my own recipes – often an acquired taste…

While food cooks watch Coach Trip

Plan caustic remark in event Ian is late ie arrives after 7.30pm which is courtesy threshold

Ian arrives at 7.35pm

Secretly pleased that Ian is late as can deliver aforementioned pre-prepared caustic remark

Eat together in the Dining Room with candles – many of which I am informed are ‘ a bloody fire hazard.’

Ian doesn’t wash up

Ian watches BBC News while I check out emails and Facebook etc

Ian either watches a film, does some programming or plays his guitar

I read and wish Ian had washed up

Tell Ian to make sure all ‘bloody fire hazard’ candles are blown out before he comes to bed

Clean teeth, remove ‘No More Nails’ grout from chops, check eye brows, put vaseline on lips and retire to bed

Unwrap latest arrival from Amazon and hide in middle of book stack by bed

Listen to Ian playing guitar and wish he practised more often…

ZZZzzzzzzsleepzzzzzZZZZZZ

Mar20

Junior’s surprise visit

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Junior’s surprise visit

We were thrilled to host a surprise visit from Junior who arrived at short notice this afternoon. Sporting a smart pastel blue-infused all-in-one jumpsuit with co-ordinating beige sockettes and navy slippers, his footwear combo showed that this boy really has a sense of style. Although last season’s must-haves, his winter wardrobe still packed a fashionable punch this wet, Southampton afternoon. Accompanied by Mrs Q Junior immediately relaxed into his new surroundings insisting on taking time out to stare at the sparkly lights in the grate.

It should be noted that Junior’s afternoon schedule was only released by his private office at short notice but this made no different to what turned into a lovely afternoon.  Armed with a selection of entertainment accessories, Junior started the afternoon by dining off a gourmet meal of fish and vegetables, the green colour of which contrasted well with the blue of his afternoon atire.

After an afternoon of play and chat, Junior announced his decision to depart and return home but not before he agreed to model his latest Jasper Conran number; a new yellow souwester.

We wish Junior well and express our gratitude at his decision to take time out of hs busy schedule to pay a visit to Janson Road.

Mar18

A crackin’ read!

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A crackin’ read!

Just finished reading Linwood Barclay’s ‘Fear the Worst’ and as usual Barclay lives up to his reputation as a pacey thriller writer of the Dan Brown genre. His books are typicaly set in suburban America and are packed with details which bring small-town America to life. His latest creation follows a single parent whose daughter secures a summer job at the Just Inn Time motel. One day she fails to return home from work and when contacting staff at the Just Inn Time, her father is told that she has never worked there. Therein begins a race against time to find Sydney, his daughter, and bring her home safely. As the mystery unravels, he discovers that there is more to Sydney’s life than he could ever have imagined. Twist upon twist leaves the reader reeling from sub plot to sub plot as Sydney eludes both the police and her frantic father desperate for news of his daughter. Get reading people – this one really is a winner!!!

Mar17

‘Pick ‘n’ Strum’ make musical magic!

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‘Pick ‘n’ Strum’ make musical magic!

Spent a lovely Mothering Sunday at Mum and Dad’s accompanied by Mr. P and joined by Mr and Mrs Q and Junior. After the customary roast lunch we adjourned to spend the entire afternoon doting on the lovely Junior. Seven months old and blooming – a little like Mrs Q who looked radiant in a moth-coloured spring ensemble. But the afternoon wouldn’t have been the same without the impromptu jamming session from the Mr’s who, feeling the creative urge, decided to make beautiful music together. And what a treat it was too with musical history made on the fly. But what is so special about these two talented musicians? Well, they offer something a little bit special, a bit unique, a bit unheard of. Pushing the barriers of traditional musical theory, these two impressarios threw caution to the wind and played from the soul. Set after set of inspiring sounds – even Junior was transfixed in wonder once he’d got bored of playing with the top of the chocolate box.  And the music became interactive as Mrs Q and Mrs P felt the call to rhythm and danced a spirital dance of lightness and light – a perfect compliment to what had now become an artistic performance. We wait to hear what next for the Mr.’s or as they are now called -  ‘Pick ‘n’ Strum’. No doubt a signing is on the way.

Mar12

‘Just don’t make me dance.’

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‘Just don’t make me dance.’

But Ian, we have come to see the wonderful Lee ‘Memphis’ King in concert and you’re already concerned about being asked to dance? Yes – Friday night saw us at the Kings Theatre in Portsmouth to see the greatest Elvis impersonator ever, perform two and a half hours of Elvis greats. Sitting there, with mascara and eyeliner running down my cheeks as Le King belted out The Wonder of You, I knew that I was in heaven. Even if Mr. Grumpy Chops refused to dance. LMK truely is as close to The King as you will get. His voice is incomparable – I really couldn’t tell the difference between my CDs and Mr King.

‘I want to get up and dance in the aisle like those other girls.’

‘No you’re not’

Pause.

‘Will you dance with me ?’

‘No’ ( face like slow setting concrete from Mr P )

Pause.

‘Right – I’m getting up’ The aisle is filling up with equally crazed women gyrating to ‘In the Ghetto’.

‘No you’re not.’

Pause

‘OK move – I’m dancing’

As I clamber over an anorak-clad Mr P and scramble into the aisle to dance with the oestrogen-fuelled crowd, I couldn’t give a rat’s backside for Mr P’s pride. This girl is dancing. Full stop.

And why not? It’s been an amazing evening. We’ve heard the very best of Elvis, in particular the Vegas years, which are our ( sorry my ) favourite. The voice is staggering – it really is as close as you will get to seeing the man himself; the actions and thrusting hips authentic; and the rhinestone suit is something else. His rendition of Memories, The Wonder of You, If I can Dream and I can’t Help Falling In Love With You are enough to bring a tear to even the toughest of South Wales’ eyes. Come on Mr P – you loved it really! Next stop Grace Lands for the ultimate pilgrimage. Long Live Elvis Presley – The King of Rock and Roll.