2934 - Girls United

Very tired, quite a late night, guitar play
Then a drink, then late night conversation
So instead of rehearsing comedy
I'm staying in. Just as well. My alarm
Is set for 6:30. Must catch the train
From Piccadilly at 8 to Wilmslow
Collecting Josie with her bags, then stayin'
Around the shops and cafes til we go
To London on the midday train. I so
Enjoy exploring the capital. They
(My two daughters) like having good old fun
When they meet all too rarely. I don't know
What we'll do yet, but we will have good days
This week Jo's on the way towards woman

2933 - The Bucket of Water Sonnet

Last night's ice bucket challenge was good fun
Nancy and Dermot did well, have to say
And a fun time was had by everyone
Hope we weren't too rude for Yanira, eh?
She's old enough to hear that stuff, surely
Woke in the night a few times, so bit tired
And that brings us sonnetly to today
Fairly interesting day at work - quite good
To have Tracey and Julie back, both buoyed
Up by just-finished holidays, one in
Italy, one in Disneyworld USA
Just one more work day, then me and Jo head
Just like this time last year down to London
By train to stay with Pearl for a few days

2932 - Ice ice babies

A fun day, first of all my short stories
Then ironing, then got inspiration
To write, first time for a while, poetry
Not particularly clever, but on
The button, rhythmically. And then the fun
Continued, listening to Symphony Nine
By Mahler, one of my faves, and then down
Town, met Nancy, she was nervous, the time
Drew close to the Ice Bucket Challenge, mine
As posted yesterday on Facebook. he's
Late, we thought, where's Dermot, but the tension
Relieved when he arrived. The film went fine
On Nancy's phone of them both water-freezed
A few more drinks, a meal, and day was done

Mon 25 August

2931 - Bucketheads

Woke up quite early, bit tired, thinking 'bout
The ice bucket challenge I had to do
Been nominated by Martina out
In Bratislava, very surprised too
There was research and purchases, I knew
Bought bucket from Sainsburys, but the ice
Would have to wait till the waking of Lou
Because I've no freezer, so went out twice
To the supermarket. It was a nice
Big bag of ice, nowhere to store it. Showed
Lou how to video on my phone, then cue
The embarrassing filming, with the eyes
Of neighbours maybe on us all about
Lots of reaction. Tomorrow - part two!

2930 - Big Apple

Today, Saturday, got to Jo's early
11.15, then train into town
I'd seen some Gay Pride floats getting ready
For their big day, with sunshine shining down
But once we got to town, we weren't around
The parade, we were in the Arndale once
Again. Avoided spending for once, found
That Jo had no argument in her bonce
For needing anything, so she ensconced
Herself in the Apple store, fantasy
That she might get from me a new i-Phone
Don't think so somehow! Ate crap, McDonalds
Which wasn't good. After I said goodbye
Went home, strummed, watched footy with Lou, that's sound

Sat 23 August

2929 - Forgot again!

Oh dear, I forgot to post a sonnet
Yesterday, I don't know why, no excuse
What I remember was I worked at it
At work, and went home, then I played some tunes
On the guitar, some beers on the go, lose
Track of time, I guess, Louis was there, I
Watched some old Kate Bush stuff on TV, whose
Stuff struck me as great, and then late, ate my
Tea, dinner, or whatever you call my
Late night meal, then to bed, and I forget
Just when I forgot about daily verse
This really is pie in the sky and eye
Stuff, I'm sorry for this useless old shit
I had no idea I'd forgot my news

About Fri 22 August

2928 - Thick pigeon shit

Oh pigeon, squatting smugly on the branch
Opposite my balcony, where you once
Squatted and shat profusely with your haunch
On my exterior light. Not just my hands
But even sharp-pronged metallic objects
Could not deter you, my return from work
Tarnished by its brandishing at your ass
To no avail. Next day once more you'd park
Your butt on my square light-cover and look
Down with superiority, approach
Of human owner wryly observed, hunch
I might not be pleased, too right. Well now, fuck
Off, enjoy that thin branch, I have finished
Hosting your ass. Look at me if you want

I removed the square light-cover on which the pigeon used to perch, about a year ago, and now the fat bastard has to make do with a relatively thin branch. Ha!

2927 - Tax and Dermy

I lay awake at times, as it got light
And by the time I had to get up, was
Still sleepy. At work, found, to my delight
Some new courses for Microsoft Office
2013, which means I can practice
Excel and other stuff while I've got time
In the afternoon, chatted to two guys
Who've just arrived this week, not in my team
But Environmental Taxes. Told them
A bit more about our work, some insights
Into Oils in particular, my years
Of experience appreciated by some!
Decided this evening too tired to write
Discussed with Derm our comedy futures

2926 - Animal nightlife

Well where is Louis, when's he gonna show
He's been at his Mum's flat since Friday, now
It's Tuesday evening. He stayed at hers so
He could feed the cat while Vee B went down
To London to visit Miss P around
The capital's top spots and whatnot, see
Mind you, Lou also thought that he had found
Some peace and quiet, an opportunity
To write in a comfy flat, all lonely
And undisturbed by me, and yes I know
That does appeal to a writer. But how
Much longer will it be before I see
Him come through that door? The days go by slow
As I wait for the next trip - London! Wow.

2925 - Write on, man, write on

Hee hee, I'm feeling pretty good, now I've
Just unexpectedly written some short
Story stuff, not just any kind of stuff
This feeling of achievement can't be bought
Not bad after a day's work, when one ought
To be too knackered, but no, I'm alright
Shopped at lunchtime, that also meant I cut
Down the length of the working day a bit
Got curry-coated peanuts and, I might
Add, coconut flakes - eating both I love
Both are this year's discoveries, and I've sort
Of switched from bread to Ryvita. Marmite
Goes on those, not on starchy bread, yes, bruv
And now to practise guitar, strum and strut

2924 - Night time ain't the write time

My brain's fried, but I wrote more short stories
Earlier on, that often surprisingly
Tires the mind, though the body seems at ease
And yet it feels like I've put my body
Through a big workout, but just mentally
These stories would be good to read sometime
But getting them published would most please me
I really must try to work on them, find
Regular spaces of quality time
My only recent excuse - holidays
And also being tired after work, maybe
Not really tired, just less creative mind
In the evening than morning. Saturdays
I go see Josie. That just leaves Sunday!

2923 - Reunited

Early to see Josie, she's not ready
They lie in real late these days, at weekends
Went shopping in Manchester again, she
Is good now at persuading me to spend
Today, a Hype bag and Nike trainers, and
I bought myself green trousers and a blue
T-shirt from Officers Club where I find
Lots of good cheap clothes like Primark but few
People in comparison in the queue
We also ate at new Rowntree Cafe
Near the Arndale. But Louis' paying rent
Now he's working, so that's why I thought 'You
Can afford all this!' Premier League's back. See
All the United fans all back again

2922 - Happiness is not a warm sex pistol

Friday night, but not spent in out-patients
A reference to a Smiths song, by the way
Not 'By The Way' - that was by someone else
The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Yesterday
(The Beatles) I had a red hot curry
Tim Curry, Tim Rice, Andrew Lloyd-Webber
No, they weren't there, that was merely word-play
My sex was on fire, and I'm no fibber
Cos when I got home, pissing hurt. Bieber
May piss you off, but he still has his fans
Though most are extractors, detractors they
Are many, when he's like an amoeba
Camper Van Beethoven spends time in tents
But me, tonight, at home is where I'll stay

2921 - Curry worries

It's getting late, back from a hot curry
In the company of Fat Roland's mates
It was a lamb and garlic, they asked me
How hot, so I replied maximum heat
The waiter was funny, they're often sweet
These fools that ask for a hot one, but then
They can't take it, but my mouth won't be beat
It took me a while, and I was gaspin'
A bit, swigged beer, but that wasn't helpin'
It was Fat Roland's 41st, memory
Awoken on the walk to Rusholme, eighties
Hangouts aplenty, many of them gone
The Clarence is now the Phoenix, he he
It rose from the Irish ashes - that's fate

2920 - While the sun shines

Came home early, got quite a few things done
Nothing interesting, cleaning, ironing shirts
Getting a little warmed up, the sun shone
Through the window of the flat, its rays hurt
Magnified in intensity, they cut
The skin in tiny ways you can't help feel
Nevertheless, I still had time to put
On the guitar and play, and had a real
Go at some Magazine tracks with appeal
That I knew from years ago, as a son
Sitting in the back room, speakers were shit
But still I soaked it all up, tried to fill
The gaps in my mind that are still not gone
Though I have learned to keep them more secret

2919 - Goodbyeeeee

Oh well, here we are, one more day is gone
Everyone's agonising over the
Death of Robin Williams, yes, he was one
Of a kind, stand-up genius, what can you
Say? Apart from that, life goes on, oh yeah
What is there to say? Nothing, I would say
So let's carry on, try not to despair
No, let's instead try hard to say hurray
Why, I'm not sure, but we are here today
So while we're here, we must just carry on
Of course, there have been great people, no more
With us, but there are new people always
Let's look forward, let's not worry, move on
And so a day ends, does anyone care?

2918 - It noh funny

Very low on energy today, as
I was yesterday evening. I have got
A bug. I developed mild earache this
Afternoon at work. That's something I've not
Had for many years! Don't think I will jot
Down a comedy routine for tomorrow
At the King's Arms, would rather just chill out
Except I've arranged a meeting, you know
With John L at the Salford Arms to go
Over our Greek odyssey plans, discuss
Our Vikos Gorge walk, and how we might get
To Albania. And we can talk also
About our respective recent trips, his
To Germany, mine Hungary (when hot!)

2917 - Stationery to stationery

Overdid it somewhat last night, I think!
Woke at eleven, was late for the train
To see Josie. I briefly thought a think
That I should call it off, what with the rain
Forecast from the Bertha ex-hurricane
But I wanted to see my little belle
And we had a nice day. Arndale again
Buying her back to school stationery, full
Bags from two shops, stuff for art, maths and all
Wanted a cafe meal, keep in the pink
No fast food, not today, just for a change
But went to Wagamama. Really full
After my dish and also helped to sink
Some of Josie's big soup! But can't complain!!

2916 - I am right!

Today was Saturday, oh yes it was
A crazy day, I settled down to write
Short stories fit for kids, yet those stories
Also have meanings for adults, they might
We never know what people might like, quite
Lowbrow sometimes, but never give in to
Commerciality, that's not me, slight
Benefit briefly but not long term. Who
Gives a damn apart from money men. Pooh!
I am me, not you, if you don't like, shush
I'd rather remain free to scale the height
And if I don't succeed, I'll just say shoo!
I don't give a fuck for your shit business
The only thing I care for is what's right

2915 - It's a Sunni day

And now on to today, what happened next?
How about a quick news round-up, you say?
The main story - the US bombs Iraq's
Invading Islamic State force as they
Drive out ethnic minorities, the way
Almost clear for mass ethnic cleansing and
Unopposed Sunni Islam holding sway
As if there's that much difference from that and
Shia Islam, or Christian groups. The sand
Does not distinguish their feet. Gaza's fixed
Grimly for more Israeli rockets. Stay
Cool, Manchester's protesters. Make your stand
Peacefully about this far-off conflict
Finally, UK football's back today...

2914 - What happened next?!...

A late delivery of yesterday's verse
So sorry, but it slipped my mind again
Not drunk, didn't go out, no real excuse
For letting this duty slip from my brain
So what happened yesterday? Let me strain
My mind. Oh yes, the main achievement was
Thinking of punchlines, hope it's not in vain
Punchlines for mine and Dermot's sketch, because
The aim's to 'make 'em laugh' without much pause
And not to make them stare, all tense and terse
I sent the lines to Dermot, then restrained
End to the evening. High society whores
Flocked to Rasputin's side, so the book says
Or implies. The tale draws towards its end...

About Thur 7 August

2913 - Etch a sketch

Despite everything, I will post my post
I'm not sure what to say, as it is late
But basically I'll say what is the most
In my brain at this late hour, trust to fate
Well I met up with Dermot about eight
To resurrect our partnership, and it
Went quite well, swapped ideas, had a debate
About a new comedy scene, a skit
It's all been done before, but some minutes
Were spent and then we agreed we could coast
Along with a sketch in which we relate
A punchline incorrectly, then we hit
The audience with the formula that shows
That we have a good act that they won't hate

Wed 6 August

2912 - Ironing Man

Fun fun fun, just realised what I could do
This evening. Ironing! Listen to Mahler
Read a biog of Rasputin, then you
Know what? That's it! I'll hit the sack, that's where!
But so what, all that's worth doing, can't share
Excitement every day, so let's just chill
That's what most do anyway. If not, they're
Dying to get the chance. Ain't got the will
To write short stories tonight, I am still
Too tired for that. Best wait til mind's like new
And thoughts are golden, or at least silver
Til then, iron shirts, Mahler's Third, all is well
And by the way, a big hearty fuck you
To all the boring people everywhere!

2911 - Holy days

So what about today? Well I was back
In the office, not been there for two weeks
Only saw Hazel for one day, as luck
Would have it, cos she's off for one more break
So soon after Menorca, going to take
A week in Malta, would you believe it
Still, soon enough I'll make the same mistake
(Not) and have fun away from work and shit
The main difficulty's to reignite
That deadened memory of the bric a brac
Of short-term technicalities that flake
Off from the brain on holiday, excite-
ment and memories replace their dull dark
Shadowy valleys with sharp sunlit peaks

2910 - Got to get away

Oops I forgot it again, so sorry
Now I've got to remember yesterday
Oh yeah, that's right, I went to see Josie
It was warm, mainly sunny. Made our way
To Manchester, not sure what game to play
Saw demonstrators and heard speakers crowd
Into Piccadilly Gardens to flay
Verbally Israel's rockets raining loud
And fiery upon Gaza, like some God
From the Old Testament. Jo, uneasy
Asks if we can get far from there, away
From what she felt might turn violent. We should
Not have done, but we went to Mac's, cheaply
Eating and drinking, not to worry, eh?

About Sun 3 August

2909 - Pesetas from heaven

A lie-in, oh heaven, and then did stuff
Til about 3:30 when played guitar
Then out to town, avoiding rain, enough
Of being soaked, met Nancy, Yenira
Her Spanish friend, in Subway, drank my share
Of Coke, then to the Castle, sat upstairs
Some noisy women, loud jukebox, found a
Seat downstairs, then we went to Gullivers
For Tales of Whatever, and what occurs
Is hard to follow, if you're Spanish, tough
Walked Yenira home, and it's not that far
From hers to mine, nor from my place to hers
Now I must go to bed, imagine love
It may exist, although I'm not so sure...

Sat 2 August

2908 - Dratislava!

Last day of Central Europe holiday
Up at 4:20 am, oh my God
Caught the X-13 bus at 5:03
Or thereabouts to Bratislava's good
Main station - not! Why? My train was delayed
By - wait for it - 100 minutes! Shit!
Thank God I got up early. If I had
Gambled on a later one I'd have missed
My flight, quite likely. Just about made it
As it was. Got soaked as I made my way
From Deansgate to my flat. It felt quite odd
Being back here, not in a Slavic state
Or a Magyar one. Europe's my mainstay
for mind-expanding trips - it's mental food

Fri 1 August

2907 - Brat's the way to do it

(Written next morning) Somewhat disturbed night
In the top bunk, few beers notwithstanding
Noisy bastards, people turning on light
The noise of the fan sounded like wanking
Nice breakfast at the Hostel Blues, chatting
To the friendly staff, suggested a tour
Of Bratislava. Turned out interesting
And made the most out of my short time here
Martina the guide. Two Mexicans were
Very pretty. Lunch with two guys. I tried
The Slovak national dish, and tried drinking
Kofola, a less sweet Coke, which was more
Appealing than beer right then. Saw more sights
On my own, then a quiet night's hostelling

Thur 31 July

2906 - My brilliant Korea

This was written the following morning
Although I could have written it last night
I was real tired at Miklos', waking
It started off cloudy but became bright
And warm. We drove to Budapest to quite
A deserted flea market. I searched for
Some Communist relics and hats, and tried
A few on, but they made me look not more
Good than normal, shall I say? Little tour
Round Kispest, then goodbye with handshaking
Thanks, family! Train at the last minute
To Bratislava in Slovakia
Met Min from Korea on train, eating
With her that evening, then beer, then good night

Wed 30 July

2905 - Not going Hungary

My last full day in Hungary - oh, shame!
Big breakfast followed all too soon by lunch
Enjoyable food though, guilty all the same
For not eating more delicious duck. Scrump-
tious it was, but if I had munched more munch
It would have been greedy. Hopefully they
Can enjoy it this coming week. Feet crunched
On gravel, trod lightly on sand, away
On Szentendre Island beach campsite, my
First river swim, and it's the Danube.* I'm
So pleased we went there. Then, ferry to Vac
Wandered round that old town. Miklos showed me
Some of the sights of Leanyfalu* though time
And light was against us. Supper. Wine. Slump

* The very small beach was at the head of the island in the Danube, just beyond the small island resort town of Kisorozso
*Leanyfalu, pronounced something like Layanfalu

Tue 29 July

2904 - Commie busted

Tonight I'm tired, it's been a long long day
But some pretty amazing sights were seen
Good lie-in, Miklos' little lad lay
In later than expected. Breakfast, then
Read one of Miklos' many books on
British humour. Hungarian dictionary
Was also poured over, then lumch, then soon
We did some food shopping. Hot and sunny
Drove into Budapest so I could see
The park of Communist statues. Skies grey
Then rain fell heavy on that sombre scene
Made fun by today's clambering kids, happy
Because not so oppressed as yesterday
Lastly, Margit Island, so long and green

Mon 28 July

2903 - The rain in Hungary falls mainly on the hungry

Said my goodbyes one by one to them all
Except Bryon, who left early morning
I didn't see him, or Mikey. A real
Nice kiss and hug from Karen, who's going
To Vienna. Goodbye Emma, saying
Goodbye to Bridget and Jeff. Walked to train
Pulling my suitcase, the train arriving
In Szentendre... I shelter from the rain
Then explore this tourist town, old and quaint
And then, at three, Miklos, with a carful
Of wife and two kids, and soon we're driving
Beside the Danube, to Visegrad, great
Old hill fort, then Esztergom Cathedral
And Slovakia* by Danube bridge crossing

*Sturovo, on the opposite bank from Esztergom (Hungary)

Sun 27 July

2902 - Hot hostel

It's my last full day at Home Made Hostel
Talking to Karen from Belgium a lot
Bryon is popping in and out, and all
The others are in adjoining room, chat
Fuelled by drink, drinking games and all of that
This is a fun time, hoped that it would be
That's why I go to hostels, meet the nats
That's my rhyme for the nationalities
The whole time I've been here there's been such heat
We're all sweaty together, all is well
I don't fancy a disco tonight, not
Anymore, I'd rather just take a seat
I like dancing, but embarrassing dad spell
Isn't a good thing with youngsters, it's not...

Sat 26 July

2901 - Buddy pest

A hot day again, went to synagogue
With a group from the hostel. It was big
Bought a fridge magnet and postcard to log
What I've been up to. Struggled with posting
It though. People in Post Office pushing
In, not queuing. Same in supermarket
In the afternoon, me and Bryon picked
Some places to walk to - the Parliament
Which looked quite new and clean. Then sat
On a riverside bench and had a talk
Mainly him, about foreign girls he'd hugged
Kissed, talked to, or whatever. We all met
Up again later in the kitchen, cooked
Food (by the girls) was nice, then more drinking...

Fri 25 July

2900 - Staying cool in Budapest

Up about 8:30, a quick breakfast
Another hot day, first a walking tour
With a friendly girl guide, of Budapest
Finishing with a fine filling repast
We all enjoyed, 6 of us, all hostel
People - Bryon, Emma, Mikey, all crossed
The Atlantic from the States - two people
Like myself from GB, Virginia (girl)
And boyfriend Kieran. Bought an ice cream for
Cooling down. Next, Szechenyi Baths, a blast
Was had trying the different pools and four
Saunas and steam rooms, getting hot, then cool
Next, it's time to eat, and maybe a last
Few late night drinks. first full day, not a bore!!

Thur 24 July

2899 - Home Made Hostel

I'm sitting here in the Home Made Hostel
In central Budapest, on Terez Street
It's very hot, and I like that quite well

Although there is a tendency to sweat
It's early days, don't know Budapest yet
So I'm hanging out with Americans
There's a free guided tour tomorrow - that
Should be informative, it should make sense
Of this town on the first full day, and then
In the evening, there's a beer tour, oh hell
If I can do these things it will be neat
But should I wear long or should wear short pants
How hot will it be, will I feel so well
I must sign off now, go to bed, no sheets...

Wed 23 July