2966 - Pub quiz

It's late, and because we came in third place
I had a few ales, that was the third prize
But I need more booze to pour in my face
I just can't accept it's been finalised
Anyway, we did well, I specialised
And Alison was a real expert on
Films, TV and stuff, it was a surprise
How much she knew about old stuff that's from
The seventies, or eighties, and we won
Third prize, which meant that I could fill my face
With free beer, and I did, so scandalise
Me if you must, but I now rest upon
The fact that we did well, but now erased
Are my memories of how things arrived

Mon 29 Sep

2965 - UKDK

It's not going well for Tories or Labour
The two main parties are both losing friends
Maybe Salmond was right 'bout Westminster
The same feeling exists here in England
And no doubt in Wales and Northern Ireland
At least those two have their own small parties
That exert some power and some influence
Locally and nationally, unlike these
MPs of Labour and of the Tories
London-dominated, centralised, power
Exerted by the rich, throwing fag-ends
Of spin our way, especially as it nears
Election time. Well, maybe there'll be a
Swing away from them and their cosy ends

Sun 28 Sep

2964 - Red missed

It's been a fun afternoon out with Jo
I woke up late, at almost eleven
And at first she said she wanted to go
To Stockport, not Manchester, the reason
Is she was worried 'bout terrorism
In the end though because of her new phone
She wanted a United phone case and
That meant going to the store. Everyone
Would be there, Manchester United home
To West Ham today. But, what a shame, though
There was a match on, the store's not open
Neither were the toilets, so we were gone
Although we did get caught up in the flow
Of reds fans heading home on tram and train!

2963 - Sonnet for Joni

Fun sort of day at work I guess though lots
Of work to be done while some just chatted
Anyway, now I'm home, and I have just
Exercised on the bedroom floor, and that's
The first time in a while. Meanwhile the flat
Seems to be mine this weekend, Louis out
At his mum's empty flat so he can write
I just feel like listening to music. Out
Myself Sat and Sun, so I'll just chill out
It is quite chilly out now, summer plummets
It's clearly coolly autumn, coat and hat
Advised, and the hat's not to keep sun out
But to keep top of head reasonably hot
In the cool, though sunburn-irritated

2962 - Bright sparks

Second day back at work (still adjusting!)
Mainly over in Trinity Bridge House
In a hot overcrowded room, dozing
Here and there, heavy eyelids, sleepy eyes
Finally though my interest slightly rose
As a man talked about consultations
I will allegedly do one of those
Quite soon, and so I paid close attention
Not that much of value was said, but some
Bright sparks asked questions, thus showing
How bright and sparky they were, and it shows
Tonight just played guitar, got washing done
Not much of real excitement happening
It's a long evening... Maybe get some booze?

2961 - They've had their chips

First day back at work, worked quite long and hard
Chatted to workmates, not too much, oh no!
No white shirt in the wardrobe. Been abroad
And got a new tan to show off, you know!
In the end, wore a patterned red one, though
My tan was still quite visible, I think!
After work, met Louis in town, Leo's
Chippie, then after chips, haddock and drink
(Louis' a veggie, just had chips, barm, drink...)
We caught the tram down to the Etihad
Stadium to watch Manchester City go
And get seven goals almost in a blink
In the second half against Wednesday (bored
In first half!) Now it's highlights TV show!

2960 - First day back

(A day late, posting about yesterday)
A long and busy day, though spent at home
Only four hours sleep, cos of the delay
With the late plane home from Corfu, with some
Mistakes made by easyJet, the wrong plane
Being one of them. No more trains would run
At gone 2 a.m, but a bus then came
At 2:30 to take us home. Right on!
Sleep came at 4:45. Yes, it came
At last! Bliss! First chore though on the new day
Was unblocking the loo, rubber gloves donned
Then sorted my holiday photos, gained
Some likes. Typed up my Greek jokes and twenty
Fun travel limericks. How I like to roam!

About Tue 23 Sep

2959 - Up and down Corfu

It's the final day of our holidays
Although humid, there's been a lot of cloud
Some sunny spells. The timing was OK
We got a bus from out of Corfu Town
To Mount Pantokrator, the highest mount
On the island, 3,000 feet, not tall
Compared to some in Greece, but a foot-pound
All right. Was worried sun will make us boil
And sweat profusely, but it clouded well
And screened us from sun on our upward way
We walked through clouds, it was cool but the shroud
Of mist hid the views. The sun came out while
We were at Agni Beach, cooling sea spray
Great last treat on the same day we fly out

Mon 22 Sep

2958 - And wine not?

It may be Sunday, but who gives a fuck?
Today we went from Saranda to Corfu
Most of the day was Saranda, as luck
Would have it, then the ferry took us to
Corfu from Albania, travellers me and you
Dragged my suitcase to the hotel, sweaty
Changed tops, a bottle of wine by the sea
Lots of midges biting, not biting me
Then to a restaurant, prices not low
But what can you do, when you're all at sea?
Corfu, Albania, it's all the same sea
Ionian, south of Adriatic, pluck
One from the other, all comes down to luck
I'm pissed, that's all I'd like to say to you!!

Sun 21 Sep

2957 - I owe an Ionian

Bit of a lie-in, for a change on this
Holiday in Greece and Albania
Not a good breakfast, was taking the piss
In Hotel Giraldo, Gjirokaster
Walked up the hill to the old town, then the
Time came to catch the bus to the resort
Of Saranda. The beach was pebbly, a
Trial for bare feet. John actually got cut
On the feet. Swam in the sea, quite far out
The Ionian Sea, nice and warm it was
Concluded the day with a meal and beer
Nearly 50 lek spent from our account
But for two two-course meals and booze, well it's
Not that much. Overall, it's still cheap, yeah?

Sat 20 Sep

2956 - Kids in Albania

A very long day, up at crack of dawn
The 7 a.m. bus from Monodendri
To Ioannina... Of sleep I was shorn
The morning mist in the mountains. Then we
Walked to Perama. Sat in a cafe
While John visited the cave. Caught the bus
To Gjirokastra, Albania. Happy
Walking around, everyone jaywalks. Sussed
Out the castle and old town, now tourist-
Friendly. Downhill to the new bustling town
Mixture of girls and boys still there to see
Scooters, cars, but traffic lights don't exist
Roundabouts are anarchic. When we'd seen
The main sights, chicken and chips, beer, TV

Fri 19 Sep 

2955 - Gorge-ous

Today could be Scots' independence day
The day the Jocks vote, their referendum
On whether to stay or leave the UK
Although it affects us, it's up to them
There could be reprisals from Cameron
If they have the audacity to go
Meanwhile today in Greece it's been good fun
Got up early, got lost bag back, that's so
Lucky, it contained my passport! We showed
A fleet foot in the Vikos Gorge today
Good exercise, though quite a strain for some
Mainly shaded by trees, pleasant to go
Along. Got a lift back from the cafe-
Owner at Vikos. Shared ride with Germans

Thur 18 Sep

2954 - Ioannina to Monodendri

Had breakfast at the Dioni Hotel
In Ioannina, north-west part of Greece
An area they call Zagori. All well
At first, wandered round, saw the lake, a nice
View, blue water and sky, and all at peace
Busy streets in town centre though, no sign
Of austerity. Frappe. Caught the bus
To Monodendri, but changed buses. In
The rush I left my bag on the first one
(With passport in it!) I thought 'Fucking hell!
How will I get that back?' Didn't need police
Spoke to the driver. He rang the first one
And it was agreed that next morning we'll
Meet and he'll return it. Hotel's GORGE-ous!

Wed 17 Sep

2953 - Corfu to Ioannina

First full day in Greece. Woke up in Corfu
Aided by lots of noise from cranes moving
Rocks in the harbour. Only got a few
Hours sleep, just made breakfast, was enjoying
(Missing line)
The last two fried eggs, and a boiled egg. Then
We strolled along the seafront, me dragging
My suitcase on wheels in the heat. Hopped on
The ferry to Igoumenitsa. Some
Hours there, killing time, drinking Alfa brew
Til the 5:30 bus. We were going
To Ioannina, got there 'bout 7
Seems full of students. Cheap food, meatball soup
Then a few beers, late to bed. Eyes shutting...

Tue 16 Sep

2952 - Late night trip to Greece

Hello everyone, we are here in Greece
Afternoon flight, Manchester to Corfu
But time zones mean that we arrive, crisis
Eleven is quite late, for me and you
We did our best to find a decent brew
In Corfu Town. It's not all cheap, no way
But we found somewhere, drank beers, wine, what have you
And drank til beyond 3, accepting they
Wouldn't serve beer that time, not OK
And so tomorrow, ferry, mainland, is
Our goal, to Ioannina, get straight through
Stay there one night, then somehow make our way
To the Vikos Gorge. Have a peace-
ful night, and I wish the exact same to you

Mon 15 Sep 

2951 - Scotland and Stockport

The day started with Salmond and Darling
Being interviewed on the Andrew Marr Show
About the Scottish vote that is taking
Place while me and John walk the gorge and go
To Albania. When will we get to know
The result? We'll be so far away then
Then I went to Stockport baths with li'l Jo
Managed to lift her, using all my strength
Up out of the water by her feet, and
Keep her there for a few seconds! Laughing
As usual, a bit late getting home though
And cold (no coat). Got back, let Louis in
He'd been locked out all day! He's suffering
With a cold. I'll make him toast and milk now

2950 - Old wave

Not done much today, mainly just reading
Through the Encyclopedia of New Wave
The author's American, he's using
A Yank definition of who to save
For inclusion, and who not. Meanings weave
In and out as you fly the Atlantic
Different interpretations, some which they've
Adapted and altered from historic
UK roots. We before that twisted, tricked
Continental words, subtly transforming
The Latin sound and meaning to less suave
Maybe, the Anglo-Saxon Germanic
Brutalising the mellifluous ring
To that monotonous drone that we have

2949 - Get us to the Greek!

That's it, my last day's work done, now I can
Concentrate on my upcoming travel
To Greece and Albania along with John
Might be more difficult this time to 'pull'
For those who think I'm a magnet for girls
(So untrue). Still not got my currency
Do they use the euro in Greece? Same thrill
As last time when I went there, hopefully
Sunshine, signs all in Greek, all that we'll see
Blue sea around Corfu, then the mainland
Walking a great long gorge, hope that goes well
Then crossing into that strange old country
Albania, what will it be like, and when
We reach Tirana? Soon I'll know and tell...

2948 - What a performance!

Warm night, just got back from Bridgewater Hall
Where I witnessed a most emotional scene
The Kinshasa Symphony Orchestra, all
There, playing alongside the Halle, been
There many times but I have never seen
Anything quite like that, tears in my eyes
Some beautiful ladies gliding between
The regulars, in African dresses
Being treated to sounds of Sibelius
Berlioz and Beethoven, with them mingled
Their own music, players and choir, all being
Too much to take, knowing the sheer duress
Of living in the Congo, somehow still
Achieving this. Beautiful human beings

2947 - Heavy old thing

Agreed Monday night, tonight we'll rehearse
Dermot and me, the comedy duo
Although I'd like if I could pop in first
To the new music open mic night, though
I may never perform there, as I'm so
Scared of playing live music to this day
But a local good music night is oh
So needed, especially if the hosts may
Provide a guitar? I hate lugging my
Heavy old thing around! Then get the purse
Out and sink some pints as we think of new
Funny scenarios, still wanna try
Though we can both do solo, and may, yes
It's fun though chatting and drinking, you know

2946 - Thoughts at speed

Oops, nearly forgot my sonnet again
Need to get to bed, knackered, yes indeed
I need to rest all of body and brain
I need to dream about planting a seed
I need people's bullshit like a nosebleed
Maybe in dreams they'll act more like they should
Made a few new friends today, I'm quite pleased
On Facebook, I mean, lol, not the real world
Well, one or two I met last night, Salford
(Or maybe Manchester?) - the Eagle Inn
Who are your friends? The ones when I'm in need
Maybe, or just the ones with whom a word
Can be shared, loud laughs following - yes, fun
Is the main thing I hope for. Thoughts at speed

Tue 9 Sep

2945 - The Eagle Flies on Monday

It appears that England beat Switzerland
But more importantly, I had a good
Night out, at The Eagle, no, not a band
This time, but spoken word, yes, spoken word
One of the best nights on the scene I've heard
And seen with my own eyes, and taken part
In, although I was lucky, I was drawed
Out of the hat to perform, so I start
By bounding up the steps, then face toward
The audience, who at that night are just grand
Delivered my new poem which I would
Like to say was published, but it is not
But I only wrote it this last weekend
'Closing Time' was its name, it was good, bud

2944 - Baby steps

It's late Sunday night, back from Whalley Range

Watched jazz at the Hillary Step, OK

The violinist, Olivia Moore was slightly strange

Playing St Saens style with two guys, but they

Were playing mid-twentieth century way

It livened up a bit towards the end

But by then I was on Facebook, sorry

To say. Earlier on, managed to amend

Friday night's pub draft of a new poem

I'd like to read tomorrow on the stage

At Evidently at the Eagle. Stayed

Away a couple months, but now all them

Need to hear my latest one out its cage

And set free to fly, up, up and away

2943 - The Big Apple (Rip-Off)

A humid day also a humorous
Day with Josie Wosie in Manchester
The north-west city that's most populous
As usual headed for the Apple store
Where she pleaded again and again for
Me to buy her an expensive i-Phone
The i-Phone 5C (colour, white). I'm poor
Doesn't she know that? Have pity on Tone
My liquid capital would all be blown
I said I'd go halves with her mum, Christmas
It's not so long to wait now, I told her
We're planning Christmas do's now, booking's done
By work colleagues. The Albert Square Chop House
Is where. And now it's time to play guitar

2942 - Weekend rules

It's late, gone 1a.m. out for a meal
With Dermot and Nancy, good fun it was
Then home, chat with Louis, keepin'it real
Whatever that means, now it's time for verse
Not quite Byronic, Tennysonian, worse
But a little bit Liz Barrett Browning
Hang on, I feel the need to dump, excuse
Me..... Ah, that's better, much more relaxing
As they say, things are better out than in
When I've done this, I'll drink some beer and feel
The weekend vibe washing over me, cos
It's my time now, not theirs, it's exciting
Just being your own master, the appeal
Of freedom, that feels so truly precious

Fri 5 Sept 

2941 - Deathmocracy

The NATO summit at Cardiff today
Has been discussing Ukraine and Isis
Seems wars will never end after all, they
Just keep on keepin' on, and some say this
Is deliberate. Some people make profits
And they are powerful, they pay you well
If you serve them, not on the front line, that's
Paid poorly, but at the political
Level, where negotiations can entail
Whether 'we' should invade, bomb, or just pay
Others to fight, gather intelligence
And shoot each other, 'we' divide and rule
In the name of democracy, hurray
And religion of course, of course, of course

2940 - Dearth of mirth

What can you say about it? What can you?
What is 'it?' you ask. The Worst Comedy
Night in Salford, that's what. It's hard to do
But me and Dermot are qualified, see?
We've done it often enough to be free
With comments. Tonight we both turned up there
And did a double act, professionally
(Not.) Where was everyone? Seemed there was a
Generational divide, and the 'ha'
Was lost on some of them. But this is true
There few jokes to speak of, but quickly
In the interval, the noise of laughter
Reasserted itself, but not on cue
During the acts quiet reigned reliably

2939 - London Day Five

Up early. Pearl's ice bucket challenge, then
Met her at New Cross Gate, after doctor's
Appointment. Went by bus to Greenwich in
The Green Cafe, then bought book, then onwards
To Blackheath via Greenwich Park, but there's
Steady rainfall. No coat. Bought more stuff there
Then train and bus back to Pearl's, then quick! Let's
Get to Euston! Bye, Pearl! Me and Jo were
On a delayed train to Wilmslow, Cheshire
Her mum collected her, then I then went
To Manchester, chores at home, then rehearsed
With Dermot tomorrow's regime, yes sir
Pints in the Salford Arms, then typed up in
My flat, emailed it to us both. Oh yes

About Mon 1 Sep

2938 - London Day Four

Last full day in London, staying at Pearl's
After getting ready late, had breakfast
At '178' Cafe, New Cross, with piles
Of pancakes and bacon in syrup. Fast
Dash to the train station, Hampstead or bust
Met Orla, Pearl's pal, walked upon the heath
Nice pint outside, then once more caught the bus
This time to Regents Park. We had a brief
Walk round the gardens. Noticed that our teeth
Were starting to crave food, so walked a mile
To East Street oriental place, a most
Enjoyable sea food spicy soup! I believe
This was among the best things I've had. Swirls
Of flavour, orange soup. Oh taste of tastes!

About Sun 31 Aug

2937 - London Day Three

A pleasant day, warm but not too sunny
Breakfast at our favourite cafe, New Cross
Then bus to Camberwell, then to Brixton
The place for fashion, reggae and all sorts
Electric Avenue, with market stalls
Bought a hat, wore it the rest of the day
Posed in Brixton, then Horniman House, all
The way to Forest Hill, then on our way
Again by bus to Lewisham, great way
To finish, lovely grub, and beer, hee hee
Beer cheese with croutons; then some crayfish balls
New Orleans-style. Good chat with Jo and P
Walked home from there to New Cross, chattily
Writing this, 'bout to watch 'Pushing Daisies'

About Sat 30 August

2936 - London Day Two

First of all, Josephine she slept too long
The morning wasted, got fed up waiting
(Bit like her mother.) Finally got along
To Goldsmiths Cafe, welcome lunch feasting
Caught train and tube to Sloane Square, for walking
The King's Road, Chelsea. Crossed the Thames to walk
Battersea Park power station, crossing
The Thames again, through Pimlico, a fork
Right, and crossed Vauxhall Bridge, plenty of talk
Along the South Bank once more, with the throng
Waited for Pearl. Men are always waiting...
Meal at Strada. Pearl's good news about work
She's going to be a teacher from next spring
But where, she doesn't know. She'll be moving...

About Fri 29 August

2935 - London Day One

Woke at 6:30, train station by 8
Collected Jo at Wilmslow station, and
Hung around park and shops a while. Not late
For the London train. Good. At Euston, planned
Our journey to Deptford Bridge. Had to spend
A few hours in Deptford High Street, but liked
The small independent shops all around
Hardly any chain stores, I was surprised
But Pearl said this was a typical sight
In South London. Food shops, fish shops, it's great
Pearl joined us at the 'Big Red' restaurant
Which is an old double-decker bus, right?
55 quid expenditure, oh shit
But good value. My pasta tasted grand

About Thur 28 August