On A Plate 2013: 273

Bognor Regis.

On A Plate 2013: 272

Bognor Regis.

The Answer's in 'The Works'

As a coda to our adventures in the North Linda and I visited the discount book/art-materials outlet The Works: http://www.theworks.co.uk/?gclid=CMegxfPt7rkCFSTJtAodBw8A8Q

Just to compare and contrast between what's available in the Harrogate store and the stock on offer in the Bognor branch you understand.

Very little it turns out, the Harrogate branch just has more of it.

I'm attracted to any book featuring a robot on the cover.

This caught my eye:

Having been given some very sound advice from a philosophy graduate I've stopped trying to unravel the mysteries, or otherwise, of existence and am striving to do something more useful with my life but, I found myself thinking "the question posed by the title of this book suggests that it is understood what being 'human' is'.

I'd plenty of time to consider this conundrum as Linda was hunting the shop for a fountain pen.

I shuffled across the shop floor and, on scanning the shelf directly in front of me, saw this:

I wonder why The Works don't bundle these titles as a twofer?

On A Plate 2013: 271

Watford Gap.

Today in Upper Nidderdale.

Subscription Snippets: 001

Subject: Making a Grand Piano Belly Cloth

(Name removed) offers a good solution to making a belly cloth.
Having made up a number of belly cloths over the years, I concur with
his approach to making a pattern where the original is missing; it
works equally well regardless if the piano is on its feet or its side.

In addition to (Name removed) suggestion for material, I have found that
my friendly neighborhood fabric store stocks a fine quality vinyl
sheeting that is both quilted and padded, making it a superb
substitute.  It's easy to work with, and easy to make a strong double
layer edging to support replacement snaps.  Found in the upholstery
section of the store, and available in a number of colors and styles.
Its mahogany emulation is very appropriate.  Adds a nice touch of
elegance.

Regards,

(Name removed)

On A Plate 2013: 270

Scar House.

On A Plate 2013: 269

Winsley Hurst.

From Felpham to Harrogate: Ned Ouwell's Photo Journal.

Fasten your safety belt....

On A Plate 2013: 268

Harrogate.

On A Plate 2013: 267

Bognor Regis.

On A Plate 2013: 266

Felpham.

Busy, Busy.

Some months ago I managed to agree to play two gigs on the same day, that day was yesterday.
They were approximately 25 miles apart.
This was not a problem for a man with a plan.

The first performance was with The Flying Aspidistras! (I typed that in bold green on purpose just to see what it looked like.) at the Uke at the Duke Ukulele Festival with Ukuleles.
We are to take the stage at 15:30, we will be playing around about a 10 min set of 3 songs:

• Puttin'n On The Ritz
• Rum and Coca Cola
• There 'ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens.

The second performance with the Bamboo Band, in aid of the RAFA Club, at the Waverley Public House in Bognor Regis.
We are to take the stage at 17:30, we will be playing for around 45 mins.
I'll have no idea what we'll be playing until I'm stood, uke in hand, in front of the audience, waiting for Lord Jim to tell me what to play.

By simple subtraction we can see that the 1hr. 45 min. gap between the two appearances leaves plenty of time to cover the 25 miles from Shoreham to Bognor Regis.

The situation changed on Friday when a half hour got shaved off the Waverley gig start time moving it to 17:00.
Knowing how flexible festival timetables can become I started to worry a bit.
Sunday traffic levels always seem heavier than the normal week day load, I suppose it's made up of people like me going to ukulele festivals and such like.
I know it takes about an hour-ish to get from Shoreham to Bognor.

By Sunday morning I'd become overwhelmed by possible imaginary timetables and pre-gig nerves.
At 13:35 me and my best gal, Lindy Lou, were on our way to Shoreham.

It takes 54 minutes if you choose to take the A27 route BTW.

The clock is ticking and it ticks to 15:35:

Ladies and Gentlemen!

(filmed by Independent Film Maker, Ned Ouwell.)

It is now 16:00 and we're in the car, taking a different route, to Bognor Regis.

It takes 45 mins (including costume change) and:

...they all lived happily ever after.

P.S. I've only just realised what Lord Jim is singing about.

The Condition: 1 Year On

It was one year ago today I noticed something was wrong with the sight in my left eye.

I've had two major fatigue episodes that lasted around 6 to 8 weeks each.

I worked through both of them.

I've dropped nearly 2 stone in weight.

This means my ribs have reappeared and all my clothes seem to belong to some fat bloke.

I haven't 'dieted' as such, I'm just not very hungry nowadays.

The weight loss has made me feel, well, lighter.

I'm woken every morning by a weird cramp in my lower legs that makes my toes fold back on themselves into a vertical position.

It would be hilarious if it wasn't so painful.

Weird cramp isn't confined to my feet and lower legs.

The muscles in my hands lock up on a regular basis, though this might be down to excessive uke strumming.

Restless legs are a constant, though this annoyance can be combated with a 'herbal' remedy the consequences (giggling) are far to socially debilitating to consider using it on a regular basis.

Non of the phenomena have caused me to consult either the MS nurse or the Doctor.

On the whole any physical manifestations have been an inconvenience rather than a problem.

I still haven't had my blood tested.

I've cancelled my appointment at the Disease Modification Therpy clinic.

I'm not so much running scared of the NHS, but determined to deal with MS in my way which might not necessarily be congruent with any health professionals suggested course of action.

When I visited the MS Action Group meeting most of the other attendees were on the DMT programme and, on questioning, all said DMT had reduced their relapses by 80%.

I've seen this 80% figure quoted in other places (the inter-web).

Statistically I don't believe this figure can be correct for everyone on DMT.

(Strokes chin in skeptical fashion.)

I ride my bicycle every day, I walk whenever I get the opportunity, and only use Linda's car when the distance is over about 15 miles.

In general terms I'm fit and healthy.

To look at me no one would suspect I have MS.

I'm aware the favorable situation I find myself in could change over-night.

Must admit this 'living for the day' is getting a bit hollow recently and I've turned my mind a future again.

I have a plan I'm going to put into action after my visit to the heart of dark... Sorry, Nidderdale next week.

In the meantime, here's a recent 'selfie':

Do I look like someone with a serious condition?

On A Plate 2013: 265

Bognor Regis.

On A Plate 2013: 264

Bognor Regis.

On A Plate 2013: 263

Felpham.

On A Plate 2013: 262

Lancing.

On A Plate 2013: 261

Bognor Regis.

On A Plate 2013: 260

Felpham.

On A Plate 2013: 259

Felpham.

On A Plate 2013: 258

Worthing.

(Wukulele 4th Birthday.)

On A Plate 2013: 257

Felpham.

On A Plate 2013: 256

Felpham.

On A Plate 2013: 255

Felpham.

On A Plate 2013: 254

Bognor Regis.

On A Plate 2013: 253

Bognor Regis.