The Calm Between Two Storms

Hello, dear reader!

Quiet, ain’t it?

Well, no. A week before the American election, and the day of the U.K. budget it’s not. Not particularly. Not if you happen to cast a quick glance at certain elements of social media or, I don’t know, the news.

No, on a global, or even national level it’s not all that quiet. On the home front? Well that’s a different matter.

All Quiet
Your humble blogger, (that’s me, if you were wondering) happens to find himself in one of those strangely serene phases of life. The hullabaloo of the extended celebrations marking both myself and my ever-extraordinary wife, Tina is done. Just this last weekend the cards and the repurposed table decorations from our joint party were taken from the windowsill where they had been marking Tina’s special day. The flowers, including the beautiful bunch I bought her (I know, I’m a soppy sod), are still there, but it won’t be long before they too, are bound for the bin.

So, yeah, it’s done. The party is over. The excitement at an end. Never mind though, it’ll soon be Christmas.

For those of you who just shared a visceral shudder at the sentiment, spare a thought for yours truly who was offered that self same statement while out walking Bonnie, our dog, yesterday.

Hanky Pamky
I think I did well. I didn’t swear. I didn’t throw anything. I didn’t even point out that it’s only bleeding October. No, I simply offered a weak smile and moved on, burying the feeling of revulsion deep within me.

As I’ve said before in these slightly deranged scribblings, I’m not against Christmas. I’m not. I mean I’m not a big fan of religion in general, or Christianity specifically, but I like the silly season. I like the food. I like the giving and receiving of gifts. I like the booze (because I definitely need a reason for the booze). I don’t even mind the mind-numbingly restrictive and repetitive choice of music, as long as Fairytale Of New York and Mr Hanky The Christmas Poo are in the mix.

But all that is to come. For now, let us rest.

Present Day

Having spent the last few months planning (??), and celebrating (and re-celebrating) the landmark birthdays of both myself and my beloved bride, it feels like we deserve a rest. After all, since last week, neither of us are as young as we used to be.

It feels like a time to take it a little easier. To stress less. To let the liver take a break. The good times will roll again, of that I’ve no doubt, but, with the aforementioned celebrations on top of my two nieces turning 21 and 18 respectively, my parent’s wedding anniversary, and a friend I’ve known since I was three celebrating his own 50th, this has been a busy old year already.

I’ve no doubt the adverts will be on the box before long. I’ve no doubt Cliff and Slade will soon start to be piped through the supermarket speakers and the call to buy, buy, buy (but in a happy, festive way) will soon be ringing though the air. For now, though, I think it’s time to batten down the hatches, turn off the telly, and concentrate on the here and the now. Present buying and food shopping will be here soon enough, for now, let’s try to enjoy the ever-shortening days of quiet, autumnal peace.

Christmas may well be coming…but not just yet., eh?




Until next time.


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Hey, there! If you enjoyed reading any of the above, why not take a look at some of my published work? Below you’ll find links to a number of short stories I’m lucky enough to have included in anthologies. I’d love to know what you think.


New Tales Of Old


Death Ship


Pestilence: Drabbles 1


Reaperman: Drabbles 3


The Musketeers Vs Cthulhu


Eldritch Investigations