The Checklist

Hello, dear readers,

And welcome to party central!

Because my wúnderwifey Tina is being swept away by her sister, Jen, to watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show; a late Xmas present I hope they both enjoy thoroughly.

And of course, while the cat’s away…

Not that this particular mouse plans to get too wild. No, at the grand old age of 51, I think my wildest days are firmly behind me. Tonight’s debauchery will probably involve a film with plenty of fight scenes and car chases (plus a distinct lack of singing), a take-out, and a scoop or two of bourbon.

But that’s tonight, and before we get there we have the small matter of personal accountability to ponder.

Two Funerals And An Appointment (No Weddings)

Hello, dear readers,

It’s been a busy old week, especially considering it’s only Wednesday. It’s not even looking like it’s going to let up that much in the next couple of days, either.

Not that I’m complaining all that much. I mean it makes the time fly on by (It’s almost the end of January already?!?!?) and I guess it keeps me out of trouble. The truth is that the last three days in particular, have seen trying times.

I’ll explain.

We’ll start with Monday, a day I’ve been dreading for the best part of two weeks.

This was the day of the video call. Part of the forced move from heritage benefits to Universal Credits. If you’re a reader of the blog then you might remember me stressing about it in last week’s offering. If not you can read about it here.

The Waiting Game

Hello, dear readers,

Yes, once again, after Tina’s fray into matters of a criminal nature, it’s little old me (Mark) in the driving seat.

You lucky, lucky people.

But what of today’s subject matter I hear you cry (if I strain my hearing and stretch my credulity just a tad). Well that boils down to matters financial.

Murder, She Writes

Hello, dear readers,

After much debate and persuasion, and a poorly(ish) Mark, I volunteered to write this week, so here goes.

It's not very often that my big sister and I have some quality time together. We do see each other fairly often, and speak most days, but a couple of weekends ago - we actually went 'out out'.

Where did you go? I hear you asking. Well …

Resolve Face!

Hello, dear readers,

And a Happy New Year one and all!

I hope you all had a good festive period. I hope Santa brought all you good girls and boys lots of lovely pressies, and you’ve suitably gorged yourselves on mince pies, chocolate, enough turkey to sink a small navy, and, of course, a piece or three of Stollen.

I know I have.

Coupled with the obligatory booze (although the customary drop of port didn’t actually happen in our house until well into the new year. I’m talking a mere two days ago!) it’s meant the yearly pledge to drop a bit of timber is getting off to a rocky start, one that, going by the two boxes of mince pies, left over choccies, port, & bourbon, may not improve all that soon.

Still, it is the season for new starts, so, in a faintly reminiscent fashion why don’t we talk about that.

A new kind

 Hello, dear readers,

Have you ever heard a personal story that really affected you?

I’m talking about the kind of searingly honest revelation that completely changed the way you think about someone or something. The kind of testimony that stuck around in your mind for a while afterwards, made you think, and maybe even challenge a few preconceptions.

Because that very thing happened to me this week.

Xmas Present(ly)

Hello, dear readers,


And it’s back to me.

Yes, after a well earned break, and the wonderful, thoughtful input of the totally terrific Tina, it is a completely unearned return to the inane ramblings of the household seated person (i.e. me)

But what to write about? Well, for once that’s an easy one because, once again, ‘tis the season. The sleigh bells are starting to ring. The geese are beginning to get fat. Take a deep breath and dive right in because, as someone once famously said…

It’s Chriiiiiiiiiiiistmmaaaaaaassss!!!