w.atching the w.orld unw.ind

Today's lyric:
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"Maybe you wonder where you are
I don't care
Here is where time is on our side
Take you there...take you there."

Talking Heads: "Road to nowhere"
From the album: "Once in a lifetime"

Yesterday, we laid the body of our neighbour and friend D to rest.

He'd made it to four-score, had been married 57 years (produced some stunning grand-daughters) and was evidently quietly loved and respected by family, colleagues, social acquaintances and square-dancers alike.

Pragmatic and private, I hadn't expected quite so much religion in the committal, but each to his own.

Although the sky pilot* couldn't resist a dig/reference to D perhaps reviewing his attitude towards faith, as if - by this time, with him having been dead for ten days - it would make any effing difference about how his spirit might spend eternity?

Honestly, there won't be any god-botherers at my funeral. But if I get half the turn-out of people who crowded into the chapel yesterday - when it was pi55ing it down outside - I'll be well chuffed.

Assuming I'm aware, of course...

* vicar, priest, whatever

Labels: Griefage

Today's lyric:
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"Now as the light is falling - one candle left to light the way
Sailing home to morning, she comes to me calling,
To brighten up my darkest day,
And the world fades away.. with her smile."

Paul Weller: "Wings of Speed"
From the album: "Stanley Road"

Our next-door neighbour recently returned from a Norwegian cruise to celebrate his eightieth birthday, and was almost immediately diagnosed with lung cancer, which had spread throughout his body.

And last night, he died.

His widow was kind enough to 'phone us barely two hours after he passed away, understandably in bits, but fortunately had two of her 'children' with her for comfort.

Buggah.

Labels: Griefage

Today's lyric:
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"You - Lynyrd Skynyrd hat and me - little kitty
Sat across with the velvet jacket, wild orange hair and dark, dark eyes
I galked like a 12 year old smitten
Carla the stripper straight from LA
You seem cool for a naked chick in a booth
Let's be pals someday
In other words, put some clothes on and call me."

The Presidents of the USA: "Stranger"
From the album: "The Presidents of the USA"

We've been together for what, over twenty years?

Not seeing each other every day, of course, but on the high days and holidays - when we did - they were always good.

Even though you were always cool at first, as the day went on, you'd thaw out and we'd always end up having a great time.

Often I'd be fishing, while you stayed in the shade, waiting for me to get hungry. Then we'd share a sandwich or a roll. Egg with curry powder was always my favourite. A sort of premature Coronation chicken?

You were never much of a one for hot drinks, so it was usually just a bottle of water - sometimes maybe a beer. And sometimes a frozen bottle of squash, which would defrost during the hot day so that there'd be a cold drink while we were out.

And now you're going overseas, so we'll probably never see each other again?

Don't be a stranger. You know where we live...

(Number One Son is going to the Isle of Wight festival and taking the family cool-box. I don't expect it'll make it back!)

Labels: Griefage

Today's lyric:
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"Once more it's a crying shame
Only this time no-one but myself to blame
All I touch turns to dust
It's right there in my cards - I ought to cut."

Roxy Music: "Could it happen to me?"
From the album: "Siren"

Every couple of years or so - and, coincidentally, around this time of year too - I do something stupid which twists my pelvis and gives me absolute fcuking grief.

Such that it hurts like hell to get up from the sitting position, and vice cersa, but you have to get up frequently to stop the muscle (or whatever it is) from knitting back.

I'm walking like I've cacked meself.

It's a real pi55er, and when it's caused by something banal like reaching for a cd from the understairs cupboard - so not exactly lifting heavy weights? - aggravating beyond belief.

Labels: Griefage