On Second Thoughts...

Most people are full to the brim!

Do you know what?

Some people are full of shite

News Flash

OK, I have to let you know, I am wearing shorts, it is official, the sun returned to San Francisco after a very long and grueling winter...NOT.
Seriously it has been really cold here, I am so happy to finally throw off the cashmere and get my cut-off Abercrombie combats ($1, garage sale) on, just a shame that I did not have the time to shave my legs. I had a rough night, no time for that nonsense.
Yesterday was spent shopping with my Mother, who bought a new black 80 GB i-pod and $300 worth of CD's, for me to download on to my PC, so that she can have her ipod instantly loaded with lots of gorgeously new and shiny music. I have been adding stuff to my computer since October, relying on copies from Mum, friends in the UK and loaned disks from the library, so there is a lot to download. Most of which was not up to Mum's spec' so I ended up just adding her new stuff. This means we are all winners. I just gained the Smiths entire collection, and a lot of new stuff from home, which I must admit is making me a little homesick just listening to it. How I miss those chavs Jamie T is talking about!
The city was unusual in two ways, it was very quiet and rather hot. Hot enough for a vest top, but the cautionary sweater is always a must, and did end up getting popped on in the afternoon. We had lunch in Macy's cafe, and then could not resist the earring bargains as we passed the 50% off racks on the 1st floor. I bought three new ravishingly beautiful pairs. One touch my collar bone- so they may need soberness and a little scaffolding when I wear them, let's just say I will not be consuming too much alcohol when I have them on- With the weight on them I will end up in the gutter at a slightly earlier time than usual if I do ;-). I also got luck in Virgin, I scored a few 99 cent CD's some funny anthem Ibiza-type stuff, so I will be roller discoing it in my bedroom once again, just as soon as I have a spare few hours to down load all MY stuff!
It is so warm I am off on a picnic in Golden gate Park this evening, and perhaps a little kick around with a football, the round variety. I will pop into Trader Joe's (purveyors of perfect picnic fayre), get loads of ready made tasty treats, and a bottle of bubbly and get my bum up there as quickly as possible. I get off at 3.30pm and it is dark by 6 so it will be a mad rush. When do the clocks change?
Anyway- I have to get on with my work, just wanted to tell you how much easier it is to get up, throw on a pair of cut offs, and cruise on down the freeway to work in the morning. Could that be a song I wonder?
See Ya laters...Alligators (Jamie T you rock)

Snow Patrol Bill Graham SF March 1st 2007

Hello.
Last night I drove up to the city with much gusto, which was unusual since I never did manage my usual hour long siesta. The reason for such excited school girl behaviour was that I was on my way to see one of my favourite bands. The Silversun Pickups. I have seen them four times now and they were supporting Snow Patrol along with OK Go at the Bill Graham Civic in San Francisco. I have had these tickets since November, and it was a sell out, well worth the $50 I paid ($15 of which went towards service and handling charges - I tell you, I wish I got paid that much for inserting paper in printer, pressing print, then retrieving printed ticket, popping it into an envelope and handing It over to disgruntled begrudging fan at 'will call' I would be able to buy a tour bus and gig with the fuckers myself!). Anyway, let's just say my pants were on fire, and I ain't no liar.
The journey up to San Francisco can be taken a few ways, but the fastest route is the 101, yes CHIPS patrol every inch of this freeway, and yes they do wear rounded scooter helmets, carry huge weapons of mass interruption (big tannoy voice enhancer devices- what are they called? You know, the ones the headmaster always used at school Sports day to make sure everyone had their eggs secured on their spoons). The traffic is not too bad and it's a 21 mile ride taking about 25 minutes. I set off in good time, found parking, which is a major feat in itself, and met my date for the evening.
Dinner followed with a glass of Red, I am favouring Pinot at the moment, still I have not found one which does not induce serious dehydration and sporadic urges to vomit the next day. Thai food, I think, not sure now but spicy prawns and some sort of egg plant chicken wrap in coconut milk were involved. So tasty in fact we completely lost track of time. It was 8.30pm by the time the bill was settled. Now I was under the impression that OK Go were on 1st, Silversun's then Snow Patrol, so the lack of promptness never thought to enter my head to be noted as a serious misjudgement and poor time management issue. But alas, I should have known. OK Go were screaming "How did you rate the Silversun Pick Ups?' just as we managed to swerve potential beer spillers, ie small wild and unruly 'Emo' kids. Emo's are some tribe of small folk who wear black, smoke spliffs and ride skateboards. I think. Some sort of sub breed of the original skater dude so frequently found wasting time on street corners. So sad faces all round, a few beers for commiseration and on with the show.
Snow Patrol kicked some arse. They sounded much better than the album, because the instruments were really electrifying. Unbelievable drums, bass and lead and the singing was spot on. The whole show was packaged in a lovely bundle of red and blue lights, which adorned the back of the stage. I think there was a bit of pyrotechnics involved but don't quote me on that. One lucky lady was invited onto the stage and she sang with the lead, she was amazing, but clearly shitting her pants. Well done Dawn. OK that was not her name, how the hell do you expect me to remember that? I cannot even recall the lead singer's name (what am I like, what am I like?).
Oh, how I miss UK TV by the way. My mind wanders.
The reason I see so much live music these days is mainly due to the fact I have not had a TV since I came to California back in October 2005. This is due to the complete and utter shite they have the audacity to transmit in this country. However I do read the trashy TV magazines my room mate Annie buys - by the ream. I have actually realised most of the tripe they serve up on a paper picnic plate here is actually a direct descendant from TV back home in the UK. Pop Idols, Dancing with the Stars (what IS that all about?) and Nannies, Mum's Dad's and Kids from Hell. Blaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh. What a load of codswallop (where does that word come from?). Did you know that Heather Mills Sir Paul McCartney's soon-to-be or probably is already x-wife (shows how much I know) is going to be 'starring' in the next Dancing With Stars here in the US? Who knows who she is I want to know? Knowing the softies in California she will win because they pity her. Well, if you read my blog you'll know how much pity she got from all at the Bonfire Night party at my Mum's house (we turned her into a 'guy' and burned her).
I must admit I have a very unhealthy addiction to youtube at the moment, in fact will probably have some self deprecating clip on there soon- I am considering a video blog, however don't know how long they will actually keep it up here, because I have noticed when looking through the archives on this blog, some of the photos I post have been deleted. Granted they were of naked gay granddads in noting but a dog chain and collar; living in San Francisco I see absolutely nothing wrong with that!

More Vegas Baby

Hello peeps, hope you are all happy. Just a few more pics of Vegas, sorry no x-rated ones this time round - Maybe I will get a few together for private viewing.

You can see New York New York at the top, with a pic of the aged-steak store we had the most fantastic dinner in one evening. The Statue of Liberty, well, fiberglass and papier mache version is clad with a basketball shirt 'East Side' and the lion outside the MGM has a 'West Side' shirt on, this was something to do with the NBA Basketball All Stars game, which happened to be on 'the strip' the weekend we arrived. I must say, when I got to the hotel to meet my Mum and Step Dad I thought I had walked into Jerry Springer's studio. I have never seen so much 'Bling' or "bling Bling'. I had not imagined it possible for a woman to step out onto the casino floor, in a size 2 dress when her true, no breathing in size was near on a size 18! Seriously, it was a sight for sore eyes, but with so many Gangsters on site, one's eyes were forced to staring into one's Grey Goose and soda! I was amazed by the sheer size of the boobs on some of those women. I have been known as top heavy in my time, but those bazookas defeated gravity. 12 inch heels were probably the only thing keeping those ladies upright. Mind you, all were surrounded by 5 men-strong posses so there was no chance of much falling over, perhaps if I'd stayed in the bar long enough I could have seen some ground breaking moves.

That was only the fist night. The Sunday morning was spent laughing at my Step Dad for having a major hangover, deciding on how much my betting limit for the week would be ($200) and setting up the trade show booth, for the company I work for, family owned which makes at the more interesting, and walking up the 'Strip'. We walked for ages, I sat on a sphinx, posed for pictures outside New York, caught the back end of the Belagio fountains and was 10 feet away from a shooting! Yes a bloody shooting.

It went like this. I was walking with Mum, Step Dad (Tim) Gordon Riley (Technician from UK, Keighley, my home town, in fact) and Teresa who is both Mum's and my friend. A guy was on the over pass from the MGM to NY NY (I think - I was in shock), he was trying to sell me some CD, and suddenly grabbed his box of wares from the floor, and shouted to us "Run, fight!". We were like, looking around to see the action, and he yelled "Run, gun!". So immediately we stopped rubber necking and started to run to the casino doors. It was then we heard a 'pop', a gun shot, but not like the gun' s I'd heard at Mum & Tim's house. We have shot down there at targets a few times, and that seemed much louder, down at the creek.

Not many people ran, it was really crowded, and once we were in the casino we seemed to become an insignificant group of shocked tourists wondering if that was real or not. You can not tell, we were Vegas BABY! We saw the details on the news back at the Luxor Hotel there was apparently three shootings that day. Gangstas! So, all very scared, resulting in a few nights spent in the hotel, back and forth to work, at Mandeline Bay, which was a 40 min walk when the crowds of Basketball fans where there, but only 20 minutes once we had some room to walk. I have never seen so many big people, tall and fat. Really. I could not get any real pictures of this very entertaining aspect of Vegas for fear of getting squashed, or in fact shot!
So by the time Teresa left on the Tuesday (reading back on this, this sounds bad, not intended honey), I had two nights of the best side of Vegas. Vodka and steak. Wee bit of gambling and a strip joint to get the old cockles flowing. Yeah. I went to Spearmint Rhinos with four vets(as in animal Dr's. NOT to be confused with old Vietnam war heroes - there has been and will continue to be some cross wires on this abbreviated usage of the word). Three from the UK, and one from South Africa.

I met these guys at the 'show' we were selling at. They popped passed and came back over for an other look. We ended up chatting, and having our heritage mostly, ( I have no S African in me, ((well, none that I know of)), in common we all ended up deciding to meet for drinkie poohs later on. I blew them out that night, but they called and I decided well, come on, let's see Vegas BABY! So we went for 'dinner' which consisted of at least six vodkas, they were on Redbull and Vodka me just soda, in the Mirage Hotel, Casino. Lovely- The only one I saw with real trees. I must actually interject here and say the air in that place is really disgusting. I am sure they pump in air freshener and oxygen to mask the immense amount of cig smoke in the place. But all the same. Nice you can smoke.

Then we had a laugh with a few oil tycoons, rather funny, I was dared to steal a guy's diary, which was sticking out of his Wrangler waistband. Which I did. I also introduced myself by asking him what he was doing Thursday lunch. He immediately got his Blackberry out and I was disappointed he did not feel round for his planner. I ended up leaving the bar with it. Spotting a $20 on the floor, felt bad, and ran back to the bar to hand it back. It was lucky because I had left my jacket in there, so luck all round. The next thing I touched was a load of chips, falling around the black jack table. One of the Vets handed me a stack and I just threw them about. No one was amused. Next we looked for the white tigers in the Secret Garden and they go to bed at 5pm. How bloody inconsiderate? I thought Vegas was 24/7 BABY! We then staggered in to Cesar's Palace, for ages, looking for vodka. Then ended up, for no reason other than 'why not?', we went to a strip club.

Spearmint Rhinos was a quick cab ride from the plastic word of the casinos, and into the really real world of super hot babes. I was really impressed. The girls were all lovely, about 40 of them. The bouncer asked if we wanted a table, we opted for the bar. Where two girls came up to me and put their hands down my cleavage. I was wearing a dress, structured so that a bra was unnecessary; and I got a shock! I said I was not interested. This did not stop us getting a table. Let's just say, some things that happen in Vegas, stay in Vegas BABY. To be continued...

What Goes On In Vegas Stays in Vegas

Well, here is a taster of Vegas - Just round and about the Luxor Hotel, where I stayed for 5 nights. I am not too happy with the shots including people - I have a suspicion that my camera - Oh my trusted camera is on it's last legs. Not dissimilar to myself in this crazy town.
Let's just get this straight, I was a Vegas Virgin and must say had my knickers in the air all the way BABY! I had to work at a Veterinarian conference from 9 until 5.30 ish for 3 days in a row, with a day either side for setting and packing up, but from dinner time until 5am I was free, a few hours reserved for sleep. Let's just say I did not get much.

I will post more soon, I am just a bit miffed at the fuzziness. How gorgeous is the pool? I managed to get my index finger wet and that was it - Testing the temp of course.

Hello All You Singles

Well, well. This is the eve of probably one of the hardest days to be single all year. It was particularly hard for me this year as I had such an array of possible Valentine's it took me a week to write out all my cards - Let's just see if one gets any in the post tomorrow. No seriously. There is no seriously. I am dateless tomorrow, and have decided to get completely wasted with my old room mate Mike, and listen to a lot of punk rock I expect. I expect it will be one of those traipses through one's i-tunes looking for a song that does not remind one of the fact a) I'm single b) not getting any younger c) trying one's hardest not to eat cake and get fat or d)trying to forget a-c which would give the same results as d.

I have been a busy girl the past few weeks, making cards and posting a few little surprises for my friends and maybe one or more potential suitors. But I must admit, I am getting used to the fact that Mr Right is either a hedgehog, therefore in hibernation; or out on some Peace finding mission in the war, dragging helpless women and children from bomb sites, getting those arms strengthened to carry me over the threshold. Mind you, by the time I get wed, the unlucky bugger is gonna have to carry me and my wheel chair over the front step, I will be that old by then, I just don't think falling into walls and clinging onto radiators will suffice by the time I am 90!

It is weird Valentine's Day here. Whole classes give all the kids at school cards, you can buy them in packs of 30. There is no secret either. You may as well just go right up to someone and declare your undying love to their face. The purpose of sending cards in this country is to let people know we are all loved I think. Anyway I adopted that attitude this year and sent a few out to my mates. Don't know what came over me ;-)

All I know is that UPS are having to pull out their spare fleet tomorrow, just so they can deliver all my cards and pressys!

I am getting very excited about a pending trip to Vegas (BABY). I have never been before, even though I have been holidaying on the West Coast since 1989. I was always under the impression the 1st time I went, Elvis was gonna give me away in a drive through wedding chapel. Then Brittney pissed on my bonfire. But, I have the opportunity to go to the Western Vet Conference (whoooooooooooooa) which is from February 17-22nd, so I have a 5 night stay in the Luxor, which is shaped like a pyramid, should make some interesting pictures.

Since I am not a gambler, I have decided to keep a purse of cash solely for pampering purposes. However I have had a funny feeling that I may actually win something, so I will try my hand at some sort of game on the last night, if I win I can pay for my eyelash extensions and facials I am planning on having. But if I loose, I won't be ripping those little lashes out one by one. Looking at the shows that are on there at the moment, they seem a little excessive. I have been to Cirque de Sole, which was great, but I would not fancy it again. there is some Beatles show on too, but no one in our gang will be up for that, including me. So, I call upon your resources, please tell me what to do.

I am supposedly well equipped for Vegas (BABY) as I am living in the adult playground of the world. But I really don't feel equipped for their version of CHAVS which are Trailer Park White Trash. I have seen and heard enough Eminem to have some idea about exactly what sights I will be witnessing. My photo's are gonna be on the theme of Tinsel and tattoos - so watch out for some beauties.

What else have I got coming up....Lots of gigs, Paulo Nuntini, Razorlight, Snow Patrol, Silversun Pick Ups (buy them) and a huge Glasonbury type affair called Coachella, somewhere near Palm Springs. Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage Agin' t' Machine are headlining, but I am more interested in the Brit contingency. Weeing my pants about seeing Jarvis Cocker and the Happy Mondays have re-formed, that should be a laugh.

Calm Down Dearest by Jamie T has me in stitched on youtube.com, I heard him on my satellite radio Sirius - which if you have not got, why not? And the video is amazing. reminds me of babysitting when I was a kid, in some biscuit-tin smelling council house. he is great, don't know how long he'll be around but I hope he manages to knock a few more of those vids out, you should check him out.

One more thing I remembered, must tell ya. This weekend was my 1st one out and about since just before Xmas. I have been feeling sorry for myself, and have not been inclined to loose all my senses in a night of drunken debauchery. I must interject here. Sarah and Jose I know I got hammered on Jan 7th with you two, in Mars Bar in Soma SF, I am choosing to discount this night of complete tartish behaviour. Why? Because it makes my story less funny and I am in charge, this is my blog.

So as I was saying, lovely drinks a plenty Saturday night planned, which all started with my 1st attempt ever to get all the lovely ladies I have met here on a night out. An email was sent, asking if anyone was up for a man free night - IE all of those ladies who usually spend the night watching reruns of ER and countless reality shows with your man munching through a meat feast pizza, then farting and burping in unison with the theme tune to Pop Idol, get your booties out. Night in either North Beach or The Mission, lots of dancing and then a curry for afters. This I must add is not the usual order of events here. Food always seems to be the core of all nights out, and one must eat it really early, then spend up until 2am trying various cocktails and shots to try and get a bit pissed.

The response was crap to say the least. But I had my fantastic mate T. Teresa. I got to hers at 8 ish and we started on the vino tinto and had a few bong rips (see how easily I have settled in here!) then waited an hour for a bloody cab. I ended up driving. I parked on a hill called Hill, to avoid any loosing of one's vehicle, which I have done before.

We started quickly and finished at a sprint. The funniest bit was t falling asleep in her Mexican platter in the taquerria. The que was too much for her, apparently burritos are the UK version of a kebab, so the place was packed. We had to wait in line for ages, and t just flopped to the nearest table and passed out. Thanks God it was not me, makes a change I suppose. All I was thinking about was getting some sleep before the dreaded Sunday I had ahead of me.

My Mother had called Saturday to tell me that she had gone to feed Daisy, her grossly overweight 12 yr old Cairn Terrier, and she had not popped her head out of the kennel. Mum wanted me to come and have a look. She had prodded inside the kennel with a stick, but that dog has about 5 sleeping bags and she could not be found. I volunteered as I knew it was gonna be a sad day for my Mum. We arranged to eat sushi in Half Moon Bay 1st, I suppose this was the only suitable payment Mum could think of, especially as I was gonna have to drag this 24 lb (supposed to weigh 12lbs!)dead dog out onto the grass - then what? I dunno know, but is was worth a hand roll, caterpillar roll and a bowl of misso soup! So lunch it was.

I don't know what you usually eat when a monster hangover is raging up a storm in your head, but I used to go for the full Trucker's breakfast, baked beans, bacon, one sausage, fried bread, tinned tomatoes and a white t-cake with loads of butter. No such thing as a Greasy Spoon Cafe here, so raw fish seemed to be a good idea, NOT. I prayed the dog was alive. She was. Hurrah.

So got to go now, seem to have wasted my Valentine's eve writing this! Happy Valentine's Day. You know I love you!

Jo x

Morrissey Pasedina Feb 1st 2007

These are my Mammamozie and Morrissey himself at Pasadena Civic Center nr LA on Thursday. We were in the Moz pit second row from front. He was brilliant. The 1st time either of us have seen him, my Mum paid for the tickets, hotel and flights. Thanks so much Mum you are the best.

On Yer Bike

These were taken today at Crystal Springs San Mateo County, California. I went on a 10 mile bike ride - and can honestly say I feel a lot chirpier!

Bollox to Blogging

Hi.
I am not apologising for my lame ass attitude to blogging this year. My resolutions never even got to the starting line, and they have already made it to the player's lounge and are merrily supping on a wee vodka by now.
I am supposed to be balancing my check book- Not that I have one, but you know paying in my wage on a Friday, taking out $100 for the week's coffee and fag expenses and then deducting each ATM transaction, bill payment and documenting my lavish luxury purchases. Have I done it? Have I bollox. I have kept all receipts however and may do it this weekend. Along with my visa application which has been bought and printed out since, well, it has to be a year ago! I need to get the old dust buster on the reams of paper once I actually locate the damn thing.
My B1/B2 visa expires on April Fool's Day (how apt) and I am supposed to be applying for my Family to sponsor me to stay in this the United States. Why anyone in their right mind would want to live here is beyond me at the moment, but I suppose many people think the grass is greener. It stays more vivid and fresh certainly, but after time, the edges do start to singe and the muddy puddles of disappointment set in.
Rather a solemn blog, but I feel like moaning, so I am. I have many a good reason, some which will become obvious in time.
Life here is great, I mean I was skiing with my best pal Sarah and her hubby Jose Ramon at the beginning of the year. I had a ball with Sarah, especially as I had been really sick all Christmas, therefore no tales of drunken debauchery to report. Although I did get accused of leaving a bag of used coke in my Step Sister's bedroom! One of my Step Brother's mates asked me if I wanted to 'party' on Boxing Day. I was in shock- Oh how we all grow!
Yeah, skiing was grand. I had a week off and went up to Lake Tahoe, which is on the Nevada/California boarder. Absolutely beautiful scenery and the skiing was fantastic. I have not skied in a blizzard before and my 'tash had icicles on it by the end of the day!! Reminds me - Resolution #2- get a referral for a laser hair removal place. I should do this really considering when my Mother called in for a brew last week, she came with a tin of bleach cream in hand! Salt of the Earth ;-).
Hummmm, what else have I been up to?
Oh I went to Sunday Service at a Church of self Realization last week, partly because I lost a dear friend Val on Saturday (I will be writing a post on the lovely lady in the week) and also due to the fact I have been dating a complete and utter nutter, who has been practicing this religion, or cult for the past 20 years. Not one particular thing compelled me to want to join in with the chanting and meditating, but I really did want to jump on the stage and show the 'light bearers' how to clap in time to the music. The whole church is related to Hinduism, and it has actually got me reading again, something I have not had the inclination to do for months. Which did not stop me getting a $20 library fine, for two books I never even read!
So here I am. California. I miss you all. It is a wet Saturday and Garage Sales have not started up again, what shall I do today?

Back to Bloggin'

OK - so I have been lame - very lame - in fact lamer that Heather Mills - in more way that one. Can I say that? Yes I can ;-)
So I have to write something since I am getting it from various sources, from my bored friends back in the UK with not much to do except look forward to the next installment of Correy.
I think my excuse for being so tardy in the blogging department may have something to do with the plethora of visitors I have had gracing me with their presence. It all started in June, when Helen came over form London for a 3 week stay. Then Mike came for 10 days, Vicky and her sis, granted only required my expert tour guide skills for a Friday night, than Alistair - who I have known since my 1st day at Uni - Bless - we go back a long time. He left today, and I am finally back on track. Fed up with playinjg with my new super duper PC, and am knuckling down to some serious writing. My book - deep breath will re-commence in a few days - once I have got a my room back to it's clinical normalness, there will be no stopping me.
What have I been up to? - well, apart from 5 trips to Alcatraz, Golden Gate bridge, Twin Peaks at night (city lights and all that), I am a fully fledged member of 24 hour fitness - that's right you read it right. I thought I may actually get fit while looking for a suitor. Decided after 4 swimming sessions that aged, beer bellied Mexicans weren't my cup of tea and have not been back for 6 weeks. Alas, no man, two spare tyres and a lot of unused Nike gear later I must really try and get my ass to the gym. Only for Yoga - which does wonders for the times one does get lucky and laid, and also makes one less embarrassed when popping a cheeky trump out - even the instructor does it. Oh, and swimming - I do like the exclusivity in MY gym - one gets to swim in sea water (gimmick - got me to sign up), you actually get a lane to yourself. By law. It says on a sign clearly posted at the water's edge. If mad Brit seen squeezed into a 4 year old costume jumps in and swims frantically, arms and legs flailing, get out of the pool and immediately congregate at the foyer. Well, something like that as I seem to clear the pool when I thrash out 40 lengths. You know, as I do.
I have had so many great times of late I really find it difficult to write anything without sounding like a smug twat. But I am sure I can brush over that. Just for you guys. Oh you guys.
Bonfire night made it across the pond this year - again a third time round for the party of the year, well for me that is. I went to my Mum's house for the day, and baked Yorkshire Parkin and toffee in a pan, oh it took so long to set, and when it did it stopped me gabbing on for at least a minute, it was very sticky and succeeded only slight better at gluing my teeth together than 'Will Stick Absolutely Anything Glue' yeah, it is a brand name in this land. Mum made meat and potato pie with mush peas and the obligatory mint sauce in vinegar. Yum.
We have a tradition of making a guy and then testing it for dancability, likeness and burn ability. Mike Grant and I were the only ones who could be arsed. We made Paul Mc Cartney and Heather Mills, hence the mention at the beginning of this piece. I won the competition on all three counts, and boy did she burn. I paid $5 for the nylon ensemblee she wore, me Mam donated a bra, a pillow and some rubber gloves. I finished the look off by hiding a few fire crackers in her head and Bob's your mother's live in lover she won. What a beauty.
What else? Hum, a few great nights out in the city involving booty calls, fallings out and a few shots too many. I must mention I have started shots again with devastating effects. I spent last Saturday in bed all day, groaning and trying to summons enough energy to get back on it with Al at night. Where is my old roomie whith the Vicadins when you need him?
Oh, I got dumped, yeah I know shock horror - should take the git off my blog - he is on a few pics down. But it's all a chapter as we say in my family. Just need to get the time to actually create a bleedi' chapter now. Seriously, I am on it.
Oh, Fiona an Irish lass who has been here for over 10 years just gave birth to Oscar. Well done Fi. 6 weeks early like he could have waited until you got your Christmas shopping out of the way. Talking of which I am thinking of sponsoring a donkey for my family for Christmas. Do you think that will go down better than a cashmere sweater? I don't want to be a bar humbug, but it is bollox really isn't it? I have 10 pairs of pj's endless books, and all the media shite I want. Just keep your hands on your wallets family because Santa will not be emptying his sack under my tree this year.
Oh bands seen in the past few include; Beautiful South, Placebo, She Wants Revenge, Bob Dylan and The Kings of Leon. Bands seeing next month Killers - that's all you need to know. I am happy to finally see them since last month I had tickets and got the dates mixed up therefore missed the little blighters.
OK off to bed I go.
Night

Here is Moss Beach at sunset, which is my favourite beach, as it has beautiful tide pools. There is me in Pilar Point Harbor with the coast line in the horizon, and finally me on my Step Dad's truck outside my mate's in Moss Beach. I hope the pics are OK for now. I will do a blog when I get more time x

Pumpkins, Mike, Jo and Charles

Just a few of the 30 cats I looked after for my Mother

Country Roads - La Honda Land

Coastal Gorgeousness

Happy Halloween

Here are a few tasters of last Saturday at the 'Only Pumpkin Labarynth on the Coast'.
Mike Edmeads - AKA Dedders or Mental Mike. He has been here for 10 days - had a ball (I hope). Will write more later - Hooked up to the Net at home tonight - so I can do this in my own time - Bet my Boss will be pleased ;-)

Bugger Me It's Raining

Just so you know - It has been pissing it down in San Mateo County CALIFORNIA since yesterday morning, and I am not a happy camper. Well, if I was actually camping instead of being seated in my luxurious new bedroom I would certainly not be in the best of moods. The reason for the rain is because Mike is here on a visit from Kent, UK. Keeping me company while I house sit for my folks in La Honda.
I think he brought me the rain, as well as t-bags, Marmite, Cruncie bars, Galaxy (2 massive blocks of the stuff), Germaloids cream, Oxo's and a beautiful camel coloured Crombie style coat from Marks and Spencer (see pic). Funny the things one misses from home. If you are wondering about the Germaliods, yes they are for one's piles. The USA version doesn't quite cut the mus-turd!
Yes, the rain. It makes already shite drivers more dangerous. Mind you, I did contribute to a fancy bit of accident avoidance this morning. Driving my Step Dad's GMC 4 wheel truck up the very windy slippery and wet road, I skidded on the white line, and had a bit of a scary moment. Basically the back wheels gave way, similar to the legs of an aged German Shepherd, and I had a job on controlling the situation. Just looking over at Mike's face made me realise we were nearly in a wreck and since there was a truck coming round the bend at the time I did well avoiding carnage. I had been warned by my Dad not to drive his truck in the rain because of it's dodgy back end, but had no choice a since it was 'garbage' day I had to haul the bins to the end of Peek-A-Boo Lane. Job for the GMC, nearly resulting in multiple injuries, but one would not want Mummsie coming home to full trash cans from her holidays even if it did mean her only daughter ended up in hospital. Mike I know it was YOU who lugged the rubbish about, but do you know how hard it is to keep a flow in the story if one has to insert minor details? ;-)
Anyway - It still rains on my lovely adopted country. I am pleased in a way - saved me telling Mike to sort out Mum's irrigation!

NEW FORMAT

Hi,
I am pissed off. I lost half of my 'massage' blog while uploading the new Blogger format.
It is now a fancier version of its predecessor, wonder if the Sp check works better now? I hope so ;-)
My friend Mike of the mentalist variety - a self proclaimed Mentalist in fact - Proper noun? Not sure. Is visiting for 10 days. Anyway, I am completely worn out, as not only have a a lovely friendly and fellow crazy mo fo in da house - I am house, business and cat sitting for 30 cats while my folks are back in Blighty.
More on this later.

I miss these

adopt your own virtual pet!