Just like last year, I won't dare to offer comment on the days events. There will be plenty elsewhere. A burst of industry today - managed to clear the decks prior to my absence on a Plain English training course tomorrow. Spoke to my bank more times today than in the past year. Think I've finally sorted out the confusion - and it was actually all my fault. More GNOME Foundation application renewals processed. Its a slow process, but it should speed up now the others have CVS access. More job ideas arrive in a late phonecall, along with news of a possible new publication...
Very early start to get to Clifton Down station for coffee and a walk to Burwalls (a rather fine Victorian House belonging to the University of Bristol), for what is apparently the first-ever conference on Thomas Chatterton. Apprehensive of facing academia on such a direct footing, but pleasantly surprised by the range of disciplines, openness and spirit of cooperation on display. Maybe my years in Local Government have left me somewhat cynical about such group endeavours. A morning of literary papers is followed by art and architectural discussions with a heavy Bristol focus. Later, we all trek down to St.Mary Redcliffe for a fascinating tour with an English Heritage expert and a short concert of 18th century music and folk song. A really amazing day. Glad I overcame my nerves for this. Later, very good and very extensive take-away from the Bengal Raj - possibly now my favourite Indian Restaurant in the world!
Leisurely start to the day. Attempts to catch a whizzy new Virgin Class 220/221 are in vain. Plain old, typically late HST up to Birmingham. Managed to make a very fast change and get to Redditch in reasonably time. The funeral is rather grim and not well attended. Spoke with some family members I never get to see nowadays (post Young Person's Railcard expiry). Left after a short spell back at the house, and enjoyed a bright, warm afternoon walk back to the station. Train home also not whizzy or new, and even later. Very sleepy indeed.
Another quite taxing working week so far - exacerbated by not really knowing what the hell I'm supposed to be doing. Muddling through by guesswork and blind stumbling. Up to Bristol for very nice, reasonably priced food (and no alcohol once again!) at the Alma Tavern. Rather speedily arranged family funeral confirmed for tomorrow in Redditch. I will go as a representative of the South West branch. Will be good to have a cobweb-clearing train ride.
Lost::MikeGTN
I've had a home on the web for more years than I care to remember, and a few kind souls persuade me it's worth persisting with keeping it updated. This current incarnation of the site is centred around the blog posts which began back in 1999 as 'the daylog' and continued through my travels and tribulations during the following years.
I don't get out and about nearly as much these days, but I do try to record significant events and trips for posterity. You may also have arrived here by following the trail to my former music blog Songs Heard On Fast Trains. That content is preserved here too.
