'The Testament of Mary'

Interesting reading. Took just three hours, while waiting for surgery on Friday morning,

I usually hate anything remotely historical and fictional. Biographies and autobiographies I enjoy, but I dislike creativity built around real lives. No specific reason, but I just find it a little intrusive,

However, this interpretation of Mary the mother of Jesus and her life was fascinating. Also extremely well written.

I loved the concept of gathering together misfits to produce something interesting.

This also struck me: "I want more from the world. Not much, but more."




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Overdid it - of course

Should probably not have taken dog for a walk less than 24 hours after surgery. Spent rest of the day on the sofa. Nice walk in the park, though.



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Pain-free arm!

Not the most flattering photo of me, but after a day in hospital, not too bad.

And my left arm is totally pain free for the first time since 15 January 2013.

And note the top of the black arrow, indicating to the surgeon where the problem sat.



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Book club - Gorky Park

I suggested 'Gorky Park' for our book club, especially as I gave copies of it out for World Book Night this year.

I'd forgotten how good it is and re-reading it was a pleasure. An intelligent thriller.




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Determined dog

Dog couldn't get her nose out of this empty crisp packet. Scavenged from son's bedroom floor - always a good source of tasty empty packets.


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Rhythms of the World 2014 ends with a flourish

I haven't seen Courtney Pine perform for a couple of decades and his headlining Hitchin's Rhythms of the World music festival was top of my list for this summer. He didn't disappoint.





An interesting line-up included an incredible steel drums player who could really play. They could all really play. Simply stunning and I was happy to buy a signed cd at the end of the show. That definitely a first for me.

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One thing leads to another

Not the best photo in the world, but Freddie is playing drums at Wavendon's Stable theatre with National Youth Music Camp. I was so proud of him, not just for the playing but also for the positive comments his tutors gave me thereafter.

It's his final camp - after about 10 years. The biggest compliment he could be played is that they've asked him to apply to be a tutor on the junior camp next year. It's where he started and it's a great opportunity to give something back. So maybe it won't be his last camp.

Good customer service - it's not rocket science

I experienced the extremes of customer service in restaurants this week and it made me realise that it's the little things that mean so much.

On Monday evening, my cousin treated me to dinner at one of the best restaurants in Hitchin. The food was delicious and service friendly. Then I discovered a white plastic tube about 1.5cm long in my risotto. Not dangerous but not what you expect to find in your mouth.

The waiter, when alerted to it, was apologetic.

That was it. He came back to discuss desserts shortly thereafter. Great opportunity to mention the curious incident of the plastic in my food. Nothing. I at least expected the offer of free desserts. Nothing.

Today, a group of ten of us visited a wine bar around the corner from the offices I visit a couple of times a week. We ordered drinks and then good, aware that a big order would take some time.

However, after more than half an hour, nothing had arrived. I just popped over to the owner, who we know a bit, and mentioned our wait. Not a complaint, but an observation. He said he'd look into it. On his return to our table he apologised for the wait, explained he had a relief chef in to cover holiday and then said he'd be writing the whole food total off our bill.

Guess which restaurant I'll be going back to and which one is definitely off my list now?


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