So it’s getting colder and we have had a couple of frosts. The olive tree is now indoors for the winter. James was very excited when he looked out of our bedroom window and saw that there was snow on top of Ben Lomond.
My ankle continues to be very sore after my fall on Sunday, and has developed a rainbow of bruises despite the fact that I didn’t even fall to the ground when I tripped and hurt it. I had an x-ray in Monday which seemed to be clear but I received a letter today from the hospital which informed me that I have a “subtle fracture” and that they would like me to come back in on Tuesday.
In other news, I went to a Supper Club at Waitrose in Milngavie this evening, which was a dinner cooked by Masterchef winner Gary Maclean. The menu was delicious and everyone got chatting about food and good restaurants in Glasgow. There was a question and answer session at the end of the meal and Gary was very informative and personable; he spoke very frankly about his career and what motivates him.
Thursday, 31 October 2019
Sunday, 27 October 2019
Two Falls
In my usual clumsy way I fell down a small step at the top of Buchanan Street today. We had popped into the Concert Hall to collect some tickets that we had ordered online, but found that the Box Office is closed on a Sunday. No matter, we set off back down towards our lunch date with Heather and Ewan in Royal Exchange Square. When we passed the statue of Donald Dewar I glanced back at it; I always feel a connection to him because my Mum knew him when he was a wee boy. And that resulted in my downfall - I didn’t even see the step that I tripped on and although I didn’t fall right down, my foot bent outwards at the ankle with a searing pain. I yelled in pain and sat down on the step to recover. Two very nice gentlemen from the nearby “Free Kashmir” demonstration ran up to bring me some water. After thanking them, I managed to hobble down Buchanan Street while leaning rather heavily on James’ arm, and the pain eased off somewhat.
I’m glad to say that my tender ankle didn’t cast a pall on our lunch with Heather and Ewan. It was great to see them both and we had a pleasant lunch in Zizzi’s. We were joined by Alasdair and Andrew, who had enterprisingly decided to join us since the two of them had planned to meet up anyway. So we were a jolly table of six, and we enjoyed hearing about some of Andrew’s recent adventures in Australia.
It has in fact been a rather social weekend. On Friday I went to the cinema with Jackie to see the Downton Abbey film. I was not daunted by the fact that I have seen not a single episode of the popular television programme, because I assumed that the film would be “stand alone” and so it was. Of course the characters would have meant more to the real aficionados who had watched all seven series of Downton Abbey, but Jackie gave me a quick run down of the main characters on our journey to Springfield Quay, and I found it very enjoyable. The setting and the costumes were beautiful and I like a period drama. And then on Saturday evening Marjory, Forrest and Lucy come round for a Chinese meal. It was Chanel’s 23rd birthday and we followed the meal with birthday cake. She and Davie had enjoyed a day out together in Glasgow and then we had a lovely family evening.
After my fall this morning the day strangely ended with another fall, but not mine. We had just been watching an interesting documentary about California on BBC2, including a segment about giant redwoods. We had just finished a cup of tea and were expecting the comedy show Live at the Apollo to come on next, although we were just about to head to bed anyway. But instead, with no introduction, a film started with a masked mob hanging a man in a forest. We were very puzzled and a bit horrified as he plunged from a wooden gibbet down into a hole. But instead of stopping short, the rope just went on and on spooling. We didn’t see the man, just the rope running so fast down into the hole in the forest floor that it was burning a groove in the cross beam of the scaffold. It was so weird. I won’t reveal the ending - it only lasted five minutes - and when it ended there were no credits, and the next programme duly commenced. So needless to say we googled it, and I found a review on the Guardian website which explains that it’s a short film by Jonathan Glazer called The Fall, and speculated as to its meaning. Well, it certainly had us intrigued!
I’m glad to say that my tender ankle didn’t cast a pall on our lunch with Heather and Ewan. It was great to see them both and we had a pleasant lunch in Zizzi’s. We were joined by Alasdair and Andrew, who had enterprisingly decided to join us since the two of them had planned to meet up anyway. So we were a jolly table of six, and we enjoyed hearing about some of Andrew’s recent adventures in Australia.
It has in fact been a rather social weekend. On Friday I went to the cinema with Jackie to see the Downton Abbey film. I was not daunted by the fact that I have seen not a single episode of the popular television programme, because I assumed that the film would be “stand alone” and so it was. Of course the characters would have meant more to the real aficionados who had watched all seven series of Downton Abbey, but Jackie gave me a quick run down of the main characters on our journey to Springfield Quay, and I found it very enjoyable. The setting and the costumes were beautiful and I like a period drama. And then on Saturday evening Marjory, Forrest and Lucy come round for a Chinese meal. It was Chanel’s 23rd birthday and we followed the meal with birthday cake. She and Davie had enjoyed a day out together in Glasgow and then we had a lovely family evening.
After my fall this morning the day strangely ended with another fall, but not mine. We had just been watching an interesting documentary about California on BBC2, including a segment about giant redwoods. We had just finished a cup of tea and were expecting the comedy show Live at the Apollo to come on next, although we were just about to head to bed anyway. But instead, with no introduction, a film started with a masked mob hanging a man in a forest. We were very puzzled and a bit horrified as he plunged from a wooden gibbet down into a hole. But instead of stopping short, the rope just went on and on spooling. We didn’t see the man, just the rope running so fast down into the hole in the forest floor that it was burning a groove in the cross beam of the scaffold. It was so weird. I won’t reveal the ending - it only lasted five minutes - and when it ended there were no credits, and the next programme duly commenced. So needless to say we googled it, and I found a review on the Guardian website which explains that it’s a short film by Jonathan Glazer called The Fall, and speculated as to its meaning. Well, it certainly had us intrigued!
Thursday, 24 October 2019
A couple of symphonies
James and I were back at RSNO’s “Symphony, Soup and a Sandwich” yesterday lunch time to listen to Dvorák’s Symphony no. 5. This time we just booked tickets for the concert and didn’t get a ticket for the soup and sandwich; although undoubtedly good value for money it’s perhaps aimed at an (even) older age group than ours, and anyway is very filling for lunch time. The upstairs concert hall was packed to see Jirí Rožeñ conducting this folk song inspired symphony, which romped along cheerfully. Emerging into the sunlight we did a bit of shopping before heading home.
And then this evening we were at the City Halls (luckily I checked the tickets or we would have ended up back at the GRCH!) to hear Sibelius’ Symphony no. 2 conducted by Thomas Dausgaard, who I think looks a bit like Father Ted. I found it very pleasant, but the star of the evening for me came in the first half, when the amazing pianist Yuliana Avdeeva played Tchaikovsky’s Piano concerto no. 1. Oh my goodness it was brilliant, especially the grand introduction to the first movement. On the other hand I was not impressed by the first piece which was Maxwell Davies’ An Orkney Wedding. I’m sure that I’ve heard it before but I had forgotten how rubbish it is. Apparently he wrote it after going to a wedding on Hoy; how rude of him to write such discordant and mocking music. I hope he was never asked back. Being at the City Halls, James and I were reminded of a music-loving friend, Steven, whom we ran into nearly every time that we went there. Sadly, he died at the beginning of the summer and we both felt his absence this evening.
And then this evening we were at the City Halls (luckily I checked the tickets or we would have ended up back at the GRCH!) to hear Sibelius’ Symphony no. 2 conducted by Thomas Dausgaard, who I think looks a bit like Father Ted. I found it very pleasant, but the star of the evening for me came in the first half, when the amazing pianist Yuliana Avdeeva played Tchaikovsky’s Piano concerto no. 1. Oh my goodness it was brilliant, especially the grand introduction to the first movement. On the other hand I was not impressed by the first piece which was Maxwell Davies’ An Orkney Wedding. I’m sure that I’ve heard it before but I had forgotten how rubbish it is. Apparently he wrote it after going to a wedding on Hoy; how rude of him to write such discordant and mocking music. I hope he was never asked back. Being at the City Halls, James and I were reminded of a music-loving friend, Steven, whom we ran into nearly every time that we went there. Sadly, he died at the beginning of the summer and we both felt his absence this evening.
Wednesday, 23 October 2019
Grandma and Autumn
James and I have been experimenting with different routes to visit Grandma in her nursing home in order to find the most direct and pleasant walk. We have honed it down to 30 minutes by using a couple of leafy lanes to cut a corner, and it is becoming part of our daily routine. As we had planned we have made her room more homely with a selection of her pictures and photos, a plant for her window sill and a vase of flowers. We also took round plenty of clothes and filled her en suite bathroom with her favourite toiletries So far Grandma is settling in well and particularly enjoys the excellent food and baking. However she has been suffering from a chest infection so she’s on antibiotics and also is getting some of her medication adjusted. This has resulted in her being very sleepy so we are still very concerned about her. Hopefully her health will improve.
The weather has been fine and sunny so far this week so we have been our enjoying the autumn colours. On Monday we had a splendid walk up Lowther Hill in the Borders, from where we could see Wanlockhead nestling in the hills below us. Later we rewarded ourselves with a very nice cake and coffee at the wee Mining museum. And then on Tuesday we went over to Pollok Park for a stroll through the fast falling leaves and through the vegetable gardens to the river. And naturally another tasty coffee break ensued.
The weather has been fine and sunny so far this week so we have been our enjoying the autumn colours. On Monday we had a splendid walk up Lowther Hill in the Borders, from where we could see Wanlockhead nestling in the hills below us. Later we rewarded ourselves with a very nice cake and coffee at the wee Mining museum. And then on Tuesday we went over to Pollok Park for a stroll through the fast falling leaves and through the vegetable gardens to the river. And naturally another tasty coffee break ensued.
Sunday, 20 October 2019
A cold and the Joker
Since I have returned from London I have been struck down by the dreaded lurgy - in other words a very annoying cold. I stuck close to home for a couple of days but am now starting to get out and about again. Today James and I went for a very sunny walk along the beach at Troon from where we had fine views across to Arran. I felt refreshed and glad to be outdoors.
Last night we went on a cinema trip to see Joker, a film starring Joachim Phoenix focusing on the background of the Joker from the Batman films. Oh dear oh dear oh dear! I will not give away any of the plot but I have seldom seen such a depressing and harrowing film. I must admit that I had been expecting a dark thriller, with some humour thrown in, but that is certainly not what this film is about. Instead it is a searingly tragic observation of someone with a mental illness in an uncaring society. I can’t have been the only audience member who was taken aback by its unremitting bleakness. On the other hand, Joachim Phoenix is an amazing actor who was perfect as the Joker. He reminds me a bit of Daniel Day Lewis in the way that he seems completely to become the character he portrays. Davie and Chanel have gone to see the film this evening and I can’t wait to discuss it with them.
Last night we went on a cinema trip to see Joker, a film starring Joachim Phoenix focusing on the background of the Joker from the Batman films. Oh dear oh dear oh dear! I will not give away any of the plot but I have seldom seen such a depressing and harrowing film. I must admit that I had been expecting a dark thriller, with some humour thrown in, but that is certainly not what this film is about. Instead it is a searingly tragic observation of someone with a mental illness in an uncaring society. I can’t have been the only audience member who was taken aback by its unremitting bleakness. On the other hand, Joachim Phoenix is an amazing actor who was perfect as the Joker. He reminds me a bit of Daniel Day Lewis in the way that he seems completely to become the character he portrays. Davie and Chanel have gone to see the film this evening and I can’t wait to discuss it with them.
Wednesday, 16 October 2019
The Queen - twice!
James had a good idea for the last day of our London break. Monday was the State Opening of Parliament so he suggested that we go along to Horseguards Parade to see the Queen pass by in her carriage. Fortified by breakfast at Pret A Manger (yet again) we went along and found ourselves part of a large crowd waiting for the Queen. Along came the carriage, drawn by beautiful white horses, and we could clearly see the Queen and Prince Charles inside it; the Queen was wearing white robes. Then James had another brainwave. We crossed through Green Park to the Mall and waited to see the Queen on her way home from the Houses of Parliament to Buckingham Palace. We didn’t have too long to wait, and I managed to take some good photos as she passed by. James then navigated us expertly to Waterston‘s flagship bookshop in Piccadilly, where we had lunch up on the 5th floor overlooking the roof tops. Our last port of call was the Royal Academy. We haven’t been in there since the Paintings the Modern Garden exhibition nearly four years ago, and since then it has been extended. We had coffee in the poster room and then a wander around the permanent exhibits. My favourite section was by 18th century artist and sculptor John Flaxman, who did a series of excellent outline drawings of the Iliad and the Odyssey which proved to be an inspiration for 19th century graphic novels and 20th century comic strips. The way he drew them is clearly the basis for Marvel superheroes in action.
All too soon it was time to go to the airport to head home. The journey was fine but unfortunately I have brought a souvenir home with me from London. It’s a horrible head cold, no doubt caught on the plane on Friday or on the Tube during the weekend. I have been feeling very sorry for myself all day and James has heroically been providing me with many cups of tea.
All too soon it was time to go to the airport to head home. The journey was fine but unfortunately I have brought a souvenir home with me from London. It’s a horrible head cold, no doubt caught on the plane on Friday or on the Tube during the weekend. I have been feeling very sorry for myself all day and James has heroically been providing me with many cups of tea.
Matilda and the Ivy
On Sunday morning we had breakfast again at Pret a Manger in Paternoster Square - I love their pains aux raisins and the attractive location. The bells of St Paul’s were pealing mightily. It was only a short walk from there to the Guildhall art gallery where we were meeting Cat. She had told us of an exhibition there of paintings of the architecture of London. What a find! It’s a lovely wee art gallery and the exhibition was fantastic; such a variety of paintings of London from all different eras. We all loved it. There was also a Roman amphitheatre in the basement of the building which we could walk around, and a nice wee collection of 19th century paintings.
We spent so long there that we only just had time for a quick snack before going to see the musical “Matilda” at the Cambridge Theatre. This being a Sunday matinee there were plenty of children there, and we found ourselves sitting beside a friendly Finnish family comprising of a Mum, Dad and two young daughters. The musical was good and the child actors were amazing; they danced and sang tirelessly throughout. My one wee criticism would be that it was hard to make out Tim Minchin’s lyrics during all the action that was going on; due to their youth the children’s diction was understandably not as clear as that of the adults in the production. The music was lively but I didn’t find it to be particularly memorable, not compared to “Wicked” for example, from which I can still remember various songs. It was a good show though, and full of life. Afterwards it was time to go to our old favourite the Ivy for dinner - it was very handy for the theatre. The food was excellent and it was great to chat with Cat, we had a lovely evening.
We spent so long there that we only just had time for a quick snack before going to see the musical “Matilda” at the Cambridge Theatre. This being a Sunday matinee there were plenty of children there, and we found ourselves sitting beside a friendly Finnish family comprising of a Mum, Dad and two young daughters. The musical was good and the child actors were amazing; they danced and sang tirelessly throughout. My one wee criticism would be that it was hard to make out Tim Minchin’s lyrics during all the action that was going on; due to their youth the children’s diction was understandably not as clear as that of the adults in the production. The music was lively but I didn’t find it to be particularly memorable, not compared to “Wicked” for example, from which I can still remember various songs. It was a good show though, and full of life. Afterwards it was time to go to our old favourite the Ivy for dinner - it was very handy for the theatre. The food was excellent and it was great to chat with Cat, we had a lovely evening.
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