the build up to the weekend

There's a Tuborg Christmas brew that you can get at Wetherspoons. Didn't go to Mr Scruff's 5 hr set in the Orange Rooms, Southampton last night (Thurs) but the Hope, Carshalton was eminently fine. Tonight turned down Winter Wonderland and the Morpeth Arms, Millbank tonight. Waiting for the snow; wellies and Hunter liners are ready. It's Palace v Doncaster today (Sat) so meeting the boys at the Brewers, Selhurst.

Sunday; Rudolph, topical this time o year, has galvanised me to go to the boudoir circus..should be a spectacle and there's an afterparty. I did tell him about it having met Claire at Yasmin's farewell party; cheers for putting up the photo Yas.

Monday meeting with Mellikins; Xmas reunion cheer. 28th floor Hilton Windows ahead of her spa treatment in the hotel; Chilean Sauvigon Blanc looks alright.

Saw the new Karate Kid and it was pretty good. In life you got to have control, chi. Don't think too much; just go for it like Gavin Henson should in Strictly. Anticipate.. connect with the energy round you. Empty your mind..focus. Paul McKenna says the more you focus the more you get; magnetise. Going to read some Tony Robbins.

Sadly Mike Hussey is on 176 for Oz. He's a nutter with a spark; he never keeps still. Eng can draw their matches and retain the urn; Cook is boring anyway.

Thanksgiving

Being cut adrift by some of the past so i feel a bit worn down. Sometimes you just have to give people time. Treat yourself with love; not self berate. The song i was thinking about was 'It Had To Be You' Harry (I)Connick Junior from a certain, very wonderful romantic comedy. As part of the Xmas dinner season Thanksgiving falls at the right time and the carnivore's dream Bodeans served as a good setting. From the outset i knew this was going to be a filling meal; garlic bread with the clam chowder? I was happy with just the broth. Turkey followed, the mashed potatoes were scrummy and i wanted American pecan pie. I did do some running later; it was needed.

Went to the Hope; yet another fest,this time a dark beer one. Ellie, Max and the eco-warriors were there; grub spread, a eco awareness quiz and a sing song. We were clamouring for 'knees up mother Brown' but it fell on deaf ears. Titanic Wreckage is not about one's eventful love life but a nice ale. Liked how though it was well cold there was a healthy turnout.

Only to you

Trying to enjoy life. Met an old friend; the door is open for people, i knew we'd meet again. 'If you need me baby i will go running, only to you' someone said online; like that. My Movember tache is hilarious; it's gone from My Name is Earl droopy to Thomas Magnum P.I. People in the service industries try to keep a straight face; clean shaven next week like Clegg and Cameron.

Then met up with Scott and went to Winter Wonderland where i donned my Santa tie. Went on a ride which didn't go upside down though the drops were good. Sinky seats in the chalets. I had a Bavarian stein. The weather is now officially cold brr.

Yesterday (Tues) gave some clothes to a charity shop then the Bedford and onto Tooting's Tram Social where we played pong. Then up the Ante.

Mon got spray; i'm not Scary Spice but Old Spice. Bought a funky belt with holes all the way round and a red xmas cowboy hat for the forthcoming do's (and don'ts). The staff at TK Maxx were dressed like Boyz to Men. Went to my first Camra committee meeting; will contribute to the South West London Good Beer Guide. Going to scope..the Nightingale doh. Just give me some food there. Ellie, ever the bad influence, headed an after hours punt to the Selkirk. I had a VB as Eng will be drinking the blood of the Aussies during the Ashes. Have to try the Xmas dinner there; pigeon starter twisted pigeon starter followed by goose. The Xmas dinner challenge is a gauntlet i've thrown down; how many will you have through works do's and reunions? Nut roasts are allowed. Iceland party foods; yummy.
Was happy to stay in Fri and Sun.

Halloween mash

Worked 9-5 Thurs no break; got the non stop train from Elephant to East Croydon, then it takes just 12 mins to get to Merstham. My first time in that area, just near the M25 so had a look round in the fading light. The village hall is just 30 seconds from the station; Norwich was a comparative behemoth. Had the much lauded Russian Imperial Stout courtesy of the innovative Darkstar. The Highland porter gave a good twist of the Orkneys at 9%. My first food of the day was a chicken and stuffing pie. Andy Gunnell came down again so me, him and Daf hung out. Like the local accents. New friend Spingo Angela tutted at my pints of coke and lemonade. Woking fest has sold out. 6-10 Redhill was a good session.

Fri worked 8-3.30 then went to Le Gothique; great atmosphere..Julian Stone had a super Halloween tie, Rapahel had a good look going with a skeleton tie and blood make up..sounds like a catwalk and the latest fashions. John Butler on good form. There were some monster drinks; MMX, Tripel Trouble, Devil's Device, Boxing Dog. Also a new brewery Camden Town. Met a Sally there who's pinching of people's arses was in fitting with the party feel.
Wanted to stay the rest of the evening but went to Leyton, Rob's home patch for the Piglet fest. The Orient supporters bar is a lauded one and it was pretty kicking there with madcap Alasdair in the house. Took the tube back from Walthamstow followed by a chicken kebab.

Sat morning went to Wandsworth Road to see Mick; had an orange juice in a Portuguese cafe there bedecked with Benfica etc scarves. The boozer we went to after had the power station in the background; grew up in Battersea. Then the pirate ship Tamesis Dock, took Mick to Zeitgeist. I had a sausage platter.
Headed East Croydon way for Jon's 40th birthday all along the Clocktower. At the Sainsburys the checkout girl said 'you don't look 40' i said 'i don't buy my own cards. I'm 21 like you' She giggled and said 'i'm 27'. There was a buffet and i was fairly well stuffed from the previous platter.
Great to see Jon, Dodge, Sue, Howie. Met someone Jai who went to the same secondary school. Spoke to a girl there who said 'thought i'd pop in, show my face' and i comes back 'and it is a nice face to show' which she liked. Nice ppl there, we had a dance..they had the place till midnight.

Sun saw Strictly on iplayer. Halloween is about dark seduction, vampishness..our demons can be sexy. Energy moves in the air, through walls. So for witches night Rizwan was wearing a long black gothic coat, flowing white top, snakeskin, pvc trousers. I made my hair a ghostly white; a fantastical Tim Burton vision. At the Beeb Vic wore purple eye shadow; we had a Halloween/ Samhain mash. Loved watching the Thriller video earlier; brought a tear to the eye. Also saw Rocky Horror Time Warp. Vic, a local brew partner. There 6-11 last orders.
Now the 1st Nov white rabbits are making way for Darkstar night.