Farmer Giles

Saturday, July 23, 2005

Ok, so perhaps some people's sensibilities may have been offended by the previous National Express onanism-on-demand post. Ho-hum, well in for a penny in for a pound... having endured hemorrhoids periodically over the past few years, aggravated by the heat, humidity and hours on coaches over the past few weeks I became acquainted with that magical unguent "Germaloids". I won't go into details of application and efficacy suffice to say "soothing shrinkage". However I was slightly taken aback upon studying the requisite information/instruction leaflet to note that I should "Keep out of the sight and reach of children". Hmmm... I always thought that was made up by some observational comedian. Obviously not.

Continuing the health theme I now believe that my recurrent groinal lumpy, boil thingummies are infected lymph nodes. My theory was formed whilst researching a recent pain in my abdominal upper left quadrant which could well be spleen-related and possibly connected to the lymphatic issue. Hmmm...

On a more positive note, I can now play guitar once again and without numbness foreshortening the session, however my ring and little fingers are still lacking in strength necessitating some modified fingering. There's also not a little tightness around the scar, but what the hell!

7 days to the party...

2005 snogs

posted by Andy 08:44

Wanker Button

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

On my travels around the country by National Express I have seen many odd sights and a variety of coach types. However en-route to Coventry the other weekend I couldn't help but wonder as to the purpose of this button above my seat. It appears to be a chap (or possibly a chappess) pleasuring themself. Upon enquiring of my beloved Jit as to her opinion she proferred an explanation that it may refer to the driver. Therefore I deduced that if I pressed the button the driver would pull over and pull himself (or myself) off. What does the team think?

Was great to get a set of cool photos from Sladja of Exit 2005. A great event that I should try and attend one year.

Missed out on Magic Numbers tickets for Northampton Roadmender on my birthday (26/08) but managed to nab a couple for Wolverhampton on 08/10. I really had no idea they were that popular! Not heard much of their stuff on Radio4 lol!!!

2005 snogs

posted by Andy 06:26

Poorly-Sick

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Cough, splutter, choke, sneeze, dribble, croak. Got absolutely drenched and cold last Tuesday on the way over to Willenhall, as a result I'm a bit of a wreck! An awful lot of cooking's been going on over the past few days. Firstly for a surprise get-together in Coventry to honour my Mother's 74th birthday, secondly for guests we had last night. Ity was good practice for our do on the 30th. We sussed out how to make chappatis, dhikia (spicy potato nuggety things), veggie samosas and onion bhajis to die for. So more recipes to be added soon.

Was interviewed by the Disability Rights Commission and the Local Government Chronicle last Friday which made me feel like I'm back in the saddle again so to speak.

Obviously the events in London put something of a downer on my spirits as I know a lot of people who work in the affected area from my previous job. Thankfully and miraculously it appears that no-one from the organisation was caught up in the explosions but even so it's an area of London that I have frequented in the course of my work over the past 4 years which gives one pause for thought.

We're off to Jit's graduation in Leeds on Thursday then I'm back to Northampton and may finally get some housework done there!

2005 snogs

posted by Andy 06:22

Thought For The Day

Monday, July 04, 2005

I thought this was so cool! A secular thought for the day from Radio4's Today programme last Saturday, composed entirely from song lyrics e.g. Bowie, Clash, Bob Marley etc. See what you think:

Thought For The Day

Otherwise... unbelievably I received yet another shitty letter from NBC regarding the Housing Benefit, I ask you!? I did a stupid thing... I requested a Fire Safety check in order to pressurise the Landlords into doing remedial work on the flat..., well, not expecting such a prompt response, when this afternoon I recieved a call from a 'private number' I naturally assumed it was the fiance and answered with something along the lines of "Hi darling, honey drawers!", only to hear "Good afternoon Mr Brown, it's Superintendant Blogs from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service...". Whoops!

I'm off up to Willenhall again (Hi Chrissie!) then up to Leeds for the graduation but should get to blog somehow.

2005 snogs

posted by Andy 17:17

Bloody families!

Saturday, July 02, 2005

Ok, so i've been back in Northampton for nearly a week with no blog, but that doesn't mean I've neglected the old place. You may have noticed two new sections:
Andy's recipes - a selection of culinary delights that I like to knock up for friends, designed to bring you to mouthgasm.
Disability Access Blog - an idea we had while getting pissed off with various pubs and municipal buildings who don't seem to give a toss about the disabled �, but also brought into sharp relief the areas of good practice. If you fancy reviewing any venues local to you, drop me an e-mail and I'll set you up as a co-blogger.
On the engagement/wedding front, everyone has been great about it in both our families with the slight exception of the two mothers (neither of us has a father). It got a little stressful this week trying to jump through hoops in order to be diplomatic whilst remaining true to our own wishes. Thankfully a plan has emerged to please everyone, phew! More on that later.
I finally put my foot down with Northampton Borough Council on Monday regarding my Housing Benefit claim which they've been fannying about with since mid-February i.e. I managed to get through to the acting Head of Benefit and Revenue Services and magically got a decision within 24 hours and a cheque for about 10 weeks rent in my bank within 4 days. Result!
Water heater sprung a leak so have a lovely, soggy bedroom carpet :/
Have just about fulfilled all the 'serious' cd requests which totalled around 30. I'm a daft sod stumping up for all the blanks, cases, jiffy bags and postage, but what the hell, it's nice that other folk appreciate my work.
Ciao for now!
2005 snogs

posted by Andy 06:41