Travelled into the West End tonight for a meal at Tiger Tiger brfore going to watch 39 Steps at the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly........ Curtersy of No2 daughter...... A surprise birthday present
What can I say?
John Buchan's classic novel that I read as a teenager and seen (1978 remake featuring Robert Powell and John Mills) now watched as a comedy
For some reason I had doubted that a murder suspense could work as a comedy but.......... IT DID!
It was HILARIOUS!
 Four actors playing approximately fifty characters all in all
SUPERB!

Met up with a group of ex colleagues at 'The Sanctuary' pub opposite Caxton House, Tothill Street in the south west of London
I'm now wondering to myself...... Am I an alcoholic?
Why?
This is my second outing in a week i
Of drinking!!!!
It was good to 'catch up' with friends
We hugged, we kissed and caught up with each others lives........ And then, one by one, we parted
So from St James's Park station I jump on a District line train...... Homeward bound
I get a seat District line immediately

Yesterday my colleagues gave me a birthday card signed by all and a nag full of goodies from 'Hotel Chocolat'........ Combination of....... 'Eton Mess' 'Cheese Cake' chocolates to name a few
I was chuffed as they hug me one by one

08:05........ Kissed and said goodbye to my loved ones, opened the door to find Mother Nature crying. I have no sympathy as I look up to the sky slightly crossed and begrudgely took out my umbrella and used it to shield me from HER tears

It's DOS man's birthday today....... Happy birthday to my soulmate xxx

09:10.......just passed the barrier at Stratford station, up the steps to the platform and .........saw the train depart!
A minute later another arrived, welcomed me into its embrase and rumbled on to Mile End where I disembark...........to enter the just arrived, District line train
There are plenty of empty seats
My carriage is quiet.......... Mist of the commuters are busy either reading from their Kindle reader or their iPad 2, reading the 'Metro', fiddling with their mobiles or simply just trying to get some sleep

Standing on the platform at Embankment station waiting for the District line train........ The circle line train arrived first, stopping, inviting me into it's opened mouth. I mentally declined the invitation and it sped away
A minute later the District line train arrives and it encompassed me into its warm embrace. I am spoilt for choice of where to sit

I've just had a stupendous evening at Brown's, in Covent Garden.........with wonderful colleagues, to celebrate mine and a younger colleague's birthday
A few months ago myself and my young colleague were talking and..........discovered not only did we share the same birthday, twenty eighth of August but our partners shared the dame birthday, twenty fifth of August.......how weird!
We talked, we shared personal history and as the drinks flowed, we became merry

The train has passed; Temple, Mansion House, Tower Hill, Aldgate East and Whitechapel
'This is a District line train to Barking' announced a female voice on the tannoy
'The next station is Stepney Green
There's a young woman opposite me, she has loud music blasting out of her headphone..........she's being 'Head f*****!'

The good thing about getting the underground train from Walthamstow station is..........I'm always guaranteed a seat
Why?
Because trains begin and end here
Blackhorse Road station brought in three commuters........ Tottenham Hale, no new commuters and the train doors stays open for two to three minutes and just as it was about to close........in jumps two male commuters
Next stop is Seven Sisters where you can 'change here for National Rail services'
Next......... Finsbury Park station ' change for the Piccadilly line and National Rail services......this is the Victoria line to Brixton' informs the female voice on the tannoy
Next....... Highbury and Islington 'change for London overground and National Rail services'
Then Kings Cross station
The carriage is now standing room only
Five more stops
I'm going to have a few minutes nap now
Sssssnnnnoooozzzzee!

Sitting on a sixty nine bus to Walthamstow Central bus station
Then Walthamstow station for the Victoria line to Victoria station
The bus us earily quiet..... very unusual........but I'm not complaining
Mother nature has decided to open her floodgate and I can see the rain through the glass pane of the moving bus
Overheard as a man board the bus and heads towards another man
"Where you heading to?
"To work"
"You're not exactly dress for the weather eh?"
I look up and thought.......... 'Pot.......Kettle'
Both were dressed similar, the only difference was one wad wearing a wholly hat!
I guess he thinks he's dressed for the weather!

Looking after an elderly person is exhausting in its self.......... but an elderly with cancer is no joke!
In two weeks, I have........ woken up to projectile vomiting, spending the rest of my sleeping hours cleaning and changing both mummy and the bed sheets......A 'Thud' was my alarm.......flying out of bed to find mummy sprolled on the floor...........more projectile vomitting........... showering and making sure mummy is clean and smelling nice......tendering to all her needs
My DOS man is always there behind me........supportive and even tendering to mummy's needs when I'm at work
I am starting to feel the strain........
I admire all those unspoke Heros who do this day and night out of love for their love ones
I SALUTE YOU ALL!

I chat to daddy until..........he nods off
It's a long process, this chemotherapy stint

My eighty-four year old daddy also turned up to visit my mummy, his first wife
"Hello"
"Hello daddy"
I embrace him and kiss both his cheeks
I was surprise to see him
Mummy is guided to an empty seat and the nurse begins to ask questions
"What is your name?"
My name is Blah! Blah! Blah!"
"what's your date of birth?
"My date of birth is Blah! Blah! Blah!"
"Are you allergic to anything?"
Mummy looks bewildered and looks up at me......... She didn't have to day anything........ I took over answering the nurse's questions

I recognise a few faces, from my last visit here........ We chat, we talk about the riot and the madness of it all, we laugh........... All patients bonding as one with one common enemy, the shameless cancer...... Although so big in its destruction of the body, I refuse to write its name with a capital letter!

09.04...........Mother safely sat and belted in the front passenger seat with me sat in the driver's seat........ and we're off!
Today maybe a 'non working' day but a different type 'working' day begins
I drive out of Stratford, through Wanstead, South Woodford then weaved my way through the crowded road towards Newbury Park station......... Final destination, King George's hospital
Why?
Well, today I'm escorting my mummy for her chemotherapy, to make sure that all gies well, to ask questions that myself and other siblings are concerned over

On reaching the front of Stratford station I noticed that Stratford shopping centre was completely closed........ I guess they weren't taking chances eh!
My walk home was different from the norm
Why?
Today, like the day before and the day before that, people were talking the same language, were on the same page.........
"London's burning man!" says a young man
"Yeah! Innit?" replies his mate
It's the end of the world!
"What the f*** is going on here?"
And then there were the police cars and vans screeching past with their sirens screaming blue murder

Stepney Green is like the 'Marie Celeste' 
Then Mile End where I get off for the Central line
  To Stratford......... Standing room only!

18:03............standing at the platform waiting for a District line service from the Embankment

My mind wonders to the escalating violence going on locally........ Rioting! Looting! Buildings on fire.......And no, I am not talking about Libya! I'm not talking about Afghanistan.......I'm talking about: London (Hackney, Walthamstow, Croydon, Oxford Street), Birmingham, and many more cities!

My mind wonders back to the present time as the train whisks pass and stops several metres away, welcoming me into its rather empty belly
I have several choices of where to seat
The train stops at Temple station then Mansion House, totally ignoring Blackfriars...... Canon Street, then Monument, Tower Hill........ Aldgate East station is like a ghost town, unlike the stations before it
Whitechapel next (Jack the Ripper's Manor, many moons ago)
This station too is humanless (could it have something to do with the Madness that encumbering our sometimes peaceful space?

Weekend drive to Wetherby, Yorkshire begun on Friday evening..........
Why?
To attend a family wedding at The President's Pavillion at Harogate, Yorkshire........ Apparently Prince Charles visited last month
A good time was had by all

A minor incident on the train........
Picture this........ A male commuter tries to discretly pass another male commuter who was engrossed in his newspaper........ When.......... He caught his zipper on the reading commuter's bag
Needless to say, they were entwined for a couple of minutes twisting and turning, trying to de-tangle from each other!
It brought a smile to some of the other commuters, including mysel

On reaching the platform a train arrives, opens its mouth on either end (something it can only do in Stratford- a choice of platforms!)
It's standing room only in the 'oven baked' carriage
The law talks about 'muggings' 'robbery' in one hand while the continue to commit 'Day light robbery!' themselves
How can they justify cramming transport users day in, day out, treating us worse than herded animals and charging f****** exhortanate ticket prices!
I stand all through the journey, escaping at Holborn station, taking the Piccaddilly line to Covent Garden............ And 'fresh air!'

It's the first day of August and I'm walking to Stratford Station............avoiding Leytonstone High Road..........Avoiding its descration of dog poo, human spits and refuse litter........
I arrived at Stratford station and ducked and dived pass......... Jehovah's Witness(ers), people handing out leaflets of all sorts, a man shouting "But The Sun paper!"

07:40.......... Left the house full of trepidation
Why?
Mummy has joined my family fold and now we are a 'party of five'
DOS man is now surrounded by four generation of my clan........
Great grandma-in-law
Wife
No2 daughter-in-law
Grandson-in-law

Don't get me wrong.......... There are many beautiful sights in London; theatres like 'The London Palladium, museums like the 'Science' museum, Big Ben, The 'London Eye' 'St Paul's Cathedral' to name of
It's some of the people in London I detest!
I detest;
Their rudeness!
Their selfishness!
Their lack of respect for each other!

I walk through the barrier, through the maddening morning crowd, up the steps and saw a train closing it's door and sped away
No sooner had I got to the top of the steps, another train arrives, opens and mocks me.......daring me to enter the PACKED carriage
F***! This is what my journey is going to be like every working day!
Not just working in London (which I can cope with) but LIVING in London!

08:00.......Left the house half an hour later then previous mornings
I took the same route but half way decided to try another shortcut route...........BIG MISTAKE!
I ended up adding an extra five, ten minutes to my journey
Finally sighting familiar surroundings I begin to walk briskly
Rows of 'special service' red buses going to 'athlete village'
Queues of Polish/Lithuanian/British labourers then finally Stratford station
I pass a man selling 'The Sun' newspaper
I pass s few 'Jehovah Witness' men and women handing out copies of the reading material......... I walk past looking directly in front of mr

18:13...........standing at the eastbound platform two of the Pivcadilly line at Covent Garden the train arrives JAM PACKED!
So I wait for the next train........PACKED!
I had no choice but to squeeze myself in and waited for the onslaught of heavy breathing, coughing, sneezing around me
I HATE THE TUBE!!!!
I HATE EAST LONDON!

07:35........Front door slammed behind me, front garden gate slammed behind me and my walking journey to Stratford station commences
I took all known shortcut, desperately avoiding Leytonstone Highh Road and it's alignment if black bags filled with yesterday's food empty boxes and the lingering stench that goes with it
There are four 'Athlete Village' 'Special' buses.........Some already filled with mostly Polish and Litvanian workers donning yellow jacket and hardtop hats........some running, some walking bit all talking in foreign Tongue

Now entering Stratford hub, 'touch in' my oyster card, through the barrier, up the steps and into the Central line platform heading towards Holborn station

Decided to walk to Stratford station this morning
It's certainly a different scenery to my previous one!
The pavement on Leytonstone High Street is peppered with litter and the invasion of black bags
As I got nearer to Stratford station I noticed a red 'Special' bus with 'Athlete Village' on the front
It was stationed a few yards away from the main hub to Stratford station and workmen both young and not so young were entering the 'Special' bus
They all sported the same attire; luminous yellow jacket and a hardtop helmet. As I passed them I heard them talking, mostly in a different language - I understand that the area has an influx of Lituanian and Polish people so my guess is.........the language I'm hearing is a choice of either of these

It seems that the '2012 Olympic' has generated a lot of work

I am now sat on a sixty nine bus to Walthamstow bus terminal
My destination today is Victoria station
I 'touched in' my oyster card for the very first time....... Now I am at Waltamstow underground station and 'touching I'm for the second time
I embark the waiting train and sit between a young woman engrosed in the 'Metro' newspaper and a 'hooded' sleeping man
The train is already semi full
Blackhorse Road station arrives bringing more Commutors
'I appologise for the delay but due to defective train and signals blah! blah! blah!
Here we go!
Tottenham Hale brings another announcement on the tannoy
'Blah! blah! blah!
'I don't give a f***!
next stop....... Seven Sisters
"The next station is Finsbury Park.........change here fir the Piccaddilly line and National Rail.........'
Highbury and Islington, then Kings Cross, then Euston, followed by Warren Strret. Oxford Circus, Green Park and
Finally Victoria station......... my stop!

My first journey to and from work yesterday was a tad marred with incidents and accidents!
Commutors with sour puss faces barging by obliviously to my presence
'A body under the train' at Southgate causing delays
And finally, after managing being 'dragged' onto a number two five seven bus from Stratford bus terminal, and occupying a seat..........the bus stops at the traffic lights opposite Stratford Vue cinema!
The rain mocking me to step out.........to finish its 'weather' beating it had already inflicted on my now wet body
I stood (sat) my ground.......refusing to get up
But finally succumbed and got off the bus into its fierce 'watery' punch

I am an 'Oyster' virgin!
'Oyster' virgin?
Well...... Where do I begin? At the beginning of course!
I have now officially left the 'Shire' 'Cambridgeshire' 'St Neots' to be geographically correct
I bought my first monthly oyster card......on my way to work via Stratford station

The bus arrived within five minutes emmidiately waited in the queue...... Sorry, did I say 'queue?'
'None-queue' more like
Out of nowhere, human locusts.......queue jumping!
Here we go!
I wait quietly to board the bus and sat for the bus journey to Stratford station
The bus rife was relatively quiet (I am by no means complaining)
As the bus reached its termination destination, Stratford bus terminus, I remained seated and watched the shuffling out of the bus by children and adults alike
As I walk towards Statford station, I notice a large group of workmen.........
Stratford, I understand, is fast becoming the 'place to be'

Somehow I am not quite convinced

08:28....... Left my new temporary abode in the East end of London, Stratford
I hoped to walk it to Stratford station but was running late and decided to hop on the BUS!
As I walked past an elderly woman I tested to water.....
"Good morning"
"Good morning" she replied with a smile
I felt good

07:10........ I walk into the station hub, fed my (soon to expire) season ticket through the barrier and made my way to platform four to join a couple of train buddies; long tall Sally and my namesake
"Good morning" I said
"Good morning" they replied in unison
" Last day today!" informed Long tall Sally
"Journeys end, I'm afraid
"No cakes?" asked my namesake
"No I'm afraid"

06:40........ Out into St Neots morning air
My last walk to St Neots station........ The walk seems somewhat heavy; a feeling of sadness as I walk past houses, familiar sights, fields.dogs a
D their owners........ mentally waving goodbye to them all

05:45..........alarm screeches and after five minutes of that 'last fifty winks' I force myself put of bed slowly raising, slowly making my way to the bathroom bleary eyed
I do the usual thing in the bathroom, dress, face all MAC'd out, deodorant and perfume sprayed before making my way downstairs

The train has just left Stevenage station, picking up commuters heading for Kings Cross
Did I mention that this is my last Thursday journey to work from St Neots?
Every day this week, I am mentally saying 'goodbye' 'adieu' 'aviour' 'farewell' (I think you've got the gest) to this chapter of my life journey
Will I miss the journey to and from work?
HELL NO!
Will I miss my train buddies?
HELL YES!
Just keeping in touch and perhaps the odd meet up won't be the same
But thank God for technology eh!

08:14....... I'm sat next to a all round clean shaved man (bald head, bald chin). He is wearing shades but I know he's sleeping
Why?
He's mouth is slightly ajar, heavy breathing and an occasional nod of the head is a give away!
He has on a dark suit underneath his dark raincoat
At the otherside of the aisle, a woman sits with a notebook on her lap....... tapping quietly away.......conversing, romancing the placed notebook
I looked around the carriage and noticed that most of the commuters are also busy; ready a newspaper of their choice, a magazine, tapping away on their mobiles, either texting or playing games to while away the fifty minutes on the train
There are no train buddies in sight but I notice some eight seventeen (now the eight fourteen) familiar faces, one in particular, the 'antenna' man!

DOS man and I watched 'The Apprentice'
DOS man was un his element
Why?
He was barking at the television
Picture this.....
"Was Byron a vegetarian?" asked one of the apprentice
"What's that got to do with anything?"
One team decided to name their Mexican fast food 'Caracas'
"It's actually the capital of Venezuela!"
"Christopher Columbus discovered potatoes......." quibs another appretince
"I do believe it was Sir Walter Riley!!"
DOS man is NOT AMUSED!

07:??.......not quite sure the exact time but I arrived at St Neots station hub in ample time, through the barrier, up the steps, across the bridge, down more steps straight on to platform four
Our honorary female train buddy, the good doctor and my namesake were there with several other gatecrashers loitering with intent
"Good morning"
"Good morning"
And before long we were joined by Ling tall Sally, followered by another
We got lost in conversation until the train arrived, stopping a few metres away from where we stood

06:40......... Slammed the door behind me and began my last Wednesday walk to St Neots station
This time next week my journey will temporarily be from either Stratford station or Walthamstow station

On the Victoria line underground train to Victoria station
I was able to get a seat half way through my journey to Victoria station, Warren Street station to be exact

The casually dressed man beside me is playing 'solitaire' on his iPhone four
After picking up commuters from Stevenage (standing room only) there is silence all around me
We wait patiently for Kings Cross

07:16........the train arrives a minute early, stops, doors opened and like lemmings, we get on thus beginning the first day of a working week
There are a couple of train buddies on the train
We greet each other and form alligence

Chatting away amongst ourselves, waiting for the arrival of the seven seventeen when........
A loud SCREAM penetrated from behind us slicing through our conversation!
We systematically turned our heads to where we heard the scream........and there on the concrete ground was a woman. With contorted face, perhaps partly in agony and partly embarrassed as she was helped by a couple of commuters
Others, like ourselves, just looked on
All dignity out of the window, the injured woman struggles to get up, legs wide apart and grey knickers visible for her audience
My mother's advice as a young child came ringing through......
"Always make sure you have on clean decent pair of knickers on in case of an accident!"

07:05......... Already standing on platform four on my lonesome
07:10.......
"Good morning"
Our honorary female train buddy, the good doctor was the first of the usual crowd to join me
"Good morning" I replied
"I'm off to an interview later this morning"
"I thought you were attending court" he said, gazing at my attire
"How was Goodwin?" I asked
"Good" he replied and we were lost in conversation until......
"Good morning"
A familiar face (not quite a 'train buddy' as such greets us
"Good morning"
"Good morning" I turn to see my namesake
Greeting her as she walked towards us, shortly followered by Long tall Sally
And the ritual greetings commenced once again

What I couldn't understand was what difference did being an American make for being lost?

Overheard conversation on the Piccadilly line  between a female traveller and a Transport fir Lindon staff
"I'm American an terribly lost!.........I'm trying to get to Blah! Blah! Blah!
(in a loud American accent!)
And all around me commuters were smiling

We arrived at Stevenaged with baited breathe (on my part) and did a mental 'whoopi!' as several seats become vacant
I am happy to say that I am now sitting down

Arrived at Kings Cross underground with four minutes to spare
I scaffled pass commuters with children, commuters with luggages, passing a lone police officer with his 'drug snuffing' dog and made it to the concourse with two minutes on my side
Every carriage I passed looking willingly through the window for a vacant seat.... I should be so f****** lucky!
So here I am standing on the five forty train leaving from platform six
Here's hoping I get a seat at Stevenage!
I certainly won't miss this journey.....and I'll be five thousand one hundred and eighty pounds richer!
I SEE BAGS! SHOES! RETAIL THERAPY.........and the frown on my face turns itself upside down (smile)

Standing at the Eastbound platform two, Piccaddilly line for Kings Cross......
BO lovers' spot near the door is rhe only'spot' for me
My face contorted and practically supported in between a tall middle-aged man's smelly armpit!
Nausea is taking over as I heave and gag.......then I spot a space and head straight towards it......not a moment too soon
In my world I would have projectil vomited all over the smelly B******!

I am sat next to a middle aged suited man playing loud music from his iPhone four
He gets a call and speaks loudly,through his earphones about..... hospital appointments, someone having 'man flu' and so
something being 'more expensive than their Bentley!' blah! blah! blah!
Directly facing me is a clean shaved (head and face) man also listening to music through his iPhone four (quietly, unlike my neighbour)
Sat beside clean shaved man is my female train buddy

08:14.........the train arrives and stops a few metres away from my feet. I pressed it's lit button, it repricicate by opening its mouth and let's us in
Left! Left! Left!
We find seats nearby and settle in for the fifty minutes fast train journey to Kings Cross, stopping only at Stevenage then non stop to Kings Cross

08:12......
"Good morning" chirps a female buddy now joining me at the edge of the platform
"Good morning" I replied
We talk about the humid unbearable weather that had us all tossing and turning in our beds the night before
We talk about the loud thunder that alerted us of Mother Nature's intention for today, talk about 'rumble in the jungle!'
Mother Natured teased with a few spot of drizzle and stopped
We British are well known for our love of 'weather conversing'

05:45........... Brrrrrrr! There goes my unwelcoming visitor, the alarm.....forever screeching, forever wanting, forever needing...... MY ATTENTION!
But alas this morning it's........arm stretched as I silenced it for an extra hour lay-in. Hence me standing on platform four at St Neots' station at five minutes past eight waiting for the eight twenty, sorry, the eight fourteen

I've just watched 'Cop Squad' on Sky 1 and I thought I was going to laugh myself to death
This one was based around Cambridgeshire constabulary and crime 
The one that had me in a fit was the 'joker criminal'
He eluded the cops by greasing his body, hence 'a slippery criminal' then days/weeks of searching high and low, he is caught, wrestled to the ground screaming blue murder.
On being asked "Have you got any injuries?" he replied "Yes, my dick" and I roared with laughter
Then whilst handcuffing his wrist behind his back a policeman asked "Have you got anything on you?" He replied "Police" and I doubled up in a fit of laughter!
I've never been entertained so much by real cops and criminals
CLASSIC!

We have now reached Stevenage

07:10............. As I walked down the last couple of steps to platform four, I looked down for familiar faces and saw a man and a woman standing at 'our spot'
'I see strange (dead) people' comes to mind
A minute later, I hear familiar loud heeled footsteps coming down the steps
"Good morning"
"Good morning" I replied to my namesake
We talk about the weather
"I hear it's going to get warmer from Sunday.......going up to thirty degrees on Wednesday" I said
"it doesn't bother me because I'm off!"
We continue to 'tennis' talk until the train arrived, enticing us into it's now opened mouth
We are spoilt for choice on seats
"Good morning" We said in unison to our sole train buddy from Huntingdon/Peterborough
"Good morning" he said, looking up from his newspaper
My namesake seats besides him while I sat across at the other two by two seatings

18:10..........platform one and sitting next to Mr Grumpy, a train buddy
We exchange a few unpleasantries before settling down to me reading the 'Evening Standard' and him reading (from his 'kindle')...... 'Sherlock Holmes'
Across to our left sits two other train buddies (the love birds)
Apart from the wind bellowing into the carriage, there is silence all around
An overheard scenario.......
Woman enters the train and man sitting at the two by two seats smiles at her and she smiles back at him
"Excuse me please" he says to a man sitting on his own with a vacant seat besides him
"Can we swap seats?"
I hold my breathe
"No........ I cannot stretch my legs sitting there" he replied
He stands for the woman to sit beside him....... Nothing further was exchanged
Well...... He had every right to be sat there so good on him!
Those two by two are awkward

Yesterday was a mixture of happy and sad times............ Happy news that the couple buying our family home has signed the contract and it's now official!
We're moving out of St Neots, Cambridgeshire, to pastures new
The sad........being at a 'Goodbye' bash for ex colleagues as we gather together as a Division for the last time; some leaving for good, others in their new post and some.........like myself, surplus and trying to secure themselves another post elsewhere within the Civil Service remit
We 'plan' to 'keep in touch' but time will tell
So you see, life is not always a simple ride.......but a rollercoster of lives ups and down thrown in to keep us on our toes
A family member from afar (Florida, USA) made a comment early this week........"Two steps forward, one step backwards"
Soooooo veerrrry TRUE!

It has been a stressful past week. I had organised the gathering of thirtyone members of my family to a seating at 'Cottons' Carribbean restaurant in Islington (nearest tube stations being Angel and Holborn)........ Exmouth Market EC1 to be exact
It was a milestone birthday celebration of a special person in all our lives and a good time was had by all.......
Both young and old...... four generations of two families fused together as; in-laws, parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws.......

07:17.........Sat next to a middle-aged bespectacled man tapping away on his Blackberry..........well he was. He's now reading the 'I' newspaper
Opposite me is a male train buddy and beside him is............a vacant seat
Yes! You heard right, a rare sight these days!
There are only two other train buddies; my namesake and our honorary female buddy, the good doctor
We chat for a while before doing our own thing, some tapping on their mobiles, one reading a book by Peter James 'Read like you' I think its called, another reading the free 'Metro' newspaper

They were giving away free Nivea hand cream at Kings Cross...so I nabbed myself one........ It'll come in handy at work.
Standing room only on the Piccadilly line train
We have passed Russell Square and just leaving Holborn...
Covent Garden, my stop......up the steps and into the crowded lift

I watched 'Little Couple' last night. About an American couple; he was four feet tall and she was several inches shorter
What I admired about these couple was how they went about their lives. He was a business man and she was a doctor at a hospital
Their height didn't stop them achieving a career unlike some people who think the world owes them something for their misfortunes in life

There is only one train buddy on the train
We scrabble towards him, we greeted him before making ourselves comfortable
I am sat next to a sleepy head young female. Her arms folded tightly across her chest. I sit queerly beside her and listened in to conversations around me
It's funny how one can feel invisible amongst friends!

07:10........ Standing alone at the usual platform four spot......all alone
"Good morning!"
"Good morning.... Haven't seen you on this train for awhile"
"I've been taking the eight fourteen"
We converse until we were interrupted by two more female buddy, my namesake and Long Tall Sally
"Good morning!"
"Good morning!"
Then our banker train buddy arrives seconds later followered by another then another
"Good morning!"
"Good morning!"
"Blah! Blah! Blah!
The train arrives on time and stops, opens its mouth, welcoming us to several empty seats
The usual for most Fridays

06:40........mentally waved goodbye to the house and begun my twenty-five minutes walk to Sr Neots station
I met several dog walkers on my way........ Some greeting me as I pass, me reciprocating.......some just walking past me with just a smile and a nod
I spot just one female commuter on the other side of the road
There's a quiet air around me as I continue my lonely walk. The weather is mild but unpredictable and I know how Mother Nature can change..........from a sunny day to wet! wet! wet!

I am sat next to a muddleaged (I mean, middle-aged) man in dark grey pin stripped trouser suit, typing quietly away on his Samsung notebook. We are slightly dressed similar........ Well, maybe not....... I'm wearing a lighter grey pin stripped dress and grey cardigan....... so the only similarity is...... pin stripped attire

06:11........ through the barrier, up the steps, across the bridge, down more steps and onto platform four to join three train buddies
"Good morning all"
A chorus of greetings were delivered
"How are you?
"I'm well and you? asks a 'part-time' female American buddy
"I'm well too"
"So what's been going on in your life?"
We exchange monologue on each others life and before long, the train beckon us into our usual carriage......all seven of us
We were greeted by two more train buddies already on the train

I'm on the eighteen ten that didn't leave Kings Cross until eighteen thirty
"Blah! Blah! Blah! Finsbury Park"
"Blah! Blah! Blah! Overhead cables"
"Blah! Blah! Blah! No trains stopping at Finsbury Park!"
I'm sat by the two by two with three other train buddies
19:00....... Still not there

18:10..........the whistle us blown, the doors slam shut and off we go!
I am sat next to a bespectacled middle-aged, Jean clad man reading 'The Evening Standard'
Opposite front faced....... a female train buddy and beside her, Mr Grumpy, a fellow train buddy
Behind me sits my namesake and we chat Dow awhile before settling down to....... Read, snooze, text etc.......

It was a honour to have been invited and be present at this brilliant masterpiece, a first of many by this director..... I say, 'watch out for LaToyah Gill'
William Blake would have been proud!
Well done LaToyah Gill!

After many photographs and without further ado, the director, LaToyah Gill speaks and inform us that the first seating of her short film was to start
I was one of the audience for the second seating so I carried on mingling with the others
Twenty minutes and an artsy of applauds later, the room is packed again
I, like some others then made our way to the screening room, sat near the front and waited for rhe film to begin

William Blake's residence has a wealth of history behind it - only Tim, from the William Blake's Society, can tell. One room is littered with William Blake's thoughts.........written in Black and White, on the white wall
The room is now relatively packed with; actors, editors et al....... All talking amongst themselves, sipping red or white wine and nibbling titbits from a platter

Why Bond Street?
Well...... I'm of to the premier for 'The Sleeper' a long awaited short film.... written and directed by an up and coming film director, LaToyah Gill and young buddying actor, Sachar Moses-Gill
The premier is being held at the Institute of Imagination..... The
House of William Blake (a famous poet, artist) who once resided at 17 South Molton Street
London W1K 5QT

I took the Piccadilly line from Covent Garden station to Holborn, changed for the Central line for Bond Street station

A slight detour after work.....
Caught the underground from Covent Garden after fighting my way through the maddening crowd at Covent Garden....... nearly tripped over a female 'coffin dodger' (she must have been in her eighties if not older) and her trolley!
"Oops, I'm so sorry! Didn't see you!"
She said nothing just simply looked at me and smile

08:14......... On the train, sitting and chatting to a female train buddy
It's a glorious morning, fingers cross that it stays for the weekend
Last night I watched a programme that had me in stiches for the most part of it
'Prince at ninety'
I know........ I wasn't expecting this either!
Prince Philip is one heck of an hilarious old codger!
His sharp and sometimes wicked sence of humour is unbelievable........
For instance......a reporter asked him how he was.....
"Are you well?"
"Why? Do I look ill? He asked
Another female reporter was reporting at an event and whilst she was commenting about him, you can see him lurking behind her grinning and on ending she turns and is surprised to see him behind her
"Have you finished?" he said before walking away
HILLARIOUS all the way!
However, I do think that he should sometimes think before he speaks......... sometimes his sharp tongue can leave a bitter after effect which he his now reknown for

We were lead to a corner spot and a nurse came over, introduced herself and went through; confirmation of loved ones personal details, explanation of the day's event
"Blah! Blah! Blah!......anti sickness tablets
"Blah! Blah! Blah!......steroids
"Blah! Blah! Blah!.......chemo tablets
So much to take in!
I looked around and felt admiration for every single person there.........from the staff, the patients, their friends and families to the elderly man who I found out volunteered his time to make beverages

My day off work yesterday was emotionally exhausting!
Why?
I took a loved one to King George hospital in Newbury Park, Essex for her second chemotherapy treatment. It was like entering another world, another dimension where the peole......the patients have a common enemy within that binds them together
As I sat waiting for my loved one's name to be called, a female voice brings me out of my thoughts
"What has she got? She asked
And before I could reply
Mine's breast! She she added
"Bowel" I said
"First chemo"
"Second"
We exchanged dialogue until.....
"Blah! Blah! Blah!...... this way please@
"See you in there" I said to our new friend
We were lead into a room full of hospital staff, patients and their loved ones

05:45........... Up and out of bed and straight to the bathroom
06:40........ After sipping my morning Indian tea, curtsy of DOS from his stop at Delhi airport, I head out of the house
I could have got a lift to St Neots station but I decline the generous offer and walked the one point seven miles
07:11......... Spotted our honorary female buddy, the good doctor well ahead of me, then spotted Long tall Sally in the distance but too far to call
We finally caught up with each other as we took the final steps to platform four and joined our honorary female buddy, the good doctor.......all on his own
A chorus of 'Good morning' exchanged and before long four mour train buddies join us..............
07:17......... The train arrives, opens its mouth and let's us in
"Good morning"
Only one train buddy on the train. We huddled together and chit chat most of the way
I am sat next to a middle-aged sleepy head woman

On reaching the station hub we meet another train buddy, long tall Sally
"Good morning"
We exchange greetings and walk up the steps, along the bridge, down the steps and joined three more train buddies; my adopted daughter, our honorary female buddy the good doctor and another
The highlight of the conversation was Saturday's night out to a local 'Boggie Night' club
It seems like a good time was had by all

Just as I got to the end of Cromwell Road (or is it Gardens?)
"Good morning"
I turned to see my namesake getting out of her car
"Good morning....... I didn't see you there"
I stop and wait for her to catch up
"How was your weekend?"
"Good...... And yours?"
"Good...... got my other car back"
We walk and talk and she fills me in on the event
I talk about Saturday's Cambridge's 'Summer Fayre' aptly called 'Fun Day' this year (something to do with funds or lack of it - all politics!)

05:45........ My enemy, the alarm, woke me up abruptly!
I look out of the window through the slightly opened blind - to gage my outfit for the day - it was grey sky
After doing the usual in the bathroom, I put on my black trouser suit and light green silk shirt (both suit and shirt are from TM Lewin) and stiletto cufflinks
Last and just as important, I put on my face (MAC makeup), spray on Cerrutti 1880 and left the house
06:40........ My walk to St Neots station was interrupted by Mother Nature
Why?
Well....... Initially it was a trickle here, a trickle there as I continue to walk trying to ignore the inevitable
Then the heavens opened its gates and I had no choice but to get my umbrella out of my bag....... Not a nice way to start the new working day

The train has left the station, full but with just a couple of standers
It's loud inside the carriage not commutters but the heavy breeze filtering through the open windows....... a welcome breeze by all of us

18:13.........sat on the eighteen ten which is going........nowhere!
After running up the Piccadilly line escalators, running through the corridor and up the steps with a minute to spare, I was met with eagerly waiting commuters standing at the platform.......waiting for the train to let them in
In hindsight I could've, should've, would've walked!...... Only in hindsight!

Met a dog jogger merrily jogging side by side with his best mate, a mas's best friend, his doh
Stalked a man all the way to the station, always several metres behind but finally catching up at the station's hub and overtaking him as he deviates towards the hot drinks queue
08:14........ The trains arrives on time and lets us in
Left! Left! Left!
"Excuse me please, may I" I asked a woman who had parked her bag on the vacant seat beside her
She looks up, smiles
"Sure" she replied as she removes her bag
"Thank you" I said, sitting besides her
She goes back to sleep and in time her mouth is ajar and a gentle heaving of her chest ensues

The first alarm failed to entice me out of bed as I slapped it, silencing it's annoying voice, rolling over to my right side facing the window
Forty five minutes later and I was up with the rest of the St Neots who were going to make a living
07:40......... The door gently slammed behind me, big white sunglasses covering my still sleepy eyes from the early morning sunrays........my journey to St Neots' station has just began

I've been tangoed?
Why?
I'm wearing an orange dress (something to keep me alert and awake I guess!)
Anyway, I'm going to power nap now
My eyes are burning and my eyelids are heavy....... I just haven't got the stamina for late nights!
Ssssssnnnnoozzzz!

Anyway....... I decided to get the later train and had an extra hour in bed........ but I'm still tired!
I'm sat next to a thirtysomething year old man in jeans and black shirt
I am slightly envious of him
Why?
He's typing away quietly on his black iPad 2!

08:14........ The train has left the station taking me and many other commuters as hostages.
I am feeling worse for wear from my evening out to the beautiful elegant Sade concert at the O2 London arena. Did I mention she's got class unlike her fellow female artist both in the UK and across the pond (The U S of America)
Who think nothing of parading half naked on the platform and sometimes miming........

What can I say about SADE?
I am lost for words........
S....... Sade
A...... Amazing
D...... Delectable
E........ Entertainer

I'd like to thank DOS man for making tonight a memorable night for us

I took a change of outfit to work today
Why?
Well...... a slight detour after work took me to the O2, London Arena to see SADE in concert. This is her first concert after eighteen years. I had the company of my number two daughter and my 'not so' baby sister. A treat we planned to savour and imprint in our memories for a very long time
So from Covent Garden to Green Park station to board the Jubilee line train to North Greenwich up stairs then escalators and out into the O2 London Arena. After queuing to buy memorabilia.........t-shirts, photographic booklets, posters et al, we wander to the land of eateries......... restaurants galore! From East to West, from Thai to Italian and finally settling for Brazilian, an unknown restaurant to my good self, Rodizio Rico. For twenty three pounds you could eat until your hearts content......... the waiters were forever bringing assortments of meat, brown meat, white meat and fish. We washed it down with.......Pina Colada, Mango and Passion fruit cocktail and a local Brazilian beer (mine was the Pina Colada

I've just found out something about the fatality that caused my train from Kings Cross to stop at Hatfield.......
The dead man's name was Martin Collett who it's claimed murdered his ex-girlfriend, Angela Hoytt a few days before (Tuesday)
They were both in their mid-thirties
What is wrong with the human race when one believes they have the right to take another's life (homicide) and then theirs (suicide)?
Life is so precious......... Use it, don't abuse it!
A little bit of; love, compassion, respect, tolerant et al goes a long way
TRY IT!

The train went all the way back to Finsbury Park, stopped for a while before going onward and forward to Biggleswade then St Neots. So my journey that began at one minute past eleven arrived at St Neots at one o'clock in the early hours of Saturday morning. I also had to wait for another taxi as my booked one was not there  

"Blah! Blah! Blah!........there's been a fatality ahead of us..... Blah! Blah! Blah!......going back via Pottersbar Blah! Blah! Blah!"

Blah! Blah! Blah!......any competent train driver on the train.......please come to the front and make yourself known"
Laughter was heard around the carriage!
"I've always wanted to drive a train!"
More laughter!
"I'll drive"
More laughter
And throughout all this a man sleeps, snoring LOUDLY oblivious to his surroundings
We have a table full of Americans and they thought it was hilarious  
 

Went to the Adelphi theatre to watch 'Love Never Dies' a musical directed by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, a sequel to the brilliant 'Phantom of the opera'
I saw the latter some ten years........maybe more.......and thought it magnificent and tonights show was the icing on the cake! Tonight was a spur of the moment..... spontaneous booking....... two days ago, to be exact
Next week, I'm off to see 'Sade' at the 02
I'm looking forward to it
I just realise that the train has stopped. I kook out into the dark night and see 'Hatfield'.......
No reason given as to why we're here....
"I don't know what's wrong at the moment, I can't get hold of anyone Blah! Blah! Blah!"
"That's reassuring then!" chirps a male commuter
"I've just been informed that the train in front has hit si
something and they're investigating" the driver informs us
Here we go!
Let the countdown begin........
We've been here approximately five minutes, eleven twenty
I may have to put in for a claim

Standing patiently at platform five waiting for the one minute past eleven train to open it'd doors
"Hello, I'd like to order a taxi...... I'll be on the minute past eleven train"
"Where to?
"To Blah! Blah! Blah!"
"Your name?"
"My name is Blah! Blah! Blah!"
OK! See you soon...... bye"
"Bye"

Westbound platform five Piccadilly line service to Northfields
Standing room only but not packed
I train surf to the next station, Russell Square where we're gently reminded to let 'passengers off first'
Some commuters listen some barge in regardless
Next station is Holborn
An announcement is heard
This train will be held here for a short time to even out the........
What the F***! excuses after f****** excuses!

Stevenage arrived and commuters embark and sit
I am still sat alone and happy to have two seats to myself

08:14......... I am sat on the train to Kings Cross sitting on my own next to a vacant seat. There are plenty of empty seats on this train
"Blah! Blah! Blah!........ bye"
"I'm sorry about that..... It's a friend.... Blah! Blah! Blah!..... started her new job..... Blah! Blah! Blah!..... the new colleagues are........ Blah! Blah! Blah!
I'm gathering her friend is already not happy in her new job

Just as I was getting ready to cross over to Station Road.......
"Good morning"
I turned to see a female cyclist waving at me with a big smile enveloping her face. She dismounts and catches up with me. It's a part-time train buddy, my South African friend.
"Good morning"
"I heard you'd moved"
"Not quite yet..... We're waiting for the contact to be signed. I told her about the saga with Taylors estate agent in St Neots, how the staff were useless and why
She informs me that she has moved, hence cycling to the station and the headache she encountered with the whole process
"I understand the eight twenty to Kings Cross is now eight seventeen"
"I think it's earlier than that" she replied
"Well, I better get a move on then!"
"Have a nice long weekend" I said, rushing through the barrier
"You too.......see you next week"
We parted as I head for platform four just as the train is pulling in
She was heading towards platform one for the Peterborough train

06:45........ I finally get out of bed and pace around the bedroom arranging my outfit for the day (weather taken into account)
I begrudgingly make my way to the bathroom and do my bathroom ritual

05:45....... The alarm went and although my mind is wanting, my body is not!
Sooooo
A fight ensues and..........
A lie in it is!

It's gathering speed as it enters a tunnel, then another
It's times like these that I wish I drove to the station

Oh dear.........the train is slowing down...........surely not 'due to RAIN ON THE TRACK!'

I'm feeling rather damp and miserable....... I look at other commuters and i see my mirror image.........damo and miserable!
I think I'll take a nap........
Sssssnnnoooozzzz

18:00..........sitting on the eighteen ten about weather beaten and sitting next to a 'number one haircut' middle-aged gentleman in a suit. He us reading the 'Evening Standard'
18:06........and the last few available seat are going fast! Four minute before departure and there are no more seats available
I'm now thinking of my walk home, wondering if it's raining in St Neots as well
18:08......... More people traipsing into one carriage, walking through to the next so their not left behind
18:10.......... We're off!

Eastbound Piccadilly line train to Kings Cross
The train is semi packed with drenched smelly commuters and to make matters worse, I'm standing with the BO lovers..........not by choice!

Going down the escalators towards Piccadilly line I felt as if I was in a scene from 'American Warewolf in London'....where is everybody?
Aaaaah! Ha!
They're all at the platform....... ofI course!

As I walk down the last flight of steps, I can hear the chitter chatter of the usual suspects....... There seems to be a full house!
"Good morning all"
"Good morning" a chorus from some of the train buddies, some smile, some neither a smile nor a greeting
We chat until the train arrived
"Good morning"
"Good morning"
More train buddies...... We took over the carriage with loud bunter (at times crude) laughter
Platform five, Kings Cross arrival and we go our separate ways, wishing each other "Have a good day"

06:43....... Out of the house and into a grey gloomy weather that has befallen St Neots. My walk to St Neots station was quiet, three newspaper boys cycled past me each carrying a luminous bag, a couple of (London) city commuters cycling to the station and a couple of dog walkers

I entered the station hub at eleven minutes past seven. As I walk towards the barrier I spot two train buddies, my namesake and an adopted daughter...... we exchange smiles
I am now holding my breathe......... Willing the new replacent ticket to work
And it did!
As I made my way up the steps I spot another train buddy making her way into the hub...... Long tall Sally......we exchange smiles

05:45.......got out of bed in disgust! B***** cats!
In my world
I've stormed out of the house, spotted both cats, grabbed hold of them and.......(forgive me cat lovers) BINNED THEM!

05:48......... An abrupt disturbance to my sleep........ A sharp cry outside my drive, I bolted upright and peered through the wooden blinds and saw.............two cats!
Needless- to-say I couldn't get back to sleep

I'm beginning to feel  paranoid 
why?
Well my season train ticket that I replaced on Monday (for the tenth times in the past two weeks) is no longer working by Wednesday ........... I've replaced the replacement ticket (confused? how the f*** do you think I feel!)
But it doesn't end there.........
Yesterday I couldn't blog
Why?
Every time I tried to log on it re-directs me! I've started having withdrawal system so I've taken to reading on the train again. I have ventured out of my comfort zone of 'murder mysteries' and reading ' The Five People You Meet in Heaven' by Mitch Albom  a rather compelling read 

7:44......... Trains arrives and leaves on time. I am sat next to a gentleman with his head upside down....... Hairy chin, bald head
He's wearing black suit and has a rucksack on his lap. He wears thick rimmed glasses. He is in sleep mode
Stevenage introduces it's working residents but alas, standing room only
It's oh so quiet, only the echo of the wind outside can be heard

I decided to return to the station hub and get..........yep!......... Another replacement ticket!
After asking for the eigth replacement card in two weeks the First Capital Conmect staff behind the counter retorted.......
"Well, last year a woman replaced her season ticket two hundred and forty times"
"I reckon I'm not far behind!"
He handed me my nee replacement
"Thank you"
My mother raised me well
In my world.......
"Shut the f*** up! I don't give a d*** about the f****** woman. Just do your job and give me a ticket that does it's job

Missed the 07:17 this morning.......... I saw it at the platform from the station hub
Tried as I might to 'elegantly' shuffle myself up the steps, across the bridge and ............ Too late! The doors mocked me as it slammed shut it's doors, smiled wickedly and left, leaving me half way across the bridge

I'm sat on the six ten train from Kings Cross
Today I decided to put on the reading glasses and skimmed through the free 'Evening Standard' newspaper and read an absurd piece of news report...........
'Fraud case delayed for suspect 'too fat to fit in dock'
Appaerently she was 'clinically obese' to climb the stairs to a narrow secure doorway into the dock of the court!!!!
In my world........ In my next life I am going to eat myself silly, get FAT and commit as many crimes as I can and then I CAN CLAIM TO BE 'OBESE'
What the F**** is wrong with PEOPLE!!

"Blah! Blah! Blah!........ EU law has cut the volume of the iPod Blah! Blah! Blah!
An overheard conversation by two workmen at Covent Garden
Well I for one will not be complaining

Guess what?
Brand new replacement..........didn't f****** work!
So off I trek to ' replace' AGAIN!
It's too beautiful a morning to be frustrated but you get the gest?
I can't wait for the weekend!

FIRST CAPITAL CONNECT........... I am at my wits end! And I f****** wish you just get your fingers out and sort yourselves out!
If I had LOST MY TICKET mote than once you CHARGE a nominal fee of ten pounds but one the shoe is on the 'commuters' other foot.......you don't give a F***!
you're going to be no loss when I don't have to;
Pay your exuberant prize for a season ticket....... Five f****** thousand one f****** hundred and eighty pounds
Queue up to be let through the barrier by Transport for London staff
Queue up on numerous occasions to get a replacement
Thank God it's Friday........ Weekend respite from YOU....... FIRST CAPITAL CONNECT!

I remembered to stop at St Neots' hub for a replacement season ticket AGAIN
"My ticket's not working AGAIN!"
"I'm sorry....... she said apologetically as I handed her the 'useless' ticket
I was fuming inside but outside I kept my composure and waited calmy for another (possible useless) ticket
"Thank you"
"You're welcome" I lied
Here's fingers crossed fir tomorrow!

I don't F*******! BELIEVE IT!
My season train ticket is screaming 'SEEK ASSISTANCE' AGAIN!
It f****** worked for..........now let me count............
ONE F****** DAY!
F****** FIRST F****** CAPITAL F****** CONNECT!
I AM NOT AMUSED!

07:12........ On entering the station hub I spot three train buddies huddled near the farside barrier....... My namesake, our honorary female train buddy, the good doctor and our funny banker
"Good morning all....... New meeting place?"
"Good morning"
We then proceeded to go through the barrier, up the steps, across the bridge, down the steps on to platform four
A couple more minutes, a couple more train buddies and after the morning greetings, we chat amongst ourselves until the train arrives
On entering the train, we spot some more train buddies and head towards them
I am sat next to our honorary female train buddy, the good doctor and we chatted all the way to Kings Cross

06:45.......... Onward and forward to St Neots station
I met a couple walking their dogs, a young boy cyclist passes by with his bright yellow empty newspaper satchel......... I'm guessing his just finished his newspaper round, another cyclist on the otherside cycling towards the station

"I don't know why people drink in a train!"
I heard a teenage boy say to his girlfriend whilst holding hands and their feet stretched out and on the seats opposite..........
Talk about POT........KETTLE..........BLACK!
'I don't f****** know why people put their feet on seats!!!'

So here I am on the nine twenty-two from platform eleven bee (loosers playform) not looking forward to the two mile walk home from St Neots station
I look out of the moving station and darkness stared back at me.........
After deliberating I have decided to call for a taxi to meet me at the station
I am feeling tired and rundown

Took the train from St James's Park heading for Victoria station then onto Kings Cross
Sounds familiar?
Yes............it should do! It's my old route to Kings Cross
I had a meeting then attended a farewell drink up for an ex colleague 
Another one bites the dust! Joining the great club called 'Retirement'

Standing at the Piccadilly line platform at Kings Cross after missing a train by a split second.......or was it nano seconds? Who knows AND who cares........ I missed it!
Next station is Russell Square........ Next station is Holborn........ Oh! I forgot....... Standing room only
"Mind the gap please" A gently reminder is announced on the tannoy
My station is next....... Covent Garden yes!

"Ladies and Gentleman" begins the male voice on the tannoy
"There are one hundred and ninety three steps blah! blah! blah!...........
"The equivalent to a fifteen storey blah! blah! blah!.....
I think I'll take the lift thanks!

Running a tad late this morning hence leaving home at six fifty
I power walked it to St Neots station with an occasional burst of jogging
07:14....... At St Neots' station hub, all clammy....... Me thinks another quick shower is needed!
I met a train buddy on the way into the hub
"Good morning"
"Good morning" I thought I was going to miss it!"
"I saw you walking fast"
And we walked up the steps together talking as we go. Then across the bridge and down the steps into the bosom of other train buddies and 'aliens' invading 'our' spot of the platform
"Good morning all"
"Good morning" A chorus of morning greetings heard
Within minutes the train arrived and we all managed to be seated in 'our special' carriage
"Good morning"
"Good morning"
Greetings to mire train buddies from Huntingdon and Peterborough

I'm sat at the three by two banks of seats, me and three men;
Gentleman sat beside me is in formal attire, wearing spectacles, bald but with hair sprouting at the sides........reading a paperback book
The man sitting opposite me is also suited and booted, wearing a trenchcoat. He is older and quite grey with an air of Inspector Cluesso........ Peter Sellers about him. He is also reading a (hardback) book
The man beside him is the youngest out of all three......dressed casully......jeans and a tshirt with a slogan 'THE FA CUP final 2011 WEMBLEY' across the front of the tshirt

I've had a frugal day today.......
My breakfast, a cereal bar....... Curtsey of Transport for London (our good friend Boris Johnson)
Lunch, a local eatery near Embankment station ........ Curtsey of my number two off spring

19:10......caught by the skin of my teeth!
Run all the way from Kings Cross underground station to platform zero for the seven ten........and here I am out of breath, but happily seated on one if FURST Capital Connect's raggerty trains
Why so late?
I did a detour to Marble Arch..........
A confession is in order.....
Forgive me my fellow 'I'm too posh to shop in Primark!' (or primarK! Or primarny!)
I went to buy my supplies of glass tights and couple of light cardigans for the warmer days
So here I am, paying for my sins

Piccaddily line train is packed! Standing room only
I look around me and notice that commuters are dressed in summer gear, winter gear, some are even wearing coats, scarfs and hats!
Mad dogs and Englishmen eh!

They're giving out free cereal 'Plus' bars at Kings Cross concourse......... That's breakfast sorted!

Other commuters on the train are either reading newspapers or sleeping
I'm gong to join the latter
Sssssnnnooozzz!

I'm sat next to a bespectacled, lanky, casually dressed middle-aged man reading an instruction book of some sort........ A Canon gadget instruction book
Laid on the table in front of him are his; iPhone, spectacle case and a personal music gadget (I don't recognise the make) to which an earplug extends from gadget to his ears
He takes off his spectacles and proceeds to packing away the instruction book and now sits with his eyes closed and arms folder, listening quietly to music

08:25......... The train finally arrives, stopping a few yards away from me, opening its doors letting us in two by two
Left! Left! Left!
Actually, forget that! This is the first carriage and I have no alternative but to head to my left..........unless I'm heading for the first class carriage........ I don't think so!

I notice my female neighbour has a bump......... I haven't caught the eight twenty for a while and she certainly wasn't pregnant or a least didn't look pregnant the last time I saw her

As I enter St Neots' station hub I gazed at the time...........one minute pass eight, that's nineteen minutes before my train's arrival
Once again I am the first one at the platform's edge........on my lonesome for approximately ten minutes before being joined by a familiar St Neotsian
We acknowledge each others presence by a smile and stood side by side in silence both tapping away on our mobile
"Blah! Blah! Blah! .........delay to the eight twenty train to Kings Cross due to Blah! Blah! Blah!"
Here we gooooooo!
There are six male St Neotsians behind us now........ The silence is interrupted by a cough, then another.

07:30........ Mentally waved goodbye to home as I gently close the door behind me
Mother Nature is playing it cool this morning as I felt her breeze embrace my cheeks. I begin my two mile leisurely walk to St Neots' station, passing the usual suspects on my journey........all of four, maybe five people

After a traumatic ride down to the platfor
I boarded the first train that arrived but got on another carriage away from little Miss Selfish-Blearer

Standing in the crowded lift at Covent Garden and being almost deafened by young woman personal (chuckle) iPod BLEARING!
I couldn't hear myself think......... Sorry what was I saying?
Train of thought has been lost
In my world
"Shut the f*** up! You inconsiderate b****!
followed by a slap or two

On the Piccaddily line to "Heathrow terminals one, two, three and five blah! blah! blah!"
Russell Square...... Standing room only for all
Next is Holborn where one can "change for the Central line"
The next station is where I get off, Covent Garden

Platform seven........ And we're on time!

I was a stranger to my home weekend just gone
Why?
Saturday, a long drive to visit a fragile parent returning home in the early hours of Sunday morning
Sunday, after getting a text from a sibling's husband........ another long drive to London Royal Docks area for a surprise birthday dinner at a Thai restaurant;
The Nakhon Thai
Royal Docks
Waterfront studios, 1 dock road London E16 1AH
Had a wonderful family gathering......followered by a long drive home
Hence the shouting match with the alarm this morning
I guess my stamina has waned........ No longer a young person eh!

We have now reached Stevenage; commuters on but none off
Some are lucky to be seated whilst for some.........it's standing room only

08:20.......... The train slowing stops at my feet and like an obedient husband (did I hear a chuckle?) it opens it's doors and welcomes us St Neotsians unto its warm embrace
There are no train buddies this morning, not even our prodigal train buddy
I am sat next to a rather chunky middle-aged man, with peppered short hair, reading glasses on top of his head
He holds a Blackberry mobile phone in his right had and squints intensity at its face.........sometimes drawing it closer to his face and sometimes pulling it away, all the while, his chunky fingers are tap tap taping away

08:06.......... At St Neots station hub and through the open barrier
A note to myself to get ANOTHER RENEWAL SEASON TICKET!
There's a queue this morning so I MUST do it this evening
First Capital Connect has been a thorn in my backside since last week
Why?
Three times I had to queue to get a renewal because........for some reason, my ticket has a London phobia......... It just refuses to work on Transport for London barriers
Forever yelling at me to 'Seek assistance'

06:00......... Brrrrrrr!
Alarm goes off and instead of getting up I screamed at the alarm
"Noooooo!"
I gave it a slap to stop stifle it's scream and yelled
"Just another half hour PLEASE!"
It gave an annoying yelp and fell silent
So here I am going for an extra half hour snooze, finally raising from my comfortable slumber
After showering, brushing my teeth, power dressing, makeup, hair and perfumery I ventured out of my home at seven thirty seven

My plan to get the eighteen ten was scurpped when, after waiting a good ten minutes, I saw 'Delayed.....due to no driver available'
WHAT THE F*** DOES THAT MEAN???
First Capital Connect...... In your f****** dictionary, please explain!

A young woman's slight misfortune on the Piccadilly line from Covent Garden station was  good luck for me
Why?
Picture this..........
at the last couple of steps towards the platform, the noise that the train doors were closing was heard
I and some other commuters decided to try our luck to board; some got on, some didn't 
I was one of the latter........no wait a minute!
The young woman in front of me had managed to get her bag jammed between the now closed door
Try as they could others trying to help the door wouldn't open
Then........
All doors opened and I jumped into the slightly opened mouth of the train
So.......
here I am on the Piccadilly line train to Kings Cross

Nooooooo!
The train has come to a halt just a few yards from Kings Cross
Phew! It's on the move again!
Platform ten

Potter's Bar station crept up and silently moved out of the platform's edge
Finsbury Park is our next stop then Kings Cross..... So I should make it to the office just after one
Lunch for me will consist of nuts from the nearby Holland and Barrett at Covent Garden

Hatfield station.....more passengers
A young woman has joined us. She is wearing a black skirt suit, black shirt, black flat pumps and black sheer tights.....'lady in black' comes to mind then I realised she and I were almost kindred souls in attire
I too wore a black skirt suit, black pumps, black glossy tights
But unlike my new-found soul sister, I am wearing a White T-shirt (due to itchy rash)

Stevenage station has passed, with a handful of travellers embarking......then Welwyn Garden City where I'm joined by a bespectacled tall man in a tan leather jacket, jeans and ORANGE trainers ( I guess he's been TANGO'D!)
On his lap is a bright yellow rucksack - he certainly wants to be seen

I used St Neots' car park and because u didn't have any change I called to pay by card
WHAT A PALAVER!
There were no human touch to the call, just......
"Car registration number"
"Make/model of car"
"Colour"
"code for station'
Then your card details AND charging more for doing it by phone!
F******* CHEEKY MARE!
So that's my lunch money gone!
I think I'll sell some 'Big Issue' en route home tonight eh!

11:41..........sat on the raggerty First Capital Connect slow train to Kings Cross
First stop is Sandy
Why so late travelling into London?
After nearly itching myself to death last night, I had no choice but to call the emergency doctor this morning......
Biggleswade station
Where was I?.......
Inside of my right arm.......ugly looking rashes!
Between my inside thighs....... Rashes!
Back of my neck.......rashes!
Under my left armpit......rashes!
Chest......rashes!
Stomach.....rashes!
Sides and back.......yep! I think you've got the gest
Funnily enough...... Not one rash in my face
Just pulled out of Arlesey station, next stop is Hitchin

So off I went down the escalators to board the Piccadilly line train to Covent Garden
On reaching the barrier at Covent Garden I hold my breathe as I feed my ticket into the mouth of the barrier and............
'I don't f****** believe it!
Talk about 'Groundhog Day!"
I'm sorry to bother you....... My ticket's not workin"
"You'll need to get another one"
And once again I proceed to tell him......
"Only got it reissued this morning and it's not working already"
No smile this time as he let's me through with a blank expression on his face

"Well have a good day"
"You too"
The two namesakes are soon parted
"See you tomorrow"
I make my way towards the barrier and guess what?
The f****** newly issued season ticket......all of an hour old was not f****** working!
'Seek Assistance' screams at me
So 'seek assistance' I did
"I'm sorry to bother you....... My ticket's not workin"
"No worries"
And I proceed to tell him......
"Only got it reissued this morning and it's not working already"
He smiles as he let's me through and the expression on his face made me think that he didn't give damn!

There are only two buddies this morning....... Just me and my namesake and on entering the train.......only one male train buddy
We talk about holidays, we talk about the property market and before long we had reached our destination, Kings Cross

07:05........queuing up to sort out ANOTHER travel card REPLACEMENT!
"Good morning...... Can I help you?"
"Good morning....... Yes, my cards playing up (AGAIN!)
I'm sorry to bother you"
"Don't worry, you're not the only one. There's been around twenty others in a month"
"So...... What's causing this to happen?"
"A number of things...... Mobile phones, perfume, make-up, wires in bras......."
"So not much hope for us girls then?"
We both laughed as he passed me my new ticket
"Bye now"
Bye"

06:36......... Breathe in, breathe out and off I go into the beautiful sunkist town of St Neots
My walk to the station was a little better than yesterday

05:30....... Enough already! I mentally screamed and up I got, half an hour before the alarm
Did the morning ritual.......
Blah! Blah! Blah!.......teeth!
Blah! Blah! Blah!.......shower!
Blah! Blah! Blah!.......towel dried!
Blah! Blah! Blah!.......deodorant!
Blah! Blah! Blah!.......lighter grey trouser suit on!
Blah! Blah! Blah!.......make-up!
Blah! Blah! Blah!.......hair!
Blah! Blah! Blah!.......teeth!
Blah! Blah! Blah!.......Cerruti 1881!

03:15......... Woke up, checked the time and laid my head on the pillow but try as I might, I couldn't get back to noddy land
U blame it on my recent return from Bangkok and the time difference!

So it's another late night but I wouldn't change tonight's detour for the world..........
Ssssssnnoozzzzz!

21:50.........
I am sat on the seven minutes past ten train from Kings Cross at platform seven
I rummaged through my handbag in search of my reading glasses, put them on and started looking at the creased up train timetable in my hand
"Seven minutes past ten" I muttered under my breathe, followered by.....
"Gets to St Neots at ten forty four" then......
"Hello, I'd like to book a taxi"
When for?"
"Ten fortyfour........I'm on the seven minutes pass ten train which wiul get to St Neots at ten fortyfour"
"Ok.....a taxi will be waiting for you"
"Thank you"

17:15........ Thank God I got through the first day at the office still suffering from jet lag
Tomorrow should fare better (I hope!)
I walked through Covent Garden straight to the station
Did I mention that my SECOND renewal season ticket wasn't working this morning?
And it's not working AGAIN!
Having got on the Piccadilly line I hopped off at Holbon station, up the escalators towards Central line...........a detour to my new working routine
Today I am going to Newbury Park
I am now sat on the central line underground tube to Hainault via Newbury Park.......next sation is Redbridge so that's Gants Hill then Newbury Park where I get off

07:11........
"Good morning" I greeted my namesake train buddy at the car park
"Good morning to you too....... How was your holiday?" she asked
We walk together into the station hub, through the open barriers, up the steps, across the bridge, down the steps....... all the while talking about my holiday to Bangkok, Thailand
On reaching platform four we sport only one train buddy, my adopted daughter
"Good morning"
"Good morning"
We talk until the train arrives

"Good morning" smiled a female dog walker
"Good morning" I replied and recipricated a smile
A few minutes later
"Good morning"
This time an elderly man greeted me
"Good morning"
I'm being injected with a sense of belonging
"Good morning" I replied
The sombre walk is now a tad less sombre
"Good morning" greeted another elderly gentleman
"Good morning"
Just imagine that........the only three walkers seen on my journey to the station all greeted me

05:31........... Woke up to the chirping sound of the local birds
So you can say that my body clock is basically up the creek!
I got up laid my striped skirt suit on the bed and slaunterd to the bathroom, brush my teeth and showered
06:40........ Slammed the door behind me and begun a sombre march to St Neots station

And in between these films, lunch was served again!
Again? I hear you ask
Yes AGAIN!
Lunch number one was soon after leaving Bangkok
Lunch number two was soon after entering a different time zone
So.................. I'm all 'lunched' out!

Watched Beyonce on tour....... Superb!
A film with Gwyneth Paltrow 
Then 'No strings attached with Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutchner
Then 'Dilemma' with Vince Vaughan, Winona Ryder
Then 'The Green Hornest' 

A mental note to myself......... Must use Thai airline again
Why?
It's VERY ROOMY!

Once again.......
"Seafood for Mrs Lee" said the Thai air host(ess)
But he was directing it to the young woman 
I said nothing 
"I think it's for you" she said to me
"We swap seat" she said to the Thai air host(ess)
"Seafood madam?"
"Yes please"
"There you go madam"
"Thank you"
I had for starters; 
Salmon on a bed of salad
Mains;
Mixed seafood consisting of prawns, fish and squid with vegetables and purple pasta of some sort
Dessert;
Purple blamanche.......washed down with white wine followed by coffee

But not for long!
A young English couple were walking towards me and by the look on their faces I was going to be seated between them
"Should we swop seats?" I asked
"If you don't mind?"
And before THEY could choose I chirped
"I don't mind taking the aisle if YOU don't mind!"
"That's fine........thank you!
After a couple of seconds of shuffling we sat down
"Is this your first trip?" I asked,
Small talk is so civilised!
"No......... said the twentysomething woman
.......... I was here in two thousand and one" she continued
"You?"
"It's my third time"
"we were island hopping, swimming and diving"
She mentioned the islands......... they were not familiar to me
Where did you stay this time?"
" In Bangkok"
"My husband and I did the island hopping ourselves eighteen months ago........
"Where to?" she interrupted
"Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi,....to name a few. We also stayed in Ao Nang"
We continued with the small talk; myself and the young couple. They seemed pleasant enough. The important thing was........... They knew when to stop!

The inevitable has happened....... the Thai dream has ended
After a sad farewell at Savunbhumviu airport I enter the departure lounge and wait for my cue to board the plane
I am sat at row forty six, seat E....... the middle aisle.......doh!

Our host, our friend, my namesake..... took us out for what was to be my last (supper) lunch
He ordered an array of uncooked meat and we bbq'ed them on our table.
Sounds weird eh?
In the middle of our table was a mini grill with charcoal and fire screaming out at us. We begin to lay the beef, pork, lamb and chicken on the grill as we were waited on

“Khob Khun Krap”  Said my namesake

“Khob Khun Krap” Replied DOS man

“Khob Khun Kha” I replied

We then got lost in conversation until our bellies were full

Today I'm feeling much better with a twinge of sadness
Why?
It's my last full day for tomorrow, tomorrow, I go back to my real world
Back to home life
Back to work life
Back to travelling to and fro and the train and underground tube.........fro and to.......to and fro (I think you get the gest!)
Oh God! I'm already mentally exhausted!
I'm thinking of my next holiday!

Did I catch the M-I-G-R-A-I-N-E in time?
YES and NO!
I was incapacitated for the rest of the night but it would have been worse if I hadn't got it when I did. So needless-to-say it could have lasted a couple of days instead of a day
And the after effect.......
The after effect feels like having just had one round in the boxing ring with Mike Tyson!
So you see........ I had one day of M-I-G-R-A-I-N-E followed by a morning H-E-A-D-A-C-H-E
This morning I made sure to take one ibroprofen and another day had begun

Last night's plan to go to the Imax was scuppered by an enemy of mine

Who? 

What?

M-I-G-R-A-I-N-E!

Just before it arrived we had just left the Japanese restaurant after having an assortment of delicious Japanese dishes and had made our way to the office. I was introduced to another teacher when....................

Tunnel vision........... F*** Nooooo!

Spots in my frontal vision......... F*** Nooooo!

"Sweetheart, do you have any ibropofen on you?"

"NO........but there's a Boots pharmacy one floor down"

So after the rush downstairs and up again............

"There you go, sweetie" DOS man said, handing me a glass of water and one ibroprofen

"Thank you, sweetheart" I said as I stretched out my hand. Glass in one hand and the ibroprofen in the other, I tipped my head slightly back, gently laid the tablet on my tongue, gulped a mouthful of water and swallowed

DOS man lead me to a darken room and left me there until I was just well enough to travel back to our hotel room

 

I woke up  to another bright and breezy morning. After showering, I put on my grey linen trousers and my white bow fronted sleeveless shirt and breakfasted on the balcony of our apartment.......... breakfast consisted of; fresh watermelon, pineapple and a Thai fruit that looks like granny apple but tasted like something I’ve had before......... I just can’t put my finger on its name!

I’m waiting for my lunch date.........DOS man!

It's now half past one in the afternoon.......... half past seven in the morning back home, where friends, family and foes are just beginning their working day 

Today I will be meeting my male namesake at his English Language school..........I am looking forward to seeing him and his partner  

DOS man arrived at the hotel for our lunch time date.

"Ready for lunch sweetheart"

"I'm famished”

So off we went, hand in hand, downstairs to the hotel restaurant where we were guided to our seats

“Sawadee Kha” said the waitress

“Sawadee Kha” I replied as she sat me down

“Khob Khun Kha” I said as I sat down moving the chair nearer to the table

“Sawadee Krap” said the waitress to DOS man

“Sawadee Kha” replied DOS man as he made himself comfortable

We were handed both the drink meal menu

“Khob Khun Kha” 

“Khob Khun Krap”

Did you notice how ‘Kha’ and ‘Krap’ are always added to a dialogue? Well it really depends what sex is the person being addressed and the sex of the addressee..........

Kha is attached to the end of a dialogue directed to a woman and Krap is directed to men (as a politeness gesture)

“Song ice lemon tea kha” DOS man ordered two ice lemon tea

DOS man ordered spicy seafood salad and I ordered fried rice ‘Tom Yam’ with lemon grass and prawn

Last night we strolled to the nearby cinema and queued in a long line with the natives of Bangkok......there are not many tourists around......... in fact there are not many in the area we were living

The films were being shown in Thai and English

"Two tickets for 'Drive Angry' please"

A nod and a smile

"Cam po ca" we said in unison, putting both hands in front of us (like in praying) and nodding

"Cam po ca" replied the young Thai man behind the shielded reception desk

We bought a large mixed popcorn (sour cream and caremal........ wierd combonation eh?), drinks etc....... then made our way up the escalator to our designated seat. After watching the trailers, pictures of the Thai king, his wife and children were plastered on the screen and everyone in the cinema stood up to attention and in silence stared at the screen. We stood through shots of the king as a baby, as a boy, as a young man, as a married man with his young wife and with each of his children (I was told that this rtiual is the norm)

We settled into our reclining seats and watched 'Drive Angry' whose main character is Nicholas Cage 

Having a Thai host is an added bonus........ I found out during our course of conversation that my namesake used to be a monk and that his brother is a monk. Getting an insight of a monk's life was so enlightening, simply an eye-opener.......but a monk's life is just not for everyone!

This time however, I am visiting Thailand through the eye of a Thai, in short, I am a Thai, doing what Thai's do best

The fiery but fragrant dishes are renowned all over Thailand and I had my share of a variety of dishes; tom yam prawn soup with noodles, tom kha khai (which is a creamy coconut chicken soup), tom yam kung (another prawn soup without coconut milk), washed down with either ice lemon tea or green tea  

This is my third trip to Thailand, the first whilst on a cruise to Singapore, Malyasia and Thailand approximately seven years ago, the second being two years ago with the whole family (to China Town in Bangkok for a few days before flying to Ao Nang then island hopping). Both times were truly amazing holidays, doing the tourist tours et al

Anyway.................

Where was I?

We checked out of the hotel at nine thirty or thereabout, stopping at the floating market, which, unfortunately only opens at night (very disappointed to say the least!) before stopping to have lunch at a nearby floating restaurant 

Monday 2 May was also a holiday here......Labour Day (back home it's Bank Holiday)

So.........

Our host, my namesake and his partner picked us up very early and drove us approximately two hours to Hua Hin where we planned to stay overnight at. 

We chatted, we listened to music, we stopped to refuel both the car and our stomachs, stopping to walk through an historical market 

On reaching the hotel, I automatically switched on the television........surfing for an English speaking news channel (something I always do) and........

"Blah! Blah! Blah!......Osama Bin Laden is dead!"

I rushed out to join the others

"Osama Bin Laden is dead!"

"What?"

"Osama Bin Laden is dead!" I repeated

"How? When?" asked DOS man

"That's all I saw.......I don"t know if he was killed or what?"

So as you can guess, the subject that dominated our conversation through our evening meal was.........the capture, killing of the 'most wanted man' in the US

There are two questions on my mind..........

Is this the real reason the Obama's weren't 'invited' to THE wedding? 

Is this the real reason why the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, like most newly weds, didn't go directly on their honeymoon?

What do I know??????

I'm just ordinary 'Joe Blogg!'

  

We then took another boat ride to the other side of the river - to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)........I later found out that the museum was named after Aruna, the Indian god of dawn. Another photo-shot experience once again

The grassy monastery....    snap!

The sight of monks, old and young with their shaved heads bobbing above their bright orange robes........snap! 

Then we made our way back taking the river boat and rail train in reverse order.........home

It was dark by now and our stomachs were singing......rumbling! We decided to go to a local restaurant and ordered Thai prawn chilly soup