Yo ho ho mee hearties, 'tis blowing a gale and the seas be rough. This be weather to sort out the landlubbers from old sea dogs. Haven't seen a good squall like this since last year. Batten down the hatches boys and break out the rum. Ye'll be needin' it fer the journey 'ome... Ha ha harrr.

They promised foul weather this morning and delivered on it. It is horrendous out there. For old sea dogs and parrots only. Wooden legs available while stocks last.

From the Window

A few days ago I was sat at the window of my home reading a good book, watching the world go by, and generally chilling out. Across the street, an older man plodded slowly along the pavement, pausing occaisionally to study the buildings and looking a little confused. He stopped at one gateway. He pointed, looking around, unsure if this was his destination. A step forward and again he looked around, searching for some clue as the address. Another step. Again he pointed and looked around.

At this point one of the occupants of the premises had spotted the bloke outside. A middle aged man came out, escorted the old guy back to the street, and after a quick exchange, pointed him in the direction he needed to go before vanishing back inside. The old guy looked up the street, then pointed...

From Another Window

Late afternoon at the library and I'm sat in the second floor lounge, with its splendid view of the busy street below. Across the road is a bar, quite a popular one though I've never partaken of its services myself. The rather tacky neon sign hardly works anymore, welcome to IS='s.

Outside on the pavement an old man was busy gesticulating and talking earnestly. I wonder what that's all about? At first I thought he was remonstrating with a passing driver but no, he was busy talking to himself. This went on for around ten minutes and the old guy had parked himself next to the entrance. naturally this attracted attention from the staff. An impatient young man shooed him away.

The old guy stumbled along the pavement, barely able to stay on his feet, and as far as I could see, in no need whatsoever of purchasing drinks from IS='s bar. He tried to talk to another person waiting to cross the road, who in turn tried very hard to avoid his unwanted companion. Eventually the pedestrian decided risking life and limb by walking across the road through busy traffic was a better idea.

When I last saw the old man, he was stood talking to a dark corner. A part of me sympathises and hopes he gets help for whatever his problem is. I suspect part of that problem is exactly the reason I can't help him either.

Apology of the Week

I got it wrong. I really did. The Dizzie Rascal gig was the night before. All due apologies to anyone who made a wasted trip but good grief, discover music before it's too late.