Monthly Archives: June 2012

Invalidity

I rather like being an invalid. It is a justification for sloth. However, pleasingly for my self esteem, on Sunday morning I want to get up and go for a walk. It is a glorious day. June is busting out … Continue reading

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Polyps Put the Kettle On

So this post comes with a warning: ” The following blog contains images that might offend the squeamish, the delicate, the sensitive, the hypochondriac. If this might be you, please switch to the next channel.” I go to Chubu Hospital … Continue reading

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The Disasters of War

Jeremy left yesterday and so today is the first day for a month that I have not had people staying. This means I can return to the garden. Visitors are not entranced by afternoons spent grubbing around in the garden … Continue reading

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Deep is the Lowing of the Cow on Unfamiliar Ground

I have been playing same old wooden flute for over 30 years. I cannot read music or anything like that but I seem to understand the traditional music of Ireland and Scotland and can pick up tunes pretty easily by … Continue reading

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Nodality

I go to Tokyo. I go to the British Embassy for a do. I go back to the hotel. As I enter  a shortish but determined man brushes past me followed by a howl of media. It is Prime Minister … Continue reading

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Unleash the Dogs of War

Jeremy and I go to Ie Jima an island a few miles off the coast of Okinawa. We take our bikes and cycle happily around the island. Fields and fields of tobacco and peanuts and hedgerows of hibiscus. However it … Continue reading

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Shaken but not Stirred

I dive into the underwater tunnel to finally grasp the magic chip that will prevent Dr Kitatanakagusuku from destroying the visible universe. As my fingers tighten I am blinded by a lashing jet of high pressure oxygen bubbles. ” Bother, … Continue reading

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Splish, Splash I Was Taking a Bath

http://www.musictory.com/music/Charlie+Drake/Splish+Splash So now all three boys are scuba qualified. Bravo Jeremy.  I looked forward to major family diving adventures. We go out for two dives on Saturday with the trusty neighbors Jordan and Connie. The first dive we just swim … Continue reading

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Houghmagandie

Supporting Scotland at sporting events is a particular experience. It is a plasma of an inflated idea of our worth whereby we expect to win things through birthright and the numbing reality of regular defeat. However from time to time … Continue reading

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Uchiage

There is a strong tradition in Japan of celebratory parties post major events. I think these are called Uichage.   We had a big one last night. A group of us organized two concerts last week and so in celebration  my … Continue reading

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