Vicar's Homepage

Stormy Sussex

Its been rain, wind and snow this week. Ros and I have been around with our cameras.

 

 A new album has been added. Click Photos on the blue bar and Winter!

 

Glastonwick 2007

This years beer and music spectacular will be held at Coombes Farm, North of Lancing College, on 15-17 June. Its a new venue and a new weekend for us. Note diaries now.

With winter really kicking in I was back at the Falconry today, and it was freezing. All the birds are fine after last weeks storm, and little damage was done, although if the wind had been any stronger we would have had real problems. It was hard work as one of our number is off with a broken wrist and the other had to go home on a domestic, leaving just me and 40 thorny birds all wanting their tea, I am tired but the birds are fed. One Caracara seemed very confused when fed with 2 chicks, (well like er I've got one in my mouth and one on the floor, what should I do here before my bloody brother nicks it.) So chick in mouth, and look of confusion reining, he then spits out the first, grabs the second and then secures the first with his tallon. Problem resolved. Clever bird.

 

Mad Potential Tenants. Rigsby rides again!!!!!!!!!

For those who do not know I am a landlord of a six tenant property in Central Worthing. (Amongst my other activities.) I had a s*it year with the business last year. Three appaulling tenants, with no respect to other peoples rights and feelings other than their own. Three of the most selfish and feckless people I have ever come across. We wont do the horror stories here, but I will cover some of the comings and goings on from the business here.

I am currently advertising for a new tenant at the moment, and was considering an application from a gentleman who had a good reference. The client was visiting relatives abroad and was asked to submit the standard application form. (Used for credit checks etc) This was duly emailed with no response, so imagine my surprise when he phones up from the airport asking what time he could collect his key to move in.  I explained that he still hadn't even applied for the room, let alone paid a deposit, and was still under consideration . Client went off on one, and began to tell me how it was all arranged and he was on his way. I assured him otherwise. Low and behold a colleague promptly arrived at the premises a couple of hours later and started trying to move stuff in. Fortunately he was seen on his way by the caretaker. Amazing!!

Doctor T

My Space tells me no one has yet read any of my blogs I have preciously placed for public consumption. This means absolutely no one will be reading this. It is however for me therepy, thus I will continue. I may even subconsciously be preparing the first knockings of some proper creative writing.

Went to see Dr T (Doc, doc doctor, doctor T) today. (A wonderful young GP, who has a knack of being reassuringly factual, whilist explaining medicine in a language anyone can understand.) Thus we have a one month waiting list to see him, and at least an hours wait on arrival. He takes his time and values each patient, so if he tells me I am looking well I am inclined to believe him. As mentioned elsewhere I am taking Zoladex at the moment, which is a hormone that in effect shrinks tumors. Tumor is responding nicely. It also causes a male menopause! Which is kicking in gloriously. Too hot one minute, too cold the next.  It also of course reduces testosterone, which without taking this blog to far, sometimes is no bad thing. It is injected into the belly on a monthly basis. Surprisingly painless, but can cause aching afterwards. Not much fun when you are hunched over an office desk all night (or at least part of it).

Reason for todays visit was to monitor an old thyroid problem (Resolved by taking one, slightly radioactive tablet, which burnt away part of said gland, and stopped the overactivity as was.) A simple solution to a problem which left unchecked I was told would lead to cardiac problems within five years. How long therefore before cancer is tackled with the mere taking of a pill. Not long I trust. It thus dawned on me that I will be checking my PSA  for life (unit of measurement of likely cancer spread.) Disturbing at first, but will probably become as routine as my thyroid check, which I don't even think about these days (it was fine!). I am told it is true that I may be on hormones for the rest of my life, to keep this in check. Lucky I can drink on them then eh! Depressing but I guess will get used to it.

My Space Me!

I am now on My Space, where a rather more gentle and cuddly version of this blog is presented. (Its the tabloid blog if you will.) You too can be an electronic friend by joining me at http://www.myspace.com/albionvicar. Scary really. 

Treatment Dates (Part Two)

I am now confirmed on a seven and a half week course of radiotherepy, commencing March 01st and ending late April. Work has been very understanding and I am signed off until Mid June as I am advised to try to take a weeks break per week of treatment. So a bit of a break there then, the longest I have ever been off work/studying for since I was packed off to school kicking and screaming at age 4.

If I am feeling up to it I will be out and about with my camera, installing a fish tank in the study and hopefully generally chilling and listening to some interesting music. Once I am feeling better I hope to get a week or two in at the Falconry to build up strength for the return to work. we are redecorating the bedroom next month, to create a more relaxed atmosphere and give me some sacred space. 

Before the whole adventure starts I am off to Krakow on 23rd February for a long weekend and staying in the Kazimierz (old Jewish area) part of town, seeking Jewish comfort food to beat out the cold. A full blog will appear as we go.

Bizarely now I have dates, and can see the whole thing mapped out I am looking forward to getting on with it, as life has been a bit on suspended animation recently. 

 

Treatment Dates (Part One)

Wow! Three appointments in 24 hours, (CT Scan, meet the Radiologist evening, and back to the Oncoligist again.) At least I appear to be being fast tracked in hospital. Today's episode was set for 15.30, Ros and I took a days worth of reading in expecting a minimum of a two hour wait. When was I seen? 15.25, five minutes early. Is this a record??? Thus as we both had an unexpected afternoon spare we took off back to Brighton and I introduced Ros to Red Roaster, which is going to become my therepy HQ. Even she was impressed.

So treatment starts on 01st March, not sure how long for as yet, trial nurse to confirm. I am thinking of a little trip before I start, currently looking at San Sebastian or Krakow.

 

Tweek and the Red Roaster

I have a new favourite place, a cafe on St James Street, Brighton. Called the Red Roaster (http://www.coffee-house.org.uk/redroaster.html) it is a glorious coffee house, where the coffee is so good and strong the spoon practially stands up on its own. Its the best in town by a long way, and the best I have tasted for years. The cafe has the feel of a late night bar in Belguim (no alcohol served though) its chilled, nice music (an Icelandic band Benni Hemm Hemm playing onthe Hi FI), great cakes. All the charachters are there. The sleezy old guy in the corner. The chatty couple, the collection of hispanic students, the gorgeous single female sitting in the middle of it all, enjoying being the centre of attention, The gay guy glancing around trying to make eye contact with any other single male passing. Its a nice place to spend an afternoon. After two cups I was flying on caffine for 24 hours afterwards. Not healthy.

Next week I get another CT scan to map the tumor, and a natty lttle tattoo (always said I wanted another one) which I get to keep as they will use it for guidence during the daily radiotherepy (IMRT) sessions. (Which will last either 4 or 7 weeks dependent on which trial I am on. ) I am then taking at least a month off work (possibly two! to be negociated) to chill out. Possibly having a week in Scotland for some P and Q. (North Berwick-close to Edinburgh-chance to watch the Blue Brazil, and do some bird watching!) Did you know chilli kills Cancer. My little bastard hasn't much hope then! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6244715.stm

Albion creashed out the Cup! Only highlight was down the Brick Lane discovering Cobra Extra. A new corked Belgian beer 8% brewed to go with Curry, and it did. Decent beer and Lamb Xacuti, a day rescued. 

   

 

 

Fish Brothers New Year Bash!

A good number of my friends, along with a large number of fishy fans saw in the new year at the Welly. Despite only having two bar staff Roy and Sarah worked hard to ensure the drinks flowed. The evening was a great success, and there are plans to repeat it next year. I think Roy may revise the pickled egg eating competition, but as he had to clear up after it who knows. I am glad i had thick boots on! Errgh! 

 

A video of The Lobster Song has been added to the video section. Click on videos and again on music and you can find it.

 

 

Video review of the year!

If you click on Video I have uploaded some videos.

(In General Section) Cliffe Bonfire: A short film of the cliffe doing what they do best.

(In Falconry): Our much loved and demented Eagle takes delivery of his Christmas card.  

(In Travel): Adam and I arrive at Pancha Rathas in Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu)

(In Football): Mexico score v Iran