Of No Fixed Abode

So, it is done - I am now officially Of No Fixed Abode but that doesn't come without a deal of difficulty. Most computers are not geared up to accept ONFA so visiting your bank account, utility bills, council tax etc puts the authority in a muddle - that will be for them to sort out not me!
I most certainly couldn't set off on the next adventure without saying a fond farewell to my 'second family' at Parley Court, where yesterday evening a combination of the Dampney / Wickham's  welcomed me with open arms. Most of the family were gathered for a fine dinner with pudding and wine to match, so it was great to be back!

From front, Gavin (youngest son) alongside girlfriend Sam, my vacant chair, eldest son Daryl next to fiance Cath, then Hugh, Hugh's mum (Joan), Janet's mum (Joyce) and dad (John) alongside Janet herself.

This morning featured an early 'pitch inspection' to view the swollen River Stour encroaching on much of the farmland hereabouts and little else due to intermittent heavy rain and a significant fall in temperature.

Good job there was a sign as there wasn't a sign of the course,

this being the 5th fairway, also submerged, with the tee to the right,

as was most of the local woodlands as well.

However, it's an ill-wind that doesn't blow somebody (or something) some good,

as with the Annual Shoot cancelled due to rain inundation

these PHEASANTs live to see another day.

Most of the horses, and there are many dozens of them, are now wearing waterproofs and warm attire,

as local GREY SQUIRRELs go about gathering what nuts and other food they can find.

REDWING have now moved in in good numbers (100+), but remain elusive, while a similar number of Fieldfare totally unapproachable

 similar to c11 Mistle Thrush.

BLACKBIRDs are once again numerous, in every hedgerow,

while COMMON BUZZARD and

KINGFISHER carry out a continued search for their next meals.

BLACK-HEADED GULLs seem to be enjoying the underwater Gold Course

spending much of their time commuting from the power lines to the various 'greens' where food seems in plentiful supply. Let's hope the rain abates tomorrow allowing for a better look around.

The Beautiful People - Marilyn Manson

First things First

 and while Jimi Hendrix 'lives' on in 90% of the world's record collections, had he stood the pace he would have reached his 70th year today. Now a resident of Electric Ladyland, all we can do, as mere mortals, is await the
'Slight Return'

Ballard of the Beacon Link
(these lyrics should be taken literally as they sum up exactly what I have done and am about to do,

but not before saying good-bye to some Beautiful People, Bloody Good Times,

the Council Tax and most of Society)

I'll be leaving this town in the morning, tomorrow we'll be able to see
I've had me enough of this city, and she's had enough out of me

Say if I climbed to the mountains, would you still follow me there
Steal me away in an echo, the mountains will always be there
Now I'm turning my sights on the country, sold everything that I own
I'm heading away from the bright lights, looking for where the wind blows
Say if I climbed to the mountains, would you still follow me there
Steal me away in an echo, the mountains will always be there

Wishbone Ash

 "I can show you, I can show you, some of the people in my life" - Turn It On Again - Genesis.

Another 'thumb' through the photo archive was a timely reminder just what lovely people I have around me. I hope no offence will be taken if you are missing but know you should be here.

Senior daughter JULIE, her partner NIGEL and HANNAH.

Other daughter LISA at her graduation in Sydney, Australia with husband BERNARD.

LISA again, knowing boys will be boys.

Commander BERNARD YORK fully booted and spurred!

'SECRET' with octogenarian DENNIS FANCY (fantastic picture on wall behind)

JACK (The Angel - Hell's that is) COTTLE

Another sunny Sunday with LESLEY,

NICKY and CHUNKY,

impresario DANNY ADAMS

and my very good friend ALEX ROBINSON.

'Secret' and Jane's daughter LIZZY (apple cake) WHITE and

son ROBERT now well established at Bristol University.

 

Mrs SECRET, BECKY

and the lad himself.

Talking of lads, our mutual ship-mate DAVID (The Posh Sausage) FRAMPTON with SHEILA.

Everything you need in a Real Friend, ANDY LINDSAY and his new lady DAWN PARTRIDGE.

After all the excitement a cuppa tea and a macaroon - well not quite!

Dinner with PAUL and ANNIE HARRIS (far end) plus Bowie, Sheila and Moi.

This Old House - Shakin' Stevens

(Ain't a-gonna need this house much longer)
(Ain't a-gonna need this house no more)
Ain't got time to fix the shingles
Ain't a-got time to fix the floor
Ain't got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend no windowpane
Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer
She's a-gettin' ready to meet the saints

'SLIGHT RETURN' Cromwell Road my home for the past 19 years,

but soon to be Under New Management.

Always a good choice of fine wines Château Ducru Beaucaillou,

Château Lafite Rothschild and Opus One

If only there had been a continuously running video camera on that table - now that would be a tale to tell!

Food was never in short supply, anyone for CASSATA, while fun & games were mandatory!

 Is it Ronnie James Dio, is it Alice Cooper no it's only the house owner, star of the 'METAL' party.

The 'SILLY HAT PARTY' and Buffet

If You're Going to San Fransisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair. Eldest daughter Julie and partner Nigel.

Lorraine The Flower Child

Ken Parker as you may not have seen him before and

wife Lillian.

'FILM NIGHT DINNER'

KNOB-HEAD PRESLEY star of many a corny movie!

The WINGER (The Man With No Name) oh whoops did I say The Winger?

and the WINGETTE starring in CABERET

 

The Lovely Ille

  Christmas with

Bowie and Sheila,

but now it's all being taken apart, time to turn the page for a new chapter.