Dr. Thrasher

Bloody Computers

2011-08-07T18:02:00.001+01:00

My rather nifty sports car has decided to die. Apparently it has two engine management computers and one has decided not to talk to the other. This means a (probably) very expensive trip back to the local BMW dealer. This could turn out more expensive than the famous ' left the car keys in Sweden' episode.
Bollox.

News Corpse

2011-07-12T15:22:00.000+01:00

Is anyone REALLY surprised at the depths this bastard and his cronies will sink to?
Never mind stopping his takeover bids, make him eat his own shit.

Day 4a. Along the Thames by Pleasure Cruiser.

2011-06-03T11:40:00.001+01:00

Isn't life strange sometimes? Last night I found myself surrounded by well heeled gardening enthusiasts on a large cruise boat on the Thames.

Jeez, you should see some of the riverside properties here - fantastic real estate, yet in most of the houses, nobody seems to be home.

There is a truly excellent cold buffet on the boat and plenty of J2O to wash it down with.

Catherine gets a little over exited about the allotment quiz and actually accuses the neighbouring team of cheating! I am slightly embarrassed by her vociferous objections to some of the answers to the quiz, but feel she is somewhat vindicated when the team at the next table, when asked for their final score, declare a total of 86. A superb score for the grizzled and grumpy gardening veterans considering that the maximum possible score is 80!

It's a truly gorgeous evening and the Thames is really beautiful - lots of folks in smaller motor boats and rowing boats with champagne and strawberries.

We arrive back at the mooring at Henley at 11 pm, walk the few minutes home, drink tea, hit the sack and I am unconscious in seconds. A superb evening.

What ever happened to all the sex and drugs and rock and roll?

Current Pain Rating: 2

Day 4. Aldermaston to Henley.

2011-06-02T17:26:00.001+01:00

Well, we made it and early too. Arrived in Henley at about 2:30 this afternoon after a superb days ride.

Really the best way to see a city (if possible) is along the canal by bike. I would never have believed that Reading was so ace!

We ended up right in the centre where an Italian food fayre was in full swing, bought bread and stinky cheese for our hosts in Henley (one of whom is Italian by birth) and then cycled on, leaving the Kennett and Avon and joining the river Thames just outside Reading.

After this, the scenery all gets a bit surreal as we move into millionaire country. One house even has it's own railway around the massive grounds. It has to be seen to be believed! Every house has it's own boathouse at the bottom of the garden, most with stupidly expensive looking powerboats moored up and appearing unused.

Cath and I discuss whether we could live like that and the decision is a 50/50 split. Me, yes, Cath no.

Of course with that kind of disposable income I would have been dead years ago and Cath would have the biggest allotment on the planet Earth!

Wildlife was pretty good today too, sandmartins living in the canal banks in the centre of Reading, a couple of nightingales and even a cuckoo! Red kites are as common here as buzzards are at home in the
Blackdowns.

Ha! I feel a real sense of achievement having cycled 100 miles AND enjoyed it. Where next?
Anywhere without hills is the answer.

Tonight? Well tonight is the Henley allotment society annual river cruise along the Thames. I know nothing of gardening and will surely stick out like a sore thumb amongst the local 'hooray Henry' gardeners, but no matter as our generous hosts Keith and Marissa have invited sister Mary Anna along too and she isn't fussy about ones social standing or background!

Shall I photograph and blog that too?
Oh yes, I think so don't you?

Current Pain Rating: 3

Day 3. Hungerford to Aldermaston.

2011-06-02T06:38:00.001+01:00

Once again cracking cycling weather for todays 23 mile ride. So warm today that both your intrepid explorers have plumped for the shorts option in the sartorial elegance stakes.

The ride is mostly canal paths through really beautiful countryside.

It turns out to be wildlife bonanza day as we spot a glorious red kite (which is kind enough to circle directly above us for several minutes, thus securing it's place as my favourite bird), reed warblers, sedge warblers, willow warblers, skylarks, common terns, herons, cettis warblers, lapwings, great spotted woodpeckers with babies, grey wagtails, a family of rats, a water vole and two damsel flies making 'the beast with two backs'.

Actually, damsel flies do it in a very odd way with the male depositing his sperm in a special sack on the back of the females neck (our so it would seem, I must look it up), anyway it looked like fun - one can learn so much from even the simplest of creatures!

The evening is spent in a very comfortable 'Comfort Hotel', with the biggest bed I've ever seen (apart from the IRA waterbed in Manchester, but that's a whole other story!)

Advice from a caterpillar: should you ever find yourself staying in a Comfort Hotel, don't eat there!

Another early night in preparation for the last 20 miles or so tomorrow where we are promised a boat trip down the Thames with the Henley-on-Thames allotment society. Too much fun? We'll see.

Toodle-pip.

Current Pain Rating: 4

Day 2. Rowde to Hungerford.

2011-05-31T21:14:00.001+01:00

After a splendid full English at the B&B, we set of for todays ride. The weather was much better - sunshine with a light breeze, in fact perfect cycling weather.

Most of todays 33 mile route was along canal tow paths again, starting with the long climb of the Caen flight of locks just outside Devizes.

After this task it's pretty much plain sailing to the Crofton pumping station, another miracle of Victorian engineering, this time designed to keep a flight of locks full by pumping water uphill to the top after it has been down through the locks.

Here, tea is taken but unfortunately the large chunk of coffee gateau proves to be too much for Thrashers altered digestive tract and brings on a nasty case of 'dumping syndrome' (look it up) and the remainder of the journey is postponed for an hour while he recovers.

The rest of the ride takes in a few miles of quiet lanes through what must surely be some of the most beautiful scenery that England has to offer, ending with another five or so miles of towpath before we arrive in Hungerford and check in at the well hidden B&B (floral bedspreads and a degree of topiary in the small but perfectly formed suburban garden that suggests at least a smattering of some OCD type disorder in at least one of the owners).

Then it's off to the local curry house for a well deserved king prawn madras and a J2O.

Sleepy time folks, another long ride tomorrow.

Current Pain Rating: 5

Day 1. Bath to Rowde.

2011-05-31T08:45:00.002+01:00

A poor start to the day as our
train eventually arrives a whole hour late in the cold and wet of a truly miserable Taunton station.
When we eventually arrive in Bath (by now an hour and a quarter behind schedule), it is raining even more heavily despite the Met offices promise of clear skies by lunchtime.
Of we go!
After around half a mile of increasingly soggy pedalling, Cath becomes the first casualty of the trip when she fails to see me stop and runs right into the back of me. Luckily, despite falling off and the bike landing on top of her, she only has a couple of minor bruises.
How did she manage this feat?
She admits that she wasn't looking where she was going because of some trouser related issue. DOH!
After a few miles we arrive at Claverton pumping station, a huge water wheel powered canal pump engineered as only the Victorians knew how - i.e. work out the correct engineering tolerances then double them for safety!
Leaving the comparitive warmth and dryness of the pump rooms, we continue on our damp (well, to be honest, bloody soaking) way towards Devizes.
Pretty miserable most of the rest of the journey with the usual human canal life in abundance (now I know where old hippies go to die)
By now it's 5:30 ish and Thrashers highly modified digestive tract is crying out for sustenance. The first hostelry we come upon is on the opposite side of the canal and inaccessible without a lengthy detour, as is the second, but the third is easily reached so we enter in search of edible comestibles. It's about this time that we notice that the bikes and indeed our persons are covered in shite.
No matter, we enter the pub and order food and drink. Just as we are settling down to wait for our food, I notice the manager dealing with the customers at the next table. He is strangely familiar - a face from the past.
'Howard?' I ask.
'Yes, who are you?'
'Ernie Clark', I answer.
'My God' says he, 'I haven't seen you for twenty years.'
It's true, when I first came to Somerset many years ago and joined my first rock band, Howard used to let us rehearse in his pub in Taunton and for a while even managed the band!
So, a pleasant and surprising end to a wet day.
You couldn't make this stuff up if you tried could you?
Current Pain Rating: 5

The Big Adventure Begins

2011-05-30T07:45:00.001+01:00

Today is the day that we set off to cycle from Bath to Henley along the Kennett & Avon canal. I've been looking forward to this for months and even waking to a thick drizzle of rain has not dampened my enthusiasm. I've had the bike serviced and it's in tip top condition.
So, the 11:20 to Bath and then cycle to Rowde. Tally-Ho! A good opportunity to test BT's 2.8 million hotspots as well

Current Pain Rating: 3

Cycling for the monarchy.

2011-04-30T11:06:00.002+01:00

"People occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened."

Now, I'm paraphrasing Winnie here, but for FUCKS sakes - 1 million people attended the royal wedding in London.

Hmmmmmmmmmm.......must be nearly time for a war, now we are all pacified?
Me - I was in Burnham/Highbridge/Brean cycling and having fun.
Fell foul of the tide and got awfully muddy.

Current Pain Rating: 2

I Wish I Could Go Home With All The Big Folks.

2011-04-20T14:25:00.002+01:00

I'm pretty sure I posted this before, but it's SO good I'm lettin' y'all have it again.
I particularly like the 'thousand yard stare' about 8 seconds in - reminds me of me right now!

Current Pain Rating: 3

I've always been mad, I know I've been mad..........

2011-04-19T07:37:00.002+01:00

Things are not too good here at Thrasher Towers. A lifetime of substance abuse seems to be taking it's toll, physically and mentally on top of which one's younger brother decided to top himself a few weeks ago. More broken bones as well.

Really, I should be kept in a cage, preferably on another planet a safe distance from Earth. If you do go for this option, people of Earth, I want to be fed choice cuts of raw vegetables by the duskiest of handmaidens and then have them perform acts of sexual deviance upon me that score just within the parameters of 'normal human'. Sort that out and you have a deal.

Current Pain Rating: 4.5

Girls,Guns,Guts,Guitars.

2011-03-29T07:02:00.000+01:00

Well, what a crap couple of years it's been. Lost my best mate, my band, my brother, a Fender Stratocaster, a Gibson SG and 10 stones in weight. Also many pints of blood, one elbow joint, nearly all my hemoglobin and two bad habits. Where do we go from here? Onwards and upwards dear hearts, onwards and upwards. I have started playing the blues again - my brother's death kicked the switch. Even I think I'm good. I may start looking for other musicians and form a small beat combo - just for fun you understand.

I'm afraid I have mislead you - there's nothing in this post about girls! Or, indeed, guns.

BUT - anyone correctly identifying all four of the main characters in the picture above, with an approximate date, will win a prize - a gen-u-wine rubber nose.

Current Pain Rating: 1

Andrew Brian "Billy" Clark

2011-03-16T16:30:00.001Z

Sad to say my brother Billy died at home in bed last Monday 8th March 2011.
Peace brother.

Current Pain Rating: Off the scale!

Oooof!

2011-03-01T13:50:00.002Z

Just landed - some 5 months in space. Cryo-unit malfunctioned and I had to substitute other methods to stay 'asleep'.
Earth seems exactly the same as when I left.
How droll.

I am pleased to be able report that the recent arse transplant has not rejected me (yet) and indeed seems to have improved my flagging health, despite having been performed whilst drifting in the outer reaches of the solar system.

Goodness, I'm even considering picking up a guitar again!

Now I guess I'll have to re-learn how to communicate with the humanoids inhabiting this place.

No Fun!

Current Pain Rating: 3

Near Death Experience (again!)

2010-08-21T06:31:00.006+01:00

Been driving my new motor with a slight smell of petrol for a couple of weeks until I could get my mechanic friend to look at it. Turns out to have been a ruptured injector pipe that was pissing petrol out. Luckily BMW put protective pans under the body which stopped it hitting the exhaust and seeing me off in a large ball of flame.
Scary when you find out afterwards isn't it? What's even scarier is the £90 it cost me to do 170 miles! People joke about being able to watch the fuel indicator needle going down - but I really could - and quite quickly too!

Current Pain Rating: 2

Tarka Trail Bike Ride June 2010

2010-06-04T00:30:00.001+01:00

Ah, you mean this fellow!
More here: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/ernclark1/TarkaTrailBikeRideJune2010#
Of to Sweden again on Thursday.
One set of keys for the new wheels is staying HERE!

Two Belly Buttons

2010-03-08T07:07:00.002Z

I have recently discovered that my belly hair has grown under my operation scar as it would under the belly button, making it seem for all the world like I have two of the blighters. Nice talking point for the more boring dinner party then. Not that we ever go to dinner parties.

Yes - that is he most interesting thing that has happened to me - well that I can talk about in public anyway.

Toodle-pip.

2009-08-19T18:52:00.001+01:00

Surgery done. All is well. Sorted.

Current Pain Rating: 0

Another One Bites The Dust

2009-08-14T11:24:00.002+01:00

Lester William Polfuss, probably better known to most of you as Les Paul passed away yesterday.

R.I.P Les and ta for everything.

Current Pain Rating: 0

T-7

2009-08-10T09:44:00.002+01:00

...................and currently in a Zen like state of calm. It will not last.

A bit hungry too, but not as bad as I was expecting.

Looking forward to headlining at the Blackdown Beer Festival on Friday - yeh, a beer festival and I MUST not drink any of it - hahahaha!

Not a lot else to report really.

Current Pain Rating: 0

MILK!

2009-08-07T08:27:00.002+01:00

I have to do a diet before my surgery.
It is thus:

4 pints semi skimmed milk
1 salty drink (like bovril or chicken oxo)
1 sugar free jelly
2 litres of water

Snacks of which I could have three a day but only 1 of each could be
1 salty drink (like bovril or chicken oxo)
1 stick of sugar free gum
1 sugar free jelly

I am a little peeved to note the absence of fillet steak and chips in this list.
Balls.

Current Pain Rating: 0

The Knife! (Again)

2009-07-27T09:27:00.007+01:00

Well now, those closest to me already know that I am approaching another run in with the medics. I am not going public with what is going to happen yet - I am not too sure exactly how I feel about letting the world know.

Suffice to say it is MAJOR elective surgery and it will happen (I hope) three weeks from today, as long as they don't close the hospital due to a few people having minor sniffles that is. Now, this is a slightly risky procedure and therefore a wee bit scary - I might not make it back from the theatre, but the odds are an acceptable 1:1500. Hell, I've done things to myself with far worse odds of popping the old clogs than that (admittedly not for quite some time though).

Anyway - in three weeks or so, the pain ratings will reflect what is happening all over my poor aching carcass, not just the hands.

Here's a wee clue for the qualified surgeons amongst you:

Nice huh?

Now, I need to quote Bill Hicks here - Bill came up with something I have been thinking since I was about 17 years old and if I don't make it through this shit I want it as my memorial.

'You know all that money we spend on nuclear weapons and defense each year, trillions of dollars, correct? Instead -- just play with this -- if we spent that money feeding and clothing the poor of the world -- and it would pay for it many times over, not one human being excluded -- we can explore space together, both inner and outer, forever in peace.'

Yep, I'm feeling vulnerable scared and emotional. Again.

Fuck.

Current Pain Rating: 0

International Security and the Amerikkkan Effect

2009-07-24T10:20:00.006+01:00

I have just returned from a few days in Europe. A 50th birthday trip to Amsterdam with Mrs. E as it happens. We won't go into the sordid details, suffice to say that my brother suggested there were three things worth doing in the city and asked which I did. A, B and C was the reply. Now, C is a boat trip, the rest? Hell - go figure!

Anyway, the point is that leaving the UK, we were thoroughly searched, had a bottle of mouthwash confiscated, even though there was only 50mls in it (which you could clearly see) and were generally made to feel intimidated by the police officers at customs (at least at Bristol they don't carry automatic weapons like at Stanstead!)

Arriving at Schipol we just walked straight out of the airport - no checks of any kind - it felt very odd!

Whilst resident in the port of Amsterdam, although the police were very evident (we were staying in the red light district) they took a real 'softly softly' approach some even dishing out minor reprimands between tokes from huge spliffs (I kid you not!)

Returning to Schipol we are a little worried about customs as we have bought gifts for the offspring, which include fluids (cherry beer and Absinthe) and a bag of marijuana teabags for the eldest, who likes to keep it nice and organic. So we decide to stash them in the bags and go for it anyway - if they get confiscated, well that's a lesson learned. Guess what? Hardly any security at all apart from a quick wizz through a scanner and a grinning passport officer who is more interested in Cath's surname (MulHOLLAND) than our passports. And not a police officer in sight.

Now, some may call me cynical and some may even think I am misguided, but could this difference in approach to security have anything to do with the UK being a massive target for international terrorism due to having it's collective cock wedged firmly up the festering arsehole of Amerikkka, whilst the gentle Dutch don't do wars and generally have a good time?

Answers on a postcard to the usual address please.

Current Pain Rating: 0

Seething.......still!

2009-06-06T09:46:00.008+01:00

A Rant

Last night Catherine and I had a nice early night and watched the programmes about the mighty Island record label. Lots of our fave bands have been on this label and the programmes promised a couple of hours of excellent entertainment for a pair of music junkies. We were not disappointed - a fine documentary about Chris Blackwell and co. followed by a string of performances from Island artists 'at the BBC'.

Apart from one glaringly appalling performance which has annoyed me SO much I am moved to share it with the world. Be warned, the following paragraphs may contain bad language.

OK - so who has pissed me off so much that I am spending 20 minutes sharing it with the entire planet?

Jools fucking Holland, that's who. I have never been able to stand this nasty greasy little man and I don't understand people who think he is a genius of the piano. He is not. He is a second rate technician. This was more than proven by his performance last night - a clip from the Jools Holland show featuring the mighty Jimmy Cliff. At first I thought 'Hmmmmmm......looks like Jimmy is getting on, I wonder if he can still cut the mustard?' The answer was yes - a truly STUNNING vocal performance, powerful, inventive and one of my favourite ever songs 'Many Rivers to Cross'

Of course it's Jools' show, so he HAS to play the fucking piano. What a FARCE - tinkly little bits all over the fucking show, no sense of light and shade (spaces in music are, to the enlightened, almost more important than the notes themselves) and a lack of sensitivity unmatched since Goebbels heydey. There is poor Jimmy giving a superb performance and having to put up with this slimy self-professed 'genius' arsehole of a man ruining what could have been one of THE great performances - and I mean on a par with Hendrix at Woodstock.

Might I suggest that the powers that be remove both of this snivelling little shit's arms and bury them at opposite ends of the planet.

What a BASTARD.

Any questions?

Current Pain Rating: 0.5

Space Station Cakey Thing

2009-06-02T07:00:00.002+01:00

Nothing to do with anything else in this blog, but couldn't resist publishing this picture I took in our garden on Sunday. Click on it to see the full sized image.

Current Pain Rating: 0.5

Hand Jive

2009-05-13T19:54:00.001+01:00

My hand is hurting quite badly after last weekends gig. Oh dear. Still they said I couldn't damage it, so I'm guessing it'll recover.

Current Pain Rating: 4

T Minus 12 Hours and Counting

2009-05-09T09:06:00.005+01:00

Gig day at last! This evening, I shall be bringing this little beauty out of semi-retirement. Why - long scale length = less string tension = easier bends. Besides that it's pretty and it has 'Gibson' plastered across the headstock which always impresses the natives.

Of course the obligatory Travis Bean will be with me and I will no doubt end up playing that due to it's superior tone and sustain qualities.

I'll let youse know how it goes - should be massive fun and oh so fuckin' loud.

BRING IT ON!

Current Pain Rating: 1

Captain Rock'n'Roll Rides Again

2009-04-24T07:25:00.003+01:00

Last night we had our first 'full' electric band rehearsal for ages. It was really an endurance test for me to see how long I could actually play for in one hit and whether it would be long enough to do a gig. I managed two whole hours! Sore thumb this morning, but nothing terrible. So we can start taking bookings again. Hell, it felt SO good to play loud raucous music again and even my Les Dawson style interpretation of 'Delilah' was fun.

Once again dear hearts, lock up your daughters, warn your sons and hide the pies, Cap'n Rock'n'Roll is back!

Current Pain Rating: 1

'Two Sheds' Mulholland

2009-03-15T10:36:00.009Z

Cath has bought another shed on ebay to put on our recently acquired allotment. Unfortunately it was in Weston-super-Mare and she and Jamie went off to get it in a borrowed Transit van. It wouldn't all fit in, but what did had to be transported by hand right across a huge field to our 'allotted' patch. I mention this because I helped and boy did I hurt the old thumb. It would appear that once again I am running before I can walk. Still the physiotherapist said that I can't actually do any harm to the altered joint, just make it sore - so onwards and upwards!

The hand itself continues to heal well and I can use it almost as if there was never a problem. It's still a little weak and those unison double stop bends on the old geetar are still a bit too difficult but we will get there.

Current Pain Rating: 2

Mission Accomplished

2009-03-03T11:31:00.004Z

I have just been to see the physiotherapist again and he has given me the all clear to start driving and to go back to work next Monday. I am delighted. Although there is still some pain from the physio exercises, this will fade as the joint gets stronger. So that's that then.

Will I continue to 'blog'? I don't know - I may post thoughts as they occur now and again if i think they are worth sharing, I may not.

Current Pain Rating : 1

Yes I'm Gonna Be A Star.

2009-02-28T23:29:00.004Z

I came across this picture of my eldest son and one of his best chums on his FaceBook page.

That's my lad out of focus.

But what a BRILLIANT picture!

I believe it was taken very early one morning after an 'interesting' night.

Current Pain Rating: 1

Baby You Can Drive My Car.

2009-02-22T12:12:00.005Z

Ha, I have eventually got my car back. It's only cost me around £400 extra for my holiday by leaving the carkeys in Sweden! Geoffrey the bass player has just delivered it for me. Trouble is that I am not allowed to drive it. The physio chap said that I should not drive until I have done lots of strengthening exercises and seen him again (on the 3rd of March) for clearance. He said that if I did drive and had to 'grab' the wheel in an emergency all hell could break loose! Also he recommended that I use codeine again for a while as the exercises were likely to hurt like hell. Great, ya just wean yerself off it and then it's back on! Still, it works better now and the medical professional was right - I do need it.

Yesterday I managed a few chords on the guitar - what a great feeling after so long. It was all going really well for a good two minutes until I tried one of my favourite lead licks and nearly went through the roof! Do you know boys and girls, I ACTUALLY swore!

Little and often will be the way forward I think.

It's all good.

To be fair, I have had no arthritic pain whatsoever in the altered joint since the surgery and that in itself is magnificent.

Current Pain Rating: 1 ( 7 after exercises)

Physiotherapy......

2009-02-20T07:26:00.002Z

............begins today at nine. The old thumb is much, much better, but still quite painful if I move it. I want my car back, I want to play guitar ASAP and I want a big fat brass slide to play it with. Yep, I'm gonna try slide geetar yet again. I reckon poor tools have put me off in the past, so I'm gonna try to find a slide that actually fits my somewhat large pinky and set the SG up properly tuned to open E.

Current Pain Rating: 0.5 - 1 (variable depending upon usage)

Décrocher

2009-02-15T14:29:00.009Z

Today I have stopped the painkillers - well, the day before yesterday actually when I ran out of codeine.

Welcome to the self dancing legs, hot/cold flushes and flights of bats.

Great.

Watch this space for a full report of the Swedish trip.

Current Pain Rating (hand): 1

That Swedish Trip in Full

2009-02-14T14:29:00.094Z

OK, fasten your safety belts - this one is gonna be a long haul

The memsahib and I have recently returned from an excellent holiday in Sweden - here is the tale:

Some of the pictures were taken with my phone and are a bit less sharp - sorry! (Remember you can click on the pictures for the big version)

Friday February 6th

We awake early to drive to Stansted airport for the evening flight for Vasteras in Sweden. Having anticipated some snow, I am surprised to find that it has been snowing constantly all night and there are several inches of the white stuff on the ground.

And on the car!

And everywhere - and is is still snowing....HARD!
Possibly the worst weather in the UK for 10 years or more. Great!

Cath is driving and we set off hoping that we can get to a main road which will be clear. There are severe weather warnings for the entire route of our journey and people are advised not to drive unless absolutely necessary. Now the little village of Churchinford where we live is peculiar in that every road out of the village (there are 6) is uphill. The BMW gracefully exits it's parking space and sets off down towards the centre of the village - it's seriously slippy but we are moving.

Mission controller Thrasher decides it would be a good idea to try to get some speed up and take a run at the hill. WRONG! We end up stuck outside the village pub, going sideways with a delighted audience of local folks. After much pushing, shoving digging and head scratching, one of them, Bert gets his big Toyota land cruiser, hooks the BMW to the back of it and of we go with Bert and Crow in the big Toyota and me steering the BMW which is just sliding all over the road, literally flapping about behind the Toyota, which Bert is driving at around 20 mph - it seems like 60 and is a really hard fight to try to steer. I hurt my thumb. Eventually, I put the BMW in neutral and kind of give up on the steering apart from during the worst slides, content to be towed in the manner of an up-market blue snow plough!

After about two miles of this, through deep snow, we meet a man coming the other way on foot who tells us that there is a big tree down across the main road into town. That's that then. There is another road, but we decide that if it is as snowbound as this one, it will be too treacherous to even attempt. We abandon the BMW, transfer the luggage to the Land Cruiser and head for home. When we get back we are told that the other road into town has been ploughed and is passable, so Bert (bless him) decides we will go and have a look. When we get there the road is clear, so we go and hook up the BMW again and Bert tows us to the clear road. Made it. Two and a half hours to do around about three miles.

The next two hundred and thirty miles are easy-peasy, the main roads to town are reasonably clear and the motorways all have two lanes ploughed and are virtually traffic free. We get to Stansted in good time, sort out the mysteries of Ryanairs automated check in and board the jet.

We have to wait for the wings to be de-iced during which time the ground crew go off for a cup of tea and we have to wait for them to come back as well. Then the good bit - taking off - I seriously LOVE this experience - always have, always will - it's a power thing - if I could shoehorn a Rolls Royce jet into a bike frame I would (yes, I know it's been done.)

Nice flight to Sweden, lands about 50 minutes late and we are met by our friend Jane, driven back to her place through the snow and to a nice cup of tea and a nicer warm bed.

Saturday February 7th

Up early for the 100km drive to Stockholm where Jane has to go to work for a couple of hours and Cath and I do some sightseeing and have lunch.

They have pointy buildings.....................

............HUGE pubs (actually, it's a department store).....................

.....................big boats with a front that comes off.......................

...............nice people giving away free hot blueberry soup.............. ..................icebergs in the river................................

.................and, of course, pygmy ponies.

I searched everywhere for a dental floss bush, but there were none to be found!

In the evening we party with our friends - we are celebrating Gorans 50th birthday and there are all sorts of people there - robot scientists, teachers, nuclear physicists, some from Blighty others from South Africa, most from Vasteras itself. Its a great party with excellent food provided by Jane and her mum and daughter.

About halfway through, a slightly worse for wear Catherine whispers in my ear 'Ern, they are all putting their keys in a pot by the door.............and I haven't got any keys - what will I do, I'll be left with the dregs.'

Poor girl has mistaken the house key stash for a swingers party vessel and is quite peturbed. Our fellow party go-ers kindly explain that without keys you can't join in - pisstaking bastards!

Take note of this key pot, it appears again later in the tale!

Things wind down about 3 a.m and the locals get on their bikes to pedal precariously home in a blizzard.

Sunday 8th February

Today the Swedish contingent have hangovers. Cath and I don't, she because she went to bed fairly early and slept it off, me because I took it easy and am dropping so much codeine that a hangover never has even the slightest look in.

We rise late and go for a walk around the local area in a blizzard with temperatures of -10. Quite refreshing. Then back to the house to feast on party food for Sunday dinner followed by an early night.

Monday 9th February

Up early to travel to the farm in the wilderness where we are to spend the day and the night experiencing life in the Swedish outback! A long train journey through Uppsala and Gavle then on to Soderhamn where our host meets us in her car. The roads are ice with a thin covering of snow, but these machines have superb winter tyres and within the hour we have made the 40 km journey to the farm.

It is stunningly beautiful and after being shown to our room , unpacking and having coffee with hardbread and home made honey (yes, they keep bees here!), it's off for a sleighride.

It gets dark early, although it's hard to tell as there is a very bright full moon. Cath and I get dressed for a ramble in the snow and to maybe chase down some owls (or at least hear them).

The snow is beautiful at night and we are out for much longer than we thought in temperatures of around -15. We don't really notice as we are enjoying it so much. Our hosts Åsa and Lasse swear they can distinguish the northern lights on the horizon, but that the full moon is masking them. I'm not so sure, but we had a good time trying to convince ourselves that we had seen them.

Tuesday 10th February

We leave the farm around 10ish after a breakfast of boiled eggs, ham, toast, honey and strong hot coffee. Ace!
Another 40 km drive to Jarvso, a small Ski resort which also has a zoo full of the local animals. It is -20 here, colder than your freezer, but not painful as we are well wrapped up and it is 'dry' cold.

The zoo is under about 10 inches of snow and some of the animals are hiding/hibernating (the bears), but we get to see Elk, Wolves, Wolverines (in the distance) and lots of birds of prey.

It is pretty cold after a couple of hours, but the ever thoughtful Swedes provide a 'resthut' halfway round with a fire and tables and candles where Cath is able to toast her freezing feet. We leave the zoo when it closes at 3 pm and head for the cafe-bar where we have left our luggage. We have 3 hours to kill before we catch the train back to Vasteras and we spend it drinking beer, glogg with pepparkakor and eating salmon and beef steaks.

Then it's back to the station to catch the train.

Back in Vasteras Jane picks us up at the station. It is late and the family are all in bed, so we have a glass of wine, a chat and retire.

Wednesday 11th February

Today is a day for relaxing and flying home. Jane and Goran are at work, Cath goes off to the shops to get supplies for the evening meal ( I decline the walk in the snow due to a minor 'nocturnal' back injury incurred at the farm) and I do a little blogging and some remedial work on Janes laptop - virus protection and that sort of stuff. We eat a splendid meal of fresh tomatoes, olives, garlic and pasta and then it's off to the airport for the 9 o'clock flight.

Another entertaining take-off and a jolly bouncy landing causing some of the passengers to grunt with fear and we are back in Blighty. Through customs (without declaring the cheese and aquavit), pick up the bags and on to the transfer bus for the car park. It is cold and damp and generally pretty miserable and we can't wait to get in the warm car.

EXCEPT: I have left the f*cking car keys in Vasteras. Oh yes I have - in the 'swingers' keypot where Cath insisted I put them for safekeeping while we are at the farm (a fu*king day late into the pot if they had been swingers!). There are a few glares as we come to the realisation that we both bear an element of blame, but no harsh words - too shocked to row about it. After behaving like headless chickens for half an hour, we eventually go back to the airport and book an extremely expensive room at the neighbouring Radisson SAS Hotel.

Luckily they have free superfast wi-fi internet for guests and I get my phone hooked up and start costing solutions. By 4 am we have decided that I should not fly back and get the keys, but have them sent over and hire a car to get home, picking up my car later. Next morning, we have the BEST breakfast ever and then pick up a Honda Jazz from the Avis car hire company and set off. Arriving back at Smokey Cottage we are desperate for a nice cup of tea. Guess what? Nobody home and no house keys (they are in Sweden too!). Luckily Jamie the son is not far away and a phone call and a short drive afford us the means to enter our own house.

And there ya have it. Elephants never forget!

Current Pain Rating: 1

Safe European Home

2009-02-11T11:58:00.002Z

Hi there hordes of fans and admirers that want to ..............touch my clothes.

I haven't posted for a while as I am currently resident in Sweden and I've been relaxing and having loads of fun.

We have been staying with friends in Vasteras, a large city around 100 km from Stockholm. The day before yesterday we went for a night on a B&B farm here which was tremendous fun. We went kick sledging and sleigh riding and had moose soup for supper (very tasty).

The temperature was -20 C. This is colder than your deep freeze at home which typically runs at -18 C.

I'll post a full report when I get back to England in the next few days.

Current Pain Rating: 1 (3 if it's VERY cold)

Ouch!

2009-02-05T15:15:00.001Z

Banged me thumb quite hard today and it hurts like hell.
Still, I'll eat a few more painkillers.
Off to party on down in Vasteras tomorrow - I will report from there.

Current Pain Rating: 7

Nothing is Happening..............

2009-02-03T14:20:00.010Z

.............or so sayeth the title of a late period song by magical Welsh prog rockers 'Man'

I mention that because I have been reminded of the Welsh prog rock scene by a pal talking about 'Black Hole Star' an album by Man offshoot 'The Neutrons'. Same chap was bemoaning the loss of many stars of the old days during his recent extended holiday in NZ. Researching the Neutrons I came across a page detailing lots of 'where are they now' info on acts of the 60's and 70's. One page of said site had links to obituaries and due to a morbid interest in who has popped their clogs recently, I had a quick shuftie.I was quite sad to discover that one of my closest brushes with the big time (ever) has died last year.

Once upon a time, many, many moons ago, I was playing a gig with a very early incarnation of my current band in a seedy seaside dive in Westward-Ho! As we were sound checking a balding and diminuative hippy-ish looking chap came in, listened to the band intently for some minutes and when we had finished came over and introduced himself. "Hi, my name is Brian, I really like the band, you sound cool, would you mind if I sat in on drums on a couple of numbers?" Well, ya get a lot of this in a working band, so I pointed him at the drummer who had a chat, let him have a knockabout and decided he was up to the task. So we let him sit in on a couple of blues standards. While we were playing another local muso friend came in. At the end of the set he asked me if I knew who the mystery drummer was and I said "Yes, that's Brian, he's a nice guy and not a bad drummer - go have a chat to him". My chum said "Yes that is Brian, Brian Davison of 'The Nice'!

The Nice, of course, were one of the first recognised 'prog' bands in the UK and Brian was their highly able drummer. And so the circle closes, prog rock to prog rock, and one of my best 'brush with the greats' stories is told.

RIP Brian

As for my hand - well that is healing just fine - not allowed to move my thumb yet, but no sign of the arthritic pain that constantly dogged me before the surgery - looking good then.

Current Pain Rating: 1

Sweet Grace & Danger

2009-01-30T05:25:00.004Z

I haven't posted for a few days. Why? Because I managed to trap or bruise a nerve in my left shoulder and it's ruined my sleep patterns, waking me up at all hours of the night and thus causing me to feel very tired and not a little grumpy. Last night I slept all night (well, until 5 a.m. which is good). My hand is continuing to heal well, still pretty painful if I attempt to use it, which I shouldn't but sometimes a chap just can't help it. I have no arthritic pain in what's left of that joint at all - so looking good then.

I have always loved rock music and guitar playing in particular. Recently a mate of mine brought to my attention the sad demise of Davy Graham - a folk artist with whom I was not really familiar, at least that's what I thought until I checked out his website and listened to some of his stuff at which point I discovered that he was familiar to me, I just didn't know it. Of course a lot of the people that were/are my musical heroes have had personal demons to battle in their lives and often this has brought about an early death. Yesterday one of the real greats left us. If you want to know why musicians battle those demons check this out:

Thanks John.

Current Pain Rating: 3

The Human Body is a Wonderful Thing

2009-01-25T13:47:00.006Z

Here we are roughly three weeks post op the scar is fading fast and the hairs are growing back.

I still have to wear the splint most of the time, but I am allowed to remove it to 'air' the surgery site for up to two hours a day. Still getting some weird sensations and minor pain from inside the joint, presumably this is where scar tissue is forming. It's still pretty painful if (by mistake) I move it, but things are well on the mend.

Blinking shoulder is giving me trouble still, but what the hey, it seems to be improving slowly.

Next hurdle? The codeine habit. Oh joy!

Current Pain Rating: 1 for the thumb and 4 for the shoulder makes 5.

The Ladies of the Orchestra

2009-01-23T19:10:00.002Z

Last night my pals from the band came round to visit. Fantastic guys, all of 'em and I love 'em to bits. Geoffrey gave me a big hairy kiss (no tongues) when he arrived - lovely, lovely man. I still have a slight tumescence. We had a good old chat and before long decamped to the local pub. I think we probably multiplied their takings for the evening 10-fold! Anyway, if you read this guys, thanks for coming to see me, the hangover wasn't too bad at all.

The hand is much the same today - it's not good to take the splint off, but otherwise healing just fine. My shoulder kept me up again last night but seems to be getting better, probably because of the mountain of ibuprofen that I have gotten through today.

Current Pain Rating: 3

Minor Disaster

2009-01-21T12:41:00.003Z

My hand is healing well - not a great deal of pain at all as long as I keep the splint on. The orthotics operative at the hospital that made the splint told me that I could take it off for up to 2 hours a day if I want to. I don't want to. It feels SO weird if I do - oddly, just like someone has chopped out my thumb joint. And the slightest knock or twist is still very painful. I'm guessing that this is because there is scar tissue forming in the void where the trapezium used to be.

The problem today is that I seem to have trapped or bruised a nerve in my left shoulder. This is causing me quite a lot of pain even when the arm is static. Any regular folks out there who might wear a tennis shoe or an occasional python boot and have experienced this exquisite little inconvenience know just how painful it can be.

Consequently, I have been awake most of the night and currently feel quite zombiefied. Despite my best attempts not to disturb Mrs. Thrasher, I'm afraid I did and the poor thing has had to go to work feeling rather sleepy.

I'm hoping that this is the low spot of the whole experience, but there is physiotherapy to come yet.

Current Pain Rating: 3 for the hand and 7 for the shoulder makes 10.

Progress

2009-01-19T11:54:00.009Z

Today I went and had my stitches out - like this:

Step 1: remove the outer layer of post operative dressings

Step 2: remove the inner layer of post operative dressing

and voila, the wound is exposed in all it's glory along with the (extremely neat) stitches - thanks Mr. Clarke

Step 3: remove stitches (repeat 7 times)

Step 4: add 1 small dressing and 1 large splint and don't move thumb for another 4 weeks.

I have to say that it was all completely painless apart from when the woman that made the splint squeezed my thumb a little too hard. Of course I just HAD to have a tentative wiggle of the joint in the car on the way home. By Golly I wish I hadn't - it is really quite tender.

Nice neat job though eh?

Current Pain Rating: 3

You Won't Feel a Thing..............

2009-01-19T08:34:00.003Z

Today the stitches come out and I get some new kind of dressing/splint and possibly start physiotherapy too. Slightly nervous about stitches coming out, but looking forward to having this huge lump of bandages, steel and plaster removed. I'll let you know how it goes.

Current Pain Rating: 4

Chairman of the Bored

2009-01-16T13:00:00.004Z

BORED!
I am bored, despite the tasks that Mrs Thrasher has set me, there are still vast swathes of the day that are empty. Granted there is the TV, but how many old romantic comedies or episodes of the Jeremy Kyle show can one man stomach. In the latter case, the answer is one half!

My hand seems to be doing OK - looking forward to having the stitches removed on Monday. Most of the pain now would appear to be post operative - I can definitely tell someone has been at me with an osteotome and I think that I may also have the biggest paper cut you ever did see (at least it feels that way).

Current Pain Rating: 4

It's All a Bit Boring Really

2009-01-13T12:58:00.010Z

Not much to report at the moment I'm afraid. The hand seems a little better - the spasms seem to have calmed down a lot, but now I can really feel where they have sliced through the flesh. Uncomfortable, but not unbearable.

At least I have something to look forward to - a short break in Sweden with Cath. We will visit friends in Vasteras then have a night on a farm style B&B with a sleighride. The following day, it's off to the local wildlife park to tease the wolverines.

This type of wolverine

not this type - even I wouldn't be daft enough to pull faces at one of these!

Current Pain Rating: 6

Once More Into the Void.

2009-01-10T12:37:00.022Z

At least one reader has expressed slight confusion at what has actually happened to my thumb joint.

Righto then, inside the wrist/thumb joint there are several bones, one of which is called the trapezium and looks like this:

In my poor old hand, this bone had become deformed due to the action of osteo-arthritis, a nasty little disease that attacks bone causing it to develop 'spurs' and also holes in the bone. There are several ways of dealing with this from the medical practitioners point of view, in the early stages supportive splints can bring relief from the pain. Later on in the progress of the disease injections of steroids into the synovial capsule of the joint can reduce swelling and give relief. I had around three years of these treatments (hypodermic right through the back of the hand anyone? I thought not!) Eventually the medic/patient may opt for surgery to remove the troublesome bone.

Again there are several possible methods of doing this, some of which involve replacing the trapezium with cartilage harvested from somewhere else in the body or even inserting metal pins to hold things together. In my case the consultant used a technique which removes the trapezium bone and leaves a void where it used to be. This void naturally fills with scar tissue and the joint (after much physiotherapy) returns to around 90 - 95 % of it's original strength and mobility. Plenty enough for those overdriven Chuck Berry licks then although I was warned that I would probably never be able to emulate the styles of Mr. Vai or Mr. Satriani. So you see, there are some VERY positive aspects to the whole thing.

So, to sum up here are before and after x-rays - not mine I hasten to add - the medical profession regard any data about, or surplus parts of ones body as their own - they wouldn't even give me the bone to make a necklace out of. In fairness, this was because they didn't actually take it out in one nice hit like in the video at the beginning of this blog, rather removing it in little bits with a chisel.

Now ya see it................ Now ya don't.

Got that? There will be a test next week.

Current Pain Rating: 6

Poppa Has Been on a Small Vacation Honey.................

2009-01-08T11:51:00.014Z

Howdy folks,

Here we are back in the land of the living and feeling pretty good. I had the operation at about 2:00 on Tuesday afternoon and for some reason it took almost twice as long as they expected (big hands?) They gave me a nice side room off the ward all to myself.

Contrary to what they had told me, the anaesthetist decided that I would have a general as opposed to a local anaesthetic. His polite teutonic explanation of the reason for this was 'You are a strong man', which I took to mean that they didn't want me thrashing round the theatre if they accidentally touched a nerve in the site of the surgery. My concern was that I get out of the place ASAP and he said that I would still be able to go home the same day. OK bud, you got yourself a deal!

After the deed was done they wheeled me back to my room where Cathy and Jamie were waiting to take the obligatory photo. I felt pretty good but looking at the photo, I think I may have been just a tad bolloxed! What do you think?

After several successful rounds of vital signs observations, they let me out at around 8:15 in the evening, supplying me with a pack each of Voltarol, Tramadol and pure Codeine. By 9:15, believe me, I was in no pain whatsoever and was the owner of a splendidly fashioned sling support (made from a mic stand) and a very satisfied facial expression.

Sleeping the first night was a bit of a no-no, just too much pain despite throwing as many opiates as I dared down my neck. Yesterday too was pretty painful and I spent the day in a bit of a haze, not really doing much at all.

Last night after a day guzzling painkillers, I slept really well, only one incident at around midnight where I had some kind of spasm in the altered thumb. Now that did hurt, but as soon as it stopped I was able to get back to sleep and stay that way until 10 this morning.

Currently, I have a big splint and heavy bandaging and all is quite comfortable - so much so that I have not needed to take any pain relief at all today.

Looking good then.

Current Pain Rating: 4

Zero Minus Three Hours and Counting.....

2009-01-06T08:57:00.003Z

What a lovely day for some hot bone saw activity. Feeling quite chipper and ready for the off. Not allowed to drink anything but water just in case I have to have a general anaesthetic (nuts to that).
Thanks to the many people that have called and/or left messages of good will and support. I'm sure everything will be just dandy.
Nobody recognises my nice engine then?
I may even post back later if I feel up to reporting.
Watch this space.

Current Pain Rating: 9

Playlist

2009-01-05T15:56:00.008Z

For those of a musical bent, here is the playlist for the MP3 player during the surgery. Yes, I know I said it was going to be all Motorhead, but one must meddle with one's mind properly, not just bash it until it submits (well not always anyway).

Current Pain Rating: 5

Pustulence, Prime Movers and a Plantagenet

2009-01-05T14:26:00.003Z

Well, today I woke up feeling just fine and dandy. A little pre-occupied with tomorrow's surgery, but pretty cool about it at the moment. That may well change when I get to the hospital.

Hospitals freak me out, I guess I'm not the only one, but I REALLY don't like them. It wouldn't be so bad if they could guarantee some modicum of cleanliness but they can't. I suppose it must be really difficult - whose idea was it to put all the sick people in the same place anyway? I guess I ought to be thankful really, they have saved my life twice in the last few years, but going in voluntarily is a whole different ball game. Still, it has to be done so onward and upward dear hearts, onward and upward.

Now then, I don't have a nice picture for you today, so, to make a change from nice pictures of nice nature subjects, here is a nice computer animation of one of my favourite nice engines. Oh for a big f**k off motorboat with a pair of these beauties in it.

First one to correctly identify this well known engine configuration wins a rubber nose.

Last night I got a phone call from a dear friend/distant relative who put it all into perspective for me by pointing out that King Edward the Second had it much worse when:

'On the night of 11 October while lying in on a bed [the king] was suddenly seized and, while a great mattress weighed him down and suffocated him, a plumber's iron, heated intensely hot, was introduced through a tube into his secret private parts so that it burned the inner portions beyond the intestines.'

Yep, he's right - a little hand surgery really isn't going to be too bad - especially with modern anaesthetics. Bring it on then.

Current Pain Rating: 6

Tree Hugger

2009-01-04T09:56:00.009Z

You probably didn't know (and don't tell my band), but I am a big fan of trees. My pal Chris at work is the same - likes a good tree. Yesterday Cath and I went out for a 'nice and easy' winter walk around the village of Upottery. Turns out that Cath's reading of 'nice and easy' is not quite the same as mine, and had the weather not been so cold, we would have been ankle deep in mud for a good quarter of the walk. As it was, we were slipping off the tops of frozen muddy ruts forged by the local tractor enthusiasts. It made me a tad grumpy.

Anyway, the point is that we saw this wonderful tree. I have rendered the photo in black and white in a pitiful attempt at 'artiness' (actually it looks much better in black and white than it does in colour). If you look really carefully, you can see the face of Jesus in the branches. Did you realise that you can click on these wee images to see the bigger version?

Only two days now until the operation - good grief, what on earth is that going to be like? I must do my best to get them to administer a nice strong sedative intravenously. One thing you can say for the NHS is that they have some powerful good medicine in their secret cupboards. Getting them to administer it is a whole different ball game mind. This time I intend to lie to them until I am completely comfortable - i.e. stoned right off me tits.

I actually turned down an invitation to a party/jam session at one of the best local musicians gaffs last night - no way I can even think about playing guitar at the moment, so I would have been stood around hammering the red wine and inwardly thinking about how much better I could play than the others (it's just something musos do, we can't help it and are often wrong, but there it is!) Not a great idea.

Today, it is a lot warmer here and my hand seems a bit less painful so:

Current Pain Rating: 9

Cold,Cold,Cold.

2009-01-03T09:30:00.005Z

I didn't post yesterday 'cos my hand was bothering me too much and I didn't have a pretty picture to use either. Today, I expected less pain, but the temperature here dropped to -7 last night and is still sub-zero. This seems to have made the old mitt much more painful - on the verge of tears really (yes, I know - what a wimp).

Anyway - the cold left lovely patterns of ice crystals on our sun-room windows.

The op is getting close now - Tuesday is the big day. Do you think I should shave my own wrist?

Current Pain Rating: 12

The Future

2009-01-01T13:00:00.004Z

I have had a message from the future telling me that all will be well. That's good then.

Last night I attempted to fit my lovely old Les Paul in with Catherines steel band.

Not too easy - they all read music while they are playing and don't improvise at all. I don't read music and improvise most of the time. Strangely, not one of them could tell me what key any of their tunes were in.

Today I pay the price - I can barely move my left thumb.

Ouch!

Current Pain Rating: 10

Panorama, Pain and Pissheads.

2008-12-31T11:40:00.004Z

It's New Year's Eve - traditionally in England that means excessive use of alcohol resulting in ridiculous behaviour that you spend the rest of the year apologising for. I shan't be joining in this year. Since I have been living with Cath, it's always been the one 'party' that we do our best to avoid, preferring an early night with a nice cup of tea. Still, I hope the rest of you at least think you are having a good time and don't feel too poorly tomorrow. I am going to a party this evening mind - an 'anti new years eve party' where a disparate bunch of musicians are all going to turn up with their instruments and attempt to make merry without glugging gallons of alcohol. I'd like to say that it will be fun, but I ain't sure.

Anyway on to hands, the supposed focus of this blog. Last night the left one woke me twice, actually causing me to scream out with the pain. This morning it's business as usual, purty sore but what the hey, we have codeine.

Somerset is beautiful this morning, covered in a light hoar-frost that makes everything sparkle - so I used my superb new cameras panorama facility to take this picture from my bathroom window. Right, more coffee I think.

Current Pain Rating: 7

One Day Rodney.....................

2008-12-30T21:05:00.002Z

I've always had a hankering to see David Gilmours houseboat on the Thames.

Browsing through my old photographs this evening I found this beauty, taken on the beach near Barnsaple two or three years ago whilst on a walk with Cath (my partner) and her sister.

Surely this image embodies all that is great about the British people?

Current Pain Rating: 8

GAS (Gadget Acquisition Syndrome) and nice trees.

2008-12-30T15:04:00.001Z

Yesterday, Cath's daughter Emily came for her Christmas visit and blagged my old digital camera off me as a gift, allowing me to buy a nice new Fujifilm S1000fd - it takes REALLY nice snapshots at 10 megapixels and is the last purchase with the last gig money for some time.

Today my hand is pretty sore and I am starting to ponder more and more the impending surgical procedure - it's not so much the procedure that worries me as the NHS cavalier attitude to pain relief. Still, I am adamant that I will have it done under local anaesthetic.

The rest of the Boxing day gig money was spent on a new MP3 player (my old one crapped out) which I am now filling with a mixture of loud rock'n'roll (for those 'bonesaw' moments) and soothing psychedelia (Emily gave me 'Oar' by Skip Spence for Christmas - beauty!)

Current Pain Rating: 6

Sidmouth, seashells and balloon liberation.

2008-12-28T16:29:00.009Z

So, off we went to Sidmouth for some fresh air. When I go out, my hand looks like this.

A splendid bracing walk along the cliff top - jolly cold, and then down into the town to see if there was anything to buy.

Woolies was open - looking very bare and, as ever, nothing interesting or useful to purchase. BUT I have been looking for a decent umbrella for some time and the last one in the shop was just the job. Cost me £3.70 - a bargain. Also Catherine liberated one seashell sweet from the pick and mix!

The other thing I was after was balloons (don't ask) - all gone.......apart from one lone pink one lying amongst some debris on a low shelf. We liberated that too.

And so it begins..........

2008-12-28T12:30:00.004Z

Hi there, welcome, c'mon in.

Here is where I am going to post updates about the surgery that I am about to undergo on my left thumb. As the weeks go by, I will attempt to keep this blog up to date with my thoughts, feelings and hopefully a few gory pictures to keep you all amused.

Of course, I might just get bored with the whole idea and give up, we'll see.

A little history for those not in the know:

I am an amateur guitar player in a well known local band in Taunton, Somerset UK (www.thewholehog.net). Three years ago, I started suffering pain in my wrists which was initially diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome. I decided to shell out a few quid and have a private consultation with the top local consultant who changed the diagnosis to osteo-arthritis in both thumbs. At the time I was pretty shattered by this, imagining that it meant (eventually) an end to my guitar playing. This is not really an option as the hobby has kept me sane for the last 20 years or so, through all kinds of adversity (but that's a whole other story!) Anyway, after much research and plenty more consultations, including many nasty injections of cortisone into the thumb joints, we have arrived at the point where I am about to have surgery to remove the diseased bone and (hopefully) give me complete relief from the nasty and worsening pain that I have been suffering in recent years.

For those of you with a stronger stomach, here is a wee video of what they are going to do to me on January the 6th 2009.

Cheers for now,

Thrasher