Song Blast

Is it a musical melody of people singing? Am I going to be showered with music from the charts and I have to guess the song and artist? Or is it a continuous mixture of songs blended together? Will there be a daily scoreboard which I will have to subscribe to? And will Alexa be the host or will it be someone else? The first thing I have to decide is whether I want notifications sent or not. I decide to give it a go. I’ve then opt for subscriber information which I abort. Next comes the playlists to choose. The songs start but I’m not told what I have to do, possibly because I’ve played before with the girls but it’s easy to figure out. I try to instruct Alexa with another task halfway through but she ignores me, but I still beat my opponent. I now rank ten thousand and something but I don’t know who my rivals are or how many are below me or whether it resets every week. I could be at the bottom.

The Beacon Beckons #stratford 2

The tower seemed quite impressive, though it looked it had been converted into a private residence. We continued north past the tower into the woods. Once out, we continued north until we reached a gap in the hedgerow on our left then turned east to cross the field into the site of the obelisk. There was some sunken ground underneath it as if once there was a moat surrounding it but it was still reachable. I find it interesting that the commissioning brother had changed his name before dedicating the monument. Perhaps there was a rivalry to follow. The view from up here wasn’t that impressive. Sure, there was a big monument, but instead of being dedicated to the famous it acknowledged the founders of the town. The view dipped into the valley away from the town, and there was only empty countryside to see. If you had a pair of binoculars, you might have been able to pick out the Avon.

"It's Behind You"

-The Doctor.

It’s always nice to have a second pair of eyes to help you out and spot anything that you’ve missed. It helps tasks to get completed quicker, so long as you’re happy to repeat the favour when your partner needs it, whether it’s looking for the TV remote or warning them  of something with tentacles that’s just out of sight. It’s the classic panto gag. A lot of people will hear this a lot over the next few months. Most people will say it to help others out, whether it’s an evil monster, a way out, or something physical that they’re looking for. It’s interesting that they’re referring you to your arse. Perhaps earlier scholars used to say ‘It’s behead you’ until heads starting rolling off and the term meant something completely different so they started to refer to another part of the body. Maybe later searchers were ‘benecking’ it.

A Clamour Around Stratford #stratford 1

On the north side of Stratford is a country park offering hills and views of the town. There’s also a fancy hotel complete with golf course, but this isn’t what we set out to look for. What we really wanted to see was the obelisk and the viewpoint. Luckily I still worked at the retail park so I had unlimited free parking with only a ten-minute walk into town. Heading south along the main road, we had to cross at the pelican crossing over to McDonalds to gain access to the canal, then walked back underneath the crossing. Turning east, we reached the second bridge where we re-ascended streetside and turned left, following the road up a hill past large townhouses. At the very end, the road formed a small cul-de-sac, and we crossed the stile into the field. Bearing north-east, we followed the path through a large gap in the hedgerow to reach Clopton Tower.

Babblin' About the Brook

This was a fantastic little country boozer. In some ways it was a victim of its own success. it was known for its upmarket food in a quaint country spot. It wasn’t too far out of the town to drive or a meal, but its big attraction was the Friday night bands which were perched in the corner for everyone to join in. We’d often walk the mile down the road to get the pub then call for a taxi and join the fumbled queue of someone waiting for a ride when the taxi drivers didn’t care as there was plenty of business to be had and they’d just try to take the fares that looked like they’d tip them afterwards. The licensee was an absolute legend of a host who always welcomed whoever walked through his doors, but he got a huge offer to sell it to a pub company then left for better clients in the south.

Friends in Low Places

It’s frustrating when friends head over to events near you and you don’t have a clue that they’re on; let alone get an invite to join  them. The weather wasn’t brilliant, and I appreciate that they may want their space, but it would have still been nice to have been considered. I realise that restrictions might not let our groups mix together, but there were certainly people from different walks of life together in the audience. Perhaps they’d get worried that I’d be socially shamed by having to sit on my own while they eat cake. They might have expected me to be there and I missed an invite. Perhaps they just wanted a free show. But it’s often hard to hide things from me. They think of me as a stalker that way. But they’re no longer together so I guess they learned their lesson. And I didn’t even have anything to do with the split.

Family Guy

There’s some big characters with big personalities in this show. It capitalises on the American self as each character tries to assert their dominance while still trying to remain a member of the group. Their screentime isn’t shared equally. It all depends on who the storyline centres around each week; though they may have pop-up appearances in their infamous cutaway sketches. There’s also plenty of other references to other TV shows; some of which I don’t understand but they do their research when they refer to other cultures, but they have to relate to their current audience by being stereotypical for familiarisation. There’s a lot of confusion over who’s realistic at times, especially when they focus on the relationship between dog and baby. To be fair the other characters often don’t understand it either as the comedy is that they’re too ignorant of others. They also like to play a lot of pranks on their audience which can easily be accomplished through animation. But despite their antics, they’re also able to create a functional community of small-town life.

A Modern Landscape #hanbury 8

This is like something out of a Turner landscape painting. There’s a small but quintessential building that attracts our attention, but there’s also a great mixture of primary colours both on, above and below the landscape. It’s a great example of how the dominance of man can still combine with the natural landscape without being too interfering. The spots on the yellow hills don’t look too convincing though. They could be bushes in the fields, or they could be pits leading deep into catacombs underneath the church. Then there’s the wire. It looks like it’s leading to nowhere. It could be that one of the farmer’s sons is practising a tightrope act in his space time. He’s even got a spotlight trained on it so he can practice at night. Within the hedge, there’s a perfect arched circle. Perhaps he’s made his own entrance. At least the people on the mound can get a good view.

Easy Cheesey

Cheese is supposed to last for a good few weeks. So it’s frustrating when you open it to find a coating of green snotty mould hidden underneath the thick plastic packaging. After a quick glance at the sell-by date, you might be in time to take it back to the shop for a replacement or a refund, providing that you’ve still got a receipt. You might even be able  to exchange it for credit towards something else. Two tings come to mind as I attempt this process. Would I be able to prove that I’ve stored it correctly? Would the chill haze last on the journey back to the shop? And would I be able to prove that I hadn’t overloaded my fridge over the festive season? Fortunately, none of these questions were asked at the service desk, and as the holidays were coming to an end I got a full refund without hinderance. It must have been a faulty batch or storage issue at their end.

Climbing the Mound #hanbury 7

We didn’t really  feel like walking down someone’s driveway to see if there was a footpath next to the fence, so we decided to walk north along the road and turn left into the next cul-de-sac that the map showed that it led into. We found a path on both sides but didn’t bother investigating the south one to see where we should have gone as the sun was still  bearing down on us. It was clearly fenced and signposted separately to the green and houses opposite, and we were soon back in our fields. We had just three short fields to cross before stumbling onto the end of a track road then continued on the same direction across a larger field to reach the road. Then it was just a case of heading north back up the hill. The final hurdle was the steep climb back up the road leading to the church.

Catching the Rye #dreamdiary 189

I’m visiting a small village to see a community play. The stage is set in a small square box garden at the back of the building. There’s a small row of seats but the rest of the audience is encouraged to stand behind underneath the awnings with plastic pints of beer. Rows of bunting cross the grass and in the middle sits a cardboard train from which the characters emerge. There’s some great in-jokes based on the villagers but it’s not hard to see who they’re about. After the show I feel the need to socialise with my fellow audience but I’m limited to how many drinks I can have and want to visit another establishment on the high street. I wander past the local chain pub followed by a micropub who has outside seating and the stillaging is on display through a glass window which has a Cask Marque sticker on. Next door is another micropub painted red with iron gates but the licensee is still  getting ready to open for the evening. I suddenly realise that I haven’t donated anything for the community play, but rather than head back to the hall I decide to put some money in the church’s poor box. 

Nip Slips #devilsdaughter 22

Luke opened his eyes. All that he could see were giant curves of silky-smooth flesh. At one point he found himself wedged in. It was warm and sticky and he could feel Lucinda’s gentle breathing and her long hair on his back. As he crawled forward, he could feel the outside air rush back around his body as he became less restrained. It was if he’d been inside a cocoon. It felt cold outside but he couldn’t stay inside his wife forever, even though he could probably survive by sucking on her teats like a newborn. But Lucinda would also need sustenance at some point to keep her luscious figure, though finding clothes and buildings to cover her would be difficult since she seemed to spill out and squeeze through every space that she’d come across. Still, they couldn’t stay here. Lucinda had managed to change her dress. It seemed to be a similar style to her wedding attire, though it was slightly smaller and in a bright crimson colour to match her hair. He wondered where she had obtained it. There certainly wasn’t space for anything to be hidden in between her assets. It was more likely that an admirer had brought it to her.

Armed and Harmless #hanbury 6

And so we entered our second pub. This was more of a stop to refresh ourselves after a long walk across a lot of samely fields. There was a large, tarmacked car park which we knew that the owners had spent a lot of money on. Scattered around the outside of the pub were little picnic tables with umbrellas but we had to cross a little bridge over a brook to gain access to the pub. Inside were a few tables set up for dining in front of a small bar that was boxed into the centre of the pub. We all opted for a nice cool, hoppy pale ale while we contemplated that our journey back would mostly be uphill and that it was the longest part of the walk. Heading to the road junction, we were supposed to ear north-west behind some houses but we couldn’t work out where the path was.

Homes Sold and Cash Missing

This sounds like a scam waiting to happen. It’s probably someone who’s advertised better rates than the known companies but fail to pay up because they can’t keep their commitments. It sounds easy at first as you put your trust into someone who will take care of everything for you, but when a few obligations aren’t met you start to get suspicious. It sounds like easy pickings off those who are persuaded to sign up by family members to ease the burden. What kind of a society do we live in when we trust these people over friends and family? Is it the way that they manage to worm themselves into their lives and strike a connection with them that doesn’t maker them feel lonely and isolated? It seems that there’s little that victims can do once they’ve agreed to this process and that the people involved are hard to track down. It sounds like it’s best to avoid them if you can. 

Dropping for Hops #hanbury 5

We sat outside on little patio tables with umbrellas. The server stayed inside on her mobile phone and didn’t really want to seem to come out and engage with us. Fortunately, we were a bit peckish which warranted a second beer, but there was also a local butcher’s around the corner so I bought a pork pie and some sandwiches to share. There was also a wedding reception in progress, and people dressed up to the nines in sweltering temperatures were popping in to check the venue out. Refreshments done, we headed back to our footpath and headed south along a track path which took us through another three fields onto a single-track road. Crossing the road opposite a very bright bricked farmhouse, we crossed three more large fields, the last one came to a narrow corridor of fencing which lead us to a style on the main road. Here, we turned left then left again, passing some housing on the main road before reaching the village pub.

Why do you think British teens don’t sneak out at night like so many teens do in the US?

Maybe they do. They’re just better at not being caught. It could be a combination of the parent’s laziness and not bothering to enter the teenager’s room because all of the lights are off and there’s no TV or radio playing causing the parent to enter the teenager’s room and turn the devices off to save some money. Or perhaps it’s the thought of wandering the streets on a cold, dark night that put the teenagers off. Or perhaps teens know the value of completing tasks to be allowed out to socialise with friends and learn new skills rather than being locked up safe and sound. I suppose it depends on where they live. Towns will always be safer than cities simply because there’s less people and traffic about. There’s also the golden rule of never biting the hand that feeds you no matter how much you despise it. Or it could be that British drinking laws allow for British teens to drink younger than American ones.

Hanging Around Hanbury #Hanbury 4

We’re back in Hanbury for another walkabout, this time with a similar partnership. We met in the grounds of the churchyard, which was a little hilly but we got a splendid view of the surrounding area. Heading south, we descended the footpath from the church which took us through a field and followed a gap in the hedgerow to bring out down some steps onto the main road. We crossed the road and took the footpath opposite which brushed the school grounds. We then bore south-east which crossed three fields before arriving in a series of farmer’s workshops which was known as the Jinny Ring. It was busy with people buying fresh supplies but we were here for the beer as we wanted to try a new craft bar. It was full of bottles to take away, but we were hoping that they would have some of their own beers on offer.

My Song

You can do it! All you have to do is take the time to try. The rest will follow. The important thing is that you make an attempt no matter what state you’re in, and that you take the time to give it your best. Keep at it. Keep having a go. There’ll be lots of obstacles and distractions that’ll attempt to stop you but you’ll just have to say no. you’ll get your reward somehow. You just have to save it for afterwards. That way, it’ll feel like you’ve earned it more. It’s going to be tough, but if you feel that you’ve put the time in then you can’t blame yourself if something goes wrong. Just keep going until you need to stop and recharge, and don’t let other people take hold of your reins, especially if they’re going to try and do it for you. Remember that this sacrifice is all about making your future better. Don’t give up on your dreams. 

The Sickie #warwick 39

It’s good to get out into the bright light. It looks like I’ve been lacking it for a while. It’s probably because I’ve got few places to go other than work and socialising with my family as we adapt to this new way of living. Lots of people have caught it but it seems as if I’m resistant to it somehow. Maybe I’m a carrier. It certainly hasn’t affected my immune system as I regularly have to test, though my eyes are a bit red. Let’s put that down to the pollen. Of course it’s all done on good will and it hasn’t occurred to me that I don’t use much sick leave and I could get a free paid day off if I become dishonest and use a stock photo of someone else’s test. They’re not exactly going to check with the health service, though they could check my Facebook and make regular calls to see what I’m up to.  

Fart

It was just what I asked for and what I expected. She just gets right into it and lets herself rip with no introduction at all. There’s no doubt that she could have misheard me for another command. It’s as if she’s been waiting for ages to ask for my permission. A little noise comes out. It’s followed by a description of what it was, just to be sure. I’m then given the option between choosing a recommended fart or asking for a random one. I’ve now learnt the difference between crispy farts, wet farts and frosty Christmas farts (supplied by Santa). I thought a non-wet fart would be a dry fart, but apparently it’s crispy. There’s also the  option to learn about purchasing an extension pack if you’re really riveted. I never thought she would be so immersive with this. I’ve just asked for a fart alarm and tomorrow I’m going to be treated to a whole song. At least there’s no smell to follow.

Chasing Tail #warwick 38

Well, if that’s not flirting then I don’t know what is. Her tail is down. She’s certainly not hiding anything. She’s showing that she’s ready to be brushed under. All the colours are on show. Maybe we’re going to do it right there for everyone to see . Will they stand around to admire the show or retreat in shame or embarrassment, complain about the communal area that they can no longer tolerate to share. Just wait till the noise echoes across the courtyard. I just hope that there’s not too many thorns hidden amongst the hedges. There may even be a hole that I can fall through which she could have foreseen  a means to escape my perusal. The last thing that I want is to get cuts and scratches in my skin which could restrict my pleasure or reduce the experience for her ladyship. But I could certainly spend the rest of the day trying to chase tail.

Expect the Unexpected

 -The Doctor.

I’m quite disenchanted by this sometimes. I can anticipate lots of things going wrong to the point of absurdity and get disappointed that none of the events that I’ve envisioned  actually occur. Sometimes it’s a good thing that no-one gets kidnapped and I don’t have to play hero by breaking out a first aid kit, and it’s always better to be prepared, but then it seems a waste of resources when you don’t need the things that you’ve purchased. But if you can anticipate it happening, then it’s better to prepare for it so that you’re not caught short in case someone decides to test you. It all depends on the likelihood of these things happening, and sometimes people expect you to be ready for them. There’s even laws for this sort of thing. But life gets easier when everything goes right and people make decisions that benefit you while being able to enjoy themselves at the same time.

Resistance isn't always Futile #warwick 37

The bad news is that both of them have found cups. Whether the drinks were theirs bought for them in the heat or it was some rubbish found on the ground is hard to recall. Once they’re in, others could join them unless they’re kicked out by the maintenance crew. But there’s a whole rest of the site to explore and they may find somewhere better without disturbing anybody. You’d think it’d be safe with other families about but you never know. No-one else is taking a dip. There’s also that social distancing that we need to be aware of so that we don’t catch anything or pass anything on. Hopefully they’ll get the hint that it’s not safe and they could get ill. Perhaps if it was their own pool they’d have more confidence. But it's going to be hard to explain a concept like that to these two.

Calling a Cab

How hard is it to get a taxi in this town? Half of the numbers that I’ve been given either ring out, give me an engagement tone or ask me to leave a message. Some of them call back to say that there’s not a taxicab company on this number any more and ask me to pass this message on to wherever I got this number from. Others have clearly figured out how to change or delist the number. Then when I do get through to someone they’re either fully booked or could accommodate me either forty-five minutes before or after my desired pick-up time. I then have to listen to precise instructions on where to meet them and hope that someone doesn’t try to steal my ride beforehand. I guess that I’m accustomed to living in a town where I’m told someone’s always available despite having to chase them up twenty minutes later.

Do We? #warwick 36

It’s tempting. It’s been a hot day and it just seems an easier way to cool off, even if it’s just a case of dipping your hand in there. But once your hand goes in, it won’t be long until your feet follow suit in an effort to chill. It’s not deep and we’ve even come prepared in shorts, so if it’s not deep then everything will be fine. I’ve even got a cup to scoop up and chuck at people! But there’s no towel. Also Mum and Nanny might get mad. And we might get into trouble as everything looks so nice around here and no-one else is doing it. But if we were to take just one more step back…I’d have to  try and do it without turning around though. Maybe if I accidentally nudge my sister, then she would pull me in afterwards. I wonder how cold it is?

A Dodgy Drive #dreamdiary 188

I’ve acquired a BMV convertible. It’s an old classic car in metallic silver but there’s no roof and it looks in excellent condition. It’s got a large engine which sounds great and it fits nicely on the driveway. It’s a great deal at the moment but it’s not so practical in the winter and there’s nothing to secure my property. As I climb out of it, I suddenly realise that I’ve not no logbook to handover or service history to read. I still need to sort out an MOT alongside tax and insurance. And I’ve just given my old car away with the contents inside. I didn’t take anything out and I’ve got no idea where it is. I didn’t even look the BMW over or part with any money; it was just a straight swap that felt a good idea at the time. I’ve got a horrible feeling that I’ve just been fleeced.

Fall Guy

I thought this film would have a fun outlook but it’s possible that I mistook it for something else. It does have its odd comical moments but the audience is prewarned before the antagonist fulfils their intentions. It would have been funnier if the writers had attempted to break the fourth wall. Instead we introduced to a cushy love story while offering insight into a world that isn’t considered by most people. Some of the outcomes were very predictable and I’m not entirely sure what the sidekick got up to during the boat scene. If there was a reference to him then I didn’t see it, neither will it encourage me to re-watch it to find out. Blunt offers little but cute and cuddly eye candy. It’s a film which dedicates itself to n overlooked team which takes risks to make these events happen. I’m sure it won’t be long before we go inside trailers and witness the lives of make-up artists.

The Wanderer #warwick 35

I can go where I want. They could tie me down, but that’ll label me as cruel. They’ve got to provide something to want to keep me here. There’s food hidden behind buildings, but there’s also pretty flowers and landscaped gardens complete with fountains and pampered lawns to help me spot the worms so clearly. There’s also very little that they can keep me out of unless they build five sides around it. And if it’s not welcoming enough, I can always grace my presence elsewhere. Though I’m not known for long flights, I can always place some trust in the shiny metal boxes that the humans do. Of course, there’s an element of risk as to where I’ll end up and if I’m able to return here since they do admire me so much. But if I get bored and develop a sense of wanderlust, I’ll wonder if they’ll miss me roaming about the place doing as I want.