I commenced my second 73rd birthday celebration weekend in succession at seven in the morning without a plan for the time before travelling to the Midlands with the aim of arriving at 3pm the earliest booking in time without paying a premium.
My first reaction was to decide to undertake some writing until nine but on inserting the new USB storage device to transfer any work completed from desktop to lap top for continued working I discovered an application for debugging and speedy up operations and this eventually required me to reboot having closed down the desktop overnight.
I used the process time to sort out the dried washing up and prepared a food bag for the trip after putting out the general rubbish. The food bag is only for emergencies except for a prawn salad en route as otherwise there are four three main meals out including one combined with a theatre visit, possibly four or with one in doors so to speak plus two other meals provided, I have access to a microwave for the breakfasts of mushrooms and tomatoes and or porridge. There was one hiccup in that I put the general Wheelie out before taking the shells off the prawns, always a messy process, and the heads stink out the house waste bin if left for only a couple of days.
I decide to write until about nine, then pack and then vacuum the floors and wash the day room and kitchen floors which is a bit like wearing clean underclothes whenever one leaves the house in case one has an accident or becomes ill and requires medical care. I take the decision to leave around eleven to eleven thirty.
Last night I enjoyed the third and last of three Master Chef Final programmes because the individual I liked most won. Most of the time I fail to comprehend the ingredients used or appreciate the emphasis on balanced flavours and the complex process involved under time pressure plus the extraordinary presentations are mind boggling. Earlier in the week the winner was preparing starters which included truffles at 90 Euros’s each individual plate. Next week I will begin the Leveson reporting again which will include the detailed examination of expensive hospitality offered by journalists from various newspapers.
There were two other programmes enjoyed last night although I used the fast forward button going through American Idol which should have reduced the number of contestants by one but where in fact another was eliminated because of warrants for his arrest after giving not once false particulars but several times and having been identified from his stage appearances and having failed to disclose to the programme makers there was no alternative but to expel him and wish him well and this was followed with photos of him leaving to be picked up by the appropriate authorities.
The main viewing was a catch up on the Sopranos which I hope to cover before departure. As the series has progressed into its penultimate series the violent departure of Tony’s closest allies continued coupled with the disintegration of his family life. The fourth episode of the season commenced with the elimination of the New York couple caught up the war between the three rivals trying to take control of the Carmine crime family interests
The fate of Tony’s wife Carmela was much to the fore as she decided she no longer wished to cope with her son A.J ( Anthony Junior) and then embark on an affair she has previously verged at the brink, with a Priest, and two associates, the last being Furio who Tony is now having Italy scoured to bring retribution for having dared to fancy his wife. Carmela’s problem remains that of Catholic guilt and living off the proceeds of violent crime together with living with a man who has regular sex with the girls at the strip club and also attempts less clinical relationships with any woman who takes his fancy and reciprocates interest. About the only thing in favour of Tony is that he is not violent towards women, surprising given the way his mother treated him.
Son AJ continues to show all the signs of following his father and has become your average teenage scumbag, lying, cheating, make use of everyone to further his interests. This time in All Happy Families he is told to go and stay with his sister after a concert in New York City and not with his friends in a city hotel. Meadow is not enthusiastic as she is with her boyfriend so when AJ telephones to make excuse she covers for him and he and his mates get drunk and do drugs with the outcome that he wakes up with his face stuck to the carpet and his eyebrows shave off. When he uses the F word she decides to pack him off to Tony.
Having got Meadow into college she has the same ambitions for A.J who shows every indication of having no ability or interest. When his grades are below the minimum requirements for entry the parents are summoned to the Principal of the High School and he and Carmela have an instant sexual attraction so she accepts an invitation for a private lunch and later dinner.
Being Carmela she discusses her growing carnal desire with the latest priest who understandably advises against sin and suggests they talk the situation over with Tony. She cannot accept the strictures drawing attention that to her husband’s continuing infidelities in addition to his criminal activities which she feels are being sanctioned by the church.
A passionate sexual relationship develops in episode six of the season, Sentimental Education, in which the Principal leans on the Grade’s Director to fix it so that AG gets the minimum required. Understandably the Principal feels guilty about allowing his sexual passion to override his professional integrity and when Carmela begins to exert more pressure this time on helping to get AJ into a good college, he snaps and breaks off the relationship. Carmela who had briefly warned him about the implications of a relationship if Tony found out does not take the rejection well and utters a threatening warning.
Meanwhile AJ has quickly tired of being with Tony and pleads with his mother to return home. Earlier Tony has bought AJ the latest four wheel drive jeep vehicle built like a tank after hearing that a couple of kids from the High School were killed joy riding. AJ is told he can take the car out once and then it will remain in the garage with his mother holding the keys until he improves his grades. AJ’s solution is to cheat.
Tony is not coping well without a regular woman and he sends Dr Melfi a large basket of toiletries suggesting he wants to return as her patient. She discusses the development with her therapist and he suggest Tony is attempting a cleansing so as to start again. She is upset because the letter with the delivery indicates that he continues to blame her for what happened. He eventually apologies, profusely, and she takes him back as a patient where he admits his attraction to Christopher’s woman Adriana.
What I had no appreciated before is that her club is located in New York City and which perhaps explain why Tony and his crew use the office at the club to conduct meetings and other business under the misguided belief that as Adriana has no criminal previous the Feds would not be interested in her and therefore in them meeting there. It was when Tony and his crew were using the office for a private Poker game that attention of the group is focussed on what a desirable creature is Adriana. When Tony arrives one evening to use the office she is taking a snort of cocaine and invites Tony to join her. They talk and she admits she wishes he had been her father because of his kindness and understanding
Dr Melfi is pleased when Tony talks of his attraction before getting involved which she tells him is a sign of growing insight and maturity. As when Carmela discusses her situation with the priest and others she lists all the arguments against involvement but is seeking permission and approval. In Tony’s instance he subsequently makes his way to the club late evening bumping into his daughter Meadow who is there with boyfriend and other college friends who comment about her father’s commitment having said he has an office in the building (episode Irregular Around the Margins.)
Adriana is pleased to see him and expresses the wish that she could do a line of cocaine and Tony says he is not adverse so he drives her to her family home neighbourhood when she knows someone who can supply them. There is every indication given the lateness of the hour that a physical relationship is also on the agenda, However they have a major accident and while Tony escapes without a scratch she is badly bruised on her face and neck caused by the car seat belt. However that Tony was not injured but she was, becomes the immediate cause for gossip that she had been going down to him while he was driving. Just about everyone is laughing at the concept.
By coincidence Christopher had been sent away overnight on a job for Tony and when he returns he quickly learns of what is being said and goes ballistic. He collects the injured Adriana from the hospital and then beats her up and goes looking for Tony. In truth Adriana was being nice to Tony under pressure from the Feds to find out what he and his crew were using the Club for. She had also been suffering from irritable bowel syndrome brought on by stress which had not helped with her sexual and general relations with Christopher. She had become vulnerable and open to anyone paying her nice attentions, something which Tony has capability.
When Christopher goes for Tony the crew take him to a deserted spot with the intention of whacking him however Christopher reluctantly accept the explanation. They hijack the emergency doctor when he is coming off shift in order to convince Tony further. He takes his cousin, the one training to become a professional masseur who gets the doctor to admit that the injuries were consistent with those from a car seat belt. In order to cement the understanding Tony takes Carmela, Christopher Adriana, and a couple of others out for meal at a result where other crew members including the principal gossip, a fellow captain are also having a meal by prior arrangement. The gossip comes over to greet Tony’s party and he and Christopher shake hands. However there is every indication that bridges have been burnt, the die has been cast, etc.
My immediate memory is of two other stories. Tony is increasingly irritated by the behaviour of released from prison crime boss Feech La Manna who is always dominating conversation with tales of his past exploits. Because of his improved insight and a comment by Carmela Tony has been alerted that his crew humour him because he is the boss and they are afraid of they can do. She feels this is the same of the wives towards her. This is partly why she feels isolated and hankers for a meaningful relationship.
In addition to the garden work incident Feech does a deal with Johnny Sacks, the former New York Underboss who is part of the three way fight for control of the Carmine family interests. The daughter of the Jewish doctor and gambling group member is marrying and at the wedding Feech and his crew bring a car transporter and their weapons and load up the most expensive cars in the pound. The doctor appeals to Tony to find out those responsible and if he can rescue the vehicles. When Feech is summoned he brings Tony a cut saying that he got a better deal from Johnny than Tony would have offered using his joint operation with the Russians and Sicilians.
Tony discusses the situation with his associates and decides that he will not make the same mistake as before in giving people chances and will nip the situation in the bud. His advisers suggest a different approach to whacking him. Christopher calls one day on Feech to bring a bespoke suit he had promised. They are invited to drink wine with peaches but Christopher explains that they have to take some hot large flat screen TV’s to a garage. Feech cannot resist rising to the bait and offers them the use of his own garage lock up for a fee. His Parole officer supervisor arrives having been tipped off and demands to see inside his garage. We see Feech on his way from court back to prison where presumably he will now have a further long stretch to complete his originals sentence and contemplate revenge.
The other story also concerns another of the parolee’s, Tony’s cousin. He works hard at the Chinese Laundry and at gaining his professional Masseurs certificate. His boss is impressed with his effort that he offers to set him with his own business. His wife is delighted with his rehabilitation and in the first episode the couple with their two sons are invited to use the pool at the former Family home of Tony and Carmela although he is present for the event. Their new life is short lived. Tony the cousin finds $12000 and starts to gamble heavily at night as well as working to prepare the premises owned by his former boss and now partner. When the couple row and the partner visits Tony’s anger spills over and he beats the man up thus ending the relationship. In the final scene we see him meeting with boss Tony asking if the job Tony had mentioned with the crew is still open.
I did not set off until after 11.30 so hungry pulled into a lay by after leaving Ryhope and before joining the A19 and enjoyed salad although with the portion small I was quickly hungry as the day progressed. I resisted the temptation to snack and my intention of losing another stone before the end of the cricket season commences in earnest.
The rest of the journey continued without incident although there congested traffic in the opposite direction in the area before Nottingham. I stopped for a comfort break and a drink from a can of Pepsi brought with me. I only consumed part of the can before depositing in the bin. The traffic from the A 38 M1 turn off towards Mansfield was busy with mid Friday afternoon traffic.
I arrived at the Travel Lodge just before the start of Cheltenham Gold Cup. I have only ever been to one live horse race, the Epson Derby taking my bike when fifteen or sixteen and to a Point to Point even earlier in which a relative was riding. I had switched from listening to a double CD on the music associated with the John Thaw Police Detective Programme Morse only to find the Film reviews were only available on Digital or the Podcast with Five Live devoted to Cheltenham. I have mentioned that in the new Sky series Luck with Dustin Hoffman, a trackside syndicate had won over $2 million with a an accumulator. Some at Cheltenham, a visiting Irish man had won over £1 million with a five horse accumulator win which had ended with combined odds of 163000 to 1.
Running in the big race of the week, the Gold Cup was a horse who had won the race in the previous two seasons, a feat not accomplished before. I listened to the race in car as arriving at the site there was no time to book in and turn on the TV. The horse was second favourite but was pulled up unharmed before the half way mark in the race.
I then went to the convenience store for a new can of shaving gel and a new pack of disposable razors. Although I had shaved I looked and my face felt that I had not. I had been experience this for several days now which I believe was due to a cheap supermarket brand form can. Certainly using the gel and a new razor I looked and felt better. The two items had only cost £2.83.
I unpacked and set up the computer before going to a restaurant for an arranged meal. My companion for the evening was delayed so I had opportunity to watch a large number of early evening diners arrive. The place offer two two course meals for £9 during the day, previously £8 for several years, if taken weekdays before 5 otherwise it is one of those two for one restaurants where the main courses cost between £9 and £15 if ordered on ones own so it is inevitable people come in groups with a large percentage of families. Although located along a countryside main road with only villages in the area it is very popular at weekends and there were few tables available when my companion arrived. However the establishment is well staffed and organised. I enjoyed a large chicken breast crown smothered in barbecue sauce, with coleslaw, corn on the Cob and potato chips, with a Pepsi while I waited and good American coffee afterwards. Back at the Travel Lodge I enjoyed another coffee. Across the way there is a Bakery that provides Bacon rolls in the mornings except Sundays but now the Lodge is offering Hot Panini’s and Muffins on a 24 hours service at £3. I resisted and will continue to do so over the weekend.
Tomorrow there is a prebooked pre theatre meal and evening show so I had hoped to go to bed late and have a good night’s sleep in order not to tire during the show. As I am finishing this off in the middle of the night the plan has so far gone awry
My first reaction was to decide to undertake some writing until nine but on inserting the new USB storage device to transfer any work completed from desktop to lap top for continued working I discovered an application for debugging and speedy up operations and this eventually required me to reboot having closed down the desktop overnight.
I used the process time to sort out the dried washing up and prepared a food bag for the trip after putting out the general rubbish. The food bag is only for emergencies except for a prawn salad en route as otherwise there are four three main meals out including one combined with a theatre visit, possibly four or with one in doors so to speak plus two other meals provided, I have access to a microwave for the breakfasts of mushrooms and tomatoes and or porridge. There was one hiccup in that I put the general Wheelie out before taking the shells off the prawns, always a messy process, and the heads stink out the house waste bin if left for only a couple of days.
I decide to write until about nine, then pack and then vacuum the floors and wash the day room and kitchen floors which is a bit like wearing clean underclothes whenever one leaves the house in case one has an accident or becomes ill and requires medical care. I take the decision to leave around eleven to eleven thirty.
Last night I enjoyed the third and last of three Master Chef Final programmes because the individual I liked most won. Most of the time I fail to comprehend the ingredients used or appreciate the emphasis on balanced flavours and the complex process involved under time pressure plus the extraordinary presentations are mind boggling. Earlier in the week the winner was preparing starters which included truffles at 90 Euros’s each individual plate. Next week I will begin the Leveson reporting again which will include the detailed examination of expensive hospitality offered by journalists from various newspapers.
There were two other programmes enjoyed last night although I used the fast forward button going through American Idol which should have reduced the number of contestants by one but where in fact another was eliminated because of warrants for his arrest after giving not once false particulars but several times and having been identified from his stage appearances and having failed to disclose to the programme makers there was no alternative but to expel him and wish him well and this was followed with photos of him leaving to be picked up by the appropriate authorities.
The main viewing was a catch up on the Sopranos which I hope to cover before departure. As the series has progressed into its penultimate series the violent departure of Tony’s closest allies continued coupled with the disintegration of his family life. The fourth episode of the season commenced with the elimination of the New York couple caught up the war between the three rivals trying to take control of the Carmine crime family interests
The fate of Tony’s wife Carmela was much to the fore as she decided she no longer wished to cope with her son A.J ( Anthony Junior) and then embark on an affair she has previously verged at the brink, with a Priest, and two associates, the last being Furio who Tony is now having Italy scoured to bring retribution for having dared to fancy his wife. Carmela’s problem remains that of Catholic guilt and living off the proceeds of violent crime together with living with a man who has regular sex with the girls at the strip club and also attempts less clinical relationships with any woman who takes his fancy and reciprocates interest. About the only thing in favour of Tony is that he is not violent towards women, surprising given the way his mother treated him.
Son AJ continues to show all the signs of following his father and has become your average teenage scumbag, lying, cheating, make use of everyone to further his interests. This time in All Happy Families he is told to go and stay with his sister after a concert in New York City and not with his friends in a city hotel. Meadow is not enthusiastic as she is with her boyfriend so when AJ telephones to make excuse she covers for him and he and his mates get drunk and do drugs with the outcome that he wakes up with his face stuck to the carpet and his eyebrows shave off. When he uses the F word she decides to pack him off to Tony.
Having got Meadow into college she has the same ambitions for A.J who shows every indication of having no ability or interest. When his grades are below the minimum requirements for entry the parents are summoned to the Principal of the High School and he and Carmela have an instant sexual attraction so she accepts an invitation for a private lunch and later dinner.
Being Carmela she discusses her growing carnal desire with the latest priest who understandably advises against sin and suggests they talk the situation over with Tony. She cannot accept the strictures drawing attention that to her husband’s continuing infidelities in addition to his criminal activities which she feels are being sanctioned by the church.
A passionate sexual relationship develops in episode six of the season, Sentimental Education, in which the Principal leans on the Grade’s Director to fix it so that AG gets the minimum required. Understandably the Principal feels guilty about allowing his sexual passion to override his professional integrity and when Carmela begins to exert more pressure this time on helping to get AJ into a good college, he snaps and breaks off the relationship. Carmela who had briefly warned him about the implications of a relationship if Tony found out does not take the rejection well and utters a threatening warning.
Meanwhile AJ has quickly tired of being with Tony and pleads with his mother to return home. Earlier Tony has bought AJ the latest four wheel drive jeep vehicle built like a tank after hearing that a couple of kids from the High School were killed joy riding. AJ is told he can take the car out once and then it will remain in the garage with his mother holding the keys until he improves his grades. AJ’s solution is to cheat.
Tony is not coping well without a regular woman and he sends Dr Melfi a large basket of toiletries suggesting he wants to return as her patient. She discusses the development with her therapist and he suggest Tony is attempting a cleansing so as to start again. She is upset because the letter with the delivery indicates that he continues to blame her for what happened. He eventually apologies, profusely, and she takes him back as a patient where he admits his attraction to Christopher’s woman Adriana.
What I had no appreciated before is that her club is located in New York City and which perhaps explain why Tony and his crew use the office at the club to conduct meetings and other business under the misguided belief that as Adriana has no criminal previous the Feds would not be interested in her and therefore in them meeting there. It was when Tony and his crew were using the office for a private Poker game that attention of the group is focussed on what a desirable creature is Adriana. When Tony arrives one evening to use the office she is taking a snort of cocaine and invites Tony to join her. They talk and she admits she wishes he had been her father because of his kindness and understanding
Dr Melfi is pleased when Tony talks of his attraction before getting involved which she tells him is a sign of growing insight and maturity. As when Carmela discusses her situation with the priest and others she lists all the arguments against involvement but is seeking permission and approval. In Tony’s instance he subsequently makes his way to the club late evening bumping into his daughter Meadow who is there with boyfriend and other college friends who comment about her father’s commitment having said he has an office in the building (episode Irregular Around the Margins.)
Adriana is pleased to see him and expresses the wish that she could do a line of cocaine and Tony says he is not adverse so he drives her to her family home neighbourhood when she knows someone who can supply them. There is every indication given the lateness of the hour that a physical relationship is also on the agenda, However they have a major accident and while Tony escapes without a scratch she is badly bruised on her face and neck caused by the car seat belt. However that Tony was not injured but she was, becomes the immediate cause for gossip that she had been going down to him while he was driving. Just about everyone is laughing at the concept.
By coincidence Christopher had been sent away overnight on a job for Tony and when he returns he quickly learns of what is being said and goes ballistic. He collects the injured Adriana from the hospital and then beats her up and goes looking for Tony. In truth Adriana was being nice to Tony under pressure from the Feds to find out what he and his crew were using the Club for. She had also been suffering from irritable bowel syndrome brought on by stress which had not helped with her sexual and general relations with Christopher. She had become vulnerable and open to anyone paying her nice attentions, something which Tony has capability.
When Christopher goes for Tony the crew take him to a deserted spot with the intention of whacking him however Christopher reluctantly accept the explanation. They hijack the emergency doctor when he is coming off shift in order to convince Tony further. He takes his cousin, the one training to become a professional masseur who gets the doctor to admit that the injuries were consistent with those from a car seat belt. In order to cement the understanding Tony takes Carmela, Christopher Adriana, and a couple of others out for meal at a result where other crew members including the principal gossip, a fellow captain are also having a meal by prior arrangement. The gossip comes over to greet Tony’s party and he and Christopher shake hands. However there is every indication that bridges have been burnt, the die has been cast, etc.
My immediate memory is of two other stories. Tony is increasingly irritated by the behaviour of released from prison crime boss Feech La Manna who is always dominating conversation with tales of his past exploits. Because of his improved insight and a comment by Carmela Tony has been alerted that his crew humour him because he is the boss and they are afraid of they can do. She feels this is the same of the wives towards her. This is partly why she feels isolated and hankers for a meaningful relationship.
In addition to the garden work incident Feech does a deal with Johnny Sacks, the former New York Underboss who is part of the three way fight for control of the Carmine family interests. The daughter of the Jewish doctor and gambling group member is marrying and at the wedding Feech and his crew bring a car transporter and their weapons and load up the most expensive cars in the pound. The doctor appeals to Tony to find out those responsible and if he can rescue the vehicles. When Feech is summoned he brings Tony a cut saying that he got a better deal from Johnny than Tony would have offered using his joint operation with the Russians and Sicilians.
Tony discusses the situation with his associates and decides that he will not make the same mistake as before in giving people chances and will nip the situation in the bud. His advisers suggest a different approach to whacking him. Christopher calls one day on Feech to bring a bespoke suit he had promised. They are invited to drink wine with peaches but Christopher explains that they have to take some hot large flat screen TV’s to a garage. Feech cannot resist rising to the bait and offers them the use of his own garage lock up for a fee. His Parole officer supervisor arrives having been tipped off and demands to see inside his garage. We see Feech on his way from court back to prison where presumably he will now have a further long stretch to complete his originals sentence and contemplate revenge.
The other story also concerns another of the parolee’s, Tony’s cousin. He works hard at the Chinese Laundry and at gaining his professional Masseurs certificate. His boss is impressed with his effort that he offers to set him with his own business. His wife is delighted with his rehabilitation and in the first episode the couple with their two sons are invited to use the pool at the former Family home of Tony and Carmela although he is present for the event. Their new life is short lived. Tony the cousin finds $12000 and starts to gamble heavily at night as well as working to prepare the premises owned by his former boss and now partner. When the couple row and the partner visits Tony’s anger spills over and he beats the man up thus ending the relationship. In the final scene we see him meeting with boss Tony asking if the job Tony had mentioned with the crew is still open.
I did not set off until after 11.30 so hungry pulled into a lay by after leaving Ryhope and before joining the A19 and enjoyed salad although with the portion small I was quickly hungry as the day progressed. I resisted the temptation to snack and my intention of losing another stone before the end of the cricket season commences in earnest.
The rest of the journey continued without incident although there congested traffic in the opposite direction in the area before Nottingham. I stopped for a comfort break and a drink from a can of Pepsi brought with me. I only consumed part of the can before depositing in the bin. The traffic from the A 38 M1 turn off towards Mansfield was busy with mid Friday afternoon traffic.
I arrived at the Travel Lodge just before the start of Cheltenham Gold Cup. I have only ever been to one live horse race, the Epson Derby taking my bike when fifteen or sixteen and to a Point to Point even earlier in which a relative was riding. I had switched from listening to a double CD on the music associated with the John Thaw Police Detective Programme Morse only to find the Film reviews were only available on Digital or the Podcast with Five Live devoted to Cheltenham. I have mentioned that in the new Sky series Luck with Dustin Hoffman, a trackside syndicate had won over $2 million with a an accumulator. Some at Cheltenham, a visiting Irish man had won over £1 million with a five horse accumulator win which had ended with combined odds of 163000 to 1.
Running in the big race of the week, the Gold Cup was a horse who had won the race in the previous two seasons, a feat not accomplished before. I listened to the race in car as arriving at the site there was no time to book in and turn on the TV. The horse was second favourite but was pulled up unharmed before the half way mark in the race.
I then went to the convenience store for a new can of shaving gel and a new pack of disposable razors. Although I had shaved I looked and my face felt that I had not. I had been experience this for several days now which I believe was due to a cheap supermarket brand form can. Certainly using the gel and a new razor I looked and felt better. The two items had only cost £2.83.
I unpacked and set up the computer before going to a restaurant for an arranged meal. My companion for the evening was delayed so I had opportunity to watch a large number of early evening diners arrive. The place offer two two course meals for £9 during the day, previously £8 for several years, if taken weekdays before 5 otherwise it is one of those two for one restaurants where the main courses cost between £9 and £15 if ordered on ones own so it is inevitable people come in groups with a large percentage of families. Although located along a countryside main road with only villages in the area it is very popular at weekends and there were few tables available when my companion arrived. However the establishment is well staffed and organised. I enjoyed a large chicken breast crown smothered in barbecue sauce, with coleslaw, corn on the Cob and potato chips, with a Pepsi while I waited and good American coffee afterwards. Back at the Travel Lodge I enjoyed another coffee. Across the way there is a Bakery that provides Bacon rolls in the mornings except Sundays but now the Lodge is offering Hot Panini’s and Muffins on a 24 hours service at £3. I resisted and will continue to do so over the weekend.
Tomorrow there is a prebooked pre theatre meal and evening show so I had hoped to go to bed late and have a good night’s sleep in order not to tire during the show. As I am finishing this off in the middle of the night the plan has so far gone awry
