Getting somewhere at last - and not just the booster...

Well, it's been nearly a week since I started taking the Amitriptyline tablets.  These were originally designed to be an anti-depressant, but as so often happens, they (the pharmaceutical companies) found that it was not very good for the original issue, but it is really good for treating pain.  Specifically neuralgia (nerve pain) as well as migraine.

Now comes the "fun" part.  Like all prescription medication, there are side effects...  And the most common ones are some crackers...  Things like...

Feeling sleepy

Headache

Dry mouth

Nausea

And guess what - I got the lot.  The sleepy part isn't an issue (now) - but for the first few days, all it took was for me to get too comfortable in the bean bag, and bang.  Out cold.  I also found that I was waking up with a headache / dry mouth in the morning, but a bottle of water on my bedside table soon sorted that out.

The worst one was the nausea.  I felt like I'd eaten something (or someone) I didn't agree with, and it was quite unpleasant.  Luckily for me, it was only the one day (and that was the day after my COVID-19 booster - more on that later) but it did knock me for six.

So, at the moment, I won't say I am pain free - far from it.  This dratted medication can take upto 6 weeks to take effect - as my GP said - "don't expect this to work instantly".  I'm not that daft, but have to admit that things are getting slightly easier...  Especially when I use my Smokin' Joints Warming Shea Butter Skin Balm.  

This little miracle pot has really helped me, and I know when I haven't used it.  My back hurts (ok - more than it does normally with the slipped disc) and it seems to help with the pain in my leg.  I don't know if it was because I gave the leg a damned good massage rubbing this stuff in (my thigh muscles were twitching like they were wired to the mains) but it seemed to help and allowed me to get some sleep.

Now onto the booster.  I had already got this booked for January 6th at Walsgrave Hospital...  Ok, not an issue.  Then my GP practise sends me a text message to say that I can get jabbed closer to home - and a lot sooner.  Like a month earlier.  

Needless to say that was a no brainer - of course I was going to take the jab.  This new COVID-19 variant is scary, and blazing a trail through the population.  

So, Mum kindly took me to what I jokingly referred to as "jab central" on Saturday afternoon for my appointment with the needle.  Now my appointment was 15:40 - I was jabbed and escaped by then.

How did I manage?  Simple.  I got to the clinic early, and was pulled in early.  Medical history checked ("Are you allergic to anything?  Yes - work and injections")  Being serious though, I showed the team my medic alert and clarified that I knew what I was allergic to as I carried the epi-pen.  

I was then given the Pfizer jab as my first two jabs were the Astra-Zenica.  20 minutes later, and I am escaping for home, with a slightly sore arm.

As I write (ok type this) my arm still feels sore / slight lump where I had the jab, but to be honest, I am glad I had this done early, as it will hopefully reduce the severity of any infection...

Ah well, my kindle is calling me - I want to see what happens to Edwin Winthrop in Kim Newman's book  - The Bloody Red Baron 

Back when I get chance...

Karen

The future was planned and now we must crawl

Let justice be damned, they've taken it all

Now things that you read, you've seen it before

Like brothers we stand, they've fooled us once more

New variant COVID-19, and it's back to home working....

Well, Bo-jo has spoken,  Again.   We're back to home working as of Monday, unless you cannot work from home.

Which is pretty good going for me - I've been working at home since I damaged my back, so in reality, that change has meant nothing to me - it's my normal routine.  And, there have been more restrictions brought in - including wearing masks in more places, and the so-called vaccine passport to go into nightclubs.

Again, this won't make any real difference to me, as I do wear my mask on the rare occasions that I escape, and clubbing?  Can't remember the last time I went clubbing.  Think the closest I managed was going to see Magnum at the Parr Hall in 2019...  Before we even knew that Covid existed.

But, if I am honest, I can see the UK being back in another lockdown after Christmas / New Year, as people will have been mixing, and this dratted bug will have taken the  opportunity to spread even more.

Ah well, time to call this quits - my phone is beeping at me again.

Back when I get the inclination...

Karen

It's another rainy day
Talk of freedom got away
Time to get the message right
It's never black or white
So I'm walking in the rain
Found a reason to explain
No excuses, no regret
We all deserve respect

Another postponment

Should have guessed that things were not going to go smoothly this year...  I've just recived this email from the Magnum mailing list....

It is with sincere regret that Magnum are postponing their autumn 2021 shows until next year. With the uncertainty of some European country’s management of the Covid pandemic and numerous other logistical problems the band and promoters alike have decided it is in the best interest to reschedule again to 2022, the band’s 50th anniversary year.

The band’s prime interest is fans health and safety, as well as their own of course. We all hope that by the end of the year the worldwide pandemic will be under control and we can all move freely about and go to full capacity shows. The test events that have been going on recently are good news indeed for the entertainment business but, we all feel that we still have a way to go yet before we can have an all clear. 

The shows are being rescheduled as below and there will be further announcements in due course. 

All tickets remain valid, and will be transferred over to the new dates.'

In the meantime the band are carrying on with the recording of their next, as yet untitled, album which should be released in early 2022

Monday 28 March 2022 Cambridge Junction

Tuesday 29 March 2022 Norwich Waterfront

Wednesday 30 March 2022 London Islington Assembly Hall

Thursday 31 March 2022 Birmingham Symphony Hall

Sunday 3 April 2022 Southampton Engine Rooms

Monday 4 April 2022 Cardiff Tramshed

Tuesday 10 May 2022 Goteborg Pustervik

Wednesday 11 May 2022 Oslo Vulkan

Thursday 12 May 2022 Huskvarna Folkets Park

Friday 13 May 2022 Stockholm Fryhuset Klubben

Saturday 14 May 2022 Karlstad Nojesfabriken

Monday 16 May 2022 Malmo Babel

Friday 09 September  2022 Belfast Limelight 1

Saturday 10 September  2022 Dublin Voodoo Lounge

Sunday 11 September 2022

Monday 12 September 2022 Glasgow Garage

Tuesday 13 September 2022 Sheffield Leadmill

Wednesday 14 September 2022 Nottingham Rock City

Thursday 15 September 2022

Friday 16 September 2022 Holmfirth Picture Drome

Saturday 17 September 2022 Manchester Academy 2

At least I have something to look forward to - apart from the second damned COVID-19 jab.

Ah well, time to call this quits - I need a break from the computer.

Back whenever...

Karen

No sign of the morning coming

You've been left on your own

Like a rainbow in the dark

A rainbow in the dark

Getting the Jab

Yep – I’ve had my first dose of the Covid-19 jab.  I’ve had the AZ (Astra Zeneca) variant.  The jab itself was painless – the nurse who did it was very professional, as was the entire team who were administering the jabs.  

I did like the way that the staff went out of their way to reassure those of us who are less than keen on needles, and also made sure that I was aware of the possible side effects.  

The only thing that I will say (more of an observation that anything else) was that the staff trusted people to stay put for the length of time specified.  The gentleman who was telling me about the possible side effects, and things to watch out for, spotted my medic alert, and when when I was asked about it, instantly instructed me to wait 20 minutes after my jab before I could escape.  Thank god for the kindle – I would have gone nuts.

I freely admit that I felt decidedly off on Friday – to the extent where I didn’t think I would be safe enough to drive on Friday night.  That put a dampener on my weekend plans, but my partner was sweet, and said that he didn’t want me driving, as it’s not a short drive to see him.  Ok – it’s not that far (about 40 miles) but it’s on some nasty roads (or I use the M6).  Either way, it meant a weekend at home.

And yes – it was the right thing to do.  I spent yesterday dozing, and was barely able to move my arm (I felt like I had done 15+ rounds with a certain M. Tyson…) And I will admit to being very grateful for the kindle – it meant I could read without having to hold a heavy book in my right hand.    

Today?  I feel brighter than I did – but it still hurts to lie on my left arm, and I am still tired.  But, if it’s a sore / bruised feeling arm, or risking catching this dratted virus…  Give me the sore arm any day.

Ah well, time to call this quits – my eyes are tired and I can hardly stop yawning.

Back when I get the inclination… (or my arm stops hurting!)

Karen

You try, yeah, you do your best
But nothing seems to work
You're not like all the rest
When you're the one who hurts
Oh, what a day

National lockdown

BoJo has spoken.  National lockdown.  To be honest, reading the information about it (see National lockdown guidance) it's no different to being in Tier 4 - unless you're school age or at university. Then it's on line learning unless your degree requires practical elements.

Because of this, masks are compulsory, and people are starting to find different versions to express their personal style... And I am no different - this is one of my masks....

It's from a company called Smmash X-Wear.  Yes, I admit it's not cheap, but at least I can breathe in it, and don't feel like I am suffocating.

I don't like wearing a mask.  It's uncomfortable (and hot) but if it reduces the risk of me catching (and more to the point passing on) this damned virus, I will continue to wear one.

But until people start taking this damned virus seriously, we're going to be bouncing from lockdown to lockdown.  

And I am getting slightly fed up with the idiots who refuse to wear a mask and adhere to the restrictions.  

Before people start blasting me, I am fully aware that there are people with valid reasons for not wearing a mask.  I understand that.  My gripe is with the selfish idiots who refuse wear any mask - reusable or disposable.

Ah well, time to call it quits.  My kindle is calling me.

Back whenever...

Karen

Now the villain, he may prosper

And the thief might do as well

With amusement, their crimes they dispel

The promises they've broken

And the hearts they have betrayed

End to end they are carefully laid

New Year, new Tier

 Not quite new year.  Yet.  We’ve been moved to Tier 4, so that means the following:

If you live in a Tier 4 area, you must follow the rules below. This means that you cannot leave or be outside of the place you are living unless you have a reasonable excuse. You cannot meet other people indoors, including over the Christmas and New Year period, unless you live with them, or they are part of your support bubble. Outdoors, you can only meet one person from another household.

Thankfully, I can still travel to see my support bubble, so once Monster is back (and we know that the weather isn’t going to dump a load of snow on us) I shall make plans to escape.

Ah - my phone's ringing...  And it's Arbury.

The Monster is ready.

Back later.

Karen

I've stood alone where the mountains are blue
Watching the world's unbelievable view
A special book makes the child in us cry
Magic in words at the blink of an eye

Welcome to Tier 3 London!

That's what really annoys me,  My home area has been placed in tier 3 for COVID-19 restrictions, meaning that the following rules are in place:

 

• You cannot mix indoors, in private gardens or in most outdoor venues, except with your household or bubble
• You can meet in a group of up to six in other outdoor spaces, such as parks, beaches or countryside
• Shops, gyms and personal care services (such as hairdressing) can stay open
• Bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants must stay closed, except for delivery and takeaway
• Sports fans cannot attend events in stadiums
• Indoor entertainment venues - such as bowling alleys and cinemas - must stay closed

So, when London, parts of Essex and Hertfordshire get put into tier 3, you would have thought that the world was ending - especially the way that it was being reported by the media.  These two gems came from BBC News and Sky News respectively:

 

The director of the Theatres Trust said the London's theatres would face "disaster" under the stricter rules, while business owners in the capital said it would "be a ghost town".

 

The Confederation of British Industry warned that "thousands of jobs and livelihoods could be at risk" due to the government moving London into Tier 3.

Congratulations.  Now you know what the rest of us are having to put up with.  Why the south of England thinks that they are so unique, I have no idea.   They're not the only areas that have had these issues.  

Areas in the north of England (and my home in darkest Warwickshire) are all under these restrictions - and I think that we have gotten off lightly, as we (Warwickshire) only got placed into tier 3 the beginning of December, where as places like Newcastle have been in tier 3 since the beginning of September (if not longer!)

Ah well - rant over.  I've had enough of staring at a computer screen today.

Back when I get chance...

Karen

Man will take the treasure
Innocence is lost
Thinking he's so clever
Lines have been crossed
Man won't live forever
Shadows on the wall
Can't get it together
Sacrifice all

The tiers are in… And we’ve been rated…… TIER 3.

Great.  The new tiers have been announced, and my home area is in tier 3, as is my partner’s home.  Now his area, I can understand, but mine?  Unless there is something I have missed, I didn’t think we were as bad as some areas

So, as we’re in a support bubble (and we’re in the same tier) I’m planning to escape next weekend to see him, as I haven’t seen him since the end of October.  I know it’s not as long as the first lockdown, but this time of year, things are that much gloomier, and it makes me want to curl up with someone I care about, and chill out watching a film.

Ah well, guess I’d better get back to the grindstone – my lunch break is nearly over.

Back when I get chance.

 

Karen

You gave me your love
To last me forever I know
Our love is forever
You gave me your love
To last me wherever I go

Working from home (part 2)

 Well, I’m back at home, due to the new lockdown that was announced on Saturday night.  The office is closing from tomorrow night, so I’ve had to make sure that I have everything I need at home.  

That’s not an issue – apart from me being an idiot and not plugging the headphones into the laptop (they were plugged into the monitor), and wondering why I couldn’t hear anything.

Once I’d realised what I’d done (and finished feeling like an idiot) I was up and running.  EE must have done some serious network improvements, as I’ve not had to curse the dongle once.  Which is a miracle.  

Ok – I’ll rephrase that.  I only cursed whilst my dratted laptop decided to do an update this morning, meaning that I was late logging on to the system. OK – not an issue…  

Or I thought it wasn’t….  Until I realised that I couldn’t use the phone.  Or log into part of the system where I keep files that I need to get access to.

So, one call to the IT helpdesk, and the issue with the cloud storage was sorted.  The phone side was sorted by emailing a colleague who is already working from home, and they managed to help me sort the settings, so that was nice and easy.  What I didn’t realise was that I would end up feeling…... Numb.

 I didn’t realise just how much I enjoy being in the office – despite all my grumps about my colleagues – it’s a good laugh with them as it means we can bounce things off each other, especially if one of us gets stuck with something that we have no idea about.  

OK – on the plus side, I have the view of the garden, and no travelling, meaning a decent lie in in the morning, and no fighting my way through the traffic to the office, and contending with 4x4 with only one child in going to the private school!

 But on the downside?  It’s the human need for companionship.  Now I am the first to admit I am an antisocial so-and-so at the best of times,  but there is something comforting about being part of a group…  But I know I’ll get over this, and knowing me, will probably resent the fact that I have to go back into the office after this lock down.

Ah well, time to log off and join family.  I shall be spending enough time staring at this damned screen for the next four weeks or so...

Back soon.

Karen

Another lockdown

The PM has finally confirmed what the papers had been saying yesterday.  We go back into lockdown on Thursday.

Only this time, it's not a complete lockdown - I can (at the moment) go into the office as I cannot work from home.

Whether the office remains open is another matter.  It depends very much on the decision of the leadership team, and if they decide to close the office, then I am stuck.

Not because I don't have a laptop (I do - hateful thing) but because I am one of those rare people who don't have broadband at home.

Ok - I have been given a WiFi dongle that should (in theory) allow me to work at home... But because it's on a network that is hopeless where I live, I might as well use it as a doorstop.

So, if they decide to close the office, I am stuck.  It means getting up at stupid o'clock in the morning to get as much work done as I can before the system kicks me off, and then working in the evening to make sure that I get my hours in.

And that's not the only thing that is going to cause a problem.  The lockdown also includes restrictions on so-called non-essential travel.  Ok, I can understand that.  But you can travel for work or to go to your support bubble.

Now my support bubble is with my partner.  Who lives about 50 miles away from my home.  So I can see that causing issues with the police as they would be within their rights (as I understand the rules) to stop me and ask why / where I am travelling to.  

Knowing my luck, they wouldn't believe me that I was going to be with my support bubble, so this may be the last weekend I can spend with my partner until the lockdown is over and done with.

So, I am going to make the most of today, as it may be a few weeks before I can see my partner again.

Back when I get chance.

Karen

Making the most of today

That venue is cursed…

Yet again my plans to see Magnum at Birmingham Town Hall have been changed.  This time, it’s COVID-19 that has scuppered it.

The band have released the following statement:

As most of you have presumably noticed by now, this year continues to be more than a bit rubbish.  So this announcement won’t exactly come as a surprise.

The decision has been made that most of the shows planned for November, December and February are again being rescheduled - to September/October 2021.  These are the Scandinavian, Dutch, UK and Irish shows.  This is of course 100% beyond the band’s control, and we’re all very disappointed and frustrated with the ongoing situation.

All tickets will remain valid and will be automatically transferred over to the new date.  If you instead require a refund please get in touch with your ticket supplier.  Unfortunately the shows in Hull and Exeter will not be going ahead at all.  Please contact your ticket supplier if you have tickets for these shows.

Please note there is also a change of venue for the Birmingham show: this will now be taking place at The Symphony Hall.  Tickets will be available from 10:00am Friday 2 October 2020. If you have already purchased tickets for the Town Hall, please wait to be contacted by your ticket supplier for the specific details of the venue change.  Your booking will be automatically transferred to the new performance, with your tickets located in like-for-like seats.   

Announcements for other dates will follow in due course.

The live events industry as a whole is suffering a great deal, but Magnum will be back as soon as we are able.  In the meantime we ask everyone to stay patient, stay safe, keep loving music and maybe buy an extra t-shirt if you can!

The band has been back in the studio during this extended hiatus, and we hope to bring you more positive news soon.

Rescheduled dates 2021:

05 Sep 2021                De Pul                              Uden                NL
07 Sep 2021                Fryshuset Klubben          Stockholm         S
08 Sep 2021                Vulkan                             Oslo                  N
09 Sep 2021                Folkets Park                    Huskvarna        S
10 Sep 2021                Pustervik                         Gothenburg       S
11 Sep 2021                Nojesfabriken                  Karlstad            S
13 Sep 2021                Babel                               Malmo              S
16 Sep 2021                Rock City                         Nottingham      UK
17 Sep 2021                Leadmill                           Sheffield          UK
19 Sep 2021                Waterfront                       Norwich            UK
20 Sep 2021                Assembly Hall                 Islington           UK
21 Sep 2021                Engine Rooms                Southampton    UK
22 Sep 2021                Tramshed                        Cardiff              UK
24 Sep 2021                Academy 2                      Manchester      UK
25 Sep 2021                Picturedrome                  Holmfirth           UK
27 Sep 2021                Symphony HalL             Birmingham     UK
29 Sep 2021                Junction                           Cambridge       UK
30 Sep 2021                Garage                            Glasgow           UK
02 Oct 2021                 Voodoo Lounge              Dublin               IE
03 Oct 2021                 Limelight 1                      Belfast              UK  

It’s almost as if the music gods don’t want me to see them at the Town Hall…  But if I am honest, I am not surprised, as this year has been pretty screwed up due to the damned virus…

So, I have something to look forward to next year..

Guess I'd better call this quits - time to home..

Karen

I can hear them calling
Hear the crowd applauding
If it's real I like the feeling
If I'm wrong who am I deceiving?

Enforced lock-down extension.....

Well, we have another three weeks of the so-called lock-down.  HM Government has said that there has been a decrease in the virus infections, but not enough to allow people to escape.

I’m lucky – I have the garden I can escape into, as it’s been beautiful weather.  If it had been cold and wet, then it would have been a very different kettle of fish – I’d have been going stir crazy.  And the best bit?  The cowslips in the paddock are in bloom, and putting on quite a little show.

Cowslips in the paddock

The funny thing is, we only planted a couple of plants - and they were the red and yellow ones - they obviously reverted over the past 20 or so years..  And spread.  Not that I am complaining, although I don't mind admitting that it does make mowing the grass a little difficult...

However, there is a drawback to the lock-down...  I haven't seen my partner for just over 5 weeks.  OK - that has happened before - it happened last year when I caught a nasty chest infection that flattened me, and meant that I spent more time asleep than anything else.  But at least we knew that when I was recovered (and fit enough to drive) we would see each other.

This time, we are (as I type this) both fit and healthy, and only apart due to the social distancing rules.  And all I can say is thank god for unlimited texts / minutes on my phone.  I know there is a reason for the separation, but it doesn't stop me missing him like hell.

Ah well, guess I should call it quits - my favorite Magnum song has started playing on my MP3 player...  Welcome to the Cosmic Cabaret.

Back whenever,

Karen

Hard game and the music's going nowhere
This room's getting smaller by the day
Some dog on the street, he just keeps howling
Welcome to the cosmic cabaret

Out to grass - aka Furlough.

Yep - I've been put out to grass.  Am I bothered?  Slightly, but to be honest, I could see it coming, as I have been trying to work from home, and with the best will the world, it's not been easy.

I'm one of those rare people that doesn't have broadband at home - in this bit of Darkest Warwickshire, we rely on a carrier snail.  And that met with an accident called a pot of salt.

So, until June 1st, I am officially on the payroll of HM Government, meaning that I don’t go near a computer (I’m posting this via the Blogger App on my phone), so it means an enforced break from the usual stuff that lands on my desk (ok – working from home, it’s been the dining table).

But, I can at least keep up with the training that I have been trying to complete, and may well be able to get some more bits done that I am interested in – mainly updating my excel skills.

They were good enough (just) to keep me afloat, but things have changed, and I admit that I am struggling with nasty things such as VLOOKUP, data validation and other functions (something that the powers that be have decided that I really should know about)…

So, I’ll be updating on things as they arise, and I can be bothered to type on a tiny keyboard on my phone.  Just hope the spell check is up to it!

Back whenever…

Karen

Hold on, there's a new way a-coming
Looks like it's arriving tonight
There's no more hiding or running
There's no more walking on ice

Damn, damn and damn.

Well, the best laid plans have a habit of going wrong, and I seem to be cursed every time I try to see Magnum at Birmingham town hall…  The last time they had to postpone a gig, we ended up going to see them at Symphony Hall – and I have the album that they recorded there…

This is the statement that Magnum sent to their fans:

“It is with a heavy heart that we must finally concede to the inevitable.

A combination of government measures in numerous countries, and liaising with promoters and our co-headliners Gotthard has meant that ultimately the decision has been taken out of our hands.

The Serpent Rings Tour will be postponed until later this year and early next.  Dates will be announced as soon as possible.

Those with tickets will be entitled to a refund or to attend rescheduled shows - information on this will be given as soon as we know more.

We're very sorry to all the loyal fans who were looking forward to coming to see us.  But even more than this we are sorry for those who will feel the financial impact of this for months and even years to come.  Our friends, the crew, who now have empty diaries and no immediate prospect of new shows of any kind.  Our support acts, promoters, venue staff, security, bar staff and the touring industry as a whole - all of whom face exceptionally hard times now.

It was never our intent to cause anger and hurt with our previous defiance.  With so much already paid for, contracts all in place and the band all rehearsed and ready to go we had very little choice but to try and carry on despite mounting pressure. We really wanted to play more than you can imagine. We held on as long as we could.

Good luck to everyone in these troubled times.  We'll see you on the other side...

Bob, Tony, Rick, Lee, Dennis and all the Magnum team”

But, at the end of the day, the band have to follow the advice from the various governments, and I cannot fault them.  I just hope that this damned virus clears up soon, and life can get back to some semblance of normality.

Ah well, time to call this quits - got to refuel the Monster today...

Back when I can.

Karen

It's another rainy day

Talk of freedom got away

Time to get the message right

It's never black or white

So I'm walking in the rain

Found a reason to explain

No excuses, no regret

We all deserve respect

An attitude I can relate to....

I found this post from Magnum somewhat refreshing…

UK melodic rock stalwarts Magnum have vowed not to let the coronavirus outbreak interfere with their touring plans. The band, who are introducing new bass player Dennis Ward on their forthcoming run of European dates, say that the flu-like virus – also known as COVID-19 – should not prevent fans from living their lives "to the fullest."  

"Let's get this right out there," say the band, in a statement of Facebook. "The band are not going to cancel the tour."  

The statement continues, "We've been in rehearsal for three weeks now. We're all in excellent health. Dennis has been fitting in fantastically and we're looking forward to playing our new material for the first time to as many people as possible.  

We are contractually obliged to play every single show and we intend to do so. We'd urge every fan and indeed every human being around the world to not fall into the trap of allowing fear and misinformation surrounding the virus to prevent them from living their lives to the fullest.  

If a band with an average age of nearly 60 are chomping at the bit to get on a tour bus and go and play our hearts out for three months solid we sincerely hope that you're not too afraid to come out and see us! Pack these venues out and show us what Magnum fans are made of.  

F**k coronavirus. See you on the road.”

And yes – I am looking forward to seeing them the end of this month – I am one of the lucky ones who has tickets for the gig at Birmingham Town Hall.

Back later....

Karen

It's another rainy day
Talk of freedom got away
Time to get the message right
It's never black or white
So I'm walking in the rain
Found a reason to explain
No excuses, no regret
We all deserve respect