A Togs thoughts on Blogs & Blogging

As a result of complaints from some of my readers, reluctantly this is going to be a serious Blog, there is a possibility that it will be reflective, that I will cogitate and give readers food for thought on the topic of Blog's.

When I was doing my research into Blog's I spent a lot of time looking at a whole range of other people's Blog's from the very serious through to the very humorous and lastly to the absolutely appalling which I hope my Blog isn't.

I was fascinated at the range of topics that are covered by people in their various Blog's, from one of my favourites the 43 bus to some that were so terrible I would not want to mention them and give them publicity they were that bad.

Friends suggested looking at Myspace and YouTube which I did and found that at YouTube a man in his 70s was one of the top Blog's although the average membership is around the 18 to 25 age group on the site. Further the video of his I saw was of him reminiscing about the First World War. I have a feeling that this will cause confusion to people such as psychologists and PR companies when they are trying to decide what people are really interested in with regard to Blogs.

Another thing that I wanted to look at was how could I improve the chances of other people reading my Blog, also what sort of topics would appeal to the sort of people who search for Blog's on the Internet. Sadly I have not found the answer as can be seen by me when I look at Sitemeter and the number of visitors and where they originate from ( I do wish I could find out who gren with envy, scarlett angel & annonomous are) to find out what drew them to my blog

This weekend in the Sunday Times there was an an article about Internet nuns who have their own Blog's, which will obviously of attracted a whole range of people for different reasons to read the material.

In my own Blog I mentioned a visit to see Ken Dodd which attracted readers sufficiently to make comments on my Blog quite quickly after I had posted the Blog, which show there are people out there constantly looking for information or knowledge about their particular interests and hobbies, often into the early hours of the morning.

Having said that in one of my Blog's I could not sleep one morning so got up at 5am and read the Sunday paper supplement and found an interesting article that then provoked me to then enter a new post on my Blog, interestingly enough nobody in my circle of friends and readers has passed any comment on the subject which I thought was unusual and was worth comment on the topic.

I'm not sure quite why I or any other person would want to sit at a computer for hours on end either typing, or in this particular instance, using speech recognition creating a Blog or posting, that possibly other people may never ever choose to read. Is it because it is a way to convey our thoughts, feelings and experiences to the outside world in a way which we would never ever do in public, because our friends often are not interested in our day-to-day life and interests, or we are reluctant to let people know of these same interests fears & feelings.

Hopefully therefore putting out our Blog for the millions of Blog readers to read, approve and helpfully comment positively as well as possibly giving some of us a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment when this occurs.

What is even stranger is the fact that there are people out there such as me who spend time reading and commenting on other people's Blog's, when there must be lots of other things that we could do to occupy our time. I suppose I can understand people who have shared interests searching for others and their Blog's to increase their knowledge on a particular subject and share with others. It is even understandable that some people use Blog's to convey their thoughts and feelings about the highs and lows of their lives in an anonymous manner to strangers.

What I personally struggled to understand are the people who have not made the effort to write in normal English that people such as I cannot understand or read without great difficulty. Maybe this is as a result of the growth in people using texting as a means of communication, that excludes a proportion of us Bloggers, but may be that is what the intention is.

In my own Blog more people have passed comment in personal conversation and by e-mail on the quality of my photos, than they have on the content of the rest of my posts despite the fact that I spend a lot of time thinking of content for the Blog's and then typing the piece into the Blog.

The question therefore is why on earth bother either reading or writing Blog's, unfortunately art present, I do not have the answer, to make it worse as my readers are aware, I have now with little success created another Blog on MySspace to widen the readership of my blogs, which so far nobody appears to be able to gain access to.

If this is typical of people entering into the world of Blogging and the difficulties they encounter when trying to make a statement or share an interest, is it really worth the effort and what lengths are we prepared to go in the hope of gaining an audience, which I feel maybe is why many such as myself do it.

But even this is a contradiction because I have chosen to use another name so only those who I have informed of the blog actually can identify me, so even if I gained a larger redership, I could meet readers of the blog on the street or elsewhere and none of us would know the other, so is this fame.

I remember a friend many years ago commenting on the fact that I enjoy being behind the scene as in theatre controlling the event, rather than as an actor who people can actually identify, she said there is a name for people such as me and possibly other bloggers, which is "eminence gris" that means "grey eminnce" which fits in with my personality.

Thanks for reading this Blog, I would be interested to hear any of your comments about the content, I do realise for 1 of my readers there is missing punctuation but unfortunately my throat is getting dry and it is now 10:30 PM so you readers will have to put up with the Blog as it is

Problems of setting up a blog with MySpace

Good morning I was bored last night so I thought what can I do, I then thought not many people are reading my blog other than friends, so I decided to widen the chance of someone coming across my thoughts ideas & other rubbish to do with my life, then making comments/ constructive criticism about me and the blog so I decided a new blog on a different site was the answer

This has been achieved by my new blog on myspace I am having problems trying to access it through google at present.

For those of you who are desperate you can e mail me or try typing in "Thoughts on Life as a TOG" to gain access.

I have found the new format a little strange to work with in some respects & worried when a photo of someone called Tom appeared as a friend, fortunately he is a link to help at myspace, so I can see I will need him quite soon.

Despite this please do not be put off using myspace because it was a little late in the day after a rather complex day at work, when I was trying to relax, whilst playing on the computer & still listening to the tv, which just goes to show us males are not quite as good at multi tasking as we would like to think, or at least us older Togs have.

So far I have not tried to put any of my photos on the new blog, so all you nice people who have complemented me on the photos on this site will have to wait a little longer, plus Brian informs me that there is a problem with lots of photos for others to upload the information particularily on dial up (I think thats what he said )

I will later today try to work out how to create a link between the sites or better still ask brian to assist me with the technicality

7.30pm 24 November 2006

Well as Anonymous said in their comments, there are problems & my friend Alan has found the worst one which is that nobody can find my blog on Myspace including me unless I sign in.

I am not sure if it needs more time to appear, or if there is some fundamental mistake I & others are making, which seems unlikely because I have tried my own e mail address, name, blog title, & display name all with no success.

If any of you out there can tell me the answer please let me know, is it because I am a tog or is it the site, I am begining to think I may have to stick with Blogger & my limited audience of readers who now include, my latest reader Anonymous, I wish I could of thought of such an unusual name.

Maybe this is the right time to speak to my only friend on myspace Tom or one of his clever friends

Having said that I still have not found how to have a look at Green with Envys site on Blogger yet, I just worry that these people are those who know me but unwilling to let on they are as sold on my Blog as me.

I will keep you all informed of any progress with Myspace if you have not all given up already, if so please continue with this blog, because for those of you not yet aware, soon I will post a new blog about the progress of my plans for my birthday next year that will make a really good read ( says he hopefully)

What a strange day

Well after a marvelous weekend made better by the fact that someone who I did not know posted a comment ( shows how sad I am) namely scarlett angel, who has an interesting blog of her own, on my comments on Ken Dodds show.

This morning was one of those you do not want for some time. because I was taking a load of paper to be recycled to a church which I put in the car, then went to go out when I realised I had a puncture but could not get at the wheel because of the kerb.

On the way to work I was to have picked up a friend who is one of our volunteeers so decided to ring him to warn of the delay, but could not find his phone number. Eventually with the help of a friend I replaced the tyre and set off, with my friend taking the tyre to be sorted out.

It was one of those days when every traffic light is on red & every junction has a road works, so eventually I picked my friend up & then went to the church. Sadly there was no one to help with the papers then I had to carry onto work where I arrived 1 hour late.

On arriving before I had sat down there was a phone call from somebody that then lasted 1 hour. When I finally got off, other staff were then complaining about problems with the new heaters. I checked them & somebody had messed about with them, so I reset them & started work. Then one of the issues that started last week started again which took the rest of the morning to resolve.

Whatever I did today just took forever, plus I am doing a stall on wednesday so I needed to sort that out as well. Just before I left my boss arrived to tell me he needed some figures before the end of the week although I am only in work thursday afternoon. Eventually I decided to kill 2 birdss by going into work tomorrow whilst I am in town, carry out the task & collect the equipment for the dislay at the same time.

It then started again about the heaters, so I found myself defending myself for something that was nothing basically to do with me.

When I went to the car I realised that I was short on fuel as well as running late so it took forever to get home. Finally I went to meet my mate about the tyre only for him to tell me that he had left it with the tyre man, so I will now have another job to add to tomorrows load.

Because when I assembled my sound system, I found more parts would not work I tried to ring the suppliers, guess what after 10 minutes still no answer so will try again tomorrow.

I am now exausted so will finish this post & settle down, hoping the phone or door keep quiet tonight.

Ken Dodd Happiness Show What a brilliant Night

Well I am just recovering from a night at Tameside Theatre, where I went with Andy to watch Ken Dodds show.

People had warned us that it may be long but I felt it was a load of rubbish, nobody gives that much entertainment for £17 a person.

Well I was totally wrong, I do accept that there was other entertainment, which was also enjoyable, but how Ken can keep an audience for so long was absolutely incredible.

The pace that he set & how he kept it topical, relevent to the audiance that he had, mainly us older generation ( sorry Andy not including you) skowed a marvelous performer a true master of his craft.

The other thing I had forgotten was his singing ability, & how timeless his songs are.

I just wish I had a good memory, ten minutes worth of his act could keep me going for years.

The downside was that when I got home at 1pm I then could not get to sleep quickly and am still suffering for having sat down in one place for so long, but it really was worth it & I can only suggest if any of you out there has the chance go & see Ken.

The only strange thing seemed to be that members of the audiance seemed to come & go which I have never seen before & to me seemed quite ignorant, the only thing I can think is that they were smokers going into withdrawl.

Remember those Old Musicals

Well I thought because Brian keeps whistling tunes from musicals and Alan has shown a wide interest, as well as giving me some interesting information about musicals which I will come back to, I decided why not do a posting on my favourite subject, that takes me back to my childhood and my first musical at the Appollo cinema in Manchester.

The musical was Oklahoma and I was sold for ever, coming out singing the songs from the show, imagining myself as the hero riding off into the sunset with Shirley Jones to live happily ever after. ( what a shame real life is so different from the musicals)

Since that time I have enjoyed seeing a range of musicals from one of my favourites Singing In The Rain,in which never to forget Donald O Conner Dancing up the wall, to Barnum which although great to see did not have a memorable song. The scene that impressed me the most over the years was the scene in Oliver namely the street scene with Who Will Buy as the song in the street scene.

Alan tells me of a musical called Vaseline that he saw advertised abroad, how many of you realised that it was Grease with John Travolta & Olivia Newton John.

As some of you may know (if you have read my previous blogs or had to listen to me on my latest topic of conversation), to show how sad I am I have decided that for my 60th birthday, I am going to celebrate it with a fancy dress party on the theme of musicals, so all of you who are invited, need to start thinking about what costumes to wear for the occassion, there will be some sort of prize for the most original and best costumes ( possibly tickets to see a musical, only joking )

I would appreciate any comments from you readers either on this post or through my e mail address

Moans of a Grumpy, Nearly Old Man ( Tog )

10 November 2006

Well what a period it seems to of been, finally today my aerial has been fixed so when I finally get my replacement DVD recorder, I shall be able to spend my evenings on these dark nights watching all my favourite rubbish & repeats on Freeview TV.

Recently I have been trying to use public transport both to save money, but also to do my bit to help save the environment.

Unfortunately what an experience using the bus and tram is. For instance why should the 98 bus which should be a regular service, go missing then 2 come together.
Twice this week it has stopped at a bus stop for 5 minutes twice on its way, before reaching Bury Interchange, making me miss the tram, resulting in me being late for work.

Talking of the bus why do they all brake so suddenly when coming to a stop, so that people like me with poor mobility are unbalanced, but then instead of complaining actually thank the driver as we leave.

This seems to be the norm with all the bus drivers I have come across in the last 6 months, is it possible that they are re trained in special techniques to upset the passengers, as in their other special skill, accelerating from the stop at great speed, ( I am told that the vehicles are automatic which should make it easier to drive), which is all made worse for us sad people with bad backs, because my spine is constantly shifted at great force from crashing against the seat, to being in mid air.

Also why do people not queue any more? and why does nobody get up from their seats for an elderly or disabled person?

On the trams why does one to Altringham seem to leave at 9.29 just before the concessions come in & people have the chance to buy their tickets from the machine at 9.30 and board the tram?


I realise that the trams have a timetable but could they slow down on the stretch between Bury and Radcliff to ease the noise & swaying for us older sad souls. Again, my poor back goes into spasm as it jerks between the air & the seat back. I suppose it keeps a whole range of health professionals in work putting the damage right.

Yesterday yet again there were problems on the trams with delays, I presume partly due to the problems caused by the crazy situation caused by the dispute between bus services in Manchester, with lots of empty buses queuing up on Mosley Street blocking the progress of the trams.


Last night there was obviously a conspiracy because it took from 4.30 to 6pm for me to travel the 12 miles from Manchester to my home, in fact I ended up going the long way round on another bus route, because the 98 had presumably got lost on its way from Manchester, because as my bus left the queue was still waiting at the 98 stop.

When I finally got home there was another note from my elderly neighbour asking could I call to give some advice. Just for a change I decided to wait until the following day to see her and finally relaxed totally exhausted.

17 November 2006

Well what a week I finally have all the stuff damaged by lightening replaced, but sadly non are the same make or model so I now have 5 new instruction books to work through I have connected up in some sort of fashion but still not sure what all the buttons do on any one piece of equipment, what a shame they do not make compatable easy to use equipment, or that my son does not live down the road so that he can sort it out for me.

Next moan is that I went to get new glasses this week & was told minimum was £140, so went to specsavers who have simple pricing (they say) explained wanted same as I had but not expensive, assistant said no problem but could have 2 for the price of one. Cutting long story short ended up with different glasses at £180, after coming out realise only needed 1 pair because existing pair still okay according to optician, well it keeps them in business.

Whilst wandering round the shops despite being 6 foot 2 tall & 15 stone people will insist in walking into me, but never seem to want to apologize, also why do they aim for the small gap between me and the wall, this has happenned 3 times today, what has happened to good old manners.

To cheer me up I am going to see Ken Dodd hopefully with my mate Andy tomorrow, so if I can remember I will try give a couple of the experiances I have to cheer you all up in the next episode.

I am trying to find some decent english blogs but have been suprised how hard they are to find although I have now found a real British site but it seems to have some very strange stuff on, in that which I have read so far.

Annet van der Voort

5 November 2006

I could not sleep, in the early hours of this morning so decided to have a browse through my Saga magazine ( does anybody out there know if I can obtain payment for all these referances to organisations and publications). When I came across a short article about the photographic work of, Annet van der Voort, with a series of her pictures.

This set me thinking (it was a bad time to do it because I could not then go back to sleep), so I went and had a look at her site, which was very interesting.

But also it fitted in with my thoughts over the years of the amazing transformation from childhood to old age of people as shown by the artist, as well as of them getting up to going out to work or play, at different times of the day and at various different occassions.

My own particular memory is of young women who when I visited sometimes would of just had a bath and be in their dressing gown after having a bath, before getting ready to go out with me.

Whilst I waited at their home, as she dried her hair, put on her makeup, then came back after changing into her clothes, it was a true transformation and the attrative caterpillar became a beautiful butterfly.

At the other extreme when I worked in entertainment,i used to see the beautiful women who came in dressed up early evening, sadly after a night of drinking and partying were the other extreme, when they were drunk, makeup spoilt and loud mouthed. What a shame for all that effort, if only they could of had their photos taken at the end of the evening maybe it would of given them food for thought the next time they went out.

Sad Death of Paul Walters How We Can Continue

As other Toggs I was very sad to hear of the death of Uncle Wally, it is quite ironic because I am in the process of reading Terrys latest book Must'ent Grumbe and last week had been enjoying the various exploits of Terry & Pauly.

As many others have said, what a great programme on monday morning, led by Terry and the rest of the team.

My feeling is that we Toggs need to find some way to mark the loss of Pauly in some more permenant way, so have e mailed to Terry to suggest that maybe a CD of the music played on Monday, plus his other favourite music could be produced and the money raised go to help others in whatever is Pauls favourite charity.

Another suggestion was that possibly a book of celebrity memories as well as those of us TOGGS could be another fundraiser to help remind us of the many ways in which Paul helped to make this a happier pleasanter world.

I just hope that Terry can pass this idea on, if it has not already been considered by the powers that be.

If any other of you Toggs, Tiggs or other fans of Pauly out there read this and agree please let me, or Terry and the team know so maybe we can get this idea off the ground.

Having said this lets also hope his successor will keep up the good work at breakfast on Radio Two.

Photos of Corfu

Top Picture Belle Vista

Left Corfu from boat

Right Paleokastritsa

Sunset Rebecca Village

A Lonely TOGGS New Adventure In Corfu

Friday 13th October 2006

Well I got to the airport was one of the first to check in, asked for a seat with plenty of legroom, after check-in went through security which seems to take longer and longer every time I go away, but it beats hanging around the departure lounge spending money.


Finally got on plane and surprise surprise I had lots of legroom, the downside was that the video that was played in the flight had no sound and nowhere to use headphones so I listened to my MiniDisc player instead. Suddenly there was aloud crash and a woman had fallen between seats. The cabin crew were very quick and efficient at helping her, but then a young woman who would obviously had either too much to drink or eat was sick in the aisle just near her. Now the poor cabin crew had to sort that mess out as well, after that it quietened down.

Finally arrived in Corfu, weather mild, uneventful but long trip to Rebecca Village in Sidari. On the way their I started to think of characters from musicals that I could dress as for my birthday, which helped to pass the time.Checked in receptionist had strange sense of humour because there were no lights on outside the apartment for me to see where I was going which was on the second floor of a block. Unpacked then went on balcony to look at the view which is beautiful as can be seen from my photo.

Apartment was pleasant but unfortunately I was exhausted after ten hours of travelling local time was now 6:30 AM, unpacked then went to bed

14th October 2006

Woke to loud bang, went to door nobody was there, but they were more which I now realised were gunshots in the distance, got washed and dressed and tried to make sense of the rough map provided by reception and set off for the shops. Fortunately very nice man carrying a baguette who I later learnt was called David of the(Adams family) offered me a lift to the supermarket which I was glad to take up so had my first trip to buy food which I later found out would of taken me 30 minutes each way. He also explained the layout of the town and where to rent a car, thanks again David.

Made sandwiches and sat down on the terrace to write up notes for my Blog whilst admiring the beautiful view again. Later went into restaurant at accommodation had breakfast then decided to walk to the shops, took photos on the way, it was a beautiful walk and I was really pleased about having booked the holiday, everything smelled so fresh and the countryside was beautiful greens.

Then got to resort to find it was typical with lots of bars and souvenir shops, not forgetting a local McDonald's, so decided to carry on and find somewhere to buy food from the supermarket that I had previously fled on. Unfortunately it seemed as though I was walking forever.

In true Togg style I then managed to take the wrong turn and ended up totally lost, I stopped to ask local people that their English was as bad as my Greek (none existent) somehow after about an hour when I was totally exhausted, a car stopped and it was that shining white knight David Adams again who apologised that he couldn't give me a left but at least pointed me in the right direction. Never have I been so relieved to see another person in my life I thought I would be wondering the back roads of Sidari for the next few years.

When finally returned to apartment had painkillers and bath then relaxed promising myself not to go and have too many new adventures to soon. Then rested for the rest of the day had a meal then went to bed.

15 October 2006

Unusual for me, I slept for eight hours and had a good night's sleep and woke up at 9 AM. When to supermarket for bread which only took one hour, that had breakfast which I ate on balcony, spent rest of the day sunbathing, listening to my music and reading my book, 1984, which was what I had come away on holiday for.

Went for a quiet relaxing meal unfortunately six unhappy children split a class across three families quickly changed all that circle ate meal quickly and went back up to the room to read my latest book ironically Terry Wogan's “Mustn't Grumble”

16th October 2006

Woke up early couldn't believe how cold it was despite this had breakfast on balcony eventually saw life about 9:30 AM decided to take lazy option still went omnibus to beach not very interesting so returned to apartment had food and realised what a beautiful setting I was staying in, but realised by being on my own that I had not had a conversation and for more than a few minutes which those of you who know me will realise is that unusual.

Went and sat at Pool got chatting to Cassie and her daughter Amy, explained about my Blog and in particular problems I was having trying to buy trainers, they were really helpful and Amy in particular gave me lots of hints about how to find a pair that would suit my needs, so when I return home will try their suggestions.

Whilst having this conversation and I had 2 Tog moments the first was whilst trying to be clever, I could not remember that the capital of West Germany was Berlin, but then I actually showed my real skill and intelligence by losing my glasses, which Amy eventually pointed out I was wearing. After all this effort decided best shut up and sunbathe instead for the rest of the afternoon.
In the evening went into town for evening meal luckily I had remembered my torch because it was pitch black on the approach to the complex, and had another chat with Cassie and Amy returned to room spent an hour trying to find the ticket for my excursion to Albania tomorrow

17th October 2006

Got up early to make sure that I would be one-time for my coach which was already waiting, unfortunately there was no representative on the coach to explain what was happening and when. After various stops to pick up people we finally reached Corfu harbour where a man whose English was not very good explained we were boarding a boat to Albania.

On board the boat was offered extra excursion but refused, journey took 1 1/2 hours, in my haste I had forgotten my coat so with the sea breeze became quite cold, occasionally the representative explained what the various views were, unfortunately his English was poor as was the sound system, so I did not learn very much on the journey. I was not sure if it was just me so I checked with other travellers in case it was another Tog moment but they assured me they had the same problems.

On reaching San Saranda Albania the town seemed very small, we boarded a coach went for a drink, then boarded the coach again, I settled down and we acquired a new courier whose English was much better, he collected the tokens we had but explained to me I had the wrong tokens and it would cost me in 19 euro to stay on the coach, so totally embarrassed I paid the money and stayed on the tour.

We travelled to Butrinti and the courier explained various interesting points on the way. When we got there we spent two hours walking round which surprisingly was quite interesting for me who does not normally enjoy looking at ancient ruins(I am used to seeing one in the mirror each day) and took a series of photos as you can see from this limited selection.

Whilst looking round the ancient site it was interesting that parts of the original structures were still standing that had been built by slaves, when the best that modern workmanship and technology can produce in the present day appears to be a ten-year guarantee bearing in mind that people are now paid to build structures.

Returned to town in coach had meal then saw all highlights of the town including the fountains and the souvenir shop which appeared to be the only shop open, this seemed the total waste of time and possibly was just to take time up until it was time to board the boat again. We then returned to the boat and sailed back which was a great opportunity to take a couple of photos that I think are really good examples of sunsets but still do not do justice to the real thing.

It then seemed very long trip home with lots of people being dropped off all of a sudden the driver realised I was still on board so he had to retrace part of his route to drop me off, finally we reached my destination and in my rush to get off I slipped down the steps in a typical Tog moment losing the tiny bit of dignity that I had left. Returned to apartment had shower then spent a considerable amount of time trying to work out how to switch off the alarm on my watch which I had set that morning unsuccessfully (other Togs beware of clever electronics). Finally went down for meal then joined in general conversation

18th October 2006

woke up late, it was very cold so got up even later when it finally got warmer, decided to have relaxing day so sunbathed for most of the day, and chatted to other residents. In the afternoon when I returned to my room, I realised that I had put after sun cream on instead of protection cream, yet another Tog moment, sadly I was to pay the price for this in two ways, firstly I am still burnt and secondly when I told other residents they were highly amused and I am sure will add it to the list of amusing incidents that I created for them whilst on holiday.

Went with Cassie and Amy for a meal in the town, unfortunately it turned quite cold and the restaurant we went to that should have had a Greek show with a fire show never materialised (possibly that would have kept us warm) so we gave up and went back to the complex to warm up we relaxed by watching Shrek 2 on the TV.

19th October 2006

Got up early again, had breakfast then went to coach, this time much better organised courier was already on the coach, seemed to spend a long time picking people up from various points, unusually it was a double decker coach, we then went to various destinations such as Mouse Island which was very pretty.

We also went to Vlacherena Convent which was also picturesque in a beautiful setting.

We stopped for lunch at Paleocastrititsa which was another lovely little bay with magnificent views.

Finally we go drove up the narrow country roads to the little village of Bella Vista, I was amazed at how the driver managed to negotiate the little winding roads and streets, but when we got there the views were well worth the effort as you can see. Although you cannot see it I enjoyed a beautiful piece of walnut cake with ice cream and syrup whilst enjoying the view.

We then returned and I anticipated telling everybody at the complex about my day out, so had a bath and went down to the restaurant to find it totally deserted, despite this Spiro the waiter opened up the restaurant and arranged for very enjoyable meal for me to eat. After the meal I sat and chatted with some of the other residents who had then appeared.

20th October 2006

For those of you who are now getting bored we are nearing the end.
After a week of lovely weather it was really cold all day. I packed my belongings and moved them into Cassie and Amy's room which we had agreed to share the cost of rather than keep two rooms on until midnight. We then went down to reception who decided this was not a good idea to leave us in their room, instead we were moved to the opposite block on the top floor up three flight of stairs, as were the other residents who were moving out.

Went into Sidari for a break but it was cold and miserable so did not stay too long returned to apartment and spent most of the day just chatting. There was no heating in the apartment so had to put the electric rings on to warm the place up. Went down for meal then afterwards chatted to other residents until it was time to board the coach at 1 PM.

Finally got to airport joined the queue that did not appear to be moving, finally got to front to find that all cabin luggage was also being screened by security. Finally got into departure hall, said goodbye to Cassie and Amy, and went off to board my plane, only to find it was the wrong flight, eventually it appeared my flight was called so joined the queue to find it was another Tog moment it was the wrong airline. Saw another queue so checked and found this was my flight so finally was able to relax on the plane.

For those of you who have good memories you will remember that on the outward flight they played videos with no sound, surprise surprise they did it again. The good news was I could go to sleep until woken by the flight attendant offering a rather strange concoction for breakfast which helped wake me up.

At Manchester no problems my friend Tom arrived promptly to pick me up and his wife Wendy gave me a cup of tea together with some food and a portable TV to keep me going until mine is repaired(see previous Blog)

I would like to say a special thanks to Tom and Wendy for their assistance getting me to and from the airport, and a really special thank you to Cassie and Amy for their time and company putting up with me, tolerating all my strange behaviours, without making me feel foolish.