Dear Diary...

This is my diary. How things are. Or something. Please note that the diary is archived month by month, so feel free to click the links for the archives (which now will go back five years maximum):

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Saturday 22nd November - An Emotional Numan

I was staying down South this weekend, and probably a good job as all the trains to Manchester were royally screwed last night, and had a journey planned - to Brighton, see Gary Numan at the Brighton Centre. I'd been to the same venue with The Love In My Heart to see Paul Weller there last year, and know it's a good venue and normally with good sound engineers who know what they are doing. I had booked my super off peak return train as I could come back same evening back home (the last train is in fact 00:02 out of Brighton, often called the party train as The Love and I experienced last year) and set off mid-afternon to head down South.

Naturally though, it would be emotional too. My friend who passed away a couple of years ago was a huge Gary Numan fan, and we would go to lots of his gigs together, including the 50th birthday one at Manchester Academy, the one with the Skapris Orchestra at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester which made for a live DVD release, and even trips down to Cardiff to see the great man and his band in action. I miss him a lot, and as he was the same friend whom I've shared many memories at Man City with, it would be good to remember him the right way with hopefully City winning but also a great Numan show too.

If that wasn't enough, there was extra added emotion too. Gary Numan's brother had passed away last week, which left him understandably numb and shaken, especially when you consider the circumstances. His father and family had said that he should complete the tour and make it in honour of his brother (who apart from being a good musician himself was a qualifed aerobatics pilot and could do all the fancy stunts) so that is what was happening - but if there was emotions involved, I know that the genuine fans would be all be super kind and supportive and appreciate him. They're a good bunch, any fan I've met always seems passionate about the music but full of the same kindness that he seems to have.

I got into Brighton and the police were just moving the barriers to direct football fans to the Amex, as Brighton and Hove Albion were home against Fulham. It was also why I timed it to arrive around 3pm as I knew kick off would be then and so be a bit quieter in the station. I walked down towards the lovely little shops in the North Laine area of the city centre, and as the rain was coming in stopped off at the lovely Bread and Milk for a coffee, which had a relaxed vibe and certainly some lovely cakes, which I was being good and avoided. It was still hammering it own so took my time enjoying the coffee in there.

It was good to walk through the shops along the North Laine streets, stopping off in Resident Records to browse the music in there and enjoy the vibe. I was tempted by the Mike Joyce book about his time in The Smiths and it was signed too, but.. with this rain, not a chance of getting that and having it wrecked to be honest. So it was off to a local pub, have a relaxing pint in there, and then walking along towards the seafront, where the wind and rain was, shall we say, a tad intense!

The pier was at least warm and welcoming inside the arcade in the middle, and I did remember from my last solo visit here to see Kristin Hersh that they had four pinball machines side by side. And yes, they did. I in fact played two of them as they were £1 each - Dr No in fact I did well enough to get a replay score and have a second free go, and Venom next to it was also good. They were flanked either side by a Guitar Hero arcade machine which someone was having a go of - and even on a Coldplay song, you could tell they had not played the game for a while. One day, I shall be brave enough to take on Slayer's Raining Blood on that on at least medium, but need to be in the zone for it!

I had also won something on the grabber machines too (first go, unbelievably, so this is when you know you walk away from the machine as it won't be paying out any time soon!) so managed to keep that inside my coat and keep it dry as I walked back along the seafront and close to the venue to find somewhere to eat and drink for tea - and the usual haunt was open and had a spot, so I was in there. It was good to stay in there for a bit and keep warm and dry, and a few people did comment on my win - saying they had put so much in and never won a thing. Not complaining, mind you! In fact I had a good giggle with one of the security team at the Brighton Centre about it too which made me smile.

As I took my seat I found out that Manchester City had lost 2-1 at Newcastle United. Boo. Especially more so as VAR had taken around five minutes to decide their winner was onside (what happened to the semi-automated offsides working properly?) which benefitted no one, more so because as a fan of the home team you can't celebrate, which must have annoyed them. It seems a pattern happens too - if Erling Haaland doesn't score, we lose, so we need to address that and have someone else chip in with some more goals sometime. I had a good seat in the South Balcony with a great view (and aisle too so no one sat next to me one side, and a potential easier exit later for the walk to the train station) and was all ready for a good night.

And that started with Gary Numan's daughter, Raven, who has been forging her own solo career in the last few years. She had said in a recent interview she was inspired by the Victorian Goth look, and oh yes, definitely pulled that off. Her songs were a mixture of Goth, Industrial and darkwave, with the impressive My Reflection being a highlight for me - the lyrics being all about the myth of body perception and what you have to put up with. Her voice sounded really excellent throughout and also including a NIN cover, In This Twilight, was a nice move. More so as the DJ on the night was playing the Pretty Hate Machine album, in full, between sets. So yes of course I was going to sing to all the words of Sin, because why not?

Spot on 9pm, on came Gary Numan. It was the 45th anniversary of the Telekon album, so naturally this tour was going to focus on that, and be played in full - but, as a nice twist, not in track order. Starting off with the impressive This Wreckage (one of my favourite classic era Numan singles) was a good move, and the more reflective feel certainly came across well overall. A number of the songs are side swipes at the press and the way that fame can treat you, and naturally it was going to be very emotional during Please Push No More, so that was tune of the day - you could see it was a struggle at times because of what had happened in the past week, but everyone felt it and really give him a lot of love and support in the room.

It wasn't just the whole Telekon album but any associated tracks such as single B-sides like Photograph, as well as a delightfully dark and moody rendition of I Dream of Wires, with another highlight for me being Remind Me To Smile early on. The band were tight, despite one of the guitarists seemingly having a battle with the sound man to turn him up a litlte bit, and of course having two singles not off the album but appear on album re-issues near the end of the main set, the superb I Die You Die and We Are Glass really hit home well. When you know the lyrics of the chorus of I Die You Die especially, it does not hold back, let me tell you.

The band came back on for a four song encore and I must admit it was great to hear Friends especially, as that is for me under-rated. And those first three songs were very much rockier too which really came across well, before a beautifully epic rendition of Down in the Park to finish things off, with a synth piano introduction and outro at the end just setting the mood and tone perfectly with the track being intensely brilliant. I must admit this did bring back memories of my friend and I did get quite emotional, primarily because of all the great moments that we had together.

It was still windy but at least had stopped raining by the time I left the Brighton Centre and took the road uphill (and not flat either) and on the way to the train station, where I was able to grab a coffee for the train and then head on the 2256 departure back home. I remembered that Thameslink at the back is declassified first class, so why wouldn't I enjoy a more peaceful journey back home? It was good to get back on time and was tucked up in bed around midnight, reflecting on what had been a excellent gig despite the horrid weather and showed just how brilliant Gary Numan is, and his daughter too, who is walking her own musical path and doing so with aplomb (and she loves NIN, so has taste too!)

Tuesday 18th November - Scotland the Brave

The international break this time around had allowed for teams in Europe to complete their group stages and see who would qualify for the World Cup. England were the first to do so and had two games to spare, but had won on Thursday at home to Serbia and away on Sunday to Albania anyway just to cement maximum points and indeed no goals conceded. Norway with Erling Haaland on fire had smashed Italy 4-1 in the San Siro to win their group and get through, and with the last set of five groups decided tonight, six of the seven group winners were in the world top ten rankings: England, Croatia, France, Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal.

Tonight it was down to Scotland and Wales to see if they could either qualify automatically or get a playoff spot. Scotland were already guaranteed at least second but beating Denmark would mean an automatic spot. Wales had to hammer North Macedonia and hope Belgium slipped up against Liechtenstein (hardly going to happen but still.) Both games were on proper telly (BBC2 and BBC3 respectively) and so had picture in picture on the telly so I could be able to watch both, with Scotland the main focus as more was on the line. I do want the home nations to do well and Northern Ireland had through their Nations League performances got to the play-offs over the weekend too.

Flower of Scotland played loud and proud (make that tune of the day) with the fans giving the intensity of the atmosphere it needed. No one expected the opening few minutes to produce a superb goal, and yet Scott McTominay, a player loathed by Manchester United fans yet loved in Naples, did his bit with an overhead kick that was sublime and ridiculous at the same time. Wow. I was genuinely pleased because he cares so much when wearing his national shirt and it's good to see him set the tone for the rest of the team. The rest of the first half was very nervy as Denmark piled forward and should really have scored to be honest, but 1-0 at half time to Scotland. Would they take that at full time? Yes, but not the nerves.

Sadly that was not going to stay the same. Denmark came forward in numbers and a tackle right on the edge of the box by Andy Robertson looked clumsy. The moment it went to VAR for review you knew it was going to be tense, and sure enough, a penalty was given. Some may have called the ref, but he just went and made sure, and was the ref for the 2023 Champions League final, so has done the highest level. Denmark scored the equaliser and you could feel the sense of elation burst like a balloon across Hampden Park for a split second. However, the fans realised that more then ever the team needed them and with attacking changes made, it was set. But no one expected the next twenty minutes or so at the end to happen.

Scotland got a corner, and the ball swung in - and it may have been going in anyway to be honest, but nonetheless just to be sure (and remember the first touch from a corner cannot be offside) Lawrence Shankland knocked it in. 2-1 to Scotland and delirium in the stands. Well, for a few minutes anyway, as Denmark (whom don't forget were down to 10 men due to two yellow cards both for fouls on John McGinn) managed to find a way, and a calm finish into the bottom corner from Patrick Dorgu and that was 2-2. Stoppage time loomed. Denmark only needed a draw. What would happen?

Scotland piled forward in stoppage time knowing a goal would change everything. The ball was crossed in, it was part cleared but out of the corner of my eye I saw Kieran Tierney see the ball coming to him, and he unleashed a belter of a shot at pace and accuracy, right into the corner - no way was his Celtic team make Kasper Schmeichel getting that. 3-2. Bedlam everywhere. Surely now, not another twist, right, this game was already proving to be a modern classic and somehow the whole Agüerooooooo type moment here was theirs for the taking, and considering what Tierney has gone through, definitely nice it was him.

Denmark tried to get Schmeichel forward as much as they could, and a couple of times Scotland cleared and ran towards the opposite corner flag to see out time, the right thing to do. Then as Denmark had a chance blocked, Kenny McLean had turned past the Danish defender, spotteed Schmeichel off his line and with cries of "SHOOT!" from James McFadden in the BBC commentary box, he did just that, lofted it over Schmeichel from half way, and it was 4-2. No denying them now. This was their moment, and wow, what a moment for them. So many years of hurt since their last World Cup qualification (1998 incidentally!) so was super pleased, and wow, what a game for the ages.

Wales meanwhiile had kept me entertained on the other screen too as they had thrashed North Macedonia and then some, with Harry Wilson scoring a hat trick in their 7-1 demolition. That meant they were second in the group and would have a better draw (and a home one based on seedings) for their play-off semi final, whilst North Macedonia were still there based on their Nations League position (as Wales would have also been) but pot 2 instead of pot 4 worked out better for Wales of course. Interestingly, Belgium had smashed Liechtenstein 7-0 with Man City's Jeremy Doku on fire and so they had qualified as group winners, with Austria, Spain and Switzerland making the twelve in all.

Sunday 16th November - Sleepy Sunday

It was nice to be able to have a good night's sleep, and as much as The Love does miss Brian the cat (her sister was on cat feeding duty for this weekend) it does mean that there is no tippy tappy with his paws attempting to wake his Mummy up, so The Love took full advantage and had a restful sleep. I got myself up, made a coffee and checked out some of the other international football games that had taken place yesterday, with some more World Cup qualification assured and play off places being decided too. Of course later today Norway (and therefore Manchester City's Erling Haaland) would qualify if they avoided a nine goal defeat to Italy.

Once The Love was all up and around, I set about making some nice breakfast for us both, which included bacon, scrambled egg, hash browns, mushrooms and some chopped tomatoes for The Love. I'm now having to avoid sausages for health related reasons, which suits The Love fine as she's not a big fan of them anyway, so works out fine in the end. It was good just to get everything all nice and I know she appreciated it - it is usually her making us both a nice breakfast so it is good to return the favour to be honest.

We did watch some telly including Eva Longoria's trip around Spain, as there was one episode which focussed on Donostia - San Sebastián and the Basque country. In one early shot it showed one of the squares right near the hotel we stayed at when there this Summer, and showed a little tour of some the pintxos places in the Old Town which were all lovely. It brought back happy memories for us both, and it was also interesting to see her make the trip down the river Orla to Tolosa, a place famous for its black beans (called the black pearls) and how they are cooked simply but give off so much flavour and are perfect in the local dishes.

After that it was time to head out for East Croydon station and to the Crown and Anchor for Sunday lunch. It was the train to Victoria, and a quick look around Oliver Bonas, and then on to the tube to Warren Street, where we would then head out and take the short walk over to Drummond Street. Thankfully we had reserved a table as it can get busy in there on a Sunday, and we ended up with our usual table - two of the staff recognised us which was nice and said hello, and little things like that really do make a difference when you go somewhere a little regularly.

In any case, it was my turn to do the fish and chips this time around which was rather lovely, a crisp batter that was not greasy in any way, with some gorgeous minted peas and some chips too. The Love had the roast pork belly and that went down very well indeed, especially with roasties, a massive Yorkshire pudding and gravy. They also had the Titanic Plum Porter on cask so that was me more than happy, and the afternoon sped by in there as we were all chilled out and relaxed. I have to say I did feel very sad when saying a fond farewell to The Love tonight. As for tune of the day that is Seasons by Penfriend, as that just feels so lovely in the background when relaxing together and a gorgeous lovely song too.

Saturday 15th November - Haggerston Hebe

It was a nice relaxing morning as I was getting everything all ready for when The Love In My Heart would arrive for the weekend. I have to say it's always nice to be able to have her come down here and that means we get some quality time together and no trains for me. Although with the remnants of Storm Claudia still around, it did look like some of the trains between Manchester and London were on diversion due to some overhead line damage near Macclesfield - that meant Stockport to Stoke-on-Trent via Crewe and adding the journey time considerably.

I kept The Love posted and she was all good and got on her train fine, and once the delays had hit with the diversion, the train was over half an hour late and lost a little more time on its way down to Euston, meaning half of the fare back via Delay Repay. I later walked up to East Croydon station to meet her as she had managed to get the tube and then train from Victoria fine, and the slight drizzle had eased off too which was a positive - although it was predicted to come back for the remainder of the day.

I had got us tickets for a little craft fair inside Fairfield Halls where many independent makers were showing off their wares. It was really warm in the room that they had it in, but plenty of lovely things to peruse, and some cakes which would have been easily eaten very quickly had they been purchased. As it was, The Love did manage to get a couple of small gifts from one stall, and certainly all the stall holders we spoke to were really nice and they were passionate about their work too. Maybe though being £3 a ticket might have put some people off going, but hopefully that was busy enough during the day.

The Love and I then stopped off for a light lunch in The Green Dragon, along with a really nice stout from me to be had as well, and that set the nice weekend tone off, with lots of lovely chatter and some nice food - especially the chicken tenders with the Korean barbecue sauce - gorgeous. We did rest at mine for a while and had a coffee whilst seeing the remainder of Manchester City women's game against United, and a 3-0 tonking meant City would be four points clear at the top of the table. It was a very professional performance it has to be said!

We later on headed out and walked over to West Croydon station to catch the Overground, as we were off to Haggerston to meet up with The Love's niece. In fact whilst on the train she suggested we head to their flat first so we could see her boyfriend and sister before we'd set off, which was a good idea. It was good to chatter there for a bit and certainly heading to a gig up the road at Earth sounded like a good night out for two of them, with The Love's niece heading out with The Love and I for drinks and food. We were going to go to the newly re-opened The Fox, but that was packed and full of way too loud music and people, so it was on with Plan B.

And that was to go to Café Hebe on Kingsland Road, where The Love's niece knows the owners, and it was much more chilled out inside and definitely one which we enjoyed. They are toying with the idea of doing food some evenings, and doing a taster night in a few weeks' time which again would be a sensible way of finding out what is doable. It was just lovely in there, with no loud music, and all chilled out conversation with like minded people. More of that is always appreciated let me tell you.

It was on then to the Duke of York pub, where we had been before for food and booking a table was the sensible thing to do. We did note a large party of tables booked but ours was also there and all good, so we got some drinks - me the Gipsy Hill Hepcat, The Love with the Cruzcamp and the niece with Jubel. The food we did have was lovely too, and The Love had the fish and chips, the niece had the burger, and for me the baked cod, which was on a bed of green vegetables and potatoes with a lovely creamy sauce. It was stunningly nice and definitely well worth it, and drinks and conversation flowed for a good while as the night carried on so quickly without realising it!

Later we walked to the bus stop and realised that as the boxing was on at Tottenham's ground, the 149 bus we'd normally get to London Bridge for the train home was all mucked up, so it was back to the Overground, but this time heading off at Norwood Junction and getting the 312 bus home from there, which worked well. Back at mine, we settled in and watched Strictly Come Dancing from earlier, with some excellent routines - notably Amber and Nikita's paso doble to Aerosmith's Dream On, which is tune of the day - and executed so well that you'd hope they were safe when the public voted...

Sunday 9th November - City, Tearing Scousers Apart, Again

After Manchester City's win against Bournemouth last week, it was another 4.30pm kick off at the Etihad Stadium on a Sunday. This time I was not heading back on a late train home but instead I was staying over at The Love In My Heart's place, and was working from hers on the Monday (cue furrowed brows of Brian the cat!) and this could mean I'd be able to enjoy the game without thinking of rushing off home afterwards. I would of course expect the game to be intense but also it was Rememberance Sunday today, so there would be some poignant moments.

As it proved this morning, as The Love and I settled in with some breakfast and coffee to watch the service from the Cenotaph. It always feels like a moment in time seeing those who had given their lives for us to live the way we do now, and as my grandfather was called up in World War II, I know there is a part of me which will appreciate the effort he made (and was thankfully with us until 2002) so there is a sentiment of being eternally grateful but also thinking of those who were not so lucky and never came home, or in later conflicts across the world paid the ultimate sacrifice. And good to see the two minute silence impeccably observed too.

More of that at the stadium, the managers Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot laid wreaths by the pitch, and as the announcer recited the poem, a bugler came on and performed The Last Post. Tune of the day obviously, because of the poignancy and memories emotionally attached, and also due to the fact that it was so silent and calm before the intensity of the game to come. Naturally, we wanted to win and go into the international break full of confidence and being able to carry on our impressive run, but we will see.

City started the game the brighter, and Jeremy Doku down the left was particularly impressivew with his runs that were causing their defence all sorts of hassle. He was able to get challenged in the box, and after a lengthy VAR check which took far too long, City were awarded a penalty. Erling Haaland stepped up to take it, but he missed it with a good save from the Liverpool keeper, and was gutted. But I suspected that it would not be the last chance we would have, and was proven right a short while later as Matheus Nunes put a great cross in, and Haaland headed home for 1-0. Get in! (and plenty of Fantasy League managers up and down the country also breathed sighs of relief too.)

Liverpool did have a goal disallowed when Virgil van Dijk's header did go in but VAR suggested that Andy Robertson was in the eye line and offside when the ball was played. A bit controversial I have to say, and I think it may have been given on other days too (and should have been to be honest.) That only served as a wake up call and from a corner right near half time, the ball was passed to Nico Gonzalez, and he shot for goal which deflected off the back of van Dijk's legs and went in for 2-0. Well, I'll take that all day to be perfectly honest and going in at half time proved to be rather good.

City continued in the second half although Liverpool did have chances - Cody Gakpo should have scored, and there was a superb save from Gianluigi Donnarumma to deny the effort from Dominik Szoboszlai - which had been hit with some venom. Nico O'Reilly found Jeremy Doku, and the Belgian cut inside and then smashed a shot home which really did have us thinking "Wow, what a hit!" and indeed it was 3-0. That was how it stayed and although City could have scored more, beating Liverpool 3-0 did feel good and more of a statement win - whether that is us improving or they getting worse, time will tell, but something does not feel right at Anfield at present to be honest...

Sunday 2nd November - Haaland The Robot

It was nice to have had another good night's sleep as well tonight, so that did mean that we both were able to just enjoy the fact that Brian the cat also wanted to rest, and was happily snuggled up to his Mummy wanting lots of fussing and attention. That did not surprise me really, and so with that in mind, once we did get up and have a coffee, Brian wanted a little play out on the patio, spotted the local squirrel (who we call Sammy the Squirrel so it entertains the little ones somewhat) as well as take in some fresh air, as thankfully any threatened rain was not forthcoming which was a positive.

The Love did get something nice during the morning - a message to invite her to join Little Miss E, Little Miss O and their Mummy for a carvery later, with the plan being to go when the Manchester City game was on (which I would be going to) and then be back before the final whistle. I was tempted to join them but may see them after the game if they are waiting for the traffic to die down, but we shall see. In any case, I was looking forward to the game and seeing if Erling Haaland can resume his rich vein of scoring form that he has been doing for both Manchester City and his country Norway all season.

It was off to the Etihad then for me and off to my season ticket seat in Block 302. I must admit I am getting used to it up there, with the food and drink concessions being good (went for the chicken and chips) and generally being served quick. The fans around me I've got to see each game have been a good bunch and it's just nice to be able to get used to that and chat about the game whilst watching too, so that does make me feel a little nicer that I have that. A lot of City fans were pleased that West Ham United had beaten Newcastle United in the earlier kick off, us and West Ham do have some good affinity together and we generally cheer each other on (apart from when we play each other) and that was prevalent a lot during the end of the 2022-23 season especially.

Bournemouth arrived second in the league with Antoine Semenyo in very good form, but also their whole team seemed to have a great work for each other ethic and were playing good attractive football, so definitely proved to be the case early on as they had a goal disallowed for offside. City did get themselves in the game and it was end to end stuff. The ball was chipped forward, Rayan Cherki headed it on, and Erling Haaland got it, ran through on goal, and well, there was only one outcome wasn't there? 1-0 City and the announcer's cry of "Erling!" followed by the City fans' response of "Haaland!" also saw him celebrate, Peter Crouch robot-like, after the goal.

Bournemouth were not done though and they got a corner, which Gianluigi Donnarumma could only partially punch in the air, and the ball fell to Tyler Adams to equalise. The City keeper claimed a foul but it all looked good to me, and stupidly got himself booked for dissent despite the fact other players, after some protestations, had told him to leave it. City though were not in any mood to surrender soon thankfully and another excellent through ball found Erling Haaland and he did the same again, scoring for 2-1. I was pleased and it showed that we had nous, despite the referee Anthony Taylor clearly wanting to make the game all about him and his "decisions" which had both sets of fans perplexed and the City fans singing "It's all about you, it's all about you, Anthony Taylor, it's all about you" which no doubt would have been picked up on the telly.

After half time Bournemouth had a couple of good chances and one well saved by Donnarumma, but then as City went back into their groove, the ball went to Phil Foden, he placed a lovely ball to his left which was collected by Nico O'Reilly who slotted it home superbly for 3-1. I was pleased for him and indeed for Foden making his 200th Premier League appearance, the youngest ever City player to do so which is an impressive stat to say the least. The score stayed the same and City did the business, with Supra's version of Blue Moon in my head as I left the ground (and therefore tune of the day).

Sadly, the girls had all left before I got back (as their father had been to the City game too but left before full time to try and beat the traffic) and it would have been nice to see them, but I got it. The Love and I saw most of the Strictly Come Dancing results show before she very kindly dropped me off at Manchester Piccadilly station to get the train home. It was a relatively calm journey and after what had happened yesterday on an LNER train, I was just pleased that the journey had no incidents and I got home safe.

Saturday 1st November - Flooding With A Forty

After heading up on the train to Manchester last night, it was nice to just have some a rest and a lie in, although Brian the cat was doing his best to wake myself and The Love In My Heart up - not least when he taps his paw in the gentle direction of his Mummy. I got up and he was on it, looking at me with his "please give me some more Dreamies" face. Naturally I did relent a little bit but it had transpired that he had already had two lots from his Mummy overnight. He is not daft though is he? Once up, it was time to settle in with some James Martin on the telly.

I did head out to the local Asda, but with the rain that had fell overnight, that meant that the walkway across the zebra crossing was completely flooded, so had to head around that and get there. I did manage to get a few things that were needed and the rain had at least stopped which was something. I got back, and we enjoyed some breakfast before then looking at some potential present purchases for future birthdays, and the big C word was mentioned. This is primarily because if I get some of the presents now, the prices are cheaper and therefore get more for less - not daft, me!

In the early afternoon it was off to see my Mum, as it would be her birthday on Monday and so wanted to drop off a card and present for her, as well as a card and present for one of our other relations too so they could pick it up from there. It was good to see Mum and we had a coffee and a good catch up. She had been away with her friend and was telling us that it had been a good time, but also was able to find a new good place to eat out and that if they went back on holiday, they could go there and make sure they book it. It all sounded lovely to be fair, and we told her about our lovely lunch out when we went to Gordon Ramsay's Bar and Grill the other week.

The time went by far too quickly and before we knew it, we were saying a fond farewell and heading off to Wallop (formerly Wine and Wallop) in West Didsbury, where there were some lovely beers to be tried out and a nice chilled out vibe of music as it always is in there to be fair. I did wonder if some of the Manchester bands' members would be there (as sometimes they are) but not today, but we hadn't been in for a while since they had done a refurb so was good to be in - and definitely it was a good relaxed setting to be had before we then headed back to The Love's place.

After having some lovely chicken and vegetables for tea, it was time to settle in for tonight's Strictly Come Dancing and it was the Halloween special, which meant all sorts of excellent fancy dress and make up as well as some different dances too. Lewis Cope and Katya Jones went freestyle with their couples choice to a jazz version of Radiohead's Creep, and wow, it was amazing. I knew that there would be 10s and if Craig Revel Horwood gives it a 10, you knew it was going to be a maximum 40 overall, and that just had to be the dance of the night.

There were some other excellent performances though, Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe's dance to Horny (yes, that one!) was really good fun, as was La Voix with Aljaž Skorjanec doing the paso doble to Beethoven's Fifth, albeit a more modern rendition. However for me the one dance I loved was Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, with Karen channeling her Brummie roots, dancing the Argentine Tango to Red Right Hand by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (a song my friend and I adore, so tune of the day) and of course the theme tune to Peaky Blinders as well - so that fitted in rather well!