SOMETHING ELSE

Just to say that this has not suddenly turned into an Eddie Cochran tribute site, it's just that I thought I would give murder/mystery a break for a couple of books and read some fantasy novels instead. The author I picked is Terry Brooks and his 2 novels, Armageddon's children & The Elves of Cintra. I find Brooks work very easy on the eye, alright I admit his tales are so heavily influenced by Tolkien, it is almost like re-reading. However, what I will say is that his books are far easier to read, more up to date and equally thrilling.

Fantasy novels were once upon a time, long long ago a very firm favourite of mine, often finding themselves in mortal combat with that other favourite genre of the Horror book. If you should require recommendations in either of these fields, then I am happy to suggest the following author. ROBERT R McCAMMON. He has posted 3 exceptional works, including what happens to be my second favourite book of all time. These books are;

They Thirst, first U.S. 1981, first U.K. 1988.

Swan Song, first U.S. 1986, first U.K. 1988. (My second favourite book)

Stinger, first U.S. 1987, first U.K. 1989.

All of his other efforts are well worth a read, but to me these are exceptional.

The last few days have been the usual diet of routine, until yesterday, then WHACK, the car decides to break down. Got it to the garage, checked out and been told to expect the worse, a bill in the region of £600, or quite possibly even more. It's frustrating that for all my planning and calculations regarding my finances, due to my need for detail and precision (Aspergers again), that all the last 4 months and the forthcoming 2 months plans have gone out the window. I have also just spent £70 on a Gladys Mitchell, I could probably do with that money now.

As far as work is concerned I had a word with my Line Manager about the lack of rotation that I had had recently, and magically today was the day that I would receive a rotation. How ironic then that due to my car capitulating, I had to phone up and ask for a holiday. Life seems to have a tendency to kick you when you're down, but hey-ho, worse things happen at sea.

Dance to your Daddy, has now been completed and I have to say this is unquestionably the best and most rounded Gladys that I have up to now read. Although some may say the ending was hurried, and unsatisfactory. To these comments I say rubbish. This book is a firm 10 out of 10.

Gladys Mitchell, "The Man who grew Tomatoes" first U.K. edition published by Michael Joseph 1959, p248. Wrapper by Kenneth Farnhill.

Gladys Mitchell "Twelve Horses and the Hangmans Noose" first U.K. edition published by Michael Joseph, 1956, p236. Wrapper by Peter Curl.

THE ENIGMA OF TIME>

I don't know where it goes, the intangible, indefinable enigma of time. I go to work, do my job, come home knackered, check my e-mails, baseball, e-bay etc. Then watch a bit of telly, and eventually about 10pm go to bed to do it all again the next day. This does not happen every day, as on Monday nights I go to my MIND group in Market Harborough. This operates as a drop in from 6 till 8. It also provides me with probably my biggest social weekly activity. The only other regular out of house activity is my Thursday late afternoon befriending session with Bob. This has a dual benefit for me, these being it gives me a social outlet and also a sense of pride in respect of doing something positive for somebody who needs it.

Now I know someone who also found themselves in a rut and has taken huge strides to "reinvent" themselves. Unfortunately I don't think this is within my grasp. The only way I can see myself going forward is to take short little steps. We talked about an issue that's typical for me and occured today. We were at a shop and I stood at the counter quite happy in myself, but Jayne who stood to one side observed that my demeanor gave off what she describes as a menacing and aggressive look. Now certain people react to this demeanor in negative manners and this can then effect me and escalation can follow. I then find myself having an experience that will stay with me for sometimes hours, days or weeks. One of the curses of Aspergers.


Anyway, enough moaning, some covers. Gladys Mitchell's two 1974 publications.


" A Javelin for Jonah ", U.K. first edition, published by Michael Joseph, 1974, p200.



"Winking at the Brim", U.K. first edition, published by Michael Joseph,1974, p192

AT LAST.........CLOSURE.

It all started on 5th Feb' this year, and on Friday I had my appeal hearing. The result of this was there was going to be no change to my current status, that of being on a final written warning. When the G M explained his position, it really did leave him very little room for manoeuvre.

I went and saw Bob on Thursday as part of my "Befriending". He can talk plenty and has some fascinating tales about his life and some of the characters he has met. This week he touched upon a man who is infamous in his own right, and was the Richardson's main enforcer, he being Frankie Fraser. Being someone primarily interested in crime fiction, it is amazing to listen to these stories on real life criminals and their exploits.

Started reading "Dance to your Daddy" by Gladys Mitchell, first U.K. edition published 1969, P207. Jacket by Salim Patell.

Forward

Dame Beatrice Lestrange Bradley is invited to visit a man named Romilly Lestrange who claims kinship with her through her first husband. He wants her to examine his young wife, who, he states, has contracted a strange habit of throwing inanimate and also animate objects into the sea off a place called Dancing Ledge.

Dame Beatrice soon decides that there is little substance in the tale. Moreover, the girl denies that she is married to Lestrange and declares that he has kidnapped her in order to cheat her out of her inheritance.

Dame Beatrice is convinced that neither of these accounts covers the facts, and the sudden and unaccountable death of a younger member of the Lestrange family causes her to begin a serious search for the truth and for the murderer. This results in a story directly descended from victorian melodrama, with an urban villain and a modest hero in the best melodramatic tradition, with Dame Beatrice, as usual, the dea ex machina.

On page 50 already, and can safely say that i am thoroughly enjoying every word and nuance. This is one of Glady's most highly rated. I will reserve judgement for now.

Baseball latest, Fleckney Flyers, 108 overall, 4 in the BJ div.

Nice 'n' Sleazy, 205 overall, 9 in the BJ div.

EMPATHISE......NO CAN DO.

Apparently being able to empathise is an ability that people with Aspergers is bereft of. This has been confirmed by my long suffering wife and partner. When she needs a person to lean on, have an arm placed around her, and general comforting, I am afraid that I can be found wanting. This I hasten to add, is not because I don't care, feel the pain, anguish or upset, it's because I can't express or I struggle to show my feelings and yes to empathise.

Two people spoke to me this weekend and both expressed, what was for me, surprising problems they were experiencing. I feel really flattered that these two wonderful people have told me of their issues, I just hope that I can find the right way, words, thoughts and emotions to help these people. I go through these periods of self doubt, but am determined to do whatever I can for both of my friends. Like I have already said it is not that I care, because I do passionately, It's just that my body language, in the shape of its awkwardness, and also what appears to be an uninterested and dispassionate persona gives off bad vibes. What I am also very conscious of is my selfishness in going on about my problems and neglecting others. This is probably down to self indulgence and if I go on about myself I won't have my shortcomings in the empathy stakes show. So particularly to the two people I have already referred to I am sorry. I and swear that I will do what I can for you.

Anyway, enough of that. Now that I seem to have built up a rather long list of to reads, here are a few of them;

Gladys Mitchell-Dance to your Daddy

Gladys Mitchell-Death of a burrowing Mole

Marion Babson-The twelve deaths of Christmas

Anthony Gilbert-Riddle of a Lady

Margery Allingham-Hide my Eyes

David Roberts-Bones of the buried

Ngaio Marsh-Off with his head

M.C. Beaton-The Walkers of Dembley

Here are my 2 beautiful rescue cats, Shady and Sadie.

Sadie is the short haired.

EATING OUT

This week was a bit of a landmark one for me. Not only did I eat out once, but actually made it a two eat out week. Thursday Jayne and I went to Little India, and had a wonderful meal. This meal was definitely the hardest one to attend because I was out in public and felt uncomfortable with strangers around me. Jayne was so supportive and understanding on how I felt in an alien environment, with unfamiliar routines. I do so enjoy quality Indian food.

Meal 2, saw us visit Colin and Shannon for a lovely dinner cooked by Colin. I found that knowing the people and being in a relaxed and informal environment all contributed to ( What for me ) was a fantastic night. I am going to be sending Colin an e-mail later thanking both him and Shannon for last night.

The Olympics are finishing now, and what a games this has been for G.B. In 4 years it will be in London, I only hope we don't have a repeat of the Wembly fiasco.

A lot of people when they list authors, always go for the usual suspects, so for those of you here are a couple of Margery Allingham covers, but just take time out and look to broaden your horizons, there are so many other, more unheralded authors in the crime fiction genre, and become "different" , don't follow the masses. Me myself am always willing to broaden my library and possibly for me find a new Mitchell, Gilbert or Hare.

Anyway Margery Allingham.

Tiger in the Smoke, U.K. first edition, 1952, published Chatto & Windus, p272. Jacket by Youngman Carter.

The Beckoning Lady, U.K. first edition, 1955, published by Chatto & Windus, p244.

Hide My Eyes, U.K. first edition, 1958, published by Chatto & Windus, p219. Jacket by Youngman Carter.

MY DAUGHTER, MY PAIN, MY PRIDE !!!

Chelsey Belle Hubbard, she can be an absolute pain in the arse sometimes. What can I expect from a 16 year old who has to live, put up with and also understand an obnoxious, long faced, moody, miserable, misunderstood father. However there are times she makes me laugh and proud. We found slugs in the garden one day, and both Jayne and I were discussing the best way to get rid of them. It was a hot sunny day, so one suggestion was to put them on the pavement and let the sun do its duty. Chelsey was asked if she thought this was a good way to eliminate the problem. " Oh yes " came the answer, " Putting them in the sun will cause them to die from sun-stroke " Bless her.

Her exam results came out yesterday, and it has to be said that 18 months ago, we were dreading this day. But since she started going out with Will her whole attitude towards education has changed for the better. Anyway back to the results:

Food technology........Grade A

English........................Grade B

English lit....................Grade B

History........................Grade B

Child development..Grade B

Applied science..........Grade B

Maths..........................Grade C

Applied science..........Grade C

French.........................Grade C

ICT..............................Grade D

R E...............................Grade E

How pride am I for my little Chelsey, not only has she excelled herself in her education, but she also seems to be developing into a beautiful, caring and thoughtful young lady.

Chelsey and Will @ Granny and Grandads, celebrating their 16th birthdays. Date taken Sunday 20th July.

Baseball latest, Fleckney Flyers, 85 overall, 4 in the BJ div.

Nice 'n' sleazy, 185 overall, 7 in the BJ div.

U.K. first edition, Published for the Crime Club by Collins, 1963, P256. Jacket by Brian Russell.

U.K. first edition. Published for the Crime Club by Collins, 1964, P256.

U.K. first edition. Published for the Crime Club by Collins. 1958. P256.

U.K. first edition. Published for the Crime Club by Collins. 1955. P192.

ROAD TO NOWHERE

Here we go again, another entry in to depression. I don't quite know why, but whilst I write this I just feel very unsure, tense, vulnerable and anxious. All of these things tend to lead me in to a stressful state and also on a downer. Life, so I am told is for living. Me personally seem to live my life at an almost existence level. There is no apparent or obvious pleasure in this existence, alright I have my books, baseball and at the moment the Olympics. I go to my Monday MIND meetings, where I am slowly being more accepted by the regulars. This gives me a sense of belonging and satisfaction. My social worker has now suggested I see a psychiatrist. Well in for a penny in for a pound.

Baseball latest.

Fleckney Flyers, 95 overall, 4 in the BJ div'.

Nice 'n' sleazy, 220 overall, 7 in the BJ div'.

A nice couple of Ngaio Marsh covers.

Colour Scheme, U.K. first edition, 1943, pub for the crime club by Collins. P256

Died in the wool, U.K. first edition, 1945, pub for the crime club by Collins. P256