Music & fear

First things first, the gig last night was fantastic. The set was a clever mix of new and old, including some so old that none of us knew them. {However the four guys in front of us knew every word.} It was just Amy & Emily and a dozen or so guitars. I pity their sound guy. His job was to bring on the right guitars for each song, removing the guitars from the previous song, and tuning the guitars for the next song while they played. Not an easy task I'd say. They played for an hour and a half straight and I loved every minute. Two very talented musicians. I think thats one of the reasons I like them. There's no jazz or drama about them, they just play good music and sing great lyrics. Their albums are usually recorded with a band, but any time we've seen them play its just been them and their guitars, and its always an amazing gig. I'd recommend them to anyone.

Change of topic. Walking home from work this evening I ended up behind a group of 'youths'. I counted and there were 16 of them, all darkly dressed and all about 14 or 15 I'd say. And I felt intimidated. Not entirely sure why. Could have been the time of year, or that it was after 8:30 and pretty damn dark out. Or that there were so many of them and just one of me. Or that they were discussing playing pranks like knock a dolly. {Not the term they used, but same idea.} Either way, I could feel me feet slowing down while they blocked the way ahead, and then speeding up once I knew I could pass them; my heart starting to race as I overtook them, hoping they kept ignoring me. At the time I felt a little silly and I still do for reacting that way to a bunch of teenagers. But at the same time, I think I'm right to be a bit nervous.

For as long as I've been going out in Tramore I have never had a problem with walking home alone after a night out. But in the last few months when I've been out, I've tried to avoid it. I shouldn't have to be nervous about walking home through my estate - that's the bit that bothers me as it's quite dark - but I am. Is it a sign of the times, or am I just getting old and a bit more sensible? Or sensitive?

Calling Batman, Come In Batman.

Week two at home is done. And has anything changed? No. Cv's have been sent out, flights have been booked and the rain is falling heavier now than a week ago, but thats kinda it.

Went for a walk with my 4 year old nephew this morning, we went down to the beach. That is actually the most exciting thing I've done with any of my days this week.

I booked flights, back in the UK on the 10th of July. Back in Hull on the 12th. Going to York for a couple of gigs and to see friends. Really looking forward to that, though Lord help me but I can't remember the names of the bands I'm going to see. I'm sure they'll be good.

No, I actually have nothing else to talk about. See you in the next cartoon...

...Commissioner Gordon!

Weekend at Home

Well I needn't have worried. The weekend was a great success. Mike and I both had a great time. My friends liked him, my family loved him and it was a chance for he and I to both just relax and chill out away from Hull. We walked for hours on Sunday, which was really nice. We walked the Doneraile, down to the cove, around the cliff towards the Guillamene and Newtown cove, up through Newtown forest, back by the Pitch and Putt and back in by the golf course. Mike debated going surfing but it was just a bit too stormy, so I took pictures instead!

Seeing the two boys when they were both in good form was brilliant. Since they were both sick over Christmas it wasn't the best time for them, neither of them were entirely themselves. But this weekend was a different matter. Conor was racing around the house on his big boys bike and Eoin was following as quickly as he could in his walker. They're gonna be trouble in a couple of years!