A Quiet Night In

 

It’s still hot here in the UK, Wimbledon started and the World Cup is in the knockout stages; either one or all three of these factors meant that the crowd at the Milford Arms was a fraction of its normal size. This of course was fine with me because I don’t like crowds but for the people who run the jazz club it was a bit discouraging, especially since it’s only been in the current venue for two months and I think they are worried about getting the boot if the numbers drop.

As I said it’s still hot, which I hate but it’s a shame Neil would have loved this weather. For the past three summers he’s complained about it not being hot and sunny – even though it was, just only for a few days which I’d prefer. But we’re going into our third week of 80°+ heat which is a bit extreme for a place with very little air conditioning.

Today is four months since Neil died. I still can’t believe it, but that’s why I’m writing this today and not him. Although I miss him every day some days little things happen that remind of things I’ve totally forgotten about. Like last week while Derek Nash was playing he licked the tip of his index finger and gestured an exclamation point. I don’t really know what that means but Neil used to do that when he’d done something he was proud of and wanted credit for. Last night it was me taking notes for the blog on the raffle tickets. When Neil was well and writing the blog he always kept about four recycled envelopes  in his pocket for taking notes. They could be used for anything but at the jazz he usually used them to take notes like, the songs that were played or little events that happened like someone spilling their drink on the jazz club villain and him storming off as a result … Result!

A lot of nights at the jazz club would be either a night that he enjoyed or one that I enjoyed. Last night though I think would have been the rare occasion where I liked one half and he liked the other. Last night was a night of two halves. The first half was dominated by the smooth and spicy sounds of Theo Travis. I love the sax and have since I was a teenager, and Theo plays my kind of sax. I think he could make it on the smooth jazz circuit if he were looking for some extra income.

The first half included some of my favorites like Recorda Me and In a Sentimental Mood - a song that almost anyone would know even if they didn’t know jazz, it’s been in movie soundtracks and is a classic. For me it’s a song that would come to mind when you think of the sax .

The second half was more upbeat and featured more of the screeching trumpet and flugelhorn of Steve Waterman. I love a screechy trumpet while Neil loved a mute, he’d get excited whenever one was used. And like he always said, “If we were the same it would be boring”. I like smooth things  whereas he thought smooth music was "inoffensive" which for Neil was not a compliment. Neil liked things to “grab you by the lapel and shake you”, so I think he would have really enjoyed the second half after probably sleeping through the first.

It’s the first week of July so of course Tim Wells was playing the bass. The “Baltimore bass man” as he’s known always seems to be at the jazz club around the 4^th of July. The first year I wished him a happy 4^th, he kind of rolled his eyes at me. It was okay, I was never really been a fan anyway. And because he was there the band played Old Blues which I said to Martin must be his favorite song because whenever he comes (which is at least once a month) they play it.

One of Martin’s favorites was on keys, John Horler. No original music last night which is a shame. They usually play one of his pieces when he comes. And of course Trevor Tomkins was on drums, and in another lovely shirt from Ghana. I told him, maybe it’s the shirt! Last week he was on fire and this week he was still smoldering. The band played Joy Spring again (Derek Nash, et al played it last week) but I liked this week's version better.

I thought I’d end this week’s write up with a story about Theo Travis. The first time I remember seeing him I told Neil he looked like Rev. Richard Coles who was in a Pop band in the 80’s called the Communards. Neil agreed with my observation. The next time Theo Travis came to our club I asked Martin “Have you heard of the Communards?” He made a perplexed face and said “Yes”. I said “This guy looks like the keyboard player, I can’t remember his name but he’s a vicar now.” Martin’s face looked even more confused after that. When I asked him if he’d heard of the Communards he thought I meant the Paris Commune not the 80’s Pop band. But after a few minutes he agreed that Theo Travis does resemble the Rev. Richard Coles.

What do you think?



Rev Richard Coles

 

Theo Travis

One of Neil's write ups on Theo Travis

One of Neil's write ups on the Communards (Paris Commune not the 80's Pop band) 

 

Robyn G. M. Harris

(a One Day at a Time Production)

 

 

Hot Like Fire

Another evening at the Milford Arms, I’d missed last week after a very emotional evening the week before. Neil and I both like Stan Salzman (the saxophonist who was on last week), we even saw him out one day. But as much as I do like Stan we both love Derek Nash and planned to go see his funk band. So I skipped last week to be ready for last night.

Derek Nash Funk Experience https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAO6migZFFk

The night had a few substitutions; Val Mannix who I always like to support has been ill and I’m hoping for a speedy recovery, Andrew Clyndert was in his place. John Etheridge (who I’m not a huge fan of, but he does do a mean version of Coming Home Baby) was called away at the last minute so in his place was Neil’s arch nemesis Jim Mullin.

The funny thing about Neil’s relationship with Jim Mullin is that he admired him as a guitarist. He used to say that he is very talented, but he plays as if he got bored so he now sneaks in “Quotes” which drove Neil crazy. And the highlight of any evening with Neil at a Jim Mullin gig was counting the quotes. Unfortunately the main players in the game of “Count the Quotes”, Neil and Sue weren’t there last night so I was a bit lost.

Last night he was rather reserved. After at least two quotes including a “Can-Can” in the first song Derek Nash gave Mullin a “Yellow Card”, the result being that as far as Martin and myself could tell he didn’t “quote” anymore until the last piece. But more on that later.

Derek Nash was fantastic as always, full of energy and usual with his inventory of Saxes of many sizes; from the mighty baritone to the tiny curved soprano. Derek Nash is not just a saxophonist, he also brings along a collection of percussion instruments. Unfortunately the very popular orange didn’t make an appearance last night. But he was still in good form; he stopped my heart with the baritone sax and tickled my soul with the soprano.

I told Martin when we were leaving I was never overly impressed with Andrew Clyndert before, but last night he stood out as well. It was as if the heat brought out the best in all of the musicians. I have to say now I think Andrew Clyndert may be my #2 favorite bass player behind the amazing Dave Green.

And I think I’m changing, or maybe it’s the new positioning of the Milford Arms. At the Red Lion the band were on a tiny stage and seemed untouchable. But at the Milford arms they are almost in our laps, especially since Martin and I like to sit on the bench on the side. The Pianist sets up right next to us. When Ted Beaumont arrived he asked where he sets up and I told him right here next to me. It gives you a new respect for the keys, you can see their fingers working overtime. I noticed it the other week with John Horler but last night Ted Beaumont was amazing especially on the blues piece.

Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far and by night time the temperature hadn’t dropped by much. It was still stifling in the Milford Arms with even Trevor Tomkins saying “You think it’s hot out there, you should be back here!” I guess that’s why he was on fire. Trevor is always great but last night he played as if the drums were on fire and he was putting the fire out with the sticks. I had to go shake his hand when the night was over to tell him how amazing he was. He was full of energy. Every solo blew your mind; it wasn’t just his turn, he stole the show with every solo.

The quintet tried to cool us off with a piece by Martin’s hero Clifford Brown call Joy Spring, unfortunately it didn’t work for me. But then they played a Blues piece called “Sweet’s Blues” which featured the baritone sax and “the top of Ted’s range” as Derek Nash said. Sweet’s Blues broke me out in a sweat – I still don’t like the Blues Tony! But bluesy jazz is alright.

But the piece de resistance was All the Things You are which seemed to span several centuries in one piece. Clyndert played the bass with a bow and together with Beaumont’s piano style gave the piece a Baroque feel. Nash and Tomkins would bring it back to the 20^th century. Overall the piece was incredible but it was a bit spoiled by Mullin sneaking in Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely.

Neil’s write ups of Derek Nash:

http://helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com/2014/08/derek-nash-comin-home-baby.html

http://helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com/2016/11/derek-nash-and-john-etheridge-at-red.html

http://helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com/2018/02/farewell-to-red-lion-isleworth.html

The Doctor is in!

I arrived at the Milford Arms at 6:30 to make sure I could get a good seat. At first it was pleasant enough. I ordered a veggie burger to pass the time and unfortunately was gives the wrong one - I hate portabella mushrooms! But the burger was smothered in sauce and arugula so I wolfed it down before out could hit my taste buds.

Then people started arriving; first another early bird who also comes early to get a seat and dinner. Then more of the regulars and the band start to trickle in.

All of a sudden it was as if I were in a time warp. I kept looking at the door looking for someone. I thought I saw his car go by. The mind is a terrible thing! Tears started to fall and I tried to be inconspicuous but by time matchmaker Martin arrived I was sobbing. Even though he never came to this pub for jazz I still expected Neil to be there. Especially last night of all nights.

Firstly it's a quartet, Neil loved a quartet! But most of all because the Dr was in last night. Art Theman the bebop sax man. He was Neil's favourite saxophonist and I think Neil was very impressed by the fact that besides being an accomplished saxophone player Art Theman was an orthopaedic surgeon for years.

When Art "The Man" arrived I went up to him right away and asked to buy him a drink. I told him about Neil and he asked to see his picture."I know him!" he said. He asked if he went deep sea diving - not my Neil, he hated swimming!

It was a great night, in addition to the doctor there was my favourite bass player Dave Green, the great John Horler on keys and of course professor Trevor Tomkins on drums as always. The music was great too! They played a couple of Dexter Gordon tunes and an amazing original piece of John Horler's called "Round in Three" and Art Theman told jokes between songs. They even went on past 11 which is always a treat.

So despite my breakdown at the start of the evening it turned out to be a good night. Good friends, great tunes and a nice pub. If you're ever in Isleworth on a Monday you should come to the Milford Arms and check it out.

Neil's write ups of Art Theman:

2013

2015

2016

Funeral Announcements

All are welcome!

 

 

I am asking everyone to either wear a red accessory (tie, scarf, pin, etc.) or a hat. For directions to Mortlake Crematorium please click on the link. http://www.mortlakecrematorium.org/directions/

Following the service there will be a wake at The Ship pub which is just a five minute walk (along the river walkway) or drive away. Again all are welcome but please comment on this post if you have not already contacted me (Robyn) that you will be attending the wake. I need a headcount to know how much food will be needed at the pub. The funeral car will go to the pub from the crematorium so if you are driving you can follow, if you will not be attending the crematorium please click on the link below for directions to the pub. The pub is about two city blocks from the Mortlake train station and one city block from TFL bus route 419 (Ship Lane/Stag Brewery).
https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/ship/

In lieu of flowers please donate money to The New Worker Newspaper at:

NCP
P.O.Box 73
London
SW11 2PQ
U.K.

The Last Post

The Last Post

 

As I’m sure you are aware Neil passed away Saturday March 3rd. It was sudden and a complete shock to both he and I. I had been noticing little things that were becoming harder for him to do but I had no idea he was leaving so soon. One of the things that really upsets me is that he didn’t finish his big article that he’d wanted to write for decades, he’d done so much research preparing for it but he hadn’t worked on it in over a week.

 

In the years he had been writing the blog he shared a lot; poems both original and by famous poets, he shared experiences and told stories of events that receive little to no recognition. Since this may be the last post I want to take the time to tell you about the man himself.

He was the younger of two children and grew up in a small quiet village not far from Windsor. He was very intelligent! After finishing school he attended London School of Economics. Once he graduated he had a hard time obtaining a decent job; he worked for the Co-Op as a poultry salesman but was unhappy, he then went to work at Our Price Record store in Hounslow. Finding it hard to start a career with his degree and background he went back to school to become a Solicitor with the logic that no one could stop him from doing that. He scored in the top ten in the entire country on the law exam when he was finished. He wanted to study family law but had a hard time getting a placement so he took up criminal law instead and worked for over twenty years as a duty solicitor serving mostly Brentford, Hounslow and Feltham.

Neil was a kind, caring and sensitive person. He fought for fairness and justice for all people. He protested for fair tuition fees for international students while at university. He volunteered as security for the Pride parade in the 80’s. He was active in the Rock against Racism campaign. He was very active in the fight against apartheid. He supported the miners during their strike. Even in the last few years he would support striking workers, joining their pickets. I have to admit it was quite fun supporting the junior doctors.

 

Neil was very politically active and even ran for a local council seat in 1981. As I’m sure you can figure out from reading the blog Neil was a “left wing trouble maker”. He wanted to empower working class people and he supported movements that did just that. He hated to see vulnerable people taken advantage of and being trampled over by the rich and large corporations. That was why he was proud to serve as a duty (legal aid) solicitor. He wanted to help the people who couldn’t afford help and often extended his serves to them outside of the courtroom and police station. He would encourage his clients to better themselves by looking for opportunities for them to change their lives.

Even though Neil loved being in the middle of the action, he was extremely shy. He felt invisible in a crowd or maybe he felt safe in large numbers. He didn’t have many close friends but he seems to have made a big impact on a lot of people both in person and through the blog.

I am very glad that Neil decided to start this blog. I think it gave him a new zest for life not just because it gave him something constructive to do with his time, but it allowed him to get back to things he loved to do; writing and photography. It also gave him the chance to explore local art galleries, zoos, sporting venues and pubs. It allowed him to discover up and coming poets, artists and bands. He had a reason to travel and find new things to do like Fire Spinning.

 

If it weren’t for this blog we wouldn’t have met. Neil told me that many times. For one thing he probably would not have ventured out to the Jazz Club and once we met I got in touch with him through the blog. It was a pleasure sharing the adventures with Neil and you all. Neil was the best man I ever met and wish you all could have gotten to know him personally. But I hope that in reading the blog for the past six years you have learned things you never knew and seen things you never would have seen. Neil’s purpose for this blog was to increase staff at his local hospital. Although he may not have done that, he did introduce us to a lot of people, places and things we wouldn’t have otherwise known about.

 

So if you have enjoyed the blog please carry on Neil’s legacy by going out and discovering something in your own back yard. Try a new pub or bar, listen to a new local band and, support your local art gallery. Venture out to attractions that are near you that you haven’t been to or never knew about. There is so much out there to see and experience. Don’t let your life pass you by; have fun and live life to the fullest. You can sleep on the bus, train or car ride home. Or in the waiting room at the hospital. When you look back at your life make sure there is nothing you wanted to do that you didn’t get to try.

 

 

 

 

NEIL ANDREW HARRIS

NOVEMBER 4, 1958 - MARCH 3, 2018

 

 

Angry about a TV show.

One of the TV programmes I didn't watch this week was about the world's most xpensive hotels. There is an immoralityAbout this kind of ostentatious luxury I can't stand. It's not just me that doesn't like it either. My old friend Pete always used to say that the poorest countries in the world always had the most expensive and luxurious hotels.

And I'm afraid it's true. You can be staying in the most poverty stricken third world country and yet living in ostentatious luxury.

Maybe you can understand why I didn't feel the need for a glossy travelogue about millionaires luxury holidays, which Is what the holiday show was about.

And no, I'll never be able to afford these kind of places for myself and I'm very happy with that.

Pete was right.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production\)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
ContCactme@gail.co.uk

So tired.

Yet another tough day recovering from my hospital visit on Monday. Didn't sleep at all well and spent the day sleeping to catch up. So I seemed OK but I wasn't.

Will  need to keep an eye on this, if you will forgive the pun.

But Monday was absolutely exhausting, so it  may not be such a surprise as all that.

I still have things I mean to do before it's too late, let's just hope I can get them all done.



Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

Steep slopes.

I have no idea how Robyn got me up to Hospital and back but she did.

There was too long a delay to get a blood lest done in time and Dr Feelgood is slowly removing herself from my treatment. That's because we've reached the point where there isn't a lot that can be done. There are question marks - I could improve (which changes everything) but it's not very likely.

Meanwhile it was really cold, a freezing wind and snow. It pretty much killed me. As I said I had no idea how Robyn pulled it off.

It was this bad; I had to walk over the grass using a walking frame rather than on the pavement because it would have been less likely I would have broken anything if I'd fallen over.

I didn't fall but getting over the front doorstep was agony and dangerous.

It was my Everest and as Robyn said; you always wanted to climb Everest.

Now we have a killing cold spell to get through. I hope to make it but you never know.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

Tough decisions.

An altogether less fun day - I had a real struggle getting myself to bed last night, eventually needing Robyn's help. So today Robyn moved our bed to a room nearer to the front room although I'm not so optimistic. I see the boundaries of my world closing in on me.

Tomorrow I'm back up at Hospital, expecting some really bad news and a very tough journey as well. it's also getting very cold with snow forecast. it's desperate - I've assumed I'll be in a wheelchair the whole time and not sure whether I can cope with that. The only other alternative is 'Patient Transport', which is a nightmare in itself, one which I don't intend to share with you.

The struggle continues but it's now a real life or death struggle for me.

Will keep you posted. 

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

Funk Soul Brothers.

I had a lousy day today and it's getting colder than ever, which I could do without.

It's about eight o'clock on a Saturday night and I'm eating a Tesco's Valencia Orange ice lolly, which is the memory of the day. On the radio is Craig Charle's Funk and Soul Show and I'm listening to the James Taylor Quartet.

I've travelled back in time and space to 2014 and I'm watching the band play at The Imperial Wharf Jazz Festival which no longer exists.

This is all thanks to my friend Theo who turned up to check that I was alright and brought with him a box of boiled eggs! Which I am now quite partial to but which seemed strange at the time.

The sounds of sophisticated Funk are echoing through the apartment blocks of the newly rich of London and being listened to by the likes of me.

I knew at the time how lucky that moment was even though I appreciate it that much more now. Actually I was quite ill at the time too.

I had hopes of catching the band again about a month later in Brighton but the concert was cancelled, as was it's replacement a month later. In the years since then there have been many reasons why I couldn't manage to see them but it doesn't really matter, I can still see them in my minds eye.

And I'm tasting frozen orange juice at the same time.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

The Tesco's Robin.

We've had a great relationship with the Tesco's at Ashford and I'm very sorry I can't make it back there again.

Just for old time's sake here is the Robin who occasionally visits the bakery department like we did;

And here in closeup;

 

Who wouldn't like that?

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

Robyn's guest Blog.

It's been a while since I made it to Tesco's and to be honest it's probably not happening again.

Every week, someone approaches Robyn and this week she wanted to write a guest Blog for me.

Here it is!

Six weeks ago I went to Tesco early by happy accident. The shelter program I’ve been volunteering with since I’ve been here needed a meal cooked so I got up at 6 and went to Tesco to get the ingredients to make a Lasagna. It was heaven! There was no traffic, there were 10 cars in the whole parking lot and there were about four shoppers besides myself. The staff was happy and talked to me. Three staff members said “You’re here early!” one of them I’d never seen before.

I liked it so much that I decided that I was doing the shopping at that time from now on. This morning I had to drop off a letter to our doctor’s office so I went a little later, I went at 7. I got to an aisle and I saw the woman that I didn’t know again. This time she stopped and had a conversation.

                “Coming by yourself now?”

                “Yeah, Neil isn’t well.”

                “Aw, I’m sorry to hear that. I will never forget you two dancing in the store. Please give him my well wishes”

To be honest when she said “I’ll never forget” I thought she was going to recall one day when we were shopping and Neil laid down on the floor and refused to get up. It was just before his birthday in 2014 and I said I was going to bake him a cake. Then I asked a friend to bake it for me. It was a surprise for Neil and he was upset that I wasn’t buying any baking goods, so he laid down on the floor in protest until I bought the ingredients.

I wanted to cry! About two or three years ago their bakery played music and when there was a romantic song playing we would stop and dance (we also did this once in Camden Market). That’s before they renovated the bakery for the second time in as many years only this time shrinking it to half the size. Back then the bakery staff was nice and when you wanted anything they actually got it and bagged it for you. Now they are forced to stay in the back baking the goods and there isn’t anyone there to help you. A couple of them are really nice but none of the previous bakers are still there.

I’m sure that if you’ve been reading the blog for any length of time you know that things have been getting progressively worse for quite some time now. We don’t get to do the things we used to. We don’t have much fun anymore. And with the struggle you forget how magical life used to be. I like looking back at pictures of us from the early days before we had stresses like Visas, Chemo and preparing for the eminent. Sometimes it’s a gift to have someone from the outside tell you that they witnessed how magical your life was. Because when you’re in it day to day sometimes you forget.

Don’t Forget!

Robyn May
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

I need remission!

I had yet another tough day today, after a difficult night.

The District Nurse came round, and everything seems to be getting worse or no better. Which, to be honest is how it feels.

I'm back up at hospital next week and not looking forward to the journey or the news I'll  get.

So it's been another depressing time.

Bear with me, you never know with cancer, you get time off for good behaviour sometimes! I'm certainly due a spot of remission at the moment.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

I'll buy you one more frozen orange juice.

 

I'll buy you one more frozen orange juice
On this fantastic day
We'll walk the sunny hills of Madrid
Laughing all the way

And if you feel you wanna run down the ravine
A place that no one else has ever seen before

And I pick a flower from the road
And place it in your heart
We will hold our breath together
We shall never part
 
Frozen Orange Juice by Peter Sarstedt
 
 

Robyn has bought me frozen Ice Lollies (Finest) from Tesco's and they are fantastic!

 

A taste of summer, a taste of the Mediterranean. Either way, one of the things I always wanted to do was to pick oranges and lemons straight from the tree, something that never worked out for me.

 

This is as close as it gets but it's worth it.

 

Neil Harris

(a don't stop till you drop production)

Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com

Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com 

Oh dear me!

Difficult day - I have a medication which I had to stop taking because it was making me ill. Today I started taking it again but in a much smaller amount. That didn't work - it made me ill in roughly the same way, so I've had to stop taking it again.

Then I got Robyn to get me a load of stuff from my room and I've been throwing it out. For most people that would be easy
but I'm a hoarder and it wasn't easy. I ended up time travelling as I chucked out stuff I should never have hung on to in the first place.

So not a happy day, an ill day and a sad one too. And I still have a mountain of stuff to throw out and I have no one to blame except myself.

I'll cheer up tomorrow.

Neil Harris.
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

i shall imagine life.

 

i shall imagine life

is not worth dying if
(and when) roses complain
their beauties are in vain

but though mankind persuades
itself that every weed's
a rose roses(you feel
certain)will only smile

 

e.e. Cummings

 

 

Neil Harris

(a don't stop till you drop production)

Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com

Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com 

Hurry up spring!

Robyn brought me a crocus from the garden this morning. We'd been watching a programme about saffron but I had to tell her that it wasn't the same crocus - saffron come from what we call  the 'Autumn crocus' which does grow here, in places and used to be part of a big industry.

Just near Smithfield Market in Clerkenwell you can still find a little neighbourhood called Saffron Hill, where the crocuses used to be grown in what is now the centre of London.

It's not spring yet - the flowers come out because they are programmed to do that by the length of the days, which are getting longer by the week. But spring needs warm temperatures too and we haven't had that yet. it was cold again today and I'm fairly sensitive to that.

But you can feel my hunger for spring. A race as to whether I get another spring under my belt.

I feel entitled to another one.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

In the full glare of the sun.

If there was a time for being tough, I guess it's now. I had yet another hard day, when it should have been easy.

Robyn did the shopping at Tesco's very early and without me, whole I lay in bed late. Which ought to be good for me but wasn't.

It hurt.

She came back with good wishes from the security guard, who used to lend me the disabled cart. It was very moving. Often I get messages from the pharmacy or the fruit and veg guy or people on the check outs. I spent a lot of time there and it's nice to be missed.

But I was ill today, drowsing in the sunshine. Remembering other times sat in the sun in better places at better times of day.

After a long walk down to Kynance Cove on The Lizard in Cornwall. After marvelling at the red and green cliffs of the cove, formed from Serpentine rock. I climbed back to the cliff top and walked along The Lizard, stopping to lie on the summer grass, watching clouds as they smoothed their way across the sky, occasionally breaking to let the sun through so that I could shut my eyes and just bask in it.

Well, that's what I was thinking about as the afternoon sun flooded through the window onto my eyelids.

I'll miss it.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

Spring? Not yet.

It was as though the sun came out today and the weather was milder. It's a bit of an illusion and I'm certainly not calling spring just yet but the winter eased for a moment and I'm not sorry.

It's been cold and miserable this winter and a real struggle. Yes. I know, it was always going to be a struggle but it was worse than it needed to be.

It's now the middle of February and high time Winter gave us a break. That's all I'm saying.

The District Nurse came today, after almost a week and it will be nearly a week before they come again. It's both good and bad news - for one problem things are improving for another there isn't anything they can do. I'm struggling on, with a bit of sunshine coming through the window in the afternoon to give me a hand.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

Heading for a fall.

I had a very lucky day today - I nearly had a fall but I didn't.

It's been a constant risk and a worry - having a fall would be a real problem with my crumbly bones.

This morning I was walking from the bedroom, using my two walking sticks when I had a freak accident. My sticks are made up of sections of metal that fit together and held tight but elastic that keeps them in the form of a stick. But when you want to you can fold them up - it's really useful.

As I was walking I trod on the rubber ferrule on the tip of one of the sticks, lifted it up as normal and then........the stick came apart just as I was about to lean on it.

As I said, I was very lucky, I recovered before I fell over but I got a shock and a wake up call.

ill have to be more careful as I stagger about.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

Happy Valentines Day!

It's Valentine's Day today but I can't get to the shops any more, so no card for Robyn.

No Card?

I don't think so, I made my own for her. I'm not sure what she expects, it isn't exactly going to threaten any artists out there.

But it's the thought that counts and I hope that will be enough.

Anyway, you'll just have to take my word for it as I'm keeping my artistic efforts secret.

Happy Valentines day to everybody who is in love out there.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

Greedy for life.

I was out of it again today, waiting for the District Nurse to come round and change various dressings for me.

It's nearly a week since they last came round - mainly because we were off up at hospital last week. We cancelled them for that day and I think they felt they could wipe us off their list!

But Eby came round after we phoned over the weekend and all ended well.

I'm still struggling with the changes of medication although I still have hopes of some benefit from stopping the injections, apart from avoiding the pain and the blood. I'm impatient, I want improvements I have no right to, but that's the way people are....greedy for life.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me; neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

Popsicle heaven.

It's February, it's freezing cold and I feel ill and I'm sucking on popsicles.

We bought them last summer, the summer that never happened. But now in the middle of a bleak winter I've been finding popsicles a real luxury. Today, Robyn was out and came back with a pack of ice Lollies with different fruit flavour layers.

It's an unbelievable treat. it's fair to say that life is a struggle and I haven't reacted too well to one of the new medications, so this has been a real bonus.

It brings back so many memories; back in July 2013 my mum was very ill and I'd been caring for her. We suddenly had a real crisis and then got help from the local authority. She got a new treatment and I was able to have a rare night out with The Ska Souls, skanking to a Two-Tone beat in a swelteringly hot July. I came home and ate a lemon popsicle during a hot, hot evening. Basking in the glow of a night of good music and fun.

In many ways that's a whole world away from today, but the ice lolly was still a great pleasure.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

No more needles.

I'm having a rough time at the moment but in one respect it has got better. I had a thrombosis in 2013 as a side effect of one of the medicines I had been given. It looked like they then gave me an overdose of Warfarin which gave me a very bad reaction. It may, of course just been that Warfarin was the wrong drug to give me - there are studies that indicate that now.

Anyway, as of autumn 2013 I was put on daily injections and I've been giving them to myself ever since. I've had growing problems finding places I could use as a site because by my calculation I've given myself 1550 injections so far.

I had a nasty episode when I had a really nasty allergic reaction on my stomach, where they are supposed to go. So, Mainly I've been injection my thighs - on a strict programme
to spread them out so I don't get another reaction.

Recently I had problems with bleeding and moved back to my stomach to give my legs a break.

Anyway, I've now been put on pills, so no more injections.

I'm glad, I was tired of doing it. But when I started it was a laugh and I used to collect the outlandish places I'd done it. In the toilet of 'The Cotton Club' Jazz bar in the Red Light district of Amsterdam, where they play live jazz on Saturday afternoons for football fans coming back from Ajax. Behind the bar is a mirror with the pictures of the original owners - broken only by what appear to be very neat bullet holes.

In the tiny toilet of 'La Myonis', my Algerian restaurant on the fringe of Belleville, one of the more 'interesting; Quartiers of Paris. Or in a toilet in La Pigalle, even more 'interesting' after dark.

More eventful was doing the injection in the toilet of the ferry coming back from The Isle of Wight just as the boat hit a big wave and the needle flew up in the air landing in my thumb rather than in my thigh.

In a toilet at RADA, at the BBC Maida Vale recording studios - there's history for you.

The places reflect what we were able to do when I was still mobile.

Happy days.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

Farewell to the Red Lion, Isleworth.

Today brought more sad news - if you've read this Blog for any length of time you'll know that music and dancing played a big part in its early days.

Sadly, even as my health has deteriorated, the old venues I used to go to have shut down as well.

Today we got the news that the owners of the lease of 'The Red Lion' Isleworth are experimenting with stopping all live music as of the end of this month.

Among other things, this was the home of the Jazz club that rehabilitated me after I broke my ankle and after numerous days when I got bad news about my cancer - in the evening I'd be GROOVING.

But the most important thing was that this was where I met Robyn, where we became friends and planned nights out that developed into something more.

Its over now - a couple more weeks of Monday nights if you want to go. I can't do it any more, so its already over for me.

I also miss The Hobgoblin in Staines, a completely different kind of music, but unique in its own way.

I guess music just doesn't cut it for any one anymore.

It's sad.

Here's a taste - Derek Nash back in 2016 giving it some swing, as I was too.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

Should have gone to the park instead.

My trip to hospital turned out to be long, painful and ultimately very depressing. We got home after five o'clock and I had difficulty getting over the front doorstep, I was so tired.

As usual, I did wonder whether I'd have been better off going to the park for the day.

My treatment was cancelled when the results of the blood tests came through. I'll be waiting a fortnight and doing another set of tests but if they are confirmed, it's the worst kind of news.

I've got a lot of things to be getting on with and I'll not dwell on what's going on until I have confirmation, then I'll set it all out.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

Getting ready for tomorrow.

I took it real easy today - tomorrow I'm up at Hospital and not looking forward to that or to the journet. There's always the possibility these days that they will keep me in. That's even worse.

Robyn did the shopping on her own, which is very sad for me - another chip away at my independence. In fact, I haven't been out of the house since I had my blood transfusions about three weeks ago, so tomorrow is going to be very tough.

Tonight, Robyn cooked me a very  special meal, just in case I start the new and last chemo because then I won't be wanting to eat anything. I felt very privileged.

These last couple of years have been very tough. If we ever had any plans it would have been to take advantage of the chemotherapy when it started, got married and gone on some travels, had some fun. Well, we just about managed to get married but all the chemotherapy treatments disappointed and we couldn't really do anything. I deteriorated fast and it's been a battle since then. I haven't given up the battle but I have slowed right down.

As I said, tough day tomorrow, wish me luck.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)
Home: helpmesortoutstpeter.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilaithpromisestokeep@gmail.com