Jeff Buckley RIP

It was exactly 10 years ago - 29th May 1997 when singer Jeff Buckley, son of Tim Buckley who had tragically committed suicide, went for a a swim in the Mississippi River in the centre of Memphis. He was with a roadie. One minute Jeff was floating on his back, the next moment he disappeared. And drowned.

In remembrance of Jeff Buckley, and in thanksgiving for his talent, here he is playing Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah'.

Summer illness

I've returned from Spain. Despite indifferent weather, it was a good trip. But I developed a sore throat during my time in Spain and this has further developed into a full cold. So I am sniffling away, feeling tired and not at all happy about having a cold in the summer time. At least it is a bank holiday and raining, so I do not have to go into work today. But I don't do illness very well.

Malaga Beach

The forecast was for a wet afternoon. Andrew had returned to the UK and I decided to catch some sun before the rain came. So off I went to the beach. It was early and the beach was almost deserted. There were a couple of people about 200 years apart, so I plonked myself between them, 100 yds from either. I'd get some peace and quiet I thought. Just as I was settling down, three large Spanish ladies came down to the beach and plonked themselves about 10 feet away form me - almost within touching distance. This despite the empty expanse of beach on either side of me. I have no idea why they decided to lie do close to me - it was slightly disconcerting. Reminiscent of a similar incident in Cairns many years ago. But anyway I got on with my sunbathing, including a couple of swims in the sea. The rain did not arrive and I stayed until about 4 pm, before I left to get ready to meet Brian and Geoffrey for dinner in Torremolinos.

We had an excellent meal at the Vesuvius Restaurant, including some fun banter with Jorge the waiter. It had been a good day.

The rain in Spain

Overnight we had torrential rain, constant flashes of lightning and loud claps of thunder. Not what I expect in Malaga in May. The rain continued throughout the morning but the sun came out late in the afternoon and we enjoyed a few beers at The Playa Chirunguito in Los Alamos.

Another birthday

Brian and Geoffrey came into Malaga from Torremolinos. We met them at the cafe of the Contemprary Arts Centre. Then we caught a bus up to the Gibralfaro where we spent a couple of hours wandering the ramparts and enjoying the stupendous views of the city of Malaga spread out below us.



Then we walked down to the Vino Mio restauruant for a late birthday lunch. They did us proud. Complementary starters, superb main courses, a selection of sumptuous deserts, Cava, two bottles of Rioja and a free baseball cap! The food was wonderful. Many thanks to them for looking after us so well.

Birthday in Spain

In 2 days time I reach a huge age. Not one with a zero on the end, but traumatic enough. My partner and I go off to Malaga tomorrow ready to celebrate in Spain. Two friends are already in Torremolinos so hopefully we will meet up with them on Sunday. I'd like to go to the Vino Mio, my favourite restaurant in Malaga. The weather forecast is not great, but I hope I'll enjoy the day.

Tennis Loss

Not so good this evening. Our team lost 16-8 and my partner and I failed to win any sets at all. Not good.

Golf Winner

Yup. Amazing. I was playing in a corporate golf day at the Buckinghamshire - lovely course. It was windy and then wet. I had 34 stableford points with which I was quite pleased given the weather. But I never imagined that it would be enough to win. But it was - on countback. So I won a lovely glass trophy and a bottle of champagne. I'd dead chuffed.