The diary in week numbers.
An easy to follow list of daily diaries in week numbers
WEEK 38
Michael’s Diary
Friday 19.09.25
‘The weekend away’ has come around and time to set off to Ceredigion and the rugged coastline of West Wales. Three days away in a rural spot away from the crowds and our only neighbours will be all manner of wildlife and a full moon.
Spooky maybe, but just about right to recharge the batteries and take a break away from our regular scenery and a taste of country living, along with all the creepy crawlies and Owls with eyes like saucers that the countryside has to offer.
Frankie’s coming with us so it’s a doggy holiday as well and a change of scenery for us all. We’ll head up to Merthyr and over the stunning valley heads dropping down into Brecon, stopping off for lunch and a cuppa before driving on to our destination.
As we’re travelling further West, I can already feel a sense of relaxation, looking forward to no wifi, smelling the fresh air…enhanced a bit by next doors sheep and no traffic within earshot, not bad and just two hours away from the busy, busy, busy of Newport.
I don’t care if it rains we’ve got umbrellas and there’s always the next coffee shop to sit in and watch the world go by.
A few photos from today and few more to follow tomorrow 😃
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Saturday 20.09.25
It’s raining cats n dogs today and there’s more water in Aberaeron town centre than all of Cardigan Bay. It doesn’t seem to be putting anyone off shopping and then parking their derrière’s in the nearest coffee shop, of which there are plenty in this colourful and friendly coastal town.
I called into the local pharmacy for some razors as I forgot to pack any before leaving home yesterday. I’m looking like an old unkempt vagabond roaming the streets half expecting passers-by to give me some spare change for a hot meal and drink before selling more copies of the Big at’Issue!
The pace is slower here than in the Metropolis City of Newport, and as in most shops you have to wait in the queue until the likes of Mrs Jones has told the assistant about her impending physio appointment for gout.
Then Mrs Davies is next and no doubt she’ll have a story to convey regarding her husband being on the waiting list for a charisma bypass due to him lacking a sense of humour !
Yes…these may be the backwaters of a Welsh cultural time warp but the buzz in the air and anticipation of greater things to come, hang in the air like a thunderstorm just about to break.
When it happens, everyone will know!
Until then, it’s life as usual and the only difference between now and 50 years ago is WiFi and indoor toilets, both mean you can sit there for ages digitally or otherwise doing the crossword in the warm!
In the nicest possible way, this is my take on peace and tranquility and a few days away from the norm. A chance to unwind and keep the coffee pot hot just in case I need a little caffeine to stay awake between meals, snacks and the biscuit jar being dipped into every half an hour.
When I relax , I relax but there is a limit which I’ll plateau on soon, hopefully before rigor mortis sets in. It’s only for a few days and quite frankly it’s been a nice break and I’ll feel as though I’ve been able to switch off and enjoy some stunning scenery just a couple of hours from home.
Highly recommended 😃
Michael’s Diary
Sunday 21.09.25
PART 1
What was that noise last night?
That question was answered when Katherine opened the curtains in our quaint little cottage.
There was a tree, where the car should have been parked and the sudden realisation what had happened during the storm last night. Had it not been for an adjustment in parking yesterday when we arrived home moving the car forward, we’d now have the tree firmly embedded across the front of the car!
As it is, the old Hawthorn has landed at the tail end of the car causing some damage, not as bad as could have been but has left us stranded far from home with two ton of tree carcass barricading our exit.
Emergency calls have been made and we’re awaiting further action!
To be continued…..
P.M. Part 2
So here we go…and maybe our prayers have been answered!
All it took was a call to the out of hours team who’ve been given photos from all angles of the two fallen trees brought down in the storms.
No angles were missed so they have a full understanding of our dilemma.
With 2 stout trees hanging off the back end of our car, back window sprinkled all over the backseat and branches spread everywhere like horticultural pickastick, so they’ve sent us
A Locksmith 😳
Yes, you read that right ‘a locksmith’!!!
No doubt if we’d been locked out and stranded outside, well obviously they’d have sent us a tree surgeon, arborist, or logger…obviously 😕
Bear in mind, this poor bloke has travelled over an hour to find us and is as surprised as we are that his 4 inch blade is not going to cut the mustard or in our case cut the bloody trees off the bumper of what was an immaculate example of a well maintained, low mileage Mini!
So when the changeover team arrive tomorrow to spruce up the place for the next clients, I just hope they’ve brought some extra black bin bags to shift the pile of Hawthorn detritus that’s blocking our exit.
Unless this gets resolved, we’re destined to spend a few more days of ‘FREE ACCOMMODATION at the expense of the ‘National Trust’!
As you read earlier ‘to be continued’…..
WEEK 39
Michael’s Diary
Monday 22.09.25
The Cavalry have arrived
9.00am and Katherine’s on the phone to The National Trust relating our dilemma to head office, in the hope that we’ll get some action soon to move the trees blocking our exit and logging all the details for our insurance.
Somebody, somewhere must have been paying attention because at 9.15am ‘the Cavalry have arrived’ in the form of ‘Brigitte’ who I guess is the chief organiser for miracles on behalf of the Trust.
She was closely followed by the horticultural team armed with the latest battery Stihl saws, that I must admit I did have my eye on. The 2 lady team had obviously been trained at ‘the Zorro school of tree cutting and felling’ as you could hardly see the blades working!
All the time that the deadly duo were wood sculpting the Hawthorns into manageable pieces, Brigitte was reassuring my wife as women do and taking a list for refreshments and hot drinks together with everything to fix up the smashed window on our car.
More ladies arrived to get the cottage cleaned up ‘either’ for us to be offered a longer stay or for new visitors to West Wales. We opted to call it a day and return home after the team had transformed a train wreck into a happy ending, all within two and a half hours.
Were we impressed? Yes, enough to sing their praises and make plans for another trip, albeit in a different cottage next time (just in case).
You never know, we might even be granted something in return by National Trust for what was originally a nightmare, resolved by Brigitte and turned into a happy ending.
I’ll let you know what happens next, but for now some pictures of our trip home.
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Tuesday 23.09.25
The day after the holiday
So we’ve had a good night’s sleep after a break in Aberaeron, which if you’ve been following the diary you’ll know was interrupted with falling trees nearly writing off our car.
With some damage to get sorted I’m sure it’ll be as good as new after the insurance company have processed our claim and showered it with some vehicular TLC. Katherine will give it the final inspection on return and expect it to be back in A1 condition, as it was before the storm sent us some challenging conditions to deal with.
Unfortunately, with me still being on crutches due to a back injury, I was about as useful as a chocolate teapot but luckily the National Trust team coped with the situation admirably. Full marks for everyone involved.
Back home it’s time to reflect on our trip which calamity aside was a good choice and we’d be happy to return to the area, albeit in a place not surrounded by trees. We’re not deterred and will be arranging another trip later this year.
I’m off to get an overdue haircut today and smarten myself up for the next few weeks and try and get out with Frankie for a very slow doggie walk, with me having to take it slow until I’m back to my normal walking speed. I think Frankie agrees and is not really best suited as a Dachshund Husky pulling me around, much to the amusement of our neighbours!
Just time to call into my local coffee shop for a nice cuppa and a sandwich to recharge the batteries and watch the world go by from my comfy vantage point inside.
Tomorrow's another day 😃
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Wednesday 24.09.25
I don’t know who it was that invented ‘gyp’, but they’ve got a lot to answer for, because this trapped nerve in my back is definitely ‘giving me gyp’ which I could well do without!!!
Right, that’s my wingeing out of the way and time to move on, there’s lots to do today. The car’s off to the menders to see what damage the trees did during the storm and hopefully come back with a clean bill of health!
Perhaps ‘I’ should pop in for a once over and a new MOT! 🤷♂️
We’ll be at the hospital later as it happens so maybe they can ‘hook me up’ like one of those plug-in hybrids, good for another 350 miles with no nasty emissions, not forgetting ‘kind to the environment’ which I like to think I am anyway.
Maybe I’ll make do with a coffee and a nice danish pastry, it’ll be enough to charge these old batteries for another day! I think my Duracell days are over but I’m still ticking over nicely thank you.
Before we depart for Ystrad Mynach Hospital and by the way if you can’t say the first two words (English 🙄) just say hospital, I’ll have time to work on the diaries going forward and start recalling the past years of which there are many, 70 to be exact so there’ll be plenty of ‘back in the day’ nonsense and if anyone’s got a glass eye… be warned (yawn).
It’s made a big change swapping the shovels for pen and paper or in my case one digit dexterity on the iPhone and iPad and as they say “there are other brands” so I’m not sponsored by Apple (yet), but if anyone from head office is reading this my bank account number is #########. Somebody from Ghana asked me for my bank details the other day and if ‘you’re’ reading this and ‘you’ve’ got a new iPhone…see above.
All new media is being built so hopefully the diaries will become as popular as Green Shield Stamps (ask yer Mam) and the new website will be up and running soon, so you can sign up for weekly or monthly diary updates and throw away your insomnia medication and start reading, you’ll be gone in no time. :-).
Before we scoot off to the hospital there’s time to take Frankie over to the Welfare Grounds at Rogerstone and let her have 15 minutes doing the zoomies, maybe she’ll sleep while we’re out instead of barking at the window to every movement real or imagined! She’s a good verbal guard dog but burglars would laugh their socks off even if she was in attack mode 🙄.
It’s 1.00pm and arrived at Ystrad Mynach hospital and the first test is your mental agility to find a parking space in a car park designed for 10 cars less than spaces available. It’s a bit like musical chairs but there’s no music and you don’t all have to go in the same direction. When everyone finally find a space it’s a race to make your appointment with zimmers, crutches and lumpers all making for the entrance.
It’s the closest I’ve seen to the ‘Thriller’ video but not quite as scary, because if you made a run for it none of the ghouls could catch you. Sorry if I offend but I’m on crutches at the moment so I’m included. “Booh”
First stop the canteen and ‘take 5’, as I’m not the patient today.
By the way, if you get yourself a high viz vest, you get contractors rates for a full brekky at the hospitals.
The canteen is usually close to the obesity department…ironic!
Time to pick up the hire car which is a dinky little automatic, probably not the style to gain you any street cred but what the hell…who needs that!
A busy day today so we’re stopping off at Sheppards in Maesglas for a large chips and curry sauce. All we need now is a couple of rounds of bread n butter and we’re sorted. Time to get the telly on for Eastenders and Emmerdale and that’s us done.
Tomorrow’s another day.
Mike
Michael’s Diary
25.09.25
It’s an early start at just after 5.30am and Frankie’s flapping her ears and wandering around looking for some attention to let us know it’s time to get up. For some reason from day one, I was volunteered to be the volunteer that gets up every morning to let her out. I can’t remember votes being taken but I got the job anyway! Woohoo 🤔.
The morning ritual (after feeding Frankie) always starts with the kettle going on, probably much the same for everyone, or for some, the process of getting the filter and ground coffee prepped for a barrister style shot to fire up the day, unless you’re a tea drinker of course.
Isn’t it funny how we all have our peculiarities for tea, coffee or lighting up a cigarette to start the day when we weren’t designed to be that way. We’re hunter gatherers by nature but we’re now so far removed from our basic instincts that all we can manage is hunting and gathering a cup, spoon and whatever tickles your fancy.
Alternatively, there are of course ‘coffee shops’, which as you know I might visit from time to time 🤔 and probably one of my indulgences, not that I ‘need’ an Americano fix, it’s just that I like people watching and forever fascinated by everyone else’s daily rituals, which makes the first half an hour (or so) interesting. So much so, that I could have made a living from being a coffee shop blogger and at the same time supported the Brazilian economy with my sip by sip account of ‘bere caffè’. Yes, the Italian for ‘coffee drinking’ is creeping in there and my first proper lesson starts next week so be prepared for multi lingual posts by Christmas 🎄.
(I’ll keep you posted).
Oh no, I’ve said that word now and you were trying to avoid it until December, however you’ll thank me for it soon when you start making lists for family and friends, getting into the Christmas spirit, wondering how much you should spend and “have we got any wrapping paper from last year”?
Ok, ok, sorry…I just won’t mention Easter…doh!
I digress, let’s stick with September, early morning rituals and get through one day at a time before we indulge in the year end festivities. We’ve got plenty of time yet before we worry about December, we’re only just moving out of the holiday season and enjoying the remainder of the sunny days we have left.
In fact, I think we’re out for coffee and cake this morning after Frankie has been run off her little legs around one of our dog walking parks, or more like let off the lead and told “go fetch em” as I’m incapacitated with my crutches at the moment. She’ll happily run around for an hour chasing the sticks that I throw for her and that’s about my limit, until I’m fully mobile again.
Bean and Bread at Rogerstone is in our sights for a midday coffee n cake and let Frankie (and me) calm down for half an hour after our ‘walk’.
I’m not finding it hard to get into this semi-retired way of life, pleasing myself what I’m going to do, when I want to do it!
As soon as I’m able I’ll be out on the bike, resurrect the skates, or revive my newfound method of travel called ‘Skikes’, a mixture of skates and ski’s used with ski poles. A kind of poor man’s skiing, without the snow, all meant to keep me fit and well in retirement.
In the meantime I’ll just charge the batteries, oil some wheels and wait til I can go out to play!
In the past I’ve been out with my friend Allen, him on his bike or mobility scooter and me on skates having a combined age of a hundred and forty eight. If we could find a carer who could keep up with us, we’d take him or her with us, but alas we’ve had no takers to date!
Losers 🙄
Meanwhile, I’m keeping busy writing up the diaries and getting my head around learning Italian.
It’s a shame I didn’t learn more about grammar when I was in school when it was all ‘FREE’. Oh to turn the clock back!
Instead I’ve now got to do it the hard way, buy all the books and pay for a tutor but as far as I know I can’t get detention, although I might get put on the naughty step once or twice for not paying attention!
I’m off for a coffee (again).
Ciao!
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Friday 26.09.25
Ooooooh…it’s getting cold out there now and I’m lining up my jumpers ready for the Autumn. It seems to have happened overnight, one moment we’re in shirt sleeves and the next we’re eyeing up the thermostat, or more to the point…’I am’.
I’ll happily work in wind, rain and cold temperatures, piling on the layers and happy as a pig in poop to be out in the fresh air doing a bit, but when I get home I like to be comfortable. Yes whimp I might be, but a warm whimp at that. There’s nothing wrong with getting comfortable when the telly goes on at night and feeling fully at ease.
It’s an ongoing battle of wits between me and my better half, thermostat up…thermostat down with me sat on one side of the room ready to take the huskies and sled out and her on the other side basking tropical until at least the snow hits the ground.
When it does, she can borrow my huskies and I’ll turn the heating up while she’s out!
We’re out today while the sun’s shining, making the most of it while it’s with us and Frankie’s getting a good runaround at The Welfare Grounds in Rogerstone. This is a local sports ground for football, cricket and other activities indoor and out with a nice little coffee shop that’s open all year round.
And talking about coffee…yes, I think we’ll be indulging in a bit of light refreshment and a ‘pup cup’ for m’doggie. If you’re looking for a good coffee stop try ‘Bean and Bread’ which if you’re a local you’ll know as the old Avana Bakery outlet. Worth a visit.
Home after our walk and I’m taking all my loose change that’s in pots and dishes and taking it up to Eloise my youngest granddaughter. It used to be shared between my three oldest granddaughters but the coin collection is now being passed down the line to the youngest, which seems only fair.
There’s a money story about Aurelia, Poppy and Fleur but that’s for another day!
Eloise’s Mum, Jade (my youngest child), is busy working full time and part time so ‘she’ can give me pocket money when I’m in need 😃.
Jade’s just won a holiday with her part time work(https://www.farmasi.co.uk/jadeykinss) so maybe I should invest in an extra lottery ticket whilst we’re on a winning streak.
Wouldn’t that be a nice end to the week, but I won’t hold my breath, instead it’s out with cousin Terry for our Saturday morning catch up tomorrow at The Green Café in Caerleon for breakfast and reminisce about the old days.
I’ve just worked it out that I’ve got over 25,000 ‘old days’ and Terry a few thousand more, so we could be there for some time.
As long as it’s warm and comfortable…let’s do it.
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Saturday 27.09.25
Getting Frankie ready is always a game we have to play, I say “walkies”, she gets up ready, I get her harness, she hides!
It’s the same every time and has always been the same even as a pup, it’s just that little bit of rebellion that she has to show before giving in and moving slowly forward to be ‘dressed’ ready for the day ahead.
She’s still in her boisterous stage at two and a quarter and has to have a few barks leaving the house. Another bit of defiance in what is probably the equivalent of teenagers tantrums (ring any bells?), that you might be familiar with!
Anyway, we’re off to see cousin Terry at The Green for Saturday morning breakfast and catch up on the family news, what we’ve got planned for the week ahead and turn the clock back somewhat, with references to years gone by or at least those that we remember.
We usually do a circular walk around Caerleon and this week I’m on crutches while trying to control Frankie on a long lead. Mostly successful with just a few mishaps and Frankie is trying her hand at how to destabilise yours truly while appearing innocent 🙄.
My second cup of coffee is at daughter Natalie’s and a chance for Frankie to be savaged by Jax, a border Collie that likes to fetch frisbees, tennis balls and miniature Dachshunds.
Only joking, he drops the frisbee!
They’re a good match for each other and both bezzy mates so all friendly stuff.
Once she’s had a good runaround at least it’s followed by a sleep, falling into a coma as soon as she hits her doggie bed in the car.
It’s a short day out today and returning home gives me a bit of time to spend in the garden enjoying the last of the Summer days. The days are getting shorter and the sun’s not quite as high during the day so I’ll be looking at what’s got to be done during the dormant season, before it all comes back to life next Spring.
I think a little bit of Italian learning and maybe put the fire on low to wind down. We’ll be out in the morning for coffee and a Danish pastry and maybe a little doggy walk, but tomorrow’s another day.
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Sunday 28.09.25
Sunday’s are very much the same for us enjoying a mornings coffee in Cardiff and a light bite before walking Frankie around Llandaff Fields. This week we’re joined by stepson James on one of his rare weekend visits away from his home in London.
A slower pace than his capital’s metropolis and a chance to unwind from the hustle, bustle of City life.
I don’t think our Welsh capital compares to the vibrancy scale of one of Europes major Cities, but suits us well for our weekend search for a nice barista beverage…from the French ‘bevrage’…from the Latin ‘bevere’…I told you I’d be dropping the odd Italian into the diary and with my new lessons starting next week, I’m just getting some practice in.
When I’m able to order my Sunday morning’s coffee purely in Italian ‘I’ll be made up’, not quite so helpful in Brød…they’re Danish!
Ah well…I’m trying 🤷♂️
…..Brød’s quite lively this morning as we’re in studentsville area and lots of groups there today, with some having their heads in their computers, often taking up 2 spaces…one for them and one for the computer (old man grump), bless them.
As I’m incapacitated, James and Katherine are leaving me in my second coffee stop at CannaDeli, a little bit up the road as they’re walking Frankie this morning. Peace and quiet for half an hour and time for me to do some silver surfing, ‘one space only I’ll have you know’, none of that me, me, me stuff 🙄.
I’m in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff and lots of people speaking Welsh in this neck of the woods. It’s quite likely they’re talking about that old fella sat on his own typing like a woodpecker, I wouldn’t know…..I don’t speak Welsh!
I wonder what’s Welsh for woodpecker 🤔.
Isn’t language a funny thing and communicating in another tongue. I’m jealous of polyglots who seem to switch it on and off at a whim, but there again how many conversations do you have with three, four and more ‘foreigners’ at the same time. Anyway it’ll all be done by AI soon in some form or another!
Perhaps I should raise the bar a bit and become a mind reading polyglot for my future days, or would I know what’s going to be said before…it’s said, mmmmmm AI and a world ever shrinking. If only they knew what the old fella’s thinking about now. Not such the innocent old septuagenarian as I look, it’s a skill I’ve honed over many decades and I could have been an inconspicuous agent (had I known Welsh) hiding in a coffee shop in deepest Cardiff…..another life maybe!
Back to the real world and I’m going to sneak off to the old boys room as the coffee’s taking effect, some secret agent I am!
…..back home to our sleepy village and rest up for the day, the excitement has got to me and maybe it’s time for a Grampy nap, or should I go and feed the birds and sit with Frankie down at the stream for a while…..I think I’ll do the latter and spend some time in the garden while the sun’s out.
Plenty of time for forty winks later, besides I’ve got to do some revision if I’m to be fluent for my next trip to Tuscany. Sunflowers, pizza and watching the world go by, under the shade of an old olive tree about the same age as me!
Mike
WEEK 40
Michael’s Diary
Monday 29.09.25
Today started off with a call to our doctor to check the progress on a scan that’s coming up. A nice response and a number to ring for further information, so far, so good, or so I thought!
I got through and my choices were Welsh or English…I chose the latter and here’s where it got complicated.
Choose E. N. T. by ringing xxxxxx, choose ophthalmology by ringing xxxxxx etc, etc. I think you get the drift of where this is going. If I’d understood the clinical terms for every department and guessed which one was mine ‘and’ had time to write the number down I ‘might’ have struck lucky!
As it was, my wife (trained nurse) had to help out this confused old soul and unearth the right department. Hurraaaaay we found it, only to have another recorded message to say they cannot give out the information we’re looking for, doh!
Time to put the dog lead on Frankie and go for a walk (on the crutches) for a good walk around the Welfare Grounds (doggy heaven) and find some comfort in keeping the dog happy and finding head space to work out my master plan…which is…’wait’.
Yes, just ride it out, look for some exercises on YouTube and give myself some self diagnosed physio fixes to get myself back into the swing of things. I’m not one to wait and can’t even be bothered to read the instructions from IKEA, which is why we’ve got wonky furniture…a bit like my dodgy leg!
Time for a coffee at Pughs and take Frankie in for some sneaky toast and jam with a little bit solid under the table. It’s not really therapy but it’ll do for now. Crutch placed firmly by my seat and we’re settling down on a sunny seat for half an hours peace and quiet.
After 10 minutes Frankie’s found a place in the sun to spread out and I’m quite contented with a belly full of carbs and sugar to aid my fitness regime, causing a spike in my otherwise fairly sensible eating pattern, ok in small doses.
…..I’m home for half an hour to feed the birds and tidy up in the garden before an afternoon appointment with a prospective client. It’s only a quick visit so what the hell…..coffee stop number two at Lisvane for half an hour looking at nonsense courtesy of the coffee shops WiFi and then home to finish off the day.
Hopefully back to normal soon, but until then…
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Tuesday 30.09.25
Our plumber’s calling today to look at our dodgy boiler that seems to have developed a leak over the last few days. Luckily, we know the plumber Gary who installed the old one, fitted our gas fire and has done countless services over the years.
I also mentioned a new gas fire when I messaged him yesterday, it’s guaranteed us an immediate appointment today to ascertain how much the bank balance is going to drop in the coming weeks.
C’est la vie!
I wonder if my doctor fits boilers, I could get a next day appointment for my leg problems, although he might suggest a replacement rather than fix up the old one!
I wonder if my plumber Gary would go with his advice, “take two paracetamol and if it doesn’t stop leaking, come back and see me”…nothing’s easy!
Talking about doctors, I scooted off early this morning to Pughs coffee shop near me (https://www.pughsgardenkitchen.co.uk) for a quickie drink and met a client come friend in Dr Das. His full name is too long to say so everyone calls him ‘Dr Das’ or ‘Das’, it makes life easier and he’s quite a celebrity in dermatological circles so I’m staying in touch in case I get a rash. Only joking, he’s a really nice fella and we share some interests, him having had a heart attack, me a cardiac arrest and we both spend far too much time in coffee shops.
His wife Sundari, (another abbreviated name) is also well up in the medical hierarchy, who shared some horticultural knowledge with me and also some freebie plants when I first met them, that my landscaping work for them became a rewarding project all round.
So I made some new contacts, friends and have the connection growing in my own garden today, which is a win, win , whichever way you look at it.
Later in the day I’ll be meeting up with another plumber and heating engineer Allen, who is also revered as one of the top names in things that we need, but his skills are in energy supplies, I’d say Gary and Allen are probably on a par with the medics but that’s just my opinion. There’s usually a waiting list for either but not so much when you’re ‘in the know’ 😉.
So all’s in hand, my supplies are being restored to be fully functional and it’s only a matter of time before the leg is up to its full working capacity.
Tomorrow’s another day…
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Wed 01.10.25
Wow…it’s October already…how did that happen! 😮
We’re at the stage where Summer is fading fast and Christmas is knocking on the door. Already the shops are gearing up for the festive season with many ‘hints’ creeping in and the commercial wave expected soon.
It’s time to put your requests in for dressing gowns, slippers and thermal gloves, all of which I wear at home because we can’t have the heating on until it snows!
At the moment, our heating’s on the blink so I hope that gets fixed before the temperature drops or I change my dressing gown request for a donkey jacket, if you know what one of those is from ‘back in the day’.
That was the original overcoat which you could get in navy or black, such was the choice. I’m sure there were other types of coats but not in our price range and you could get these just about anywhere or ‘from the catalogue’!
If you’ve never had anything from ‘the catalogue’ you don’t know what you’re missing. Fifty pence a week for twenty weeks and it was paid for, none of this cash up front because we didn’t have any. I think everything that we had as kids came from Grattans or Littlewoods, which were two of the most popular. It had about a thousand pages of anything you could buy on the never, never. That and Christmas hampers, that’s another story which you had to invest in by February or you went without.
I’ve got a couple of months of odd jobs and gardening work to make some Christmas money, all without a donkey jacket to keep me warm. Don’t feel sorry for me, I’ve still got my thermal gloves from last year and a couple of old jumpers to avoid hyperthermia whilst I make a crust 🙄.
But really I’m starting the day off at ‘Coffee 1’ in Cathedral Rd with a cheeky croissant and Americano to fire up this old boy, it also gives me time to put a few things in the diary and log my thoughts in case I forget anything. At my time of life writing it down ‘as it happens’ is a life saver, as I’m prone to do the little duckling thing and just follow the next thing that moves and forget what I should have been doing…it’s an age thing!
It’s probably time to make sure my name tag is sewn into my collars and get used to being rescued from the ‘lost and found’ section like when I was a boy. It seems reminiscent of the days at Barry Island when I couldn’t find my mother and father on the beach and I’d be returned by some helpful grown up, not having a care in the world (me, not the grown up).
I’m there again!
…Today’s job for me is a clean up job with the pressure washer and a bit of light gardening to see how my dodgy leg holds up, I think I’ll be ok if I take it easy. I’ll be well looked after with coffee and posh biscuits as I normally enjoy at this house and although I stop off for coffee en route, there’s always a fresh brew when I arrive.
The garden’s in tip top shape and only needs a little TLC to keep it all in good order.
My jobs today are cut back the Berberis tree without getting spiked by the branches, trim all the overgrown shrubs and pressure wash the patio ready for the winter period. There will probably be a few other jobs to get done before the Spring so I won’t be running short of posh biscuits just yet.
I’ve got time before I’m done today to go and pick up a loaf from the bakery in Cathedral Rd and maybe choose a couple of pastries if there’s anything nice left on the shelves.
I need the extra calories to build me up before Winter sets in, unless somebody’s going to buy me a donkey jacket from the catalogue 🤷♂️.
Tomorrow’s another day.
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Thursday 02.10.25
Today has been a day of searching for introductions to the new website which will go live soon.
Below are just a few lines of what’s to come and some photos from the past that I’ll recall as the diaries unfold.
…I decided to create ‘Michael’s Diary’ for many reasons, mainly because I usually log my daily activities for references back to information that I sometimes…
…As I’ve now reached the age of seventy, there are some things I simply can’t remember and also at the age of sixty four a cardiac arrest…
…Over half a century and more I’ve experienced much, I’ve met an enormous number of people and lived a life filled with humour and reward that…
…My own past holds many happy memories and I’m always intrigued to hear other people’s stories and their parallel lives, the ancestors and the history…
…As I’ve gone back in time I’ve also learned a lot about my family history which via Canada goes back into an Irish background, some of which I’ve discovered and undoubtedly there will be much more to uncover…
To be continued…..
Michael’s Diary
Friday 03.10.25
It’s threatening to rain today and I think we’ve had a drop already, nevertheless I’ve got at least a couple of hours to do on the Italian garden, cutting back the roses before the builders trample all over them. They’ve been good up to now but all we need is someone with size 12’s tramping about when there’s only room for size 9’s, best be prepared…just in case!
I’ll pop into Greggs on the way through and pick up some coffees, as the builders haven’t finished the kitchen yet and I’m not starting without my Americano. I’ll pick up one for Trish as well, as she won’t have had one yet either, I might also treat myself to a croissant while I’m at it.
There’s rain in the air so I’m going to crack on before a deluge sees me running for cover. I think I’ll get enough done before it’s ’rain stop play’, although a little’s not going to do any harm, that’s the pleasure of gardening, you take the good with the bad and sun with the rain it’s all ‘par for the course’.
That’s two sporting references I’ve made already, all we need now is ‘the refs blown for full time’, but I suspect that’s not going to happen just yet, or at least until we get the roses and Canna Lilies cut back. These have been growing here for years and it’s always a shame to take them down to the ground, but as always they come back stronger every time.
Trish is thinking about a change for next year and maybe we’ll look at a different layout for aesthetic reasons, as her Dad who planted them and could grow anything at will, would have planted them successfully wherever there was a space in the ground, just to see them grow.
Once the builders have done their bit and cleared out, we’ll take a look at the garden and plan long term for a fresh new layout, transforming it from a self sustaining garden with origins in the deep south of Puglia, to an easy to manage plot in the City.
That’s probably going to be a job for next year unless we can get the basics started before the year end…we’ll see!
Those clouds are breaking and the rain has started after a couple of hours, enough to decide on getting all the cuttings in the bin and start gathering the tools up. This job will wait a couple of weeks until I return and possibly make some inroads on the new ideas for the garden, I’ll let Trish decide which direction we’ll take and I’m going to head off to Bean & Bread in Rogerstone for a slice of Blueberry cake and a fresh cup of coffee.
It’s Saturday tomorrow and I’ll be seeing cousin Terry ‘in the coffee shop’ for a catch up.
Speak to you tomorrow…
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Saturday 04.10.25
Well…that was an eventful day. Let me start at the beginning.
I’ve got my first Italian lesson later so I want to make sure I’m not late, it’s at 3.00pm with ‘Cristina’ so I should have time to do all my running about before connecting online.
Trouble is I can’t find my wallet and I’ve looked everywhere and should be leaving by 9.15 to meet cousin Terry at The Green in Caerleon. Maybe one last look upstairs because I’ve got some recollection of putting my wallet somewhere ‘different’!
It’s not on the bedside cabinet, the bathroom or left in my jacket. I’ll try downstairs in the lounge…nothing, back in the kitchen on the breakfast bar, near the kettle, put in the cupboard after feeding the dog…..nothing. I’ll have to leave soon so I’ll look in the car and failing that, phone the bank, cancel my cards and order a new drivers licence.
Off to Caerleon and got there just in time to meet up with Terry and go through this week’s gossip. We always cover the big stuff like if we’ve been out for a meal, seen any of the family and talk about the old days when things were in black and white. My daughter Jades expression when she was younger referring to old photos of me….cheek!
A nice change from my mainly Vegan diet having sausage and egg to satisfy my cravings for ‘real food’. Katherine wouldn’t agree and I’d be on Avocado and lettuce for my arteries, but Saturdays are an indulgence at ‘The Green’ and time off, if only for the occasional treat. Good job I brought cash as I think my wallet’s long gone.
…..It’s off to daughter Natalie’s for Frankie to have a mad half hour with Jax, her border collie with teeth five times bigger than Frankie’s. “Do I look bovvered” is what she must be saying cos Jax is always the first to give up and head for his cage for 5 minutes peace.
Natalie’s found the number for the bank to start cancelling the cards and after some clearance questions from man on the other end of the phone…and mine and the rogue that found my wallet, have now lost access to my grand fortune or until the new cards arrive next week.
Then it’ll be spend, spend, spend at the likes of Greggs and B & Q once more 🙄.
Time to return home and connect up on the hour allocated for Italian with ‘Cristina’ my tutor for the foreseeable future. It’s an eye opener learning the alphabet, proper pronunciation and well placed verbs, all in the poetic form of modern day Latin.
By Christmas I’ll be singing like a bird the feminine and masculine forms of sentences that sound like a fine operatic tenor.
That…and ordering Cornetto’s from a ‘Gelateria Italiana’.
Lesson over and it’s been an entertaining hour and my introduction to Italian. All I need to do now is a little bit of homework and back to it on Thursday for round two. It was different in school when it was free, but now that it’s costing hard earned cash I’m going to have to pull my finger out if I’m to be fluent for our next holiday in ‘Montepulciano’
It’s cold sitting here at the table so I’m popping my slippers on…..I don’t believe it…..how on earth did my wallet get in there!
That’s impossible!
There’s no way I’d put my wallet in my slipper and put them away, I think I’ve been had!
I just hope NatWest don’t want an honest answer to their courtesy survey and why I used it 🙄.
It’s our secret 🤫 shhhhhhh.
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Sunday 05.10.25
The boiler’s on the blink
Gary had a look at the boiler the other day and to put it bluntly, it’s ready for the knackers yard. Yes, that old animal terminology for the end of the road and that’s where we’re at with our boiler. We’d like to hang onto it for sentimental reasons, but there’s no sentiment when you’re stood in the shower waiting to be drenched in warm water and all you get is a drip coming out.
It’s time to invest in a brand new one and to hell with the cost, which is going to be the equivalent of a fortnight in Tuscany including duty free, but there’s a lot to be said for smelling fresh and flushing the loo!
Oh well…we’re off out to Tredegar House for a walk about with Frankie and make the most of the sunshine we’ve got before it turns to Autumn and we’re sat in front of the fire, radiators full on and popping the kettle on, on the hour, every hour.
Perhaps we do need the plumber more than a holiday!
…Tredegar House is not far away from us and is a good all round place to walk the dog, get ‘our’ exercise and then put a few calories back on in the coffee shop. There’s a good selection on the menu and always an ample supply of scones for a quick fix with your tea and coffee.
But first we’ll do a circuit of the grounds which is about a mile and Frankie can chase a few sticks, leaving them all where they land.
She’s never understood the concept of ‘fetch’ preferring me to go and get them if she just stands there looking expectant for long enough.
It’s not easy going, as I’m still on my crutches and everyone’s pace is governed by my ability to hobble around as fast as Tiny Tim on Christmas morning. I now know how he must have felt and he’d have had nothing if Gary was coming around to fix their plumbing on Christmas Eve.
No presents for you this year, young Master Cratchit!
Ah well, it’s been a nice day around this Stately Home and we’ve soaked up the scenery with a few happy snaps to put in the family album. Time to make our way home, print out my Italian homework courtesy of Cristina my tutor and coast in to Sunday night with a bit of translation while watching the telly.
It’s up and early for the plumbing crew to make their grand entrance in the morning and take the last of my savings before they leave.
It’ll be back to the grindstone if anyone’s going to get presents this year which I doubt Ebenezer worried about, but there again he didn’t have a Worcester boiler that needed fixing!
Mike
WEEK 41
Michael’s Diary
Monday 06.10.25
Well…the heating’s back on and we’ve got running water, but best of all we haven’t got the constant dripping of a boiler that’s seen better days. It’s a sure thing that we take running water, especially the flow from the hot tap very much for granted and when we don’t have it, we’d pay a weeks wages to have it back on.
Our new boiler cost us a fair bit, more than a week’s wages but there’s a 10 year guarantee that comes with it. Now if I could get a 10 year guarantee that covers all new parts and labour, I might trade this old bod in for a newer model and I’m sure I’d get the seal of approval from my better half.
Although, when you think about it, I’d be the better half…mmmmmm that’s food for thought!
When technology comes up with a plan that sees us trading in bodily parts, there’ll be a queue a mile long for all the best bits and this months special offer of ‘buy one get one free’.
Now that’s the ultimate ‘bogof’ but not one I think you’ll ever see, not in our lifetime anyway…but if they do, I’d like a…..never you mind!
Full marks to Gary and the crew for a one day installation that was a seamless changeover from old to new and freed up some time for me and Frankie to go for midday walkies.
She’s appreciating the heating being back on because as I’m putting pen to paper she’s snuggled up by my side and sleeping like a baby. I can’t say I’m surprised as she ran like a whippet today chasing squirrels.
She still hasn’t worked out that they go ‘up the tree’ and not round and round like she does, in the hope that they’ll get tired after a while and stand there with little paws in the air saying “I give up, you win”. Instead they’re sat in the tree watching a dog with an IQ the size of an acorn, that they’re having for lunch!
Oh well…she gets some exercise, I’ve had a good laugh and the squirrel lives for another day…and we’ve got a new boiler.
I’m off to turn the heating up…..
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Tuesday 07.10.25
I’m up and out early today with a first call over at B & Q, to collect a roll of rubbish bags for a little job I’m doing at Jackie & Alun’s. There’s a pile of wood that needs sawing up ready for a trip to the local tip.
Luckily my battery saw will make light work of it and give me a couple of hours activity and something to keep me occupied, instead of the sedentary days and weeks I’ve had recuperating whilst my dodgy leg has been coming back to life.
Luckily I’m well received at Jackie and Alun’s who tend to look after this old soldier with plenty of coffee and biscuits, keeping me fuelled and ready for action during the day. I do my best to hold up my side of the bargain and return the kindness with a fair output of work that’ll see me returning on a regular basis.
As there’s not a lot to do today, I’m off to The Café at Ridgeway for half an hour of quiet time, with my own thoughts to keep me amused and hope nobody’s watching me, as I think to myself and what’s to be done about the diary entry today.
Not as inconspicuous as I thought because first I met my old friend ‘Paul’ who I played rugby with over forty years ago and somewhere around the time I sustained my rugby injury that I’m suffering with now, and was then stopped by a ‘lady’, who showed me a photo of my body from over ‘fifty’ years ago!!!
No need for alarm here as it was from our swimming days and Julie Edwards recognised me by my face, as the rest gets covered up these days (thankfully) and we reminisced about ‘the good old days’ of yesteryear.
We looked over an old swimming club photo and picked out the faces of our past acquaintances, some of who we see even now.
The last time we met was at a musical show that I compared and even then she recognised me first.
I put it down to my age and her being a teacher that must make her cleverer than me. Or I’ve got one of those unfortunate faces you can’t forget!
I’ll put it down to my first guess and hope she wasn’t an English teacher, or she’ll be picking me up on my grammar and putting me in tonight’s detention. That’s another recollection from the distant past where I was sent for my misdemeanours.
The swimming was a distraction that got me through my school days and spent many hours in the pool, morning, noon, nights and weekends.
We achieved much as a school team winning many accolades for our successes and equally so at club level, having national and international swimmers that elevated our achievements together with a highly recognised coach in Bernice Hooper.
She was well thought of in the swimming world and we were blessed to also have her as our school coach, that undoubtedly took us to the very top in a period where I look back with immense pride.
Happy days and happy memories, times that I’ll treasure forever.
I’m off to practice my nouns, verbs and adjectives just in case Mz Edwards is reading this and she recognises me next time we meet 😉.
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Wednesday 08.10.25
Tribute to David Kelly (1929-2012)
Last night was a killer and the sooner I sort out this sciatica the better. Another 5.00am early rise and that’s after a broken night’s sleep albeit sat bolt upright as I’ve done for the last 6 weeks.
My wife say’s I look really odd but that’s nothing new, she’s been saying it for years!
I’m not one for taking meds but it’s certainly taken the edge off and gives me a rest from the less than uncomfortable weeks I’ve had so far. I’m sure there’s more worse off than me so I’ll stop bleating and just get on with it.
I’m off to see Ian today who wants a huge clean up to the garden, patio and drive as it’s been left to the elements for far too long but as always, even the grottiest comes up looking like new.
That’s going to be a stretch as this one is long overdue.
First off, get all the equipment out of the van and prep for the day before taking my first coffee off Ian. I’ll have 5 minutes before making a start and the mess starts flying.
There’s a few steps to be done so the long lance will keep some of the mess at bay and the rest then should be plain sailing.
It must be a first, but I’m using one of my crutches to hold me up and balance the pressure washing lance on to help take the strain. It’s working well although I’m not sure what the neighbours are making of it!
If you’re old enough to remember ‘Robins Nest’ a sitcom from the 70’s it featured a one armed Irish washer upper called ‘Albert Riddle’ (David Kelly) who managed to do everything wrong and break most of the crockery he washed up.
I must be on a par with Albert and I think we’d have made matching bookends in the disasters section of your local library.
Ian’s out to get my mug for a second cup but unfortunately he’s fallen down the last step and landed half on the grass with his feet in the air.
I’ve offered my help but one look at me and maybe he’s thought better of it! He’s ok but close on 80 so I hope he doesn’t bruise easily and I get the blame .
I’m going to get a move on and get this job finished. I’ve got the first page of the website to sort out at www.michaelsdiary.com where all these pages eventually can be found. You can even get weekly emails sent to you and have a good read at the full week’s nonsense and follow ‘my family tree’ search to find my Irish ancestry as I research the records.
At some time I’ll be visiting Ireland and filming my search of the parish records not knowing what I might find but I’m sure it’ll be interesting!
Speak to you soon
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Thursday 09.10.25
B&Q, Screwfix and Café Nero…in that order…and maybe a pain au raisín to go with the coffee!
No need to rush today as there’s not much to do, not in the way of ‘need to get this done’ sort of to do, but there is a fair bit of research going on in the family tree department that’s keeping me busy in my spare time. You know that thing you yearn for, when you’re too busy working to even think about it!
Since I’ve had some to spare, now that my working boots are virtually hung up, it’s given me the urge to write, do a little bit of research and then write some more. Sometimes it’s spontaneous and other times I give it a little thought which is how I got around to writing the diaries.
It’s a way of remembering the things I’ve done…as it happens or a little bit after…and then I can refer back to it. If too much time passes things get lost and forgotten and that’s also what happens with family stuff. Hence the desire to put the record straight of who’s who and in what order the sons of the sons of the sons were with us. Even the gentleman in the picture attached to this entry, ‘Frank’ as he was known, not known by my father…or his brother, but it was their Dad.
He died when they were very young and the circumstances weren’t very grand so his life and times are virtually lost in the ether of time, but thankfully there’s enough of his story left to build a picture of much of his life, what he did and where he came from ‘and’ I feel obliged to tell his story because he was my granddad, the one I never knew, not in person, because he died in 1929.
There are some memories that remain and bit by bit I’ll find out more before the story of his life fades away forever. It won’t be today and it certainly won’t happen tomorrow but by digging a little deeper and searching records here and there, I’ll build a picture of Grampy Frank and his father…and his father’s father.
So all my spare time for the the foreseeable future will of course be taken up by writing the diaries spontaneously or with a little thought, but Grampy Frank and a long line of ancestors are waiting to be discovered, in my other spare time.
to be continued…..
Mike
Michael’s Diary
10.10.25
I’m glad that Friday’s come around, it’s been a funny old week hobbling around with my still to be fixed leg, trying to get things done without making it look too obvious that I’m about as much use as a chocolate teapot. Maybe that’s being a bit harsh but it feels that way especially when it hurts your pride more than your wallet.
Still, I’m not as bad off as some people I’ve met this week who’ve been suffering with eyesight problems like two of my clients today. That’s a hard one to manage when you’ve got the will to get something done but not the ability to make it happen. It could be an age thing but experience tells me it could happen at any time.
I remember as kids we used to visit Gran at her old prefab, one of those temporary single story bungalows that were built just after the war, but lasted for years before they were replaced. Well, next door was Mr Wallis who had been blind for many years, possibly for life, I don’t really know!
It didn’t make much sense to us kids that a person couldn’t see and we’d often close our eyes and try to walk around like Mr Wallis. It didn’t take long before we fell or broke something of Grans, just before we got a clip for being stupid.
Nothing was meant by it, we were just kids finding out about life. The funny thing is that Mr Wallis had an amazing garden full of the most colourful flowers!
It wasn’t until years later that we realised the irony of it all and discovered that we’re all dealt a different hand and it’s up to us, to do what we want to do with it!
As for me, I’m suffering but it’ll pass, I can still call into the coffee shop for half an hours reflection on life before I start my day or go over my Italian homework.
Yes…I’m still doing homework at my age and unless I get it right, Cristina my tutor will probably have me sat on the naughty step until I do it properly, a bit like at Grans although she lived in a bungalow so not many steps there! That would have got me another clip for my cheek.
Oh well…it’s Saturday tomorrow and no work, breakfast with cousin Terry and try to walk Frankie for a stroll before taking it easy for the rest of the day.
I might even catch up on my Italian grammar which will see me talking fluently at café Nero in no time.
Una tazza di caffè per favore! ☕️
Michael’s Diary
Saturday 11.10.25
Frankie two poos
Today’s the day I get to chill and get some time off from the normal humdrum, usually out with cousin Terry at The Green for breakfast.
As always I’ve got Frankie two poos with me for company, why is she called that…because everywhere we go, she has to go twice if you know what I mean!
Never fails.
But…when I park up at The Green, there aren’t any bins, so being a dutiful citizen I hang it on the rear windscreenwiper to dispose of, as and when.
You can guarantee somewhere around the mile walk we take after breakfast she’ll do it again, normally (near the car) hence her nickname.
Again…same thing, good citizen, windscreen wiper until we reach a bin. I’ll get back to that later.
On our drive to my daughters at Cwmbran and all the way through Caerleon and Ponthir, Frankie knows that she’s going to see ‘Jax’, so she whines all the way, even more so, every time I indicate as she knows it’s a sign we’re reaching our destination.
When we arrive, Frankie is like a Husky pulling me and my temporary crutches across the road to see Jax who’s equally as excited behind the front door. The usual mad greetings last for about ten minutes after which it’s a game of ‘chase me’ in and out of the back door with one excited Dachshund and a Border Collie that chases shadows and reflective lights as though he’s possessed.
Still chilling…the oldest of three girls Aurelia gives her Grampy Mike a ‘hello and greeting’ before leaving to meet friends followed by second oldest ‘Poppy’, same greeting…makes some food and takes it easy.
Youngest Fleur pokes her head around the door, asking for her never ending pocket money to be extended, trying to hide the clothes she’s pinched out of Aurelia’s wardrobe. She cries all innocence and mumbles something that means. ‘I’ve been rumbled’ and backs out sheepishly.
I’m still sipping my barista coffee that son-in-law Dean’s made and carry on talking to Natalie as if nothings happening, which in Nat’s house it isn’t…this is the norm.
After a while, coffee and biscuits enjoyed it’s time to make a move and catch Frankie mid chase, put her harness on and away we go.
I hadn’t driven far when Natalie was on the phone probably to tell me I’d forgotten my glasses or wallet, both of which I need when I see the girls but not this time.
Natalie’s trying to tell me while she’s obviously peeing her pants that I’ve got two bags of poo that some cheeky bugger has put on the back of my car!
I did explain but don’t think it looks good for me when they’re considering ‘options’ for my old age!
Oh well…me and ‘Frankie two poos’ have done enough chilling…we’re off home.
See you tomorrow 🙄
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Sunday 12.10.25
It’s looking quiet outside this morning and not many people about, the temperatures dropping now and we’re seeing the signs of the coming cool months already.
The arguments about the heating are just around the corner for some, but for us it’s under starters orders as we’ve already debated the ‘shall we or shan’t we’ looking at the heating dial.
I work in all the cold conditions and happy to do so, but when I settle down at night it has to be slightly tropical to keep me comfortable ready for the evenings telly fest. But that’s tonight and for now we’re off to Brød for our Sunday morning treat of coffee, tea and pastries, or as the Danish call them ‘snegl’s’.
All the food is good and the staff are great even putting up with Frankie’s antics of yipping at most of the visiting dogs. She gets a treat from whoever brings our drinks over, not deservedly but it keeps her quiet for two minutes and we get to enjoy our pastries.
If you’re in Cardiff stop off for a ‘Snegl or tasty roll’ and pick up your fresh bread while you’re there.
They’ve got a nice selection of rolling pins on display, the type that your gran would have threatened your grampa with, as well as using them for baking, back in the day!
After our breakfast is over we normally walk around the park at Pontcanna, however I’m still on crutches so it’s going to be a slow stroll up to Kings Rd, where usually the coffee shops are busy, but not today, I think the weather’s keeping people at home!
We’ll carry on through Pontcanna St up to the coffee quarter where there’s a bit more life and although it’s cooler than normal, it doesn’t seem to putting off the regulars who are made of sterner stuff.
Another nice area for drinks and food where you’ll find a mixture of English and Welsh being spoken as this is a popular Welsh speaking district.
Our walk is short today and will take us back through all the leaf covered streets towards Brød, where we’re parked and return home to Newport by lunchtime. It’s always a good Sunday morning stint often visiting the artisan markets and looking forward to the Christmas markets coming up soon.
We’ve got a relaxing Sunday afternoon today with a few little jobs to get done at home and I’m finishing off my Italian homework ready for inspection tomorrow, and time later for me and Frankie to spend half an hour down at the stream looking for fish, or in Frankie’s case looking for trouble.
Roll on Monday 😃
Mike
WEEK 42
Michael’s Diary
Monday 13.10.25
It was a murky start this morning and kicked off at 11 degrees, not exactly cold, but time to put a jacket on when I leave for my working day or whatever else I’ve got planned.
I had all good intentions when I drove off this morning and made my way to Café Nero at the retail park, by the time arrived the heater was working full blast so I opted for a take out croissant and coffee from Greggs and parked outside Nero’s to pick up free WiFi!
My plan was to stop off at M & S on my way to Jackie and Alun’s to do a bit of shopping in the men’s department. Not wanting to appear shabby I thought I’d invest in some brief briefs for my physio tomorrow, which makes sense as my problem is sciatica in my buttocks.
Yes I know it’s vulgar, but needs must and I want to give the Physio full access to my predicament if I’m to get value for money. Upstairs in the ‘gentleman’s’ department I went, crutches working in unison with the escalator which I sailed up no problem.
As I don’t go shopping that often it took me a while to find the right section and start my search.
So many choices and colours I was spoilt for choice, but when I saw the price I thought ‘whaaaaat’, how much per pair!
I wouldn’t pay that for 3 pairs let alone one, I’m not tight but maybe I should go shopping more often, it wouldn’t come as so much of a shock.
I was turning to make my way out when I saw a similar gentleman on crutches with all croissant down his jumper looking fairly dishevelled…yes, it was my reflection in one of the long mirrors. Maybe I’ll put my new pants on hold and iron a pair of old ones, just this once!
A few hours at Jackie’s and I was ready for some more retail therapy, albeit at Sainsbury where I could get my favourite walking boots fixed in Timpsons, who did a first class job.
I also managed to find a more reasonable line in men’s unmentionables which I duly purchased.
I don’t know why I’m so concerned they’ve probably seen better cuts of meat on a butchers block!
I did a little bit of shopping but not very successfully as reaching the upper shelves I find difficult trying to lift my crutch up, that’s the walking stick, not the other and also had difficulty walking with a shopping bag that refused to swing in time with my crutches.
I’ve had enough…time to go home and try on my new physio pants 🥹
More tomorrow.
Mike
Michael ‘s Diary
Tuesday 14.10.25
Today is the day of the rub down, to see if my physio can manipulate me back into some sort of action and ditch my crutches, which are rapidly becoming part of my life.
That’s later on today but first I’m stopping off at Costa at the Coldra for a quick coffee and a ‘pain au raisin’ to build up my strength. It’s one of the nicer Costa’s alongside a new hotel which looks very rather from the outside.
One thing I’m getting from carrying the walking aids is lots of preferential treatment like having my drinks brought to my table, but it also comes with “there you are poppet” or “ok my lovely”?
I’m going to take it as being very caring and not feeling sorry for the old fella, although if it’s on offer…I’ll take it.
When I arrive at Jackie and Alun’s I’ll get another coffee which is very nice thank you. It always arrives with special biscuits and delivered every hour on the hour.
But I’m going to stay at Costa for another half an hour and finish my homework ready for Thursday’s Italian lesson and finish my numbers and objects task then make a move, maybe someone will hold the door open for Poppet!
A couple of hours on the job to justify my coffee and biscuits and I’m off to get ready for my rub down.
First time at this physio so I’m hoping for good things, in fact Ruth comes highly recommended so fingers crossed I’ll be entering some races to get me back into the swing of things. Maybe Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake might be a good start until I’m fully fit and then build up from there!
I could always just buy my cheese from Tesco and have done with it, but there’s something basic and intrinsic about having to hunt for your food as our ancestors might have done, albeit quite some time before this geriatric optimist set his sights on being a modern day hunter gatherer! Mmmmm..Tesco it is then 🙄
Well…my session’s done and I can’t believe how one’s bodily perception of pain could change to one of relief after being guided through an hour of physical realignment and being ‘shown the light’.
Full marks to Ruth Murphy at ‘backinaction’ and now my go to goddess of all things physio therapeutical for any future pain and suffering, that is if I feel any at all in the future!
Maybe I’ll book a session for after the cheese rolling race…just in case!
Tomorrow’s another day.
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Wed 15.10.25
An early entry into the diary today while I’m looking at my job for the day at Jackie and Alun’s, thinking back about some of the hundreds of jobs I’ve worked on and the many, many, many wagon loads of materials that have been delivered to me on site by a company I’ve dealt with most of my working life.
Hughes Forrest have brought me goods to all manner of jobs, some with easy access and others that are just about bloody impossible to reach, but they’ve done it. On all but a handful of jobs they were delivered by Leighton, who has to be seen up there on the podium of one the best ace delivery drivers this side of the Mississippi.
He’s on a par with the machines you see in factories that can can flip, turn, grab and move on down the production line everything with ease and all that Leighton’s got is a big mechanical arm on the back of his truck. If you mark X on the spot and ask for your two ton of bricks to be placed adjacent to it with a tolerance of plus or minus 5mm, he’ll do it 👏👏👏.
As for the regular faces in the yard who all enjoy a bit of banter calling me by name ever so politely and saying all sorts about me when I’m gone are Sean, Adam, Gary and many others who bring out the sun on a cloudy day, kicking the day off with the only kind of conversations you can have in a builder’s yard. As ever, things ‘said in the yard…stay in the yard’.
I can remember back to when cement was ‘ten bob a bag’ and I’ll probably get stick for reminding everyone about the old days but that’s where I’m from, and I’m sure they’ll be mimicking violins being played as they say things….that stay in the yard!
I started in the early 70’s when building was booming and the craic was to be had any day of week, mostly taking the rise out of apprentices like me but you had to take it in your stride, or you’d get even more. The old boys got the shout when orders were being given and lo and behold if you got it wrong. It’s a good thing they’ve outlawed being clouted by a short length of 3 x 2. Even if you ducked, a swift kick up the backside would have you back in line a bit sharpish.
Fortunately I started at the time when metric was being introduced and the ‘old boys’ didn’t have a clue what all the numbers meant, so my knowledge was worth a lot and saved me from the 3 x 2 on more than one occasion. Looking back it wasn’t a bad start and gave me what I have today, friends, experiences and splinters from the bloody 3 x 2.
Still…I’ve got time to sit back now and write about ‘the good old days ‘ 🙄.
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Thursday 16.10.25
I shouldn’t have had all that wine last night as the bed feels far too comfortable to get out of this morning. If it wasn’t for Frankie barking at the back door I think I’d press ’snooze’ on the alarm just one more time! I’m late as it is so maybe I’d better get moving.
First stop I think is B&Q to pick up some paint and postcrete on my way to the job, on second thoughts I think ‘Ducks the mobile caterer’ in Pill should come first as I’m in need of something to make up for twisting my arm up my own back and having ‘just one more’ glass of that delicious Rosé.
Something tasty for my palette m’thinks and sausage and egg is looking favourable, with a nice cup of black coffee to follow.
Aaaaaahh…..I feel ready to take on the day now and get my carcass over to the hardware store and pick up the days goods. Whilst I’m here I’ll have a look at all the new tools I don’t need and waste a bit more time before hitting the road.
I needn’t have worried about a cuppa as there’s always one ready at the job when arrive, still…another one won’t hurt will it!
It’s a bit cooler today so the jacket’s staying on first thing just until the temperature rises and then I’ll peel off a layer.
My sciatica is getting better slowly and I don’t want to be aggravating that so I’m going to take it steady today and not do anything to set me back, it’s virtually all painting today which suits me fine.
The summerhouse is looking good now with some add-ons and a brand new coat of paint. That’ll give it a few more years for the client to enjoy, maybe I’m in need of some refurbishment myself…or leave the plonk alone.
Still, once in a while won’t do me any harm, everything in moderation they say and that’s my quota for a month or two. I can’t say the same about the sausage sarnies and might be tempted to have the odd one soon.
I’ll let you know.
Mike
www.michaelsdiary.com
Michael’s Diary
Friday 17.10.25
Leaving the village was a dark affair this morning and there was no sign of sunup at 7.00am with everybody guiding themselves around with full headlights, making their way out towards the motorway and off in either direction to end the working week.
I’m heading off to B & Q in Cardiff searching for decking risers, those outdoor steps you see taking you up or down to your deck, depending on where it is! The where it is for me, is at Jackie and Alun’s and it’s the entrance to the Summerhouse which I’m restoring carefully to somewhere near its former glory.
The timber has seen better days, a bit like yours truly but the woodworm hasn’t set in yet (for me) but needs one last ditch effort to keep it intact for a few more seasons. Unless it gets a little TLC now it’ll be pulled apart by the weather, season by season unnoticed until it’s too late to revive with nails, glue and paint.
If only, if only, we often say when we realise things have gone past the ‘sell by date’ and try desperately to hold it all together a bit like spinning plates. If you’re not familiar with the term or seen it done you don’t know what you’re missing but was as popular on TV as watching your favourite football team on Saturday afternoon is today.
Yes…I’m going back in time again reminiscing about times gone by, before B & Q, before decking and before Summerhouses became fashionable. Nails, glue and paint however have always been ‘in fashion’ as us old un’s say and used wisely can keep anything going for years.
It was part of my Dad’s diy kit that we’d pick up from our local ironmongers along with paraffin for our heater and half a dozen screws to fix our old dining room table. The one that us kids and cousins would sit around on Saturday mornings fighting over a never ending supply of toast, like a real life game of hungry hippos.
Skip forward more than half a century and sometimes wish I and others had known more about nails, glue and paint and I could have saved myself a few trips to Cardiff on cold and dark mornings.
But there again nothing lasts forever…but I’ll be back tomorrow looking for nails, glue and paint 🙄
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Saturday 18.10.25
It’s getting dark early now and soon it’ll be time to hide from those pesky kids on Halloween night…ok, ok I’m not a grinch, it’s just that the kids around our way are getting far too clever.
Not happy with having a handful of sweets on a first visit, some of them take their jackets off to look a little bit different and ask for even more on a second visit.I know we live in a small community and there’s not that many doors to knock on, but that’s taking the biscuit…twice!
Some think it’s extreme to take the battery out of the doorbell and turn all the lights off with the TV turned down low, but there again if I hadn’t sellotaped the back of the letterbox from the inside, they’d have opened that and called me a mean old beggar!
Cheek! 😮
It’s not true…I don’t go to all those lengths, I just ignore them for as long as possible and only give in if they persist. Otherwise we’d be up and down like yo-yo’s parting with handfuls of sweets to those darling little cherubs, which we do.You have to play the game and show some genuine kindness or we’d be cleaning the damn eggs off the front door ‘again’ this year.
As kids I don’t think Halloween had been invented or not where we lived. I can only remember bonfire night coming around as the days grew shorter, and going to buy a box of fireworks with my Dad from our local shop. The night was short lived with a handful of sparklers and bangers but exciting enough to keep us kids happy.
It’s a whole new industry now around Halloween, with children and parents dressing up together to come and frighten the life out of us, giving us the option of ‘trick or treat’. I think it’s going to have to be treat and let the kids go on their way and carry on with their fun and games for the night.
I’ll have to start stocking up on the sweets soon and give our contribution to the little blighters and if I loosen the sellotape a bit I can just poke one out at a time 🤷♂️
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Sunday 19.10.25
Sunday’s always start with a coffee at Brød in Cardiff, usually followed by a walk around the park but today because of the rain, it’s just going to be short lived but we’re extending our time in this nice little Cafe and take in an extra cuppa before we head back to Newport. Our Snegl’s as they’re called, the Danish for pastries, are on the generous side this week filling the plate and also filling our bellies with an iced variety for Katherine and a Pepperoni for me. Frankie had her freebie dog biscuits and I don’t think she cared what variety they were, they didn’t last long enough to be savoured, just devoured.
We’ve got a quick stop at Waitrose for some posh nosh which it always is in this better than average store, it just happens to be on our run home and not the ideal place for your weekly shop unless you’ve got a few bob to spare for life’s essentials. It’ll keep us going until we stock up at somewhere a bit more reasonable or until I get my inheritance.
If you’re wondering who that’s going to be from, that makes two of us and as far as I know there aren’t any rich aunties or uncles floating about ‘as far as I know’. But there again, now that I’ve started tracing my family tree there might just be news about one of my long lost relatives who lived at the end of an Irish rainbow and has left me a fortune to squander at any old ‘up market…supermarket’ I care to frequent!
I won’t hold my breath but if these diary entries suddenly stop one day, you’ll know I’ve had a big payout from the last will and testament of old uncle Frank, who died leaving his entire fortune to his extremely grateful distant nephew. If my sister and brother are reading this of course it will be divided equally but if they’re not…haha…I’m rich!
Back to reality 🙄 and I’m spending some time with Frankie down at ‘Leafy Hollow’, the part of the garden that’s a little retreat with an old stream running at the bottom that keeps both Frankie and me mesmerised for hours on end. It’s a typical place that you can forget about life and enjoy a glass of wine and just listen to the slow trickle of water, that takes a few fallen leaves downstream and out to a place…I suppose where old leaves go. I’m not sure where that is and after a few vino’s don’t really care and as for Frankie, she just sits by my side with the same expression as me.
At the moment we’ve got our fair share of leaf droppings as it’s surrounded by trees which keeps it secluded and also the ideal place to forget time and sit back and relax. The summer is the ideal time to spend here with three or four glasses of best red, but now the temperature’s dropping along with the leaves, me and Frankie cut our visits a little shorter to about a two glass visit. Who needs a clock when you’ve got running water, a wine glass as a measure of time and an hour or so to daydream about good old uncle Frank.
By the way, If anybody knows about old uncle Frank and you can bring me (and my siblings) some good news…I’ll be with Frankie down by the stream at ‘Leafy Hollow’ 🍷
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Monday 20.10.25
It’s Eloise’s birthday tomorrow and she’ll be three…woohooo, that’s my youngest granddaughter and she’s got loads to catch up on in life and find out what a fine bunch we are 🤔 ‘and’ what everybody’s role is, in this amazing new world of hers.
The repetitive cartoon fixations will turn into habits that form her early years and the expectations that only a young child can see in her evolving new world. If she’s anything like her Mum Jade, she’ll do everything ‘showbiz style’ and burst into every room with her hands in the air expecting applause every hour, on the hour!
I don’t know where it all came from as I don’t remember being like that as a kid, cheeky yes, but not looking for attention and staying under the radar in case I got noticed and called out. Even to the point of writing stories and being asked to read them out, dying of embarrassment and so avoiding putting pen to paper. It’s changed somewhat now and I’m probably the equivalent of a scribbling Parakeet, the kind you’d be inclined to put a cover over to keep it quiet for an hour or two.
As parents and grand parents, hopefully we pass on the best of what we’re able to give and none of the negatives we’ve experienced ourselves, setting youngsters on the right path and at least giving them a head start on life’s journey.
As we know, the formative years are what moulds a child and they emulate what their grand parents and parents offer them, mimicking the mannerisms and leads that we give them to follow. I sincerely hope that through my research of our family history, we can say you’ve risen to be the cream of the crop and our influences have made you the young lady you are…our little girl.
Grampy Mike
Michael’s Diary
Tuesday 21.10.25
A double celebration today, the first is granddaughter Eloise who’s three today and is our little ginger gem, always happy and her life is a never ending playtime world, luckily she’s not spoiled by Mum Jade much 🙄 who would have had bugles playing and glitter bombs going off which is all well and good but not 2 hours before Eloise wakes up, still…
The second birthday boy is client Alun, who’s more than 25 times older than Eloise and like lots of us has given up having candles on the cake long ago. I believe that the tipping point is when the candles cost more than the cake itself which is also a sign that it becomes a major fire hazard and besides, you’d need the capacity of a garden leaf blower to extinguish them after making a wish. I know from experience that around my age you need a special licence, a bit like a bonfire night special dispensation and a safety Marshall clad in asbestos on standby!
Anyway, back to Alun later.
First call is to see Ruth Murphy the physio at ‘Back in Action’, she’s based at Cardiff’s David Lloyd centre and has been an absolute Angel getting me back to some kind of functioning fitness and sorely missed mobility, that’s seen me hobbling about for the best part of six weeks. One visit…and an issue I’ve had for decades, diagnosed and worked on with an exercise plan organised for the coming weeks which will see me back to normal in no time. Highly recommended.
At the end of the session Ruth manipulated two points that had me literally floating and probably would have sent me into a physiotherapeutical coma had it not been for ‘time up’ and stopped my eyes from spinning, enough to walk out…..onward and upward.
A bit of chasing about to pick up materials and off to the job where a welcoming cup of coffee and a nice big chunk of Alun’s birthday cake was served up to start the job off right. I use the term ‘chasing about’ as a metaphor and not literally what I’m capable of just yet and I could be best described as about as useful as a one legged man in an arse kicking contest. A bit harsh maybe but there’s room for improvement!
This is one job that’s coming to a close and I’ll be sorry to see it end, it’s been one of the nicest areas to work next to open countryside and well looked after with more coffee than Costa supplied ‘on tap’. The landscaping crew are in this afternoon and grass is flying everywhere so won’t I be staying too long.
Time to go and see the birthday girl and sing ‘happy birthday’ but I’ll give the cake a miss, as I think I’ve had enough for one day. If I’m to get back on the centre spread of ‘Landscaping Legends’ there’s going to have to be some sacrifices made in the calories department, so maybe just one helping of jelly and trifle .
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Wednesday 22.10.25
Frankie’s trained to ankle attack, it’s official and far be it for anyone to scoff at the ability of a Dachshund to defend you in times of great need. She could see off the fiercest of assailants even though she stands about the same height as a pet rabbit and let’s be honest, size isn’t everything…is it 🤔.
So that being said, if ever we come into money and buy a grand house in the country we’ll probably invest in more deadly dachshunds to roam the grounds looking for trouble and in between shaking the life out of fluffy toys, they’ll be on full alert ready to chase down ‘Burglar Bill’ or anybody wearing a striped jumper carrying a sack over their shoulder with the word ‘swag’ emblazoned on it.
As you might have guessed I’ve had a quiet day today and only done the bare minimum to keep the old grey matter flickering intermittently like an old fluorescent tube about to give up the ghost. Although saying that, I have made a balustrade, painted a shed and varnished a front door to justify holding my cap out like Oliver Twist asking for ‘more’.
More would be nice, although just the regular pocket full of coins would be good enough to frequent one of my regular coffee shop haunts and maybe indulge in a fancy bun to keep up my calorie count!
I often refer to my glory days being centrefold in ‘Landscaping Legends’ but I’m slowly slipping towards the back pages between special offer compost and rusty mowers for sale but still carry a certain value if only ‘any reasonable offer considered’ and then playing hard to get, trying to squeeze a little bit extra just for good measure.
When I was at my peak…oh yes…’that old chestnut’ I hear you say, but I’m only just over the hill with a treasure trove of experience under my belt and as they say ‘knowledge is power’ so still retain a certain usefulness to the young bucks on the rise.
There’ still plenty of questions thrown at this old dog who’s been there and done it, enough to impress the clueless wannabes of this world who are still climbing the ladder of success.
If I had my time again, I don’t know whether it would have been a lot different, although I find more solace in writing about it than doing it these days and so much easier than pushing six ton of soil up a plank and into a skip. But there again, how else could I have been a pin up landscaping legend without all that hard graft to hone my physique?
Maybe it’s best that I recall my former glories in written form than pushing any more barrows and take Frankie out for regular walks. She’ll need to build up her strength to look after me in the big house when I’m older and greyer and train her to chase Burglar Bill if he ever climbs over the garden wall.
Go get him Frankie!
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Thursday 23.10.25
I wanted to get out early this morning to miss the traffic that builds up after 7am, which never changes where I live. Before 7 you get a free run, after 7 you’d just as well throw the towel in and admit defeat if you’re in a rush to go anywhere. This is one of the reasons I’m knocking on coffee shop doors before sun up and I’m first in, just after the kettle boils or in Barista lingo “yes sir, you’re first in line again, have you s—t the bed or can’t you sleep”?
No they don’t really say that but I’m a pretty good judge of character and I wouldn’t be far off the mark if I had to put money on it.
I don’t care, I can take all the compliments you can throw at me as long as I have my first fix of the day in the form of the finest Brazilian black nectar and maybe a cheeky croissant to go with it, all I have to do then is find a nice spot, grab a glass of water and look at the diary for today’s list of to do’s.
I’m in Coffee 1 today and the daylight is just opening up on Cathedral Road, the place where you’ll get some English speakers and some Welsh and as I’ve only covered the basics of English I haven’t got a clue what my colloquial cousins are talking about, probably about the old fella who stands outside before sun up every morning waiting for the lights to be turned on!
I’ll be sorting out some very nice planters this morning for one of my regulars in what is probably the fanciest garden I get to work on. It’s regimental and contemporary in design but so nicely done that it has a uniform charm that makes me want to wipe my feet on the way in so as not to disturb the fine porcelain pavers or the grass that’s trimmed to 53mm all over. It’s the kind of place that you’d expect to be told “stand by your beds” albeit of the horticultural type.
I’ve got a trip to the superstore for more compost as I’ve seriously underestimated what I need today, oh well, it has to be done and my reward will be extra fancy biscuits to go with my coffee. It’s chokka at B & Q and I’m having to wrestle with the big boy trolley’s as they’ve all been rammed into the loading bay with little hope of pulling one out without dragging an extra three or four at the same time. If I play my cards right and play the old soldier and struggle a bit, I’ll get one of the staff to give me a hand. Never fails 😃.
On the way back I’m stopping off at ‘Otsuni’ the Italian deli for a nice tasty ham & cheese roll to take back to the job. Angelo always makes them perfect every time and one of my favourites stop off points for typically Italian food. I’m sure they do it this way in Umbria where the family harks from and they brought some sunshine with them as there’s always a friendly greeting and farewell.
I’ve got another hour or so to finish at the job and make sure it’s all left spick and span for a final inspection before I’m dismissed for the day.
On the way home I think I’ll call into Waitrose for some posh nosh for a tea time treat and finish off a very pleasant day in the City. Tomorrow’s another Italian adventure at Newport this time, I’ll be there early after I knock some poor beggar up for my first Americano and do it all over again.
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Friday 24.10.25
Early out today as I’m dropping Katherine off at the hospital for 7am, it’s a minor routine appointment but I’d better not say it’s routine or she’ll have me sitting on the naughty step for ‘under exaggerating’. Without a blue light on my old transit I’ll be leaning out the window wailing nah-nah, nah-nah, nah-nah just to give it some gravitas as we go sailing down Risca Road.
I’ll have to stop the old nonsense if we pull up at the lights or I’ll look really stupid 🤔, just give it a few whoop whoops until we’re moving again. It doesn’t hurt to throw in a bit of drama every now and then…’even if’ your passenger is dying of embarrassment and saying let me out, let me out.
Some people have got no sense of adventure 🙄!
Safely dropped off in the emergency bay, I’m popping down to Trish’s (via McDonalds to grab 2 coffee’s) and do a little bit on her Italian garden. Although it was her Dad’s, I like to think it’s a connection to the origins in deepest Umbria where the original horticultural magic came from to make this such a diverse garden mix of flowers, veg and fruit that you rarely see in everyday suburbia.
Sun up is 8am and it’s only 7.20 so better wait a bit at Mackies as it’s ok loitering outside the coffee shop but not your customers front door when they’re putting the cat out in their Jarmies.
Nothing wrong with being punctual!
A good strim of the rear garden will bring it back in order for a while and there’s the promise of something special to come in the Spring of 2026, as Trish gets to grips with the renovation she’s completing this year. The grapes and figs have been growing well without any care and attention being given this year with apples and pears have been growing in abundance.
If all goes well and it’s brought back to its former glory I’d be quite happy to sit in amongst what remains of the Umbrian origins, drinking a few glasses of ‘Montefalco Sagrantino Red’ knocking out a version of Nel blu, dipinto di blu on my old accordion.
You’d know it as Volare sung eloquently by Dean Martin and crucified by me after too many 12% vino’s. It’s being in the spirit of things that count but maybe not the spirits in me 🤷♂️. It’s the thought that counts and I think that the Italian garden will be one to celebrate as time goes on.
The front needs some TLC which we’ll get around to when the builders have finished and see if we can imagine making her Madre e Padre proud by returning everything back to a magical garden once more.
I’ll drink that 🍷🪗🇮🇹
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Saturday 25.10.25
Frankie’s days out can hit the high’s and the even higher’s depending on the mood she’s in but nothing is ever low or subdued…far from it and Saturday’s are no different. It’s always good to take her out early for a walk which acts as a mood suppressant, temporarily calming her down and allowing us time to organise ‘our day’.
This time of year it’s a challenge to find her in the leaves and perfecting her sense of recall is about the same as a scene from ‘See no evil, Hear no evil with Dave and Wally connecting as successfully as a cross eyed sniper on a dark night. I’m shouting at a pile of brown leaves and 20 metres away she pops up like a scared rabbit. It probably looks odd to passers-by but we get by!
I’m off with Katherine to The Green Lounge in Caerleon for breakfast where I elude to eating only the best veggie meals as she keeps me on health foods most of the time, where normally I’m with cousin Terry. He’s away this weekend so me first in, is greeted with “the usual…sausage and egg sarnie Mike”…rumbled, but semi forgiven when I order a vegetarian option from the menu .
Frankie waits impatiently for the doggie treat of chicken bits which all dogs have, which I’m sometimes tempted to swap for my sarnie but we share…that’s my breakfast, not hers. Everyone’s happy and a real nice place to eat. Check it out, it’s open every day.
After breakfast we’re having a walk around Caerleon to give Frankie more sedation and a mile walk with a chance for us to make the most of a bright sunny morning. There’s always plenty of dog walkers to meet and greet, passing the time of day while the dogs smell each other’s bums.
It’s the niceties in life that makes the day!
Off to daughter Natalie’s for Frankie to annoy Jax her dog for an hour or so, enjoy another nice cuppa and catch up the gossip with Natalie and Dean.
Oldest granddaughter Aurelia is covered in fake tan looking like she’s spent three months in the tropics, middle girl Poppy is in a coma because it’s far too early (1.00pm) to get up and Fleur the youngest has just phoned from upstairs to put an order in for pancakes and chocolate because she’s ‘starving’.
It’s time to pull Frankie off Jax as he’s had enough and time for us to make tracks for home. All in all a good day, if not hectic but normal for a Saturday and hopefully it’ll be doggy sleep time on the way home 🤷♂️.
We’re off to Brød in the morning for breakfast and stopping off at the vintage market in Pontcanna afterwards to see what old tat we can find.
Tomorrow’s another day.
Mike
Michael’s Diary
Sunday 26.10.25
It wasn’t the day for the vintage market today at Pontcanna…it’s next week, so we’ve missed out on buying things that we gave away in the 70’s and 80’s thinking they were rubbish, only to learn that they’re ‘retro’ and worth a few bob now. Certainly a lot more than we paid for them from the catalogue or some very nice crockery shop of its day.
I’m a one mug, one plate, and one fork type of person that was in fashion when I bought it in the 70’s and now retro as of today, fifty years later. “Invest wisely” my father used to say as he sat there in his de-mob suit from the war, a little bit the worse for wear…and so were his clothes which you’d expect after all that time, but wise words nevertheless.
So we called into one of our favourite coffee shops (see surprise below) that promotes all Danish goodies with top notch coffee and tea but unfortunately they’re now promoting Scandinavian fresh air for the full authentic ‘Danish ambience’ by leaving the door open to aid the Baltic feel!
Call me old fashioned (you probs do) but I like to feel comfortable and warm when I’m in a café or bistro and not freezing my wubs off when I should be relaxed and at ease.
Even on the snow covered regions of Val d’Isere and Alpe d'Huez you stop off for Après ski and are welcomed with hot drinks and pastries in comfort and not asked “would monsieur like a scarf and gloves to go with that”?
Needless to say we might be frequenting a ‘warmer’ place to sit next week around the Pontcanna area and then go and buy some cups n saucers my gran threw out just after peace in Europe was declared some time ago. Maybe see if we can find an old coal fire while we’re at it!
I’m off to put another vest on and have an hour with Frankie this afternoon over at the Welfare Grounds in Rogerstone and see if we can get worn out for an afternoon nap when we get home. I dare say she’ll have a few treats and I’ll put on my best fluffy slippers and sit by her side reading my old copies of ‘Readers Digest’ and see if I can find any bargains for ‘ten bob’…that’s 50p in old money. I’m going to look under the thermal section, maybe pick up some old ‘long john’s’ from one careful owner 🙄.
Mike
BTW
The surprise I mentioned earlier is in addition to the old nonsense I normally embellish that will be in the form of ‘Michael’s Coffee Corner’ where I’ll be reviewing coffee shops and my experiences in them.
As I tend to lean towards the lighter side of life I probably will notice anyone that has some kind of odd demeanour, distinctive mannerisms or peculiarities that are worth mentioning along with my ‘honest’ appraisal of the establishment I’m visiting.
This will become a feature on the website and if you have a coffee shop ‘anywhere in the world’ that you’d like to mention, there will be a page coming up for your reviews to be aired…all in progress.