Adrian Phelan

Post 12

Rocking the cheese and wine| Brighter days| Film review| Christmas| Trussell Trust | Thanks

Welcome to this week’s blog. 

We’re late for a very important date – Rocking the bingo  

Apologies two people 😊 for being late this week. The rhythm of my seven days changed from a march to a waltz, so things are a bit out of time. The main distraction was a night of Christmas Musical Bingo with friends which was great fun. I got the first line and ended up in a sing off with someone from another table. I won, but that was mainly because I said I’d share out the prize, which was a case of Brixton Brewery Beer. It was very nice, and I don’t mind the cheeky plug because they laid on a great evening of live entertainment. The song was Last Christmas by Wham. I’ve never heard of it, but I improvised well.  

Then on Friday we went to a cheese and wine party. I’m not known for my love of either, but our hosts do an amazing job every year and they have lovely friends. Five hours passed by like one and I was in a fit enough state in the morning to run back up for the car. So it was a win win, as I couldn’t make this week’s Parkrun.  

Sticking with running, I found my son’s old head torch he was using for scouts, which has allowed me to go running the country spots in the dark. It’s a bit of a lifesaver because I’ve been tied to a desk for the last six weeks with runs going from routine to occasional. With a few days off coming up I’m hoping I get out a couple of times. One bit of feedback I’ll give you if you’re thinking about running is that some of the more enjoyable ones come when you think you don’t have the energy or will to do it. It really is worth getting out there, even if the conditions aren’t great.  

He said there’d be light 

We’re getting very close to the shortest day of the year which means we’ll soon be heading back in the right direction in terms of daylight thank goodness. Life has been a bit of a twilight zone these last six months so I’m hoping for a bit more light and shade in 2026. I can type 2026 but can’t say it out loud. Me and a load of my mates turn 50 during the year. I just know they’re coming for my prostate. I can sense it.  

Talking about fingers, there was a great joke in our panto at the weekend. What do you call a judge with no thumbs? ‘Justice fingers’. I think I might have ruined that one by pre-empting it, but I’ve been laughing at it all week. The panto in general was great. It was Cinderella and both sisters shared the dame role which really worked. We laughed all the way through it. I don’t think you’re ever too young or old for a good panto.  

The film bit 

I saw Eternity last Friday which was good. I didn’t research it before I went so took a chance which paid off. It’s about a woman who has both of her husbands waiting for her when she dies and then has to decide between them. It’s an ideal date movie, if you’re looking for something to do with your other half. I had to make do with getting cosy with my salted popcorn and Pepsi Max but we had a lovely time. It has an Irish director in David Freyne and an Irish Cinematographer in Ruairi O’Brien for those who are interested. I’m going to try and see Avatar over the next few days. Let me know if you’ve seen either and what you thought.  

Oh Carol  

We went to see carols this week and although I don’t buy into the words, I don’t deny myself the melodies, the musical arrangements and the community spirit. Christian songs have some of the best tunes. They did a particularly good Hark the Herald Angels Sing to finish off. A great crescendo. One thing I’ve learned from being at English weddings is you love singing along to hymns regardless of your beliefs or lifestyles. You’d swear butter wouldn’t melt sometimes but you’re not fooling me.  

Do Good Well – Trussell Trust 

If you saw the blog Facebook post last week, you’ll have seen a request to feature the Trussell Trust in this week’s post. To quote their website, “We exist so everyone can be free from hunger. We’re an anti-poverty charity and community of food banks. We work together to ensure no one in the UK needs a food bank to survive, while providing food and practical support to people left without enough money to live on. Check out their website and do consider donating to them this Christmas. You can choose an amount you can afford.  

 Thank you  

As ever, thank you for reading. I really do appreciate it. And do continue to keep me in mind if you think I could offer capacity to your company or organisation. Here is my CV.  

Adrian   

07974669338  

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk  

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