.....that was the week that was

is base camp established? Sometimes I think it is and sometimes I think it isn't. The only way we're going to get through this (all of us) is together. Not at each other all the time - just some level of acceptance, at least, that this is the way it is, this is the way it turned out and we need to sort out and live with what has happened. I think everyone is getting there then sometime they're not....

I guess depending on your perspective it's been a great or difficult week. I've been out a lot which is great for me but comes with its challenges for others I guess. What have I been doing.....

Tuesday: First Aid Kit at the City Hall, Newcastle. We first can across First Aid Kit when figuring out who to go and see at Latitude last year. We knew they were playing so checked out these two Swedish girls playing country music.... fabulous! The performance was tight, the harmonies beautiful. I thought overall a little lacklustre. I thought they were better at Latitude. They are not performers though, appearing shy and retiring on stage. But, actually this just adds further to their charm. The songs are beautiful and enchanting. The biggest problem for me may have been sound quality. The speakers were under the balcony we were sat on so this give a subdued tone and the whole thing was just, well, a little quiet. Not like......

Wednesday: The Mark Lanegan Band: Riverside, Newcastle. I was excited to be returning to the Riverside for a gig probably 20 years since I was last there! I went with Tony to see River City People - back in the day! Imagine my surprise (and slight disappointment) when it was called the Riverside but in a completely different place (well not completely different - still on the Riverside atNewcastle!). That said once in that changed. I thought as small venues go it was decent (if a bit bloody cold to start with). The beer, as anticipated, was an extortionate price! Me and Nik pitched up to watched the support act Sean Wheeler and Zander Schloss who were the perfect opener for the darkness that was to come. Their set was at times light hearted and cheery and at others reflective and contemplative but all together entertaining. They had the stage presence that only comes with years of mastering your craft. Then we were treated to Mark who shone through a diverse range of musical styles rooted in the blues. From the stripped back guitar and vocal openers to the full band blues rock, to smatterings of electronica to bring us to a engrossing climax. The night was capped off by Nik getting his CD signed by the man himself. Sweet!

Thursday: Met up with Jonathan at Murray Library, Sunderland University for a post interview coffee. Yesterday he had an interview at Carlisle (Cumbria University) which clearly went well as less than 24 hours later they offered him a place! The Sunderland interview, he felt, had gone just as well - he took me through his presentation portfolio which was outstanding - not only the photographs but the simple but very effective way he had put it together using minimal captions - efficient but very effective. Anyway, he must have done well as, again, less than 24 hours later he was offered a place! It's in his hands now- he just needs the grades.

Friday: I had a lovely night looking after Luke at is and Christine's new house (always tinged with sadness that I'm not around him full time). We ate pizza and hung out watching the first episode of the first season of Spooks. It was alright but not as good as the later seasons I remember but we enjoyed it. Christine rolled in at 11.30 and Jen popped her head around the door for a quick hello.

Saturday: Tees Barrage Parkrun. I've done 50! I've made it to the milestone of 50 parkruns and will now be able to claim my t-shirt! We drove to stockton - me, Tony, Jonathan, and Oliver to run the Tees Barrage version of the 5k Saturday morning run. What a lovely course alongside the river. It's in the area where the white water canoeing schnizzle was on at the Olympics - very nice. It was cold, Jonathan was very unwell and probably shouldn't have done it - but we all got round. Oliver won - as is his style, followed by me about 9 minutes behind (!) then Tony about a minute and a half behind me, and then Jonathan a further 3 or 4 minutes back looking like death warmed up! He even struglled through his post run McDonalds! Very unusual! In the evening I was over at Christine and Luke's for some food and Oceans 13 - a lovely end to the day - hanging out with two of my very favourite people.

....and Today? Well the fun doesn't stop! After a trip to Mam and Dad's for lunch with the boys I'm off out with Tony for some beers and a curry. I lost the bet to be less weight than him by the end of the year (despite him having a half stone handicap!). This year he has a stone handicap! Surely this time next year he'll be buying the Curry!