mbernardi | Recent Entries

On the 1st J & I went to T's 60th birthday celebration (from our ballroom dance class), it was supposed to be fancy dress and we went as The Blues Brothers! not many others bothered with costumes.
Ballroom and Line dance classes continue. Discovered the step sheet for Night Fever - which is exactly the same as I learned it 40 years ago! Danced it again for the first time in over 35 years!
Ticketed Line Dance Christmas social - with Rancher supplying the live music. The following day J collected me and we went to the Pastiche dance at Steyning.
On New Years Eve I went shopping then off to Crawley for the annual New years Ever Ballroom Social Dance with Jane from 6:00 to 00:15 was as usual great fun, demo from David and Rosie, and raffle (I won a prize!), then to stay the night a J's place.
I've been tracking all the line daces I've learned, and created a booklet of all the stepsheets, unfortunately I discovered an app on my phone that did the same thing (but without the cut and paste I needed to create the booklet), only after spending the time creating a document by hand.
Sent out those few Christmas cards I wasn't delivering by hand. After seeing GP, started taking pills for allergies, though cough remained.
My original Kindle Fire died, it lasted over 2 years, with constant daily use. The monthly cost of purchase was less than £2.50 which is pretty good value.
I ordered a similar spec Kindle Fire tablet which cost £20 less and was slightly better specified (Alexa included by default).
Continue to regularly Skype D on Thursday, it's nearly a year since he moved the last of his stuff out.
I renewed my annual train season ticket, now £2336.00 which allows me to effectively travel anywhere on the rail network between Durrington and Gatwick Airport.
The difference in price between my home station and Gatwick is only £72 and this allowns me to get to dancing in Crawley for no additional cost. (a day return would be £7.30 so I'd save the extra cost in 2 months!).
The SF reading book club went for an Indian Christmas meal, prior to discussion of the book, but we had such a good time we were unable to discuss the book! A decision was made to discuss it in January.
A Work Christmas outing was also organised but this time the menu was Chinese, we has two circular table with a revolving centre, allow the sharing of the various selections.
Joined Amazon Music Unlimited; for 99p a month for 3 months, able to listen to almost all line dance tracks, and ballroom too. Not sure if I will continue to subscribe after the initial trial. Amazon kindle unlimited however has been an excellent bargain.
I finally took my winter duvet to the laundry, as it appeared to be too big for my washer, but once wet is would have easily fitted (I'll remember that I can use my own machine next year).
After work, on Christmas Eve, I made my way to my sister's house (with my brother-in-law & parents) for the holidays.
On Christmas Day my niece & her husband, arrived in the morning and we all opened our presents. My sister had prepared a full Christmas dinner for 10 people (the additions were 4.5 members of my niece's in-laws).
After dinner played quizzes, and trivial pursuit. Then watched the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
On Boxing Day I helped move all the furniture back to their normal configuration. My BiL and I play a head to head Harry Potter trivia quiz he won 26-16
Went home on the 27th and watch the recorded Royal Institute Christmas Lectures.

So first Thursday I went to the dentist to get my lower right front tooth be almost entirely replaced / filled with white composite filling. Much cheaper than a crown.
Continue to claim delay repay refunds for delayed travel, now can be credited to my Paypal account instead of eVoucher; which have to be used for rail travel.
Continued with Ballroom classes on Tuesdays with practice on Fridays, and a social on the last Saturday, and Line dancing class on Wednesdays
For the second weekend my Mum, both my sisters and I went for a Warner Break at Lakeside - Hayling Island. This was like a SF convention for Muggles!
On Thursday I started a cold ;-( but worked in the morning leaving at lunch time to pack for the w/e and to be collected by C in time for dinner before going to her line dance class - I did know most of the dances!
Arrived Friday afternoon, when there was light programming, Mum got a mobility scooter, which allowed her to move faster than the rest of us! The weather was less than optimal (frequently raining over the w/e)
but we did manage to walk to the eponymous Lakeside to see the ducks. We were allowed in to our chalets from 3:00 (I shared with C while Mum shared with H). C had been before so she took us on a tour of the facilities.
Dressed up (C & I coordinated out outfits all w/e) and after Bingo, Dinner was a 3 course meal, from a selection, followed by dancing to a live band - Central Park, C&I did a waltz and were the only people on the floor! followed by an entertainment by One Man Band Bruce Thompson,
some more dance music before off to bed (after slogging through the rain).
Saturday we all went in to breakfast at 8:00; once again able to choose from a range of menu items, I had cereal, followed by a Full English. This was followed by Hoy Bingo (using 9 playing cards for the bingo card), we won the 3rd game and £36!
C & I spent 50 min in the dance studio, practising line dances, had problems getting bluetooth speaker to work so just had sound from C's phone!
Then saw LA LA Land in the mini cinema, which finished just in time for C & I to join a jive workshop. I learned a few new steps. After I used the pool, sauna and steam room, to try to clear my cold.
Dressed up and then in for dinner at 6:30, another different 3 course dinner, with some dancing an a very average ABBA Tribute.
Remembrance Sunday - after breakfast (porridge, poached haddock, pancakes & yogurt - not all at once) Played Hoy bingo Mum & H had same last card - but didn't win this time. 2 minute silence at 11:00
Did some more dance practice in dance studio mostly line dances, but revised the jive we learned yesterday. Got bluetooth speaker to work.
Had a second dance workshop this time Cha Cha and learned "new routine"
All 4 of use played Rummikub - board / card game. Dressed for dinner again, another 3 courses! Dancing to Central Park the the excellent The Fallen Angels - A Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and then to bed
Monday had to pack before breakfast as rooms had to be empty by 10:00, had breakfast together - Full English then left 10:20, C took me directly home,
Photos of the weekend can be seen at my facebook page & my sisters fb page
Caught up watching all the Strictly Come Dancing incarnations I'd missed over the week end. Also Dr Who. Due to my cold, that it was raining, and that I hadn't finished the book, I didn't go to my monthly book club meeting.
Bought tickets for Christmas Line Dance social, - M saved me some tickets as they went on sale on the Saturday we were at Hayling Island, and went like hotcakes.
Had a power cut (at home) while I was at work, WiFi Router and Sky Box rebooted and had to be tweaked until they were working again.
Saw Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewald at the cinema, had the feel of the middle part of a trilogy. In the original Harry Potter sequence while each story added to the harry vs voldermort arc, each book / film was a complete story. This doesn't feel the same at all.
A very busy month, but next month may be even more busy!

I booked two and a half days off next month - so I could go for an extended weekend holiday with my Mum and my sisters, probably the last time the 4 of us will be able to go away together.
The Tuesday Ballroom classes on Tuesday have been mostly used to teach and revise the paso. At the end of month social this time there were fewer mistakes.
Line Dancing continues on Wednesday with my sister her friend and I going to the 2nd Saturday social, this was followed on Sunday with my sister & I going for a tea dance at Herstmonceux castle. We both had a good time (& even managed to get her to try a quickstep).
Saw my GP as I'd had an ongoing cough since the beginning of the year, (this is a known side effect of my blood pressure medication). She checked my BP and it was in "normal" range so said I could stop the BP capsules.
But to be on the safe side I should also get a chest x-ray, (which I did a week later). My follow up appointment indicated no issues in that regard. Got this year's Flu jab, caused me to be slightly under the weather for a couple of days.
Also had a chip off a tooth which required filling, so needed an x-ray first (so I got 2 x-rays on the same day).
Got a refund of 8.33% of my season ticket - due to ongoing issues on the various rail lines. This is in addition to the delay repay refunds when any train is more than 15 min late.
I actually finished the SF Book Club book "Way Station by Clifford D Simak" just before the meeting started, but it still counts.
Continue to have Skype video conversation with D on Thursday evenings, we are really living in an SF world!
Virgin have been digging up the pavement around BH over the last few months, laying fibre cable. I got a letter from them to let me know they are intending to lay this past my house and might impinge my access.
Took a day off so that I could attend the Worthing Beer & Cider Festival, in the Assembly Hall, I'm not a big drinker but it was interesting to sample 6 different beverages in 1/3 pint portions.
On Halloween at work we had the option to dress down (and donate to charity) or up (and wear costume). For the first time as a adult I dressed up for Halloween - as one of the Men in Black!
Line dancing that night was also costume optional, so I stayed in character. There were 7 witch costumes, one magician and me.

On Saturday 1st got my haircut, prior to going to BBQ party arranged by one of my ballroom dance class co-students, for the others in the class. The weather was fine and we had a lovely evening, 5 couples ; J gave me a lift from the station to the house.
Left my cap on the train, and the following day I was given it back by a fellow traveller.
I was a bit extravagant and (as per Gail Carriger's recommendation) had some scones with clotted cream and marmalade, delicious.
Ballroom dance class continued on Tuesdays, and finally after asking for five years, we started to learn the Paso Doble. Attempted it at the social dance (on last Saturday) but not very successfully -especially the last few steps!
My sister has booked tickets for a Tea Dance at Herstmonceux Castle next month.
Line dancing was off for two weeks mid month, My sister, her friend and I did go to the Saturday social though.
Continued to claim delay repay, from the train companies. I currently have £50 in credit! As a regular user of the London to Brighton Line I am also getting additional compensation of £188!
Started watching Discovery of Witches & Constantine both just starting on Sky TV.
My bedside light stopped working, (had a fluorescent bulb and I think the starter motor failed). The replacement (from Argos) has a SES fitting and uses an 8W LED bulb.

So possibly as a result of taking blood pressure tablets, I have had a dry cough since January, I've also been retching after breakfast (usually when I'm cleaning my teeth). On the 1st this actually resulted in me throwing up! I've booked an appointment with my GP.
We had an office team BBQ on the sea front, it was bring your own food but trays of charcoal to cook on were provided. The weather was fine and we had a good time. Though the seagulls were a bit alarming, swooping on any dropped items.
Packed up and returned D's Sky Q Box (after bringing it back from Holland). My apple tree had over 20 apples, unfortunately most were rotten having fallen or were wormy! I will have to check their status more regularly next year.
SF Book club discussed Stand on Zanzibar, which again I didn't complete. Continued with Ballroom & Line Dance classes. My sister and I went out for a social ballroom dance, after practice at home we were able to dance a few more styles (still won't do quickstep or foxtrot).
Went to see Zippo's Circus, which was on Hove seafront. There were demonstrators as they had animal acts (the first time I've seen this in 20+ years - the animals not the demonstrators) though the animals in question were tame horses and budgies.
Saw Christopher Robin at the cinema, bought sausage & chips for supper - but didn't eat til I got to the train station due to to fear of seagull attacks!
On the last Wednesday of the month I took the day off and went to London, visited British Library - exhibition on Windrush, went to Forbidden Planet & bought a book.
Then to the Science Museum for the SMLates - the theme was circus and unfortunately I'd pre-booked for an IMAX show - Dancing on Icebergs, which was interesting but ate 2/3 of my evening, and was not circus related. I had to leave early to get to see “Resurrecting Philip Astley” which was circus related and very informative, and finished the evening,
Continued to make Delay Repay claims against the rail companies, and getting eVouchers of £1.50-£2:50 for each delay, they mount up. My season ticket allows me almost unlimited travel between Gatwick, Brighton and Worthing and Horsham (without additional cost), so whenever I need to travel outside this area I've been using eVouchers, so my journey to London was effectively free!

First Line Dance class was cancelled at the last minute, Margaret phone on Monday to inform. New ballroom teacher (Sam) joined E & B in class (with extra students) - V&G + S&T left class in protest.
Had an asthma attack at work and had to sit quiet for an hour before leaving early! So booked asthma review (which was due anyway).
Arranged for a complementary congratulatory card from the Queen, for my parents 60th Anniversary - also ordered a nice bespoke frame for this to be presented in.
The weather was very warm & sunny 25°C+ most of the month, so the discussion of A Canticle for Leibowitz, which was held at one of the member's beach hut was very pleasant. However I had forgot we were meeting there until no one arrived at the normal (Lord Nelson Pub) location. I got there about a half hour late!
Line dance class has continued, but only had 2 weeks class this month. Visited my sister & parents - then attended another Ceroc workshop, getting better but really need to practice.
Ordered an Android phone for only £45 - wanted a spare smartphone, and wanted to try a modern droid device.
Went to the cinema to see The Incredibles 2, after watching The Incredibles the previous week on TV.
J confirmed that she had early diagnosis of breast cancer, and her operation was scheduled on the day I flew out to Holland.
Flew to Holland for a week, to visit D. Went to the Science Museum in Amsterdam, took photos from the car in Rotterdam, and took a morning ride along the the canals near D's new flat.
Got texts and email from Barclaycard notifying me my card had some fraudulent activity on it. Had to cancel it on my retunr and confirm which ones were valid.
Had arranged to return on Tuesday so I could go to ballroom class, BUT due to J not being there after her op, I decided not to go. I did go line dancing the following day though after going to the cinima to see Mama Mia: Here we go Again
The last Thursday in the month, was my last day of leave and celebrated my parents 60th Wedding Anniversay, the weather was sunny and a good time was had by all - a small select gathering including both my sister and my paternal aunt and uncle, wit a few additional friends.
The highlight was the presentation of the queens card!
Finally rained after weeks of sun! Most of the grass had turned brown.

Saw Star Wars: Solo at the cinema, pretty good heist movie, got mugged by a seagull for my sausage & chips on way home! My sister's mother-in-law died, she had been in hospital for some time so not unexpected but... She was a lovely lady.
Continued with ballroom dance classes on Tuesday, and line dancing class on Wednesday. On the second Saturday my sister, a friend of her's, and I went to a line dance social (run by my teacher) first I'd been to. We had a good time despite the heat (the hall has air con). At the end of the month I went ballroom dancing social with J.
Got confirmation that my work grade was increasing from Band 3 to Band 4 backdated to December. If this will translate into any extra cash, I will find out in my August pay cheque!
Ordered a CD (& Free download) of Jenny - The Doctor's Daughter, from Big Finish, back in November, it arrived on day of publication this month.
The SF Book Club discussed The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers, which I'd read previously, and re-read especially for the club.
D & I are using Skype video to chat every week (usually on Thursday) as he has hardly anyone else to talk to, we probably talk more than when we shared a house!
Saw two circus style performances in the Pavilion Theatre Worthing; 8 Songs, and Block, fascinating performances, if a little short!

J returned from her holiday in Japan, though she is still having issues with her knee, so limited dancing options.
Line dancing continues to be fun if hard work, I'm really glad I had a chance at a beginners class last year.
I was allow to take my old work PC home, but only after it's hard drive was removed. I therefore had to order a replacement (1TB) which I was able to fit easily and then install Ubuntu 17.04 on.
I now have a fully functioning Linux PC, with twin screens, a videocam and wifi access.
My annual defrosting of my freezer took place, I really need to find a faster method of getting it to de-ice (using bowls of hot water in each compartment)
I got my eyes tested with a free test voucher and ordered new glasses for the first time in 3 years. I also got a pair of prescription sunglasses via buy one get one free!
On Sunday 13th I saw Avengers: Infinity War at my local cinema then went to The Dome in Brighton to see Amanda Palmer (in person), the show started 7:30 with half hour support from Andrew O’Neill followed by two and a half hours from Amanda
Finished at 11:00 and managed to catch the last train home. I was really tired on Monday which did affect the Book Club discussion of The Forever War (i didn't finish this one), and I left early.
I booked a hostel room in Dublin for Worldcon, but unable to book a flight until nearer the date. Later in the week I saw Deadpool 2 at a different cinema.
This was a very busy week as I was out every night! (Amanda Palmer, bookclub, ballroom class, line dancing, cinema, ballroom practice!)
I ordered and received a new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, with case and SD Card - which I was able to get up and running very quickly
Last weekend in the month was a Bank Holiday & I visited my family on Sunday as it was my Mum's birthday, saw Despicable Me 3, went to my Niece's place for a BBQ on the Monday, finished just before thunderstorm.

Back to work after Easter on Wednesday, took Tuesday off. Went Line dancing as is the new normal - and each following Wednesday. Ballroom classes on Tuesday, with practice on the 2nd and 3rd Fridays. Social Dance on the last Saturday.
On Saturday 7th I took public transport to my sister's (replacement but and train on my season ticket, and waived on the final bus for free) to celebrate out combined birthdays (hers is the day after mine).
My Parents, sister and brother-in-law, were joined by my niece and her husband for a most excellent Chinese take out (delivered)
The following day my sister and I went to a Ceroc workshop (where she was a taxi dancer / assistant) and I tried to remember steps. this was my third Ceroc workshop and it was finally sinking in!
The Brighton SF Reading Group discussed "Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town" which I again did not finish ;-(
J went on holiday to Japan for 3 weeks, so I had to get a lift to the station from one of my fellow dancers. It was quite weird dancing on my own most of the time.
Got a new banking app on iPhone, old one expired & needed to setup a secure access using my thumb print, unfortunately this didn't work and I spent over an hour with tech support trying to get it to work before they were notified the service was down!
I did finally manage to get it working and it's must easier that the previous system.
Follycon sent my Souvenir book and other documentation in the post, including a pin as I was at the previous Follycon in Liverpool in 1988 (so named as it included 1st of April in the weekend)
Got my PC replaced with a new Dell with Windows 10 (64-bit with 8GB memory & 256GB solid state drive) which means my old PC would be thrown away, I requested if I could retain it myself (as it's much better speced than my own desktop)
Put together VR Cardboard goggles (quite old and sticky tape not very strong, but even so surprisingly effective. Took my old PC with it's 2 screens (3 journeys on the train) home and setup by installing Ubuntu over the original hard drive.
Then asked to bring it back in so the hard drive could be removed and physically destroyed!

A bit delayed but better late than never.
March was pretty cold with snow at the beginning of the month. Even allowed to leave early due to snowpocolypse warnings (which didn't happen). Dance practice was also cancelled.
Have been using Metro card to catch the bus to my sister's house - finally got it unlocked so I could access details on ticket usage on the website. Visited her the weekend after the thretened snow. Danced together (both ballrom & line dancing)
Bought 3 World Book Day books from W HSmith (£1 each). Booked attending membership for next year's Eastercon (Ytterblum).
Managed to break my iphone screen (it fell of the kitchen table, when the alarm went off). Got the screen replaced later in the month.
Ballroom classes continue on Tuesday, though J had limited ability to dance. Learned a new Sequence Dance - Bambi Blues
Also started going to Line Dance classes every Wednesday, hard work (and would have been almost impossible but for the previous beginner class I took last year. Good fun though the 1:5 ratio of men to ladies is odd.
Made a walking staff from a broom handle, varnishing it required it to be hung from the ceiling!
The ceiling on the upper floor at work partially fell in, which required all the staff on that floor to be relocated to the ground floor or working from home.
The Brighton SF Reading Group discussed Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency, which I'd read when it originally was published, but didn't complete the recent re-read. Fairly lively discussion.
On Saturday 17th went to the Horsham Drill Hall (it was snowing), to meet my mum, sister C and her friend D; for the Strictly Vintage Tea Dance - with a big band and high tea!
Did a fair amount of dancing with both D and C (also line dancing with the latter - got a group of people line dancing during one tune). Mum didn't dance ;-).
I won a prize as best dressed male! Due to my Cuban heeled shoes (and embroidered by my sister; shirt and tie).
Stayed over for the rest of the w/e but woke in the night with chest pan for over an hour, also out of breath so not a heart attack!
On Sunday C & I did line dances for an hour before lunch and then taken home before it started snowing again.
Had the hard back edition delivered from amazon to work, first time that I had used this address, but a useful option for stuff that can't be delivered to a local Amazon locker.
Didn't got to Eastercon (Follycon) this year as I was unable to get Thursday off work, a shame as it appears to have been a fun event. However as a result I was able to go to the Social Dance on the last Saturday of the month.

My little sister H, was visiting my parents in the first week, so I visited them and got to see her. (She lives in Somerset near Glastonbury), we got to chat, and hang out.
The second Monday was Brighton SF Book Club and this month was Random Asimov, we each needed to discuss any SF work by the author. I found a novelette called “It’s a Beautiful Day” and discussed this.
First weekend in February is the UK Filkcon, and this year was the 30th anniversary - and I've been to 27 of them. Guests were Betsy Tinney, The Crookletts & Omega (not a musician).
Ate my meals at the bungalow diner, except for breakfast, which was included in the room rate.
The following week I was a Picocon 35 at Imperial College – The guests were Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell (illustrator), Emma Newman (of Tea & Jeopardy podcast), with a late appearance by Ben Aaronovich.
Due to school schedules the social dance was on the same day so had to take my dance shoes to London and get back to Crawley for 7:00. J still unable to dance, so I only danced a few ballroom dances. I did get to dance all the sequence dances with different partners though.
Had to go to the dentist to get a filling repaired. It was fairly painless and quick. (i did have to leave work early though).
I finally found a new Line Dance Class (nearer work than home) and went for my first class, even though it was touted as Beginner / Improver it was hard work, if I hadn't done this before I would have given up. I will however continue.
Toward the end of the month we hit a cold spell, with a little snow, despite the forecast for blizzard condition and piles of snow. I only got about 2cm locally, other parts of the country were less lucky.
The worst of the weather was due on Wed 28th, the day I'd booked to go to London to see ABBA: Super Trooper - The Exhibition! Despite blizzard predictions I got to London without too much trouble, and first went to Forbidden Planet to get a few books. (The latest Seanan McGuie inCrypted novel).
Then caught the tube to Festival Hall at the South Bank Centre, (got covered in snow while walking from the tube) arrived very early so ate lunch, had a hot chocolate, before making my way to the exhibit.
This was not an exhibit of items behind glass with nicely printed labels providing background (though there were a few of these). But it was more of an interactive immersive experience.
It was made up of eight "rooms" which attempted to evoke a particulate location, which was important to the evolution of ABBA. Unfortunately photography was not allowed & and no souvenir booklet was available (and I forgot to make notes - phones all off - until afterwards) so I'm not 100% of the order of the rooms.
So the first room we entered was dark and when the door slid closed it was pitched black. Then the lights came on to show a Super Trouper spot light, we then played name that tune with ABBA tracks (the same lady got all of them correct!)
We then went into a 70's style living room, it felt like my Great Aunts' lounge. We saw TV clips on an old style TV (including questioning if we should enter the EU!)
From there we entered a Brighton hotel bedroom, used by Benny & Agnetha after their Eurovision win, there was a replica of Benny's guitar and Agnetha's original skull cap.
The exit, through the wardrobe was to a Swedish forest where they sang together for the first time (at a folk festival).
From this point on I'm not certain of the order in which we passed from room to room. So in no particular order we visited the Polar recording studio with the original mixing desk and multitrack recorders. I was able to mix together the various parts into a recognisable tune. All of the group then did a singalong in the recording booth.
We entered the toilet of a club from the early 80s, with graffiti and posters peppering the walls.
Then to Australia in the pouring rain and the caravans used for changing rooms
the penultimate room was Lasse Hallström's apartment, which was used as a stand in for Agnetha's apartment in "One of Us", I was asked to open the door to the final room, a first class section of an 80s airplane, with video windows showing take off and some videos, we also did a sing along!
And then we exited the experience and left in the snow, with only our tickets and external photos as aid to our memories.
Next stop was the Science Museum as there were two illuminating India exhibits, exploring 5000 years of Indian science & technology, and a photographic record of Indian history.
I was intending to stay on for the Lates opening in the evening, but the weather and my exhaustion from being on me feet all day meant I left earlier than originally planned.

This has been more delayed that I would wish but...
As is traditional I spent New Year's day at J's, taking a walk through the park and having a roast lunch, before going home.
Yoga class has had to increase in price to £8 for an hour (as the numbers are between 2 and 5 people. Ballroom dancing lessons have also gone up to £6 for the class and £8 for the Saturday social dance.
Went to Holland and back; with D driving (see prior post).
Have had a cough since the middle of the month, saw my GP and it MAY be a side effect of the blood pressure tablets I started taking, (or I may have a cold!) had to take 3½ days off work!
The Brighton SF Reading Club discussed To Say Nothing of The Dog by Connie Willis, I read it when i originally bought it in 1999, but didn't complete my re-read in time for the discussion. A massive police presence in town due to football match against Crystal Palace.
Ordered external USB 2TB Drive, only the size of a tape cassette but doubles my data storage.
Learned new steps in Waltz and Tango. J managed to do something to her knee, and was unable to dance at the end of the month, including the Saturday dance (I had to use bus replacement service to get there and back).
Booked the last Wednesday in Feb off and also booked ticket for ABBA: Super Troupers; on Southbank after which I intend to go to the Science Museum for their Lates.

So I started my month in Holland and returned on a very delayed flight, (see previous post). This is also very late, but better late than never.
My Sky remote keeps glitching, so I found an app for my iPhone which does the same thing via WiFi. Had an hour's power cut, and played games on my phone by candle light ;-)
Bought a supporting membership to Worldcon76, and decided NOT to go to Eastercon in 2018, as I couldn't get the Thursday off work AND it's the last Saturday in the month so I'd miss dancing.
Researched annual season tickets, and confirmed I can get an interest free loan from work. Buying in December (before fares go up in January) saves over £400 per year (as against 12 monthly tickets)
Had to get a replacement office door entry card (the original had the address on it in error). Yoga class now moved to Tuesday, so there is little time between its end and getting to Crawley for my Ballroom dance class! I therefore have to eat sandwiches on the train. if I want any dinner/supper.
I continue to take advantage of the Delay Repay compensation for delayed / cancelled trains, used £45 worth to pay for my train tickets to Filkcon and Picocon.
The Strictly Come Dancing Final was exciting, and very difficult to call. Any of the finalists could have easily won.
Went Dancing in Stenying, Jane collected me and had a nice time on Sunday evening.
For the Christmas week the Brighton SF Book Club discussed Only Forward by Michael Marshall Smith, I actually had nearly finished the book by the time of the meeting & did finish it before the week was done.
D came back for a visit over Christmas, hiring a car to collect Maya (his cat) and we booked car and train tickets to return her after Christmas (see locked post)
On my first day back to work (between xmas & new year) the road outside the station was flooded (even the pavement was partially under water!
On New Years eve went to the annual Crawley Academy social dance, doors opened at 6:00 and after helping clear up at the end J & I left at 00:30
A young couple Matthew & Holly provided a Latin demonstration and a buffet supper was included.

So first thing there was a new novella from Lois McMaster Bujold to buy and read. Got a letter that my lost kindle fire had been found! I collected it from Bognor Regis station - prooving that there are good people in the world -(and saw Thor Ragnarock at the cinema opposite for only £2.50!)
Managed to loose the filling in one of my teeth while chewing on a toffee, managed to arrange an emergency dental vist for repair at no additional cost!
Dance classes every Tuesday started learning new steps in tango, practice dances on first and third Fridays, with social dance on last Saturday (replacement bus service from Three Bridges to Crawley!).
I have also been going to medically mandated Back Pain Class, followed by an hour of Gym exercise, this was a 6 week course and was the first time i encountered a Cross Trainer or static recumbent bike.
Unfortuneately this was only available on Tuesday afternoon, so it was follwed a few hours later by my weekly dance class, so on Wednesday I was really aching!
My bank card was swallow by the bank ATM in Haywards Heath, so I had to report it's loss and request a replacement. Had to repeat my 24 hour BP monitoring - equipment issues. Also got my yearly flu jab!
Visited my family twice on consecutive weekends, first I went to a Rocsters Jive dance with my sister, where she danced almost every dance and I only managed to dance a couple of cha chas (everyone was dancing Modern Jive / ceroc / rocsters)
I felt a bit left out ;-( so when sis said there was a ceroc workshop the following week I decided to sign up. It was fun but a lot tougher than I'd thought. While i was mostly able to dance the steps at te time, I can't replicate them now (even with a video record).
Apparently all the ceroc classes teach the same steps in the same week, so no mattter where you go you can stay syncroised. I do intend to try to continue with this in the new year. (Line dancing too)
D came back to England for a visit, and wanted to bring Maya back with him, unfortunately cost / timings made this impossible so I said I would bring his cat over to him at the end of the month!
Had to pay my annual license fee (to the BBC), printed out all my travel documents, Returned 3 library books, on loan for months (one was started in Jan 2017) - without finishing them. mostly read ebooks now.
Left for Holland the evening of Wednesday 29th (appearing as a separate entry).

So first few day lost to app crash. Now using Dropbox Paper to record diary notes.
Continuing to watch Strictly Come Dancing and the daily spin off SCD: It Takes Two.
D finally moved out, fist time hn his life he managed to move 95%+ of his stuff when he relocated.
He had to leave the cat for a few weeks as she was recovering from being spayed and various inoculations, I had to take her to the vet for her jab!
Ballroom dancing classes continuing on Tuesday evening with Friday practice on 1st & 3rd Friday, with a social on last Saturday. revising Samba, rumba and waltz
The SF Book club discussed hugo award winner "The Fifth Season", though once again I didn't finishe the book in time for the discussion ;-(
Refered to physiotherapist at Princess Royal Hospital, inrolled into a 6 week "Back Fitness Class" comprising of an half hour presatation followed by and hours workout in the gym.
Restarted yoga class with a new teacher Anja, class has reduced to 4 regulars, but still going.
The DC super heros, Supergirl, the Flash, Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow all restarted on sky one.
Bit odd being on my own in my house!

So this month I took over the duty of putting the rubbish bins out for collection, which means getting up 5 minutes earlier on Tuesdays!
On the first Saturday I went in to London to the Science Museum, as this was my last chance to see the exhibition “Robots - The 500-year quest to make machines human”, well worth the time and money, the exhit book was also good value reduced from £25 to £15 (same price as ticket).
Dance classes on Tuesday continue with a completely new cha cha routine, which is cool - but makes my brain and body hurt! Dance practice on 1st & 3rd Friday of the month and Social dance on the last Saturday.
I’ve been watching Who do you think you are? and Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes? Both provide a self learning experience for the participants - in different ways. Also watching Midnight Texas - and listened to the audio edition of the original book and it’s fairly unlike the TV show - the big bad is totally different. Strictly Come Dancing has started - meaning that autumn is definitely here.
The SF Book Club book this month was “The Peripheral” which again I didn’t finish, there was a lively discussion though.
Managed to post my Worldcon report (in addition to my monthly blog!)
Took a day off to help D with packing, also was able to see “Dunkirk” at the Orion Cinema - Golden Years only £2.50 inc tea and biscuit!
Renewed season ticket using 13 delay repay voucher (£33.50 refunded).
Managed to chip one of my teeth, and got an “emergency” appointment right after being fitted with a 24 hour blood pressure monitor (my dentist and doctor are about 100m apart).
My physio appointment at the Princess Royal Hospital finally came through, must exercise ham strings, which are then affecting my back, no yoga this month - 2+ months without classes.
Went to visit parents & sister and had a very busy weekend. Arrived on Friday to discover Dad may be suffering from Alzheimer's. Mum wanted to close her Force 9 account, so had to copy her website to an archive location on my site, and redirect all email and web pages to new locations. In the evening my sister took Mum and I to an Americana evening with line dancing (though floor area was not large!) First time mum went out in the evening for months if not years. the following afternoon went into Horsham where the town celebrated an American day - weather was lovely and tw one hour line dance demos were given by Flying High Line Dancers (inc my sister) I did stand up and dance in the “audience participation” part of the performance.
My iPhone stop syncing my diary with dropbox (after an iOS update) on the last Thursday of the month. When I tried to force a sync the app crashed so I lost all the written records for a week. I have been able to recreate some details but others have been lost.

On Wednesday morning I caught the train to Pasila - Bole; single ticket was 2,90€, got to Messukeskus - exhibition centre by 9:43.
Went through registration in minutes.
Had a wander and chats. Read new Bujold Novella in food court. The iOS app program guide uses WCON75, and there is free wi-fi in the centre. I'll make some general comments then a daily breakdown, list of programme items I attended can be found here.
There were a few things that weren't up to snuff, the most important that the number of attendees was higher than expected (over 6000) and many program items were over subscribed. (Despite queuing and 3 additional large rooms, I didn't get in to any of the NASA program items!)
This was probably due to the high number of first time attendees. Long time con attendees frequently only attend a couple of program items (not including ones they are on). I, however enjoy programming and try to get to as many as I can, in addition to viewing the art show and trawling the dealers room and fan areas. (Details of the programs I actually attended are in a separate post).
The newsletter was not reprinted, so if you missed its original publication you didn't get a copy (there is a PDF version on website though), the app program guide was awesome & regularly updated. The on site food was better than the usual fast food, though there was little nearby, (the train to the city centre ran regularly and only took 5 minutes - so all restaurants there were easily accessible).
Also kudos to the con organisation, as they had arranged for free public transport during the convention (saving me about 20-30€). Generally prices in Helsinki were high, partly due to the country, but also that it is the capital. So rather than spend 5-15€ for each meal I went shopping in Lidl's and bought milk & cereal for bfast and bagels & cream cheese + apples for lunch for the whole stay, for less than the price of 2 meals. As my hotel had a shared kitchen, with free tea and coffee, and a fridge for storage, I was well situated. I only had to buy a single meal per day at the food court.
This con had 49 program items uploaded to YouTube so you could have a more programmed Worldcon than I did (sadly the Hugo Award's appear to have been lost). I can just be glimpsed at the end of Pre-Potter Wizarding School.
Apart from the video recording, and the Hugo for series work (won by Lois McMaster Bujold) the most unique appearances were the blacksmith setup out side and the number of local choirs that performed in the program, and as flash mobs around the con.
I met a number of listies around the con, excluding the James B curry meet on Thursday. Discovered on Saturday that one of the other people staying in the hotel also going to Worldcon so we had a chat before bed. On Saturday I got my first experience of 3D VR - circus acrobat, got really close up without fear of getting hit by a flying limb! Upgraded my Dublin 2019 membership to attending after they won the bid. Went to both the Hugo's & the Masquerade (started queuing early for the latter) in the big auditorium - fairly packed.
And then it ended on Saturday afternoon, and back to my hotel room for the last time (from the station).
For the rest of my trip see the August entry.

My Shedule of Events at Worldcon 75
-----------------------------------

Wednesday

Summary: Opening Ceremonies [https://youtu.be/Y90nK0t5PN0]
101a&b - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
The Opening ceremony is the official start to Worldcon 75. It will take you to a journey through the Finnish seasons with dance and music and introduce our Guests.
Start: 2017-08-09 15:00
End: 2017-08-09 16:00

Summary: Fandom as Collaborative Culture!
206 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
SF fandom has always been based on collaboration: filking, fanzines, conventions, book circles - you name it! One might argue that without collaborative culture, fandom isn't fandom anymore! The panelists discuss the old and new ways of keeping our fandom collaborative!
Start: 2017-08-09 18:00
End: 2017-08-09 19:00

Summary: Infamous Bad Book Cover Show
209 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Come see the worst covers of novels - ever!
Start: 2017-08-09 20:00
End: 2017-08-09 21:00

Thursday

Summary: Tove Jansson's Illustrations for The Hobbit
203a - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Tove Jansson famously illustrated the second Swedish translation (1962) of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, and the illustrations were also used in the first Finnish translation of the novel (1973). Some were also seen in the Tolkien Calendar 2016. The talk examines the illustrations and their background, reception in Sweden and Finland, how Jansson's illustration style changes, and the comparisons between The Hobbit art and her other work (Moomins, Lewis Carroll) from around the same time. This is an updated version of the talk given at Finncon 2014 and Oxonmoot 2014.
Start: 2017-08-10 10:00
End: 2017-08-10 11:00

Summary: Guest of Honour Interview: Nalo Hopkinson
103 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Guest of Honour Nalo Hopkinson interviewed by Juha Tupasela.
Start: 2017-08-10 11:00
End: 2017-08-10 12:00

Summary: Guest of Honour Presentation: Walter Jon Williams
103 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Start: 2017-08-10 12:00
End: 2017-08-10 13:00

Summary: Moomins!
103 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
The panel discusses the Moomintroll books of Tove Jansson - what was their impact on them as children, or as adults?
Start: 2017-08-10 15:00
End: 2017-08-10 16:00

Summary: Guest of Honour Interview: Johanna Sinisalo
101a&b - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Guest of Honour Johanna Sinisalo interviewed by Jeff Vandermeer
Start: 2017-08-10 16:00
End: 2017-08-10 17:00

Summary: Perils Of Book Collecting (James Bryant)
215 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Discussing the pitfalls and challenges of collecting books: how to store and sort them, getting back books from people who borrowed them, checking the structural integrity of the floor, and finding places to store them.
Start: 2017-08-10 18:00
End: 2017-08-10 19:00

Friday

Summary: Audiobooks: What's the Deal?
Hall 3.2 (NEW!) - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Audiobook Markets are increasing year over year as busy people rely more on their earbuds than their eyes to consume fiction. What does this mean for authors, producers, narrators, and reader/listeners?
Start: 2017-08-11 10:00
End: 2017-08-11 11:00

Summary: Caribbean Science Fiction
101c - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Three writers from varying Caribbean islands, creative backgrounds, and personal experiences discuss: What does Caribbean science fiction even mean? How do the faces, voices, experiences, and landscapes of the islands shape readers' perceptions of the future? What do those landscapes have to teach through the lens of science fiction?
Start: 2017-08-11 11:00
End: 2017-08-11 12:00

Summary: Guest of Honor Presentation: Nalo Hopkinson [https://youtu.be/GgQ2I7Yleaw]
Hall 3.2 (NEW!) - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Start: 2017-08-11 13:00
End: 2017-08-11 14:00

Summary: Two's Company: Collaborative Genre Writing
Hall 3 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Collaborative writing: How does it work and what are the benefits?
Start: 2017-08-11 16:00
End: 2017-08-11 17:00

Summary: Concert: Unreality
101a&b - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Unreality's concert collects some of our choir's best songs and you can hear the most amazing extended program in all our history!
Come with us and listen to the music of far planets and unknown dimensions. We'll be travelling both in time and space, battling invaders side by side with giant robots, rebels and kind hearted braves. Step into the unknown with us and experience one unbelievable adventure after the other!
Start: 2017-08-11 17:00
End: 2017-08-11 18:30

Summary: Hugo Awards Ceremonies
Hall 1 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
The Hugo Awards Ceremony is the absolutely unmissable event at Worldcon 75! Come join Toastmistress Karen Lord and presenters from around the world to be the first to hear who has won the mostprestigious awards in science fiction!
Doors open at 19.00, the Hugo Awards Ceremony will begin at 19.30.
Start: 2017-08-11 19:30
End: 2017-08-11 22:30

Saturday

Summary: Girl power! Cool comics written by women
216 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Women have written comics for a long time, but what are some recent examples of cool comics written by women? Our panel discusses female comic writers and recommends their favourites.
Start: 2017-08-12 10:00
End: 2017-08-12 11:00

Summary: My First Novel - How to get Started
101a&b - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Many people dream about writing a novel, but never actually get started. The panel discusses the various ways one may find the inspiration and drive to actually put the pen to paper (or characters on the screen).
Start: 2017-08-12 11:00
End: 2017-08-12 12:00

Summary: Concert: Pixel Sisters
102 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Acapella concert by the Pixel Sisters!
Start: 2017-08-12 12:00
End: 2017-08-12 13:00

Summary: Science Fiction Gone Wrong
101a&b - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Sometimes science fiction is a prophetic vision of the future. However, science fiction often turns out to be wrong. This can happen either through the actual dates of science fiction arriving on the calendar or scientific discoveries. We celebrat science fiction's triumphs, but what about its failures? What can we learn from science fiction gone wrong? What does it show us about the state of collective consciousness at the time it was written?
Start: 2017-08-12 13:00
End: 2017-08-12 14:00

Summary: Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance
101c - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Paranormal romance exploded into the SF scene a few years back, but urban fantasy goes a lot further. Very often these two get mixed up, but are there any similarities between the two? The panelists also recommend their favorite books!
Start: 2017-08-12 14:00
End: 2017-08-12 15:00

Summary: Pre-Potter Wizarding Schools [https://youtu.be/V5TcbSpeJPI]
Hall 3.2 (NEW!) - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Harry Potter wasn't the first piece of fiction with wizarding schools, although it did make them hugely popular. The panel discusses some of the older examples of wizarding schools and why does this type of boarding school -genre still remain popular.
Start: 2017-08-12 15:00
End: 2017-08-12 16:00

Summary: Masquerade
Hall 1 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Lights! Camera! Action! Come see our costumers and cosplayers cross the main stage to show off their creativity and skill. Color, cut, construction, all combined to create a spectacle for all ages! Who will be your favorite? Who will the judges select? Stay for the Halftime entertainment, provided by Sassafrass, while waiting for the judging results.
Doors open at 19.00, Masquerade will begin at 19.30
Start: 2017-08-12 19:30
End: 2017-08-12 22:30

Summary: Masquerade Half-time [https://youtu.be/xcBmOo3-tpc]
Hall 1 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
While the judges deliberate, enjoy the music of Sassafrass. This a cappella group has been performing for almost 20 years. Their repertoire is predominantly original works with fantasy, mythology and science fiction themes. They will be performing works from their Norse Mythology song cycle. More information can be found at www.sassafrassmusic.com
Start: 2017-08-12 20:00
End: 2017-08-12 21:00

Sunday

Summary: Book Blogs
207 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Blogging/vlogging about books has caused some recent controversy. Some authors have claimed bad reviews in book blogs have resulted in poor sales. Book bloggers and authors discuss the importance and power of book bloggers/vloggers.
Start: 2017-08-13 10:00
End: 2017-08-13 11:00

Summary: Guest of Honour Presentation: John-Henri Holmberg
103 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Start: 2017-08-13 11:00
End: 2017-08-13 12:00

Summary: Concert: Worldcon 75 Choir
102 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
The Worldcon 75 Choir will perform a selection of songs.
Start: 2017-08-13 12:00
End: 2017-08-13 13:00

Summary: Oral Storytelling on Audio
215 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Audio as a format of storytelling is not a new thing, but it is very big right now through podcasts. Are there differences in telling your story in writing versus on audio?
Start: 2017-08-13 13:00
End: 2017-08-13 14:00

Summary: WorldCon: Who We Are and Who We Think We Might Be
Hall 3 - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
Starting at Worldcon 71 and continuing through Worldcon 73, we have collected data on the demographic variables represented by those attending our conventions. As popular culture conventions continue to grow in popularity and as we strive to be a diverse and inclusive community of fans, it is important to rely on objective and empirically-based information to both understand who we are and what purposes Worldcon fulfills for its attendees.
Start: 2017-08-13 15:00
End: 2017-08-13 16:00

Summary: Closing Ceremonies
101a&b - Messukeskus
Messuaukio 1, Helsinki, 00520
The final big event of the convention. Come along to relive the best memories of the past five days and say goodbye to Worldcon 75 as we pass the torch to the Worldcon 76 team from San Jose.
Start: 2017-08-13 17:00
End: 2017-08-13 18:00

Maya (D's cat) has finally, after a year of being stopped by a "gate" at the top of the stairs, has discovered she can leap over the bannisters and I find her at the bottom of the stairs when I go down for breakfast.
As part of D's plan to relocate, drove over with S. intending to try to find living quarters and other requirements, not very successful (S didn't really pull his weight as part of the reconnaissance.
Only 3 days dancing this month due to teacher taking 2 weeks off and I went to Helsinki for Worldcon (see separate post for details) Two classes and last Saturday social. Line dancing has finished for the moment ;-(
I caught a Norwegian Airlines flight from Gatwick to Helsinki (take of was about a half hour late, caught the train to the city center, after much wandering finally found hotel on fifth floor of the building.
Took me over an hour from getting off the train to getting to my room!
Using the same train daily to get the the con the walk normally took less than 20 minutes! On Tuesday I spent the day walking around the city, including
On Wednesday Worldcon 75 started with the Opening Ceremony at 3:00pm
On Thursday evening James B invited over a dozen fans, most fans of Lois Mcmaster Bujold, out for a delightful curry at a restaurant in the main city center. A wonderful time was had by all both gastronomically and conversationally.
Friday Evening was the Hugos and Saturday was the Masquerade, the Closing Ceremony was Sunday afternoon.
Monday I tried to remotely renew my library books, but had run out of renewals (had to physically return the boks to the library on my return).
Read a little then went to the information centre, where I bought a 48 hour pass for 39€, this gave access to one of the hop on & off bus services (with commentary) and to various bus tours. It did not however give access to public transport.
First thing I did in the afternoon (as my feet hurt), was a boat cruise around the islands of Helsinki, nice sunny day so very enjoyable. On return to mainland caught Hop on and off bus and stayed on for the complete circuit of the city; took over an hour with "free" earbuds allowing access to the commentary (available in multiple languages).
On Tuesday visited the Island of Suomenlina, and went to the Ehrensvärd Museum; on the island (all included in the price), went back to my room and slept for a couple of hours!
Went on the Imperial evening cruise starting at 7:00 with commentry on the Imperial Russian connection to Finland 200 years ago.
Wednesday I was due to fly out in the late afternoon, but caught the train to the airport just after noon. Had 3 hours to wait between arrival and boarding. Was on the same plane and in the same seat as on my journey out! (plane was named after Jean Sibelius)
Got back to Gatwick airport and caught 7:05 train home, after renewing my season ticket. Luckly I had booked Thursday off work, since I had to buy som food, and return my overdue library books, which entailed a journey to Brighton.
Back to work on Friday, and had to change all my passwords, as they had all expired while I was away. Heard Sir Bruce Forsyth had died on getting home.
Saw the US total eclipse on CNN, watch for an hour or so. Booked ticket to London, as want to see the robot exhibition at the Science Museum. Also booked appointment to see a Physiotherapist
Got the most recent collected editon of The Rivers of London: Black Mould (Graphic Novel). Also started watching the coolest reality show "Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?"

Ballroom Danced every Tue with J and also on last Saturday in the month for social,
Continued with Yoga (teacher very pregnant!) also line dancing but last two weeks canceled. Practice line dancing on patio
Visited parents (the w/e before their 59th wedding anniversary) and sister - line danced together.
Installed 1Mobile Market on Fire Tablet, allowing me to install many Android apps from Google Play Store on Amazon fire
Went to the cinema to see saw Spider-Man: Homecoming. Also had my annual asthma review - but have to revisit as I was ill at the time. Also got to get a chest x-ray at PRH.
Book club discussed Childhood's End which I had only partially read. Then confirmed group visit to London on the last saturday of the month.
Got a ticket for Into the Unknown: A Journey through Science Fiction - an exhibition at the Barbican, and spent most of the day there with 6 other members of the book group.
Discovered that I'd lost the emails with flight and hotel details, (to Finland) fortunately was able to find the correct website to login and download details again.
D gave me his iPhone 6 (with fingerprint scanner). He has a new twin SIMM droid phone
Started watching Midnight Texas

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