DREAD, RECOVERY, AND THE TURNING WHEEL

he season has now drawn us deep into its quiet heart, the Wheel of the Year quickly turns towards the Winter Solstice, the sacred longest night. This is a profound moment for introspection, where the darkness settles to its deepest point, calling us to slow down and honour the stillness. Yet, even as our world pauses in winter's grip, I find myself scrambling to get the mundane business—the shopping, the planning, the preparation—in place, all while navigating the deeper work of healing and daily life.

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE...

ur annual countdown to Yule was accompanied by a nagging worry this year. With my recent injury, the simple act of climbing into the loft to retrieve all the festive decorations looked deeply doubtful. That tradition—the festive preparation I look forward to most—seemed genuinely out of reach.

Thankfully, we got a helping hand: Rags's boyfriend stepped in, and the entire festive haul was safely brought downstairs. Success! On the chilly afternoon of 30th November, the tree finally went up.

For the last few years, we've happily been early decorators, usually trimming up mid-November. After all, Yule is the most important celebration in our calendar, and who wouldn't want to make that precious feeling last as long as possible?

TELEVISION: SUBSTANCE OVER SPECTACLE

​eality television simply isn’t my thing. I’ve perfected the cynical eye-roll whenever anyone mentions a new series set in a villa or a cast member from the Essex gang. My viewing loyalty is reserved for compelling narratives: gritty dramas, classic comedies, or—best of all—the witty, quick-fire brilliance of a comedy panel show or a clever sci-fi escape. These are the only programmes that truly earn a dedicated spot on my schedule. I seek substance, not spectacle.

THE END OF LIVE CYCLING...

ne thing everyone knows about me is that I love cycling. I'm on my bike most days, and the Grand Tours are a sacred event. The thrill of the race, the beauty of the course, the sheer grit of the riders – it's pure theatre. The Tour de France, a free-to-air treasure in the UK since the 80s, has always been accessible to everyone. But the curtain is about to fall.

YULE LOVE THIS...

ell I’m shaking things up a bit here! While the subject matter will remain the same — after all, this is my blog — I’m looking to freshen up the delivery. I’m happy with the overall look of the site, but it needs a jolt to rekindle my interest.

So, before we dive into this post, what do you think of the new medieval-style graphic?

2312.25 THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

Another year in the bag and the big news is that I didn't die (well this would be the definition of irony if I fail to survive the next week). The shitstorm continues with high prices and low wages ravaging those of us on below average wages but we struggle through. The world is full of war and climate distasters, I feel so bad for those affected. Maybe one day the power hungry megalomaniacs will get their heads out of their (or each others') arses and work to solve these solvable problems although I'm not holding my breath.

2312.12 THE GREAT FESTIVE TV ROUNDUP

Usually at this time of year I buy the festive edition of the TV listings magazine and pick out my festive favourites. This year I've decided to forego the expense (and they are getting expensive) but doing a bit of internet research instead. So here is my 2023 guide to the Yuletide televisual event.

2306.11 KIND HEARTS AND CORONATIONS

This blog post is a bit of a mis-mish of different stuff since I haven't had the chance to write anything, or maybe I just couldn't be arsed? Anyway, I'll try and recap what's been going on and hopefully do better in the future.

2302.07 FREINDSHIPS

Recently I've been thinking about friends. I don't have many friends really, they do say it's quality over quantity. That said I do notice most people around me (save a few) have loads of them.

2212.19 THE GREAT FESTIVE TV ROUNDUP

It's the time of year where I buy the festive copy of the Radio Times generic listings magazine and, armed with a highlighter pen, I go through and pick out the programmes I want to watch. I know in the age of multi- channel TV and streaming this might seem archaic but it's a practice and tradition I enjoy and hope to continue for many years.

2112.19 THE GREAT FESTIVE TV ROUNDUP

Well it's that time of year again where I scour the festive Radio Times (it was almost £6 this year) and highlight my favourite programmes and specials.

2012.16 THE GREAT FESTIVE TV ROUNDUP

It's become a bit of a tradition now, I check out the televisual offerings armed with the festive double issue of the Radio Times and a highlighter pen. Then I share my favourite upcoming delights...

2002.15 THE RETURN OF JEAN-LUC

Star Trek is having a bit of a renaissance at the moment via streaming. There are 2 new series current with more in the pipeline.

2002.03 STRESS, SNEEZING AND SHOES

It's been a manic few days, we had a serious thingy happen at work which has turned everything upside down.

1912.25 THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

As I usual I like to take an opportunity to look back at my year as it disappears in the 'rear view mirror'. The post is published at the same time as the Queen gives her speech, and as she does I've prepared it beforehand, I'm guessing at the moment it goes up I'll be tucking into our seasonal feast.

1912.16 FESTIVE TV ROUNDUP

As always I like to check out the television offerings. As always I've armed myself with the festive double issue of the Radio Times and a highlighter pen. Last year was a bit poor - hope it's better this year...

1902.25 TONY GOT A FLYPAST

On Friday there was a substantial event in my home city of Sheffield. If you've following it on the news (particularly BBC Breakfast) it's the story of a man who tends to a memorial in a local park that came to light when on of the Breakfast presenters came across him whilst he was walking his dog. The man wanted a flypast to commemorate the 75th anniversary of a USAF aeroplane that crashed there. We couldn't make the flypast that morning but we still thought it important to pay our respects.

1812.29 CHRISTMAS SICKIE

I was going to call this post "Christmas Hangover" but circumstances have meant that has had to change. But first let's go back to the beginning.

1812.25 THE CAPTAIN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

I like to take this opportunity to look back on my year at this time. As usual I'm publishing this post at the same time the Queen gives her address to the commonwealth. In reality I'm probably eating my dinner at this point, if you're catching up later I'll probably drinking beer.

1812.21 THE FESTIVE TV ROUND-UP - WEEK 1

One of my favourite Christmas pastimes is scrutinising the festive edition of the Radio Times (other listings magazines are available but to be honest they're just a bit shit - in my opinion).