December 2024

It’s been another whirlwind month. When is one otherwise? I’ve had repeated and eventually costly sessions with Scott, but still forwarding emails through either my 123Reg server or the DuoCircle bypass remains at a deadlocked standstill. And it seems next to impossible to get successful resolution directly from either company. Internet technology seems only to become increasingly frustrating and pathetically time consuming. My France-Musique reception cuts off periodically for almost a minute if not more. And bill paying and/or credit card charging seems almost inevitably to get declined and necessitating lengthy phone calls or direct contact with the bank. I was always told that I would come to wonder with retirement how it was that I had had previously time actually to work. I did not realise that this was to be because of the persistent cyber confrontation with the digital age.

On the 3rd of September, Richard was too ill to go, so I went by myself to see Claire in Eastleigh. It being just the two of us, it was enjoyable to be able to share so very much that we have in common. She is 93 and virtually blind but as spirited and engaged with the world as ever. This was a pure delight.

What followed in the next several days was private physicals with Toby Dean. To be actually touched by a GP was something neither of us has experienced on any sort of regular basis for a long time. Physicians no longer seem to do that but instead consult a screen and merely ask questions. This was different, and Richard in particular was assessed as “an 86-year-old gentleman [who enjoys] really remarkedly good health.” That completely made my day. Our dental appointments were different. The hygienist said she had virtually nothing to do for me. I’m in good shape, but Richard requires several infected gum treatments which are now forthcoming and will be rather staggeringly costly. At least he is not in any pain.

With the flat, we have had to get a new washer-dryer. At least the old one was insured. The heating in half the flat is still not working. A blind broke off its securing after the window washer was here. The bedroom TV has only occasionally functioned and now is not at all. On top of all, the building’s basement storage area flooded. Moreover, our lock on our storage unit in the parking area had been replaced – necessitating a procedure before we could

finally access our storage. Barbara & Patrick arrived on the 18th, left on Christmas Eve to be with the Windsors, returned to us on the 27th and returned to California today, the first of January. Our yule decorations needed to be displaced, but we managed all the same. Though Richard was distressed for having to move his things out of the living room and then being in a state of helpless confusion.

Pre-yuletide, with Penny we enjoyed both dinner and the film Conclave which was thoroughly engaging. Ralph Fiennes was excellent. The next day at the Bridge Theatre, we adored Guys and Dolls. A most enjoyable and stunning production. The following day, it was a lunch with Yvonne and Petra at Vardo’s and that evening Eamonn’s Nonsuch Christmas concert at Trinity Sloane Square. The day after this was the online Soteria which this time was part 2 of “The Yellow Ticket Mystery.” I had missed part 1, but this was still interesting. The day before our Roman yule began on the 11th, we enjoyed Here You Come Again at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. It was not Dolly Parton live as I had originally thought but all the same a fun musical with Tricia Paoluccio as Parton & Steven Webb as Kevin. Both were great. With the yule itself, there was no way to be able to witness the setting sun thanks to a completely grey and overcast London. That evening at the Drury Lane Theatre, it was The Tempest with Sigourney Weaver. I have mixed feelings about the gender transpositions and hence tamperings of the Shakespearean text, but apart for the King Alonso actor, it was a superb performance. Even more riveting after the enjoyable Whitelands House Christmas party the following day was Oedipus at the Wyndham, a completely modern version, that was most powerful and excellently performed save for the inaudibility of a few (e.g., Antigone) – even with us in the second row. Mark Strong and Lesley Manville left nothing to be desired. With the powerful conclusion of Robert Icke’s contemporary retelling of the ancient drama, both of us wondered whether we would be able to sleep that night. Somehow we did all the same.

For the Saturnalia on the 17th, Richard and I renewed our shamanic credentials thanks to Freeman and Drew. We did an excursion both to Hyde Park and the Leadenhall Market. It was essentially an otherworld wipe out but pleasant and controllable. The following day were our dental appointments, Barbara & Patrick’s arrival, and a lovely dinner for Richard and me at Padma’s. The next day I only learned when we got there that Brown’s now requires reservations for their afternoon tea. In the past, one always had to queue. So with Darby, we went to ROSL for tea and coffee. It was our first time with Darby after Stephen’s passing. She is as well as could be expected after losing her “best friend” for the past 50 years. The solstice itself was on the Angeronia. That evening, with Patrick, it was Caroline’s midwinter’s party at her place in Upper Tooting Bec. Relaxed, fun and most pleasant. The next day, Sunday, we had a family Zoom with Coral, Anna, Nancy and Rosie. Earlier, it was Woody for lunch and to discuss his cooking for Richard’s & my 50th anniversary party which we will celebrate on the 11th of January. The Roman yuletide concludes with the Larentalia on the 23rd. With Barbara & Patrick, we had a full negroni evening.

For xmas eve, Richard & I had one of our 5:2 days. We had asked to be excused from the family Christmas dinner on xmas itself because some were not to be attending, but this was refused. Woody fetched us in Gin’s car; Rix brought us back afterwards. And actually we were glad we had been to Ben & Tania’s for the occasion. The food was a completely delicious feast, and the 14 of us included Aunt Shirley, Tania, Ben, Gin, Rix, Sylvester, Woody, Mali, Saul, Cosmo, Chloe and Sophie who we met for the first time. After the meal but before cheese, we all watched a Wallace & Gromit. On the 27th we had coffee & tea with Tilly at the Sloane Club, and in the evening, with Barbara & Patrick, it was margaritas and some tasty food at the Mexican restaurant Ixchel downstairs. The next night at the Cadogan Hall Richard & I thoroughly enjoyed a super “Swing Into Christmas 2024” concert by the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra conducted by Mike Paul-Smith.

It was relatively quiet for the rest of the year but with some unfinished business. For New Year’s Eve, in bed and with a second round of negroni, Richard & I enjoyed on the telly Sadiq Khan’s fireworks at the Eye. My wishes for a 2025 to everyone as a progressive year that is surprisingly delightful despite all expectations otherwise and one that is even blissful.