Ashes to Ashes...

Friday found me full of good intentions. Luckily a long lunch soon put paid to them! On Friday evening I found myself having drinks with The Princess in The Enterprise which is a funny little music fuelled pub in Old Street. It turns out the owner of this establishment grew up next door to The Princess in Yorkshire, wherever that is? Its just opposite Browns (the long established strip pub) A few beers here and the evening was finished quite early by my standards in a bar/club that I like a lot, - Mother. As I said it was an early finish, so midnightish saw me glassy eyed in McDonald's, Liverpool St and tucked up in bed by one thirty. It had to be an early one. I had work to do on Saturday...

I rose early (well about 11) and carefully had breakfast whilst planning my assault. Armed with gloves and secateurs (my weapons of choice) I set about various pruning tasks in the garden. No bush was spared the cutback and I even dug out a particularly huge, vicious but badly placed Buddlia Davidii (Black Knight in case you were curious) Some of you forget that I am indeed "The Gardener".

I laid out an old wooden pallet and the bush trimmings then charged screaming at the house. I grabbed the creature feature curtain and the bonfire was built. After flames that would have easily melted Joan of Arcs amour and charge of the Light Brigade smoke effects I emerged victorious, covered in ash like an extra from Lord of the Flies. I chanted "The king is dead! Long live the king!" and I do believe that the neighbors were reminded why they sometimes think of moving.

Its amazing how small things please simple minds isn't it?

I shall keep a vigilant eye out for more of the little buggers.

A Party, The Wheatsheaf and The Phoenix.

Saturday night found me with the captivating Slinx at a party in Waterloo. We didn't stay too long but it was a nice crowd and faces needed to be shown. We moved on to see Mr H and other stand up comics perform their craft at The Weatsheaf pub in Rathbone Place. Sadly we arrived to late for Mr H's set but as usual "Crazy" Ivan the compere was excellent, as were the other funny people. It only costs a fiver to go to this and (I think?) its on every Saturday night. Its only a small room above the pub. I think it can seat about 35 but when its full and the mood is right its a lot of value for a fiver!

At around 11.30 the comics were gagging for a proper drink so we decamped to the Pheonix club on Charing Cross Road. This was another new place for me and 'Oh yes' I shall be returning. Properly titled the Phoenix Artist Club this is a members only club where lots of comics, compare's and struggling thesps go to get very trolleyed after attempting to entertain the struggling masses. Its open until at least 3AM

I would describe it as a big, underground student union bar with velvety drapes but no smell of vomit and a very relaxed attitude. The crowd was very mixed as was the music. Did I hear Eminem followed by the theme from Flashdance? The odd semi-famous comic was also to be spotted lying face down in drinks.

Prices are, well cheap. Which was good as I am on an economy drive

It was a much needed change. Mr H enjoyed himself, Slinx enjoyed herself. I did to, but when more Lemon vodka shots were bought I lost recollections. Was ANYBODY sober in that place?

I am becoming a member.

Sunday Quietness

There was only one thing for it. I wore sunglasses in January and went for breakfast at lunchtime at Smiths. Whilst I didn't have one, the fishfinger sandwiches looked very good. After food and a rather unpleasantly spiced Bloody Mary I nearly felt well enough to take my shades off. I didn't.

Instead a quiet Sunday ensued. I made nice cocktails and watched Mad Max (the second one) in the evening. It seemed fitting after the garden carnage at the beginning of it all.

Until next time children, sleep tight.

thegardener1969@msn.com