I’ll Sail This Ship Alone

I ended yesterday’s blip just as we returned to the AO Arena in Manchester. Football was still in progress and, with the score standing at 1 - 1 we had no intention of joining the throngs viewing the match inside the arena so took advantage of the entertainment laid on for all those not interested in watching the footy. A small brass band playing Christmas carols and a vocal quartet helped the crowd while away the time until we went back to our seats for the main event. Just in time to see England get knocked out of the tournament.
Five minutes later and, as promised, Paul Heaton and the band took to the stage for nearly two hours of great music. Obviously, the Heaton/Abbot stuff didn’t sound quite right without Jacqui Abbot being there, but the Beautiful South and Housemartins numbers were delivered superbly. For such an “ordinary” looking bloke, Paul Heaton has a lot of charisma and stage presence. And, of course, the songs were delivered in his own inimitable vocal style.
I was apprehensive about the evening as the altered schedule, enforced football viewing and lack of Jacqui Abbot could have led to disappointment. Far from it - it was definitely a “different” night’s entertainment, but Paul certainly proved he was more than capable of “sailing the ship alone”
The later than planned finish, and the icy roads, meant we didn’t get home until 1.30am. As we’d been away for three days, and the heating hadn’t been on, it was like walking into a fridge. Central heating on, hot water bottles in the bed and steaming cups of tea were required before we could finally get to sleep.
This morning was spent clearing the drive of snow and ice, so that I would have a fighting chance of getting my car out to go to Panto rehearsal this afternoon. Unlike Mrs C, I don’t have the benefit of 4WD and the combination of RWD only, lots of BHP, a steep drive and an ungritted cul-de-sac can make leaving the house a bit of an “interesting” experience! Should be all right for the rest of the week though, as long as it doesn’t snow again before the weather (hopefully) gets a bit warmer.