Try not to lick it

So the problem for Sparky is being in a band with me. The bigger part of that is being in *two* bands with me, one of which offers him no protection from my whims (see “Whims"). And I’m on what can only be called a “hot streak” of whims right now. First up: our friend … Continue reading Yes men

So last night my band played its first ever Corporate gig. It was a 30th anniversary party for a recycling company held at a local football ground. A good friend of ours organised the whole thing and we're delighted she invited us. We've never done corporate before and a bunch of heavy things needed to … Continue reading Not crossing the Rubicon

Last week I was working in London in one of those anonymous meetings venues. Our group were the epitome of self-determining civil servants. They’ve been brilliant and conscientious and humane and thoughtful in all of our dealings. On Thursday, we arrived at the venue and straightaway, one of our learners complained that the room was … Continue reading Negotiain’t

We kept wondering what the National Guard was, for no big reason, the last two weeks whilst we were guests of America.  Eventually, on the tram back from Tijuana, I remembered to check Wikipedia.  Turns out it’s a set of state-specific reserve soldiers, who can be called upon to assist Federally but who are bound … Continue reading The National Guard

Well. I know I said there might be problems, but in the end, it was the easiest part of the journey.  After another run (this time along the harbour of San Diego) and, to counter that, the biggest breakfast burrito, we took the trolley to the border. It was an easy crossing.  Of course as … Continue reading Tijuana Brass

So we treated LA just like the great big freeway that Dionne told you it was and San Diego has already turned out to be a great final destination.  From lucking out in a legendary hotel (here's us on the roof terrace)  we had an amazing hour with a local lawyer discussing medieval England in … Continue reading Choice

The plan (you'll recall the plan) had been to dally and then spend a day on a lazy river in one of the very very many water parks that encircle Los Angeles. It was a brilliant plan and it's conception was from a coin toss. Couldn't be more me.  Then I checked and it turns … Continue reading Whims

It was tails. I was delighted. Tomorrow we dally to San Luis Obispo and we have a plan past that.  Sorry to keep you waiting. 

I'm not a planner.  I do have plans, but they're typically extrinsic. I know where I need to be tomorrow (though very rarely the day after that), I know whether there are things that need my attention at some point in the future (but only if not fixing them will cause a problem: if the … Continue reading Toss

Reviewing my photographs from a wonderful day in San Francisco (ran 5k, went to Alcatraz, walked 30,000 steps for the first time ever, had a very American comedy club night), Mrs Trigg picked this one and said …that's going to be a Cato poster, isn't it.  I have reached "predictable" and, d'you know: I rather … Continue reading Relationship goals