BoftheBang Update – August 2024
“Another month older and still not in debt!”
For those, already confused – i.e. those under 50 ‘ish –
the above is a revised version of a line from a smash hit record, released, in the USA and U.K. in the late 1940’s (so I wasn’t around then, either!) but it remained popular for many decades -and can even, occasionally, be heard now, on radio – usually in Country & Western / Folk slots.
Titled – “Sixteen Tons” – it’s a wonderful song, originally – written and recorded, by Merle Travis – an American Folk performer, about a coalminer – based on the hard lives of those working in the coalmines of Kentucky.
It was first released in July 1947 and quickly became a gold record in the USA, and popular in many other countries, including the U.K, and was covered by many times by other Country/Folk artists, which extended its popularity over many decades.
My fond recollections of it – remind me, more colloquially, that it became a stock in trade of every Country & Western group – then referred to as ‘the turn’ – of which there were many – in the – also many – Working Men’s/ Social Clubs around Merseyside – as I discovered – when I was old enough to drink in them , of course.
My dad’s favourite was the local ‘Liberal Club’ – in walking distance and a good pint – more importantly – the best snooker table!
My sister and I were allowed in once, early evening, when we were 11 – 12 ish – but only to see the first colour television (maybe in Birkenhead?). Got a half hour to watch and a lemonade – and then taken home by mum – dad staying there, of course.
A long time ago – and I can’t remember what was on – but do remember that, we weren’t really impressed – mind you, it was probably the news and not a cartoon.
Enough sentimental rambling – we started with “Another Day Older etc.” and then I went off on one.
For the record – and some of you might remember – the original opening lines lines are:
“Load sixteen tons and what do you get – another day older and deeper in debt.
St. Peter don’t you call me – ‘cause I can’t go,
I owe my soul to the company store.”
Part of its attraction is memorable lyrics.
But, like most Country & Western lyrics–not a laugh in it!
Enough rambling – ack to (boring?) reality – my notable events in August – ‘notable being a slight exaggeration – it will be brief – I haven’t included the Tesco grocery delivery every Monday!
My August 2024:
1st. Lunch – on Jan and Lee (I mean – they paid!) part of my extended family from Oldham – thoughtfully, catching up with my birthday – in a local gourmet pub – excellent as usual.
12th. Shower trouble – I do have two – fitted showers that is (ooh get you!) –
One small (single person) – one large (maybe 4 or 5 at once) – but have never found out -honest!
I have always used the smaller one – Jean fell over in the big one, the last time she tried, – she was starting to get more unsteady on her feet and fell getting out.
Landed on her bum and, thankfully, no damage done – to herself, I mean – and I got her back to bed O.K. But mutch later, thought it better for me now, to stick with the small shower– particularly when there was no one around to pick me up.
Stepped in Monday a.m. –two control levers – water on/off + water temperature – worked as usual a couple of days earlier – now just spinning in their mountings. i.e. useless.
Never mind – I have another one – remember? Into the other – big, 5-star shower – monsoon shower head – separate hand spray – handhold supports all over, and a folding wall seat.
Same controls as the small one. Water on – lever won’t move at all! – so no water on. Temperature also stuck rigid.
Did occur to me. That it had not been used since Jean fell in it -which I calculated as, at least. four years ago.
So – need a plumber – but I know that the plumber and team who did the original installations of both showers acting as agent for the construction company who managed the whole project when we moved in.– had now retired.
I managed to contact the original project contractors by, luckily – finding the mobile number of the son of the boss – who had recently done a fence repair for me.
Family business – which we couldn’t fault, and he was with his dad when he answered.
Nice chat and update with both – just about family friends after about 18 months on site.
Steve – the dad/boss – gives me a contact number for his current plumber of choice – who I am sure will be a professional. So, rang him straight away.
22nd, Called Danny and turned up, on time, two days later– and sorted it!
Small shower – levers lost connection with control centres – he fixed in ten minutes.
Big shower – to my embarrassment – he just stepped in- tried the levers and – and gave both a good push – both revolved and worked!
Just seized up with lack of use – he still took them apart. cleaned them and re-fitted.
Job done – £90 including a new shower head for the small one – I’m happy!
And – now have a reliable local plumber – as long as he is working – and he’s not ready for retirement for a long time.
30th Big Date – 50th birthday of my son, James.
Yes, I know – hard to believe – but I started early!
Good news – he and his partner Caroline – had it sorted – party at their place – not a lot of local family, but plenty of his DJ mates and Disco/Rave (no, I don’t know the difference either.) promoters and agents and fans,
not sure I have mentioned this before – his main job now is as a successful DJ around the North West – stage name ‘James Alex’ – and seems to be making a living.
Had a chat about me getting to the party – they are about 40 minutes’ drive away from my place and whilst I could make it alone in taxis – we agreed that I do struggle with crowds and new places and I wouldn’t know anybody – except them two – and he had a lot better things to do – on the night – than watch out for me.
So, sorted – I get – another – quiet night in and he just enjoys the party – and maybe picks up a few nights work.
We agreed that cash would be more favourably received than a present – so I contributed to the booze and buffet –plus deliveries on the day – of a card with a customised bottle of Prosecco and a bottle of good champagne for a toast.
A good result – I would have struggled with the showbiz crowd and the noise – DJ battles, very likely – they had about three decks set up, apparently.
I eventually spoke to him -when he rang me back late Tuesday morning – having spent two days in bed with ‘the hangover from hell’ – his excuse – everything went so well he mixed his drinks a bit!
He now appears recovered – in that him and Caroline are coming over tomorrow evening (Thursday 5th Sept.) – for a visit to our local Italian – as our- quieter celebration – and a stopover.
And – that’s August done and dusted.
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