Washing The Rain - September 01 2002

09.25am The sun is shining again. It seems to do this each morning.
I suppose if I got up really early the Sun would still be asleep
dreaming. I am listening to 39/Smooth.

Yesterday (31) was another eventful day, which I sometimes have from
time to time. I woke up at 6.15 and fed the cats and they both seem to
resent the way I take my time in producing their breakfast. Longhair
gives me about fifteen seconds to make with the food or else he eats
his biscuits, while Tabby just sits there and moans. I wrote up my
online journal. Then I played guitar for a while.

About 10.20 I went out. There had been a big road smash at the bottom
of my road, a car had gone across the junction and another car had sped
right into it, and there were four ambulances down there and a police
car. But this I heard from the girl who lives opposite us with the dog,
and I didnt want to go look. They closed my road and two ambulances
sped up it and onto the A13 to go to the hospital A&;E. I walked
into Leigh and went in this new shop called 'Gum' which sells vintage
clothing. The girl in there tried to find a leather jacket that fitted
but they are all designed for munchkins. It seems this could be a new
trend. I tried on a few pairs of Levis, and found a pair that fitted. I
talked to the girls who ran the shop, Jane and Lucy, who are both 22
and like the same music I do, Jane went to the Reading Festival last
weekend. She put on the Bellrays which was cool. I said that I would do
them a CD, I have this garage punk compilation I copy for people I
know. Jane told me about Jeff Buckley and said she might do a tape for
me. She also wears glasses like me. Then my wife rang and I went off to
meet her in Ugos. I had a latte and a chargrilled chicken baguette, and
I am wearing the new old jeans and I gave her the bag that my the jeans
I had been wearing were in. Then she went off to 'Gum' to see what
stuff they had.

I wandered off to Fives and bought two Radiohead CDs and three pairs of
shorts in Top Gear. Then I got the bus to Southend.

I had to walk to Iceland stop to get the bus. Finally I got to the Old
Record Museum, and met G and Derek who runs the place. I had a listen
to a CD by the Graham Bond Organisation which was really shite. Then I
bought two R&;B CDs. G and I went to the Last Post for a beer and a
chat. One thing that we talked about was the importance of not
confusing a friendship for something else. And also the importance of
loyalty to friends.

I bought NME in Smiths and G bought the Essex Courier. Then G went, and
I trundled down to Honky Tonk to see what was new. I had been thinking
about getting a Marshall Amp, nothing huge, as I wouldnt be able to
carry it back, so I tried out a 15 Watt Marshall 15CDR and two
Telecasters. The first was a Tanglewood Quomaster 62 which sounded
shite, and even though I got it in tune it still sounded quieter than
the Black and White Fender Telecaster I also tried out with the Amp.
While I was playing another bloke came into the practise room with a
Gibson and spent half an hour striking chords and reprogramming a
Fender amp with 36 knobs on it, which I am sure controlled even the
weather. In the end he gave up and walked off. I think he wanted to buy
a new guitar but couldnt figure out how to set up the amp. Another chap
came in with a bass and tried out two FX pedals. All the time I am
playing chords and seeing how the amp sounded. The man in the shop said
he would do both for ?200, so I bought a second hand flight case for
the Fender as well, and truckled off like I was doing a gig. I went in
Mama Amalfis and had a latte and read the NME which was about Reading
Festival. And I havent read a music paper in years but it was very
interesting to read. Especially as I know most of the bands being
talked about now.

I got the bus and sat at the back reading NME with the Fender and the
amp. I got home and played the new guitar which sounded fucking amazing
with the new Amp. I was well impressed. I even figured out a new song
which is always a good sign. I just have to write the words now.

I went online and had a look at the forum and then later on went in
webchat and had a good chat. I listened to the new Radiohead CDs and
also '1977' by Ash. I also wrote another part to me Reading Festival
story which I am working on for a bit.

My wife got in from her Mum and Dad's and we watched Bowfinger and had
tea, then watched the whole of Bird On A Wire which I have seen before.
I didnt go back online for a change.