One Is Not Pleased
10th June 2009
I just knew something outrageous had happened, (It was the kind of feeling you get when you are walking down a dark alley and are sure someone is close behind, you want to turn around to see if you are being followed, but are too scared to do so).

It was early morning, two days ago; dawn was attempting to breach an overcast sky, sat at this keyboard I was completely wrapped up in thoughts, and typing, instinct kept urging me to look up from the keyboard.

In the end the compelling yen got the better of me and finally I looked up past my screen and out through a four foot window and at my garden.

At the beginning I noticed nothing improper, only the dark shadows of scrubs and trees moving weirdly across the lawn in the early morning light. At the end of the garden the silhouetted outline of a greenhouse could be made out against the green backdrop of Conifers.

A grey squirrel scampered along the fence top rushing towards the Conifers where the nests of birds were about to be plundered.

I was about to return to my typing when my I caught a movement by a border that edged my lawn, white rings were moving like halo’s, forward then back, up, and then down. Staring directly at them I could just make out the form below the halo, the greyness of the body almost merging into the shadows.

Then I realized there were four of them.

Leaping from my chair I headed for the door and out onto the garden as fast as my arthritic legs would carry me, murder in my heart I was upon them, but they were too quick, they dashed for refuge in a flurry of feathers, wings flapping they took flight and were gone.

My beautiful spring cabbages had been eaten with devastating effect all the leaves shredded and ripped some were chomped to the stalk.

Is it all worthwhile?

Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer before you call the Doves from the sky again think about my cabbages!
The Old Codger

11th June 2009
Sitting in one of my local waterholes yesterday I was asked by the Landlord if I could help him out. Always ‘Up for it’ I said I’d do my best.

It appears our local rag the Shropshire Star is holding a competition titled ‘Simply the Best’ where readers are invited to nominate their favourite Shropshire Restaurant. The prize draw winner receives a £50.00 meal at the restaurant with the most nominations.

Over the past year or so I have heard many good reports on the meals at Jenko’s (The Compasses Inn, Beveley Rd , Ketley , Oakengates, Telford. Tel: 01952 617997), for example receiving five stars from Scores the Doors is no mean achievement, I am told both the restaurant and kitchen are spotless.

I am not after a free meal or a free pint, just happy to support a local business whose aim is supply quality food at reasonable prices.
Should you feel able to do the same then please nominate them!
The Old Codger

It was good to see you supporting the bar at The Compasses the other day Old Codger.

Thank you for mentioning the Simply the Best prize draw, for those who wish to enter and would like to nominate Jenko’s as your favourite restaurant then please send a short email with your name, your address, your email address and your nomination i.e., Jenko’s to apayne@shropshirestar.co.uk
Many thanks

Hi! I like your article and I would like very much to read some more information on this issue. Will you post some more?

As soon as possible Gary
The Codger

@GarykPatton
Hi Gary,
What article are you referring to?

Age Concern?
My Wife Tracey called into the CO-OP Supermarket in Oakengates, Telford today to purchase 10 cigarettes and was asked to provide ID for proof of age.
She replied ‘Are you having a laugh? I’m 43 years old!’
The cashier informed her that they have an over 25 smoking policy and she looked younger than 25.
Having no ID with her, flattered but embarrassed, flustered and angry the missus promptly left the shop minus her fags.
The legal smoking age in the UK is 18 Years.
Is this not age discrimination?
If so I would suggest all smokers between the age of 18 and 25 boycott this shop in Oakengates.
Our son is a legal 19 year old smoker serving in the army. Are they going to refuse him cigarettes even with valid ID?
PC gone mad again!
Surreal!

@Mark B
It is probably smoking that keeps her looking so young. Tell her to give up the makeup and buy more ‘fags’ if she can get them!

Today (The breaking news is that) Michael Jackson has died of an alleged heart attack at the age of fifty. They say he was ‘The King’ of pop. He had without doubt a huge fan base and will be missed by his followers.
It only shows the grim reaper has no respect for age, wealth, or fame

You know, I don’t read blogs. But yours is really worth being read.

Many thanks Cris
The Codger

Hello. I think the article is really interesting. I am even interested in reading more. How soon will you update your blog?

@KonstantinMiller
Hi,
Thank you for your kind comments.
I try to update every day and would be grateful If you could suggest a topic for this blog.

Just wanted to say hello all. This is my first post.

I hope to learn a lot here.

Super-Duper site! I am loving it!! Will come back again - taking your feeds also, Thanks.

I enjoyed reading your blog.

I wrote a similar blog on this subject but you nailed it here.

What theme are you using? Can’t wait to start my own blog.

Hi, I applaud your blog for informing people.

Thanks for your support Adrianna
The Codger