I woke up at 3am and I have been awake ever since. It started with Skipper wanting out for a pee, and then of course I simply could not get back to sleep again. At 4-30, I gave in trying to sleep and went and made a cup of tea and turned on the radio. I heard someone say. “In America, they have Johnny cash, Bob Hope, and Stevie Wonder! In the UK we have no cash, no hope, and no wonder!” Well I’m not sure what that is supposed to mean but I thought I would share it with you.

I went to the Duck’s Nest last night with my brother Lenny. First time I have been to the pub for ages. I had 2 pints and returned home. The burning topic of the day in there was not the financial crisis that is gripping the country. No, it was Liverpool’s last minute winner against Manchester City. It’s heartening to note that people have not lost their sense of prospective. Still, I guess it is only people who have money that worry about money

The gatherings have commenced once again on Friday evenings. I guess it doesn’t really matter what stories are making the news. As far as we are concerned the only topics of conversation on or around our table at present are Football, how stupid our government is, and the weather. Oddly enough this has always been the case, and even if things improve we will probably say, “It cannot last.” Well I have trawled the wave bands and the internet in a bid to find some happy news to share with you, but alas I have failed. Never mind, it is not raining, we are not at war, we are not starving and we are warm and dry. Life could be a whole lot worse. Put the kettle on and cheer up. I will be back tomorrow.

Tom Glassey on the banks on the Silverburn River.