Week Twenty-Two: 2022

I went to the seaside. There was an element of memory-laning here, too as the destination – Broadstairs – is situated on the Kent coast. If you’re not familiar with British geography, imagine Britain is a kneeling man. Broadstairs would be a verruca on his heel.

As a child, from whenever I discovered memories until about 15 we spent two weeks every summer on the Kent coast, a bit further west it is true. But the unfeasibly blue skies, the vertiginous white cliffs and the occasional thunder all brought back a sepia tinted time of sandy sandwiches, sunburn and sleep-ins.

Today Broadstairs is becoming cool. Trendy almost, as London house prices drive people from the capital to places where property is cheaper, commuting not horrendous and lifestyles healthy. We pottered and ate and chatted with our friends and generally enjoyed ourselves immensely.

I even recorded two short stories in Mine Host’s recording studio. I’m not sure it’s a career option for me but it was fun. If anyone wants to spend time on a five minute listen this is the second story. It needs work as a story, as the middle is a touch too explicatory at the moment so drags a little and the same issues with my delivery – too fast, not enough pausing – remain.

In slightly grottier news, the procedure I had to correct a heart arrhythmia didn’t hold so I’m back to square one there. After a long discussion with the consultant I may try a different approach or I may just accept that I will have some minor inconveniences in lifestyle terms and live with it. As I understand it, it won’t get worse and it’s not about to topple me over. I’ll decide soon.

Yesterday our dance teacher held a tea dance at the local church hall, his first since covid brought concepts of community mingling to a crashing halt. One of the big challenges here, when contrasted with our dance lessons is the fact we have to negotiate other dancers as we circle the floor. Latin dances like the cha-cha-cha and rumba are compact but setting off on a Viennese Waltz or foxtrot can seem like taking your life in your hands. The Vet, also a dancer took this sneaky clip of us. Make of it what you will….

And the garden? I’ll post a more detailed set of pictures later but this definitely peak poppy….

And our new guest Tipsy is beginning to tolerate my presence as she explores the garden. Who knows she may yet find my lap…

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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33 Responses to Week Twenty-Two: 2022

  1. Sorry to learn about the heart, but good that it is not life-threatening.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Sorry the ticker’s not as tickety boo as you’d hoped. I reckon you will have to make room on the bed for Tipsy before long. Love the story by the way!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Check out the Dancing with the Stars action! You know you and your heart are meant for bigger and better, so keep on keeping on!!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Happy Panda says:

    I honestly really liked listening to the story – just the right pace for a short story.
    Really sorry to hear about your arrhythmia. Sending healing wishes your way.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. noelleg44 says:

    One thing that can be done for an arrhythmia is an ablation of the source. It works.
    You’ve still got the moves – would have liked to see a cha-cha or rumba! And my cat heard Tipsy and meowed back!

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Sorry to hear about the procedure not working 😦 Hopefully there are other things that can be done if necessary and I hope Tipsy will sit on your knee and provide a soothing experience, though your trews, when visible, look quite startling 😉
    The only thing I know about Broadstairs is that Jonathan Aitken (ahem) was the MP. It looks like a lovely sandy beach, though!

    Liked by 1 person

    • TanGental says:

      It’s a weird mix of the trendy and the slanty -eyed right wing. Our friends are delightful even if they were convinced Corbyn was some sort of messiah when in fact he was just a naughty boy.

      Like

  7. Steve Tanham says:

    And looking half-decent on the dance floor, Geoff. Sorry to hear the procedure wasn’t what you needed.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Darlene says:

    You two look adorable on the dance floor. LIke a couple of teenagers. You will have many more happy years with that heart. (and that sweetheart!)

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Does this mean a refund? Oh, wait. National Medicine, Sounds like a delightful week

    Liked by 1 person

  10. JT Twissel says:

    You two are very light on your feet! Tipsy has interesting coloring. Enjoy that gorgeous garden!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. willowdot21 says:

    I loved the story I remember reading it on your blog a while back. Lovely photos of Broadstairs it’s a lovely.place. It’s a shame about the proceedure not working which ever decision you make I have my 🤞. Tipsy is great and the dancing very elegant, but where is dog has he run off with the vixen?

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Hi Geoff, I loved the clip of you dancing. Such fun. Sorry to hear about your operation. I have a lot of experience with failed operation with my two sons. Michael has had 17 and this last one has been reasonably successful. Apparently, practice makes perfect (haha).

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Widdershins says:

    Bugger about the ticker, but the bloody things are bound to wear down a bit with the mileage. Very nice bit of boogieing going down there. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

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