Blown away

But not in a sexual fashion, unfortunately. Chance would be a fine thing. Anyway, yes, the weather is appalling here in the north of England. I was genuinely worried my windows were going to shatter from the sheer force of the gales last night. I’m not quite sure where this has all come from, as I thought the weather was supposed to be getting better. Nope! Time to stock up on energy meter credit again, just in case it snows. Alas!

I’ve only got two medical appointments to attend this week, so at least I’m able to avoid unnecessary travel. Still, it all makes me a little anxious. I’m on the top floor of a block of flats that’s quite high up on a hill here, so the wind feels even stronger. The rain has been horizontal! If it’s not too rough on Wednesday, I’ll try popping to the pub after my appointment. I’ve started going back to my regular ale house, which is good. I think my new antidepressants have boosted my confidence a little. I was in such a bad state a month ago. I still have downs, but I’m definitely noticing some positive change. I just hope more is to come.

It’s been a bit quiet on the gaming front, but I’m actually getting used to that. My regular gaming buddy is still busy with other things at the moment, so I’m making do with single player stuff. I’m not sure whether this is a permanent situation or not, so I’m preparing myself for the worst. I’m familiarising myself with Rainbow Six: Siege maps by creating custom solo matches, then I just wander around getting used to the layout of each area. The villa map is my favourite. I wish I could live there for real. I like that it’s clearly a mansion owned by a single person, as there’s only one bedroom and the rest of the upstairs rooms are dedicated to hobbies. That’s how I’d have it. You never know! I just need those winning numbers.

Oh, I’ve just watched the 1981 film Shock Treatment, which is the sequel to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. It’s generally referred to as a “semi-sequel” as, while it follows the characters of Brad and Janet again, the story is completely different. It’s sort of a cross between The Prisoner and The Truman Show. It makes about as much sense as Rocky Horror, which is none, but it looks fabulous and the songs are great! I’d say this is a better film than Rocky Horror, and I prefer the lovely Jessica Harper as Janet. I can’t recommend this film enough. It’s just a shame that it’s generally ignored as an inferior accompaniment to Rock Horror. But no, it’s not! They made a real effort with Shock Treatment, and every penny is up there on screen. Please, PLEASE watch it, if you can. I’m becoming more and more convinced that Patty Quinn has the best voice ever. It’s just a shame she hasn’t done any audiobook readings. Bah!

I’ve also got a documentary on Motown, The Hateful Eight, and the Hamlet spinoff Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead to watch. I saw the latter on television years ago, but it’s taken me this long to track down a copy. I think they finally did a rerelease in 2015, which is what turned up yesterday.

Speaking of Tim Roth, I didn’t manage to finish that Vincent & Theo miniseries, in which he plays the titular Vincent Van Gogh. It was pretty terrible. I might get the shorter theatrical version and compare the two. The miniseries is just baffling. I’m not quite sure what Robert Altman was thinking, if he was thinking at all. It’s almost worth recommending just for how bizarrely dreadful it is. I’ll try and finish it before I dismiss it entirely though. If I can summon the energy.

Well, I best try and get some sleep. I’m working my way through Will & Grace in bed again. I’ve needed plenty of comfort watches recently. I did start watching the 80s British sitcom Shelley, but I’m taking a mini-break from it. It’s not been funny or interesting enough to stick with, but not bad enough to abandon. It’s just kind of, well, there. Hywel Bennett is delightful though, may he rest in peace.

Do stay in touch, darlings.

Toodles!