WOLF: Words from a considered viewpoint

[WOLF ANGEL]

= MAR 31st 2026
TUES
Pick up day for the Grandkids, and a bit of a shock for me to see the consequences of an adventurous 3 year old.
Climbing onto a bicycle that was/is too large for someone of his stature.
(- And failing to comply with an instruction to dismount from it)
- see a scraped nose and lip chin.
Whereas most would whinge the pain , - he laughed it off and proundly presented it to others as a type of battle scar wearing it with pride.
Some kids eh?

The pair are full of energy and relutant to settle for their slumber, so we retire to the bedroom and it's storytime.
So I try to get thm interested into stories of Hobbits, Elves and Rings - with a Ranager as the hero,
Of White Walkers, Dire Wolves and that witch lies beyong a mighty wall
And of Viking and Valkyries ... (with appropriate music)

It's these type of (olde) tales that they like- so, why not

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 1st 2026
WED
Tis the day when it is right for one to be sceptical.

• Salt in the sugar bowl,
• Left-handed screwdrivers,
• Getting a 'long stand' from the store,
• Changing the time on clocks,
• 'Dodgy' items left in the work fridge

I'm sure we've all done or had done.
Working within the environment that I do, there's always a comedian ready to express themselves with a comical jape.
I survive until midday, then know I can and do relax.

What is less of of a prank is the reality of a particular broadband provider deleting my email account accessibility; following a switch to another provider.
The afternoon/early evening is spent in/with phone calls to argue my case (citing breach of GDPR) - Time will tell if I'll be successful in obtaining retrieval

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 2nd 2026
THURS

• It has arrived!

The impatience I had was short lived, as Postman Pat delivers the freedom of travel.



The extension of off-peak to all-day travel is quite timely, and with the inclusion of Tram and local Rail travel means I can plan out some exciting trips to vairious locations.
With Greater Manchester as my oyster of availabity wherever I go to ...

... will no doubt see me make use of people watching and eventsthere seen to use as inspiration for my writings ... hmm

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 3rd 2026
(Good) FRI
Tis the day of one the eight Bank Holidays of year.

The Religious aspect of the occasion seems to be lost these days as the formality of times passed see less church going and reverence, and more to do with the partying element than the celebration of faith.
- And even when there is attendance at a church .... I.T. is never that far away

...

Though not my credo of solace, I do find the abandonment of past ritual/s gradually being eroded with the advancement of modern I.T. and attitudes, is rather .. disappointing.

The additional day of absence from work gives me the opportunity to do a bit of sorting out and tidying up of areas,- prior to doing the cleaning up housework that is required circa Spring time, - tomorrow.

I just need to try and remember that I am not 24-year old anymore, and when I get on a roll, forgetting about the time I can get to do a tad too much.
The the little white spots appear in the eye-line and coming over and across the eyes, the tweek in muscles used less often than they used to be and the light-headiness of feeling is something that I need to be midful of.

A solid five hours, and, - "that'll do" - time to sit with a cuppa and do a bit of keyboarding
(and with it being a Friday,= a Fish and Chip supper

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 4th 2026
SAT
As it's the first Saturday of the month it's an opportunity for those entrepreneurs of near locale to show off thsir wares.

..... THE MAKERS MARKET: was set up to afford those local traders to ply their trade to their local Community.

The current - and to be long-term - refurbishment of the Civic centre sees it move from it's former site; along the top and middle areas of the shopping arcade, to three other sites which are akin the 'pop-up sites'.
The word market, (to me) means items of affordable value for money. Though it may be 'a sign of the times', it seems that there is more emphasis on the money than the value with the interactive element of banter and barter.

One of the stands is dedicated to the organisation which is looking to the general regeneration and refurbishment of the Centre.
I check out the displays exhibited/on show - and have questions.

I am directed to Cody; a young lady associated with the shops and 'to-be' residential accommodation organisation and re-creation of such.
I tell her of my years of being 'Wyth in the shaw" and relay my questions.
- She agrees with me that they are valid, and notes down my queries. She tells me she'll pass my comments onto the relevant people ... I'll not hold my breath; as I;ve been here before - still hope springs eternal and I'll wait and see.

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 5th 2026
(Easter) SUN
... And the Bunnies are out!

............

• The 'local' hostelry are putting on an event - for the kids: -

...

Massive inflatables taking over the whole car park -----

Loads of stalls, arts & crafts for all ages -----

DJ bringing the vibes all afternoon

Burger van serving up the goods -----

Ice cream van for that Easter treat -----

And loads more surprises throughout the day

PLUS… our MASSIVE EASTER EGG HUNT!

The amazing Prizes Galore will be with us all day long -----

And the Easter Bunny will be showing his appreciation and spreading joy.

Whilst it may not have been a homage of Religious observation, it was good to see a FREE event put on for the youngsters to get away from what seems to be the I.T. reliance/dependancy and actually be ... Children having FUN.
- The weather though somewhat changeable , sees the day a successful one for the hosts and all that attended

With the recent plans for the Civic centre (per chance just across the road from the public house) regeneration that I thought was one of those 'heard it all before' things, if this (along with a number of similar events being put in in the Community) consequences of the re-build progression it could only be a promising one.
And I'm not too proud to say I could well be being over-cynical (again) - Time will I think, tell =

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 6th 2026
(Bank Holiday) MON
The day starts with good intention An early rising sees the bed stripped, the clothes employed for clean up collected washing machine into action.
With the shops and companies required similarly away from their posts, I am hampered by the lack of relevant bodies I can liaise with.
This being said, I can at last get my papers together in preparation.

Following on from the Easter Sunday fun yesrday, there are more Community events organised.
From Rugby and Football Clubs, local shops, Chuch and Community groups, there are several options of choice.

Whilst the washing machine is running I nip out to enjoy the hospitality of three local sites.

• (i) First is a Community food bank with free tea/coffee drinks and; for those in need some most needed supplies.- I drop off my donation, grab a coffee and move on.
• (ii) The second call is to a Church-ran social Club; who have organised a fete with music, competitions and creative opportunities for the children.

- I stay for a cheely little tipple and a hotdog (with relish and onions) before moving on

• (iii) A DEMENTIA AFTERNOON has been arranged (A monthly recurring event)

Advertised as an afternoon, where their doors and hearts are opened for a truly special, comforting, and caring get‑together

• A space filled with kindness
• Gentle conversation & warm smiles
• Moments that bring comfort, connection & togetherness
• place where everyone is welcomed with love, warmth and care…
• FREE BUFFET - FREE TEA & COFFEE
• A calm, welcoming atmosphere for all
• Support, understanding & community spirit
• Whether joining with family, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking a peaceful place to be, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and hearts.We are a community that truly cares

Knowing somebody who suffered for their last years with this condition, I empathise with a couple of those in attendance before returning home.
More sorting before I empty the washer, set to dry 'em, a enjoy a warm bath n'shower clean, setting out my work attire for the 'morrow, and settle down for a watch of Netflix.

• = No longer Rock n' Roll, but still I find a way to like it

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 7th 2026
TUES
And we're back - The workplace is full of post holiday blues.
It seems that many so many had over-endulged in Eater festivies, - and are paying for it today.

Work never sleeps, and there's plenty to catch up with anomalies galore to rectify.
Closing the curtain of on a career of over 40 years seems more and more tempting.

I get the tonic of a pick up by the post-work visit to the Grandchildren.
The energy and adventurous spirit of the duo never ceases to amaze; with a tad of nostalgic recall that's 'once upon a long ago" that was me.

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 8th 2026
WED
I receive notification from a certain media company stating "As requested, here's your memorable word: ", and then a space which is left BLANK = not very helpful methinks.

Having waited a week for the 'password' to be sent via hard copy, it's somewhat disappointing in the least, - and ever so problematic - when all correspondence is done via electronic method` - which is inaccessible.

• - I note that the letter is dated `April 1st - so I` wonder

I eventually get through to the only number given as a contact point and circumvent the unhelpful barriers and spreak with 'a call-taker`'
- As per expectancy I hear the 'party-line'.
-- It's hard not to get frustrated when one hears the same line being repeated and being spoken over.

With more and more shops,stores and companies going on-line, any telephone contact numbers being automatic and a limitation of options, a reluctance to send documents hard copy, face-to-face interaction proving impossible, I.T. is I feel, more and more the case of companies; whilst eager for their product/s to be signed up to, stutter when any issues arise.

Hiding behind an electronic wall of A.I. and absolving themselves of responsibility, stating their hands are tiedwhen it comes to amend/change/assist with expected customer service delivery.
... maybe it's me just getting old ... maybe ???

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 9th 2026
THURS
I'm a man on a mission now.
With yesterday's unhelpfulness in mind, I begin the task retrieval, - and revenge.
I explore Google and my organisation's I.T Helpdesk for some Aid and assistance in getting back online to gain re-accessibility to my sites, though I feel it may well take a degree of 'messing about and around'

- Having reported to my employer the actions of the media company and the possibility of contravening GDPR - I leave it with them.

Work completed I make a short trip to see my (aged) Mother, and catch her out/in the act of loading up her walker/trolley with laundry to take to the dryer - and not leaving to her carers to do. It's no wonder that she has issues with her feet.
- So I tell her off = She puts on that face

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 10th 2026
FRI
The end of the working week and I'm ready for a weekend without committment.
Depending on the weather, I may avail myself of my new found freedom and thake a trip to the City centre on that great observational vehicle of public transport.

The working day is a busy one though it's on days like these when with a focus on the task in hand that the hours seem to fly by- which is good when its a Friday and negates; methinks, the requirement for it to be 'POETS' day.

The day's work completed, and being the end of the working week for me, time to avail myself of my iron supplement.
The club is full and the music is a'boppin as there is an event on ...

• It seems life's all Party these days

Another great late afternoon/early evening - and start to the weekend =

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 11th 2026
SAT
It's the day of the Annual Aintree horse race which is an event ; even those who don't usually follow the sport.
After yesterdays trip to the Club, I ponder upon some tips that were passed onto me for today's race..... : -

• Though I can't seem to find them on the roll call of 'runners and riders'

- Surfice to say I didn't bag a winner.
(My first draw out of the sweep gets scratched, and the second fell at the 19th fence.)

With my youngest daughter looking after her ill wife, and the other at Twickenham with the (Grand) kids - who experienced a more favourabe outcome.



It's a day of non-committment and freedom, which is nice - and a bit unusual

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 12th 2026
SUN
The opening up of Sunday shopping sees a opprtunity to take up my 'Oldie' Bus/Tram ticket - So i go for it.
The Tram travel to the City was a pleasant one - quiet in volume of pedestrian and noise levels,

Once I reached the final destination of (one of the two main Train stations) I am amazed the changes there have been since my last visit - proper.
I had returned there on a few occasions, though they were somewhat short visits to attend an event function anda business appointment before returning home in a timely manner.

- Having spent twenty years plus within the heart of the city, - covering a good degree of its' geographical zone on a daily basis, it had become a venue that had seen several memorable moments,- both Pre, and post the changes that took place following the 1996 terrorist attack.

As I wandered through the old and new main, side and back streets, I found it was quite a sobering to note the number of homeless people sat outside several stores and major event venues.
Sure, there used to be a few city street dwellers that were to be seen, each had a particular backstory to tell, of:-

• Family disownment (though choice of either religion or sexual prefence)
• Personal family loss (child death and; in one case, whole family)
• Mental and Physical abuse, (both in youth of age, partnership relationship and that of vulnerabillity)
• The result of experiences encountered within the service of H.M. Armed and/or other National services
• Betrayal of trust by those closest,- for the sake of monetary gain for others
• A. N. / Other reasons

These days, the advancement of medical support systems; following such incidents, ow be classed as PTSD, these changes of practice/s was a good thing - and I am reminded of the reality that was portrayed in the TV Docu-drama film "Cathy come home" and the result consequences years thereafter of such events.

Cathy Come Home - Wikipedia

There seems to have been however, a significant change in the practices and; sad to say, a more sinister reason for those involved in the practices of street-begging.
and once again, the result sees those of most vulnerabe position - the worst off.

With this in mind, perhaps the (Greater) Manchester scheme introduced my Mayor Andy Burnham ; which includes the insertion of Pay-point 'App/scan' to
assist the homeless within the city boundaries see local action put in place.



At least these initiatives mean that the right help is given direcly to those who need it most ... as a general rule.
Though I'm disappointed that in these modern times, people still suffer, - and I count my blessings - . For ...,,

• "There but for fortune"

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 13th 2026
MON
The workplace is a silent one, and/for it seems the weekend's activities have seen late shifts and overtime resulting in a late start for those involved.
I have a word with the all-knowing sage of intelligence (the cleaner) who fills me in with the 'juicy' details ...
How do these folk get to know these things?

I take control of the Phone adminstration for my unit, and and kept busy for my full shift, following which, I visit the local gym.
(Not to indulge, but to enquire about joining)
- There seems to be a few activities to participate in and at I feel is a reasonable cost.

Balancing exercise and dietry requiremant will need to be judged so that I can achieve weight loss, the refreshment of energies and provision of medical advice ......
= Oh, and - have a life

Whilst the music is still in me, it's more a case of 'Reelin' and a Rockin' than 'Rockin' and a Rollin' these days - still, ...

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 14th 2026
TUES
A later shift today means that I'll be skipping the usual collection of the Grandchildren, however, there's no rest for the wicked, and with Mum away in the Capital for a few days work, after completing the days work I make may to my daughters house for Wednesday drop off at school for the pair, as an overnight stay is required

Upon arrival, I thought it odd to see a car missing from the drive, though it think it may be a chippy run and Dad'll home soon.
- My granddaughter answers the door with a somewhat concerned visage.
She tells me that 'Dad' is at the hospital withn the elder of the two little 'uns
- A slip/trip/fall had seen him hit the tiled bathroom floor and catch his ear which caused a slight tear.
Visably upset, I reassure her that he'll was in the best place and Dad would make sure he would be comforted.

Three and a half hours later and the wounded soldier is back.
With a smiling face and a "Hello Grandad" he returns, as if it's just 'one of those things" and none the worse for his event and/of mini-adventure.

Tbe area of the cut ear pictured here ..... (and the inch long cut somewhat more gruesome) is awkward to treat, and so use of Superglue - as per South Asian war purpose - is a bit of a stop gap fix.

• He's especially pleased to see my Blue bag, as he knows what's in it.
• And though chocolate is perhaps not the best thing to have before bedtime, it's a treat I feel is well-deserved.

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 15th 2026
WED
The results of the day before are more a concern the myself and 'Nanny' than either he and his brother - who's no idea where his sibling has been the previous evening.
After consideration, we take into account that today is P.E. /Games day and erring on the side of caution we agree/make the decision to keep him off school and 'Nanny' takes care of him for the day.

After dropping off one at school, I make my way to Nanny's and; post shower and change (as I didn't have time the previous night) make my way into work
- Trying to focus on task whilst wondering upon 'the day after the night before' consequences is challenging, and sees a number of beeps and What's up messages throughout - though it seems resillience in children is a truth in itself.

I call in post-work, for to further check on him and with Mum now home, he's a happy chappie, I relaise it must have been difficult for to process/deal with the incident being a distance away, - and still with her broken foot, too immobile to get home earlier via public transport.
Her return is a tonic for the trooperand I leave him in good spirit, satisfying myself that he; as maybe all children of youth have in them, - mindset of

• "All things must pass"

... until the next time

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 16th 2026
THURS
It's all go again, as I start work, to temporary stop work and take my vehicle to the local garage for it's M.O.T.
Having had a pre-M.O.T. check, it transpires that some welding work is required, ...



- though the good news is that they have a welder on the books who priorities meto get the work done in timely manner - and at a reasonable price too,

• And I'm "on the road again"

After collecting my vehicle, I'm back to work - complete duty task, return home, complete a check in with the little one - before hitting the sheets for slumber.

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 17th 2026
FRI
Last day of the working week, - it's been a tad busy.

The pills must be working as despite everything, I'm keeping the B.P. and Heart rate in check.
- Whilst it may (again) seem a tad odd, the work in work/life balance sees me have a degree of focus - and I seem to have things in check (spinning one plate at a time rather than several).

Keeping to task, the day seems to go quickly and prior to returning home (somewaht on auto-pilot) I take a trip to pass the local shops for a bit of people watching.
- It's always a experience to do so - and at times brings a wry smile to my face : - (a' la, / I. E)

. though I'm sure not restricted to my own locale,- and perhaps not as bad as.

• methinks

I forego my weekly Pint O' Guiness today as I doubt I'll not need much help in getting to sleep tonight.

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 18th 2026
SAT
It's Record store day, so it would be rude not to take advantage of the opportunity to participate.



Record Store Day - Wikipedia

Music has always played a big part of my life and 'back in the day' I made many any a purchase at the Manchester stores: -

• Piccadilly Records - where I picked up a couple of shrewd bargainsin the late70's/early 80's
• Spinn In on Cross Street, - that had a grand array of Northern Soul discs
• Rare Records on John Dalton Street, - that had a number of 45's for one's pleasure
• Robinson's Records on Blackfriars Street - that had a good selection of Pop albums
• Yanks (a hidden gem on Isabella Street) - where I got my Rock Albums from

Vinyl always had, and still has IMO a deeper tone and depth of aural delight.
I return to the City (centre) to my current venue of choice is Fopps on Brown Street (M/c)
There is a fair size crowd there; with a liking for cosmoplitan genre, the music is loud and a'Rockin' with plenty of choices available.
I pick up a couple C.D's (Little Sparrow's Lemon Tree and Harriet's Piano sessions)

I will be returning next month for my ordered vinyl of 'Rock n'Roll survivors (Live Rock Opera) L.P. by the all-girl Rock group with the unfortunate name.
It took me back to the times of eager anticipation and pleasure of listening. = A Good day

 

[WOLF ANGEL]

= APR 19th 2026
SUN
After yesterday's 'day out' It's housework time.
Having ordered a water meter, the kitchen gets a clean out - for the space to fit it.
A good clear out does help to sort out both the area in question and the mind and it's not long before I'm on a roll.

Trouble is, that my clearing up spills over, and it's not long before I'm into other rooms.- and that is another trouble.

My sorting out sees me come across a few things that I had put on one side to 'sort out later' and subsequently forgot about it.
This meant a halting of procedure - and a few times at that.

Music and Sport were two of the main problems, but the main obstacle was were my writings, tools (of the trade) books and tokens of choice.
- But then, just when I thought the clearing of one's mind would become harder, it is suprisingly the opposite and I find myself with a good degree of balance and clarity.

A good few hours spent, I sooth myself and relax with in my tub