Lee Jordan .org.uk

Brrrrrr it’s cold, even in the Midlands, coldest day for 5 years in Brum today. I have a stinking head cold, have been ill for nearly a week now! The sun is peppered with sunspots. The lights went off in Canada, in a similar fashion to what happened there in 1989.

“Britain is bracing itself for more icy blasts and heavy snow with even colder conditions moving in. Workers have already been greeted with freezing and icy weather as they return to work after the Christmas break. More travel chaos is predicted as temperatures plunge to as low as -10C overnight.” Source

Meanwhile, apart from there being major snow problems in much of Europe as seen here, Italy is a worthy mention :

White Florence : first in 20 years

“Florence, Italy has awoken this morning to a covering of snow for the first time in 20 years. A heavy snowfall which fell throughout almost the entire night, has covered the city’s buildings and monuments with 10-12 cm of snow” Source

Back to the hospital yesterday for an MRI of my left calf, the site of my off the scale tumor. First time is always scary, because of the unknowns. The scan would last 20 minutes! Ended up lasting longer than that.

With the scan finished I was seen by the consultant who said there was something showing in the skin layer … *gulp*. On further investigation it could be the scar tissue, but even so I was advised to call in over Christmas to see if I can get seen in the next few weeks to talk about results.

What I have to do is not worry about it until I’m back in the hospital, so on with Christmas. Easier said, but I feel very confident that I’ll be ok. I read that even if your faith is dented, as long as you have hope you’ll get your faith back with time.

To round up a mighty fine year of gigging with my best mate Rich, the NIA last night played host to indie pianist Ben Folds, who goes from strength to strength with his solo material. Starting a UK mini tour in Birmingham no longer than your little finger, it wasn’t so much the suburbs he was rocking, it was a more soothing, charming and relaxed night.

By all acounts it was one special gig. With the audience taking part and singing along with Ben it was amazingly intimate, at times so quiet you could hear a tear drop amoungst the heartfelt lyrics and yet at times with just the piano so full of energy and humorous lyrics. You might be able to see us at the front of the crowd, to the left of centre in the photos found at this forum post.

Just with his piano and voice, Ben managed to fill the entire arena. A true talent, truely a special night, click the photo for a longer review