We all make mistakes / losing

So, we made it to Holy Diver just about in time to hear the final chords of the opening band. Bad form again. 2nd of 3 was King Kraken who need no introduction really, but suffice it to say they play heavy metal and are popular within our group of friends. They hail from South Wales, and I tend to pitch them as similar to US giants Testament, with a vibe that really works for them. The turnout was only about 40 people - my headcounts are pretty reliable - and King Kraken got as much as the crowd was willing to give them. Headliners tonight were Crobot, a band I saw just recently at Stone Dead Festival. Liked the first half of their set - at Stone Dead and tonight the songs seemed less catchy after a while, not really possessing the connection and drive when compared to what we might expect from the early part of the set . The singer reminds me of Steven Tyler, no bad thing and his energy is impressive, as is his top range. What really killed the gig tonight - for both bands - was a pretty terrible sound, at least for each frontman. The King Kraken singer was lost in the mix for much of the set and the Crobot singer either lost in the mix or suffering from a quite irritating feedback which, try as he might, the soundman could not shift.

Learned a lesson tonight... I forgot to take my 5pm levodopa and also left the house without my 9pm meds. Most out of character for me. Realised this too late to turn back and the consequence is harsh as the hollow and restless legs are a challenge to say the least right now (12.30pm) as I sit up late slowly catching up on the meds missed from earlier in the evening . No one to blame but believe me folks, it's really really important to take these meds on time, at the same time each day and don't forget to avoid taking levodopa around the times you take in protein. That's the end of my preachy bit!

Parkinson's Press - I'm introducing this section to cover updates and stories which I feel are genuine and worthwhile - sometimes the news/advice, especially on social media - is flakey.

 10th September 2026: a blood test may help predict who is most likely to develop freezing and cognitive problems... A study reported by Parkinson’s News Today found that inflammatory gene-activity patterns in blood were associated with cognitive impairment and freezing of gait (walking) later on in people with Parkinson’s. It's understood the findings still need validation, but the indications are that this method could become important for independence, confidence and everyday safety. Predictions prior to this have been difficult to arrive at but from these blood tests, it's expected that early identification of people who would benefit from earlier support with balance, mobility or cognition is likely.

I don't remember seeing this video clip previously but it rocks!

Harsh reality: so, after our above-mentioned trip to Holy Diver, I have to be honest and say the week has not gone well. There's a repeat of the UTI which is worryingly quick to return, feeling hopelessly tired, ongoing problem with the right ankle/achilles. We ducked a trip to Sheffield - just not possible in the circumstances. Now looking ahead this week to improvements following blood tests and more drugs I guess. Not due to see the Parky's specialist until December but will have to consider bringing that forward. Feels more like a losing struggle today but the fight goes on!

Take care out there! x