Image: Me and Jojo on stage at OPA for the last time this year
28.04.26: 143-85) We rise, get ready pancakes for breakfast
An’ we’re away for the first part of the day
Set off for Zilker Park but on the way enter Austin Natural Science Center
Lookin’ at the plants an’ trees more photos for when I get home
To go on the album about my 2026 roam
We go back, he door’s locked we ain’t got a key
Ring Becca she says “come an’ get one off me”
We go she’s lunch ready, it’s really great
We comeback an’ decide it’s best for Jojo to rest
An’ then, she may be okay for the open mic at Lions Den
29.04.26: 144-86) I awaken make sure Jojo’s ok and her meds are taken
Breakfast and reflect on last night, it didn’t start right
Set off for The Lions Den, we got there, an’ then
It was no lark finding somewhere to park
Nowhere close enough, Jojo soon gets tired so we drove away
And made our way back a different way
Me showin’ her where I’d been afore, an’ more
An’ the evenin’ ended like a dream,
Sittin’ on the porch swing sharin’ a tub of strawberry ice cream
145-87) Start the day in the usual way, to the kitchen we head
No pancakes so it’s waffles instead. We weren’t bereft, not a crumb left
Then tea for two, it was a “reyt” brew
Cos’ not only am I Yorkshire through and through
The tea was blended in Yorkshire too
146 – 88) To the library some work to do
Then back, Jojo has a rest so she’s at her best
An; she can smile when she meets a guy she ain’t seen for a while
Bob from Australia, sculptor, poet, ecologist
His presence shouldn’t be missed
So rest an’ hope things’ll be alright when we get to OPA tonight
147-89) We set off for OPA in good time
For our evening of music, verse and rhyme
GPS seemed to take us the wrong way round
Possibly the I35 with heavy traffic bound
Arrived in time to get a good seat
Sandwich ordered, names on sign up sheet list, so we ain’t missed
Guy comes in, looks familiar, it’s Bob the guy who’s good
At making instruments out of junk and sculptures out of mud
An; so all’ll know it, he’s a damn good poet
But no Thom inn the room, he’s at a meeting on zoom
As for the rest, we’re here cos’ we think live events are best
148-90) The rest had done Jojo well, tonight she was swell
Made the audience smile, with her own unique style
Then I follow with rhymes, about my travellin’ times
Bob didn’t sign up he said the queue was too long
But him been there weren’t in vain, it was really great to met up again
NaPoWriMo last day
149-91) Last night driving back was a pain, they closed the exit lane
Not only that but more beyond, really off track
Looked like we were never going to get back
Red lights stretchin’ for mile after mile
I see other drivers headin’ for a gap an’ smile
Great idea, right or wrong we’re in the clear
Back on 183 soon where we need to be
Layin’ in this mornin’ don’t have to get up too soon
Cos’ today’s event ain’t till the afternoon
150-92) This mornin’s cool, looks like the hoodie’s comin’ out
Then a rolling sound, it’s thunder
I look out an’ see the rain’s really hittin’ the ground
I watch a while, photograph it an’ smile
Somethin’ relaxin’ about watchin’ it come down
Splashin’ on the pavement, fallin’ on the grass
Feedin’ the plants an’ trees, an’ I’m watchin’ it at my ease
151-93) Rain eased, me an’ Jojo’s pleased,
We’re away for our fist event of the day
A workshop with prompts to amaze, run by Red Traveller at Lazydaze
We get there, then my phone comes alive,
It’s Rebecca sayin’ Jojo’s got therapy between 4 and 5
I say ok we’ll be here, leavin’ the workshop early would be best
Jojo can then rest, so I look at the group thinkin’ ‘nice to be together again’
After this mornin’s rain,
An’ I’m thinkin, let’s get the prompts flowin’ an’ the poetry goin
152 – 158 Were written at the workshop, 152 in past tense, he remainder as things happened
152-94) We’d set off for Lazydaze, I thought now what are they doin’
The road we should have joined it was plain, roadworks again
Slip road I looked upon, no way could I get on
Carried on an’ soon found a space, to join an’ things picked up a pace
Got to Lazydaze, went in an’ thought let the workshop begin
153-95) Workshop began I was soon knowin’ it was hard goin’
Then thought ‘when put to the test a haiku can be best’
So when all else fails, what to do is do a haiku
Which like as such, in so few words can say so much
154-96) Shelves leaning over
Under the weight of the junk
Somebody’s treasure
155-97) Does America
Want Democracy is it
All it seems to be
156-98) From child to adult
I was still optimistic
I’m not so much now
157-99) Anyone can look
But few will participate
I am the latter
158-100) So try as you might
Weaving through the raindrops
You still will get wet
159-101) Jojo was gettin’ tired so we left early
So she could relax before her therapy
Back at the house we waited, as time abated
Eventually he came and carried out his task
Jojo did well, he said he could tell, givin’ her best, he was impressed
He went, an; we did feel, it was time for our evenin’ meal
Soup an’ crackers Jojo said so to H-E-B I head
Got back cooked it, Jojo tucked in with relish
I was pleased to see an empty dish
Later we sat on the porch swing again, enjoyin the quiet of the comin’ night
An’ I’m thinkin’ ‘that’s another day gone alright’.
01.05.26: 160) First of May, rainy start to the day
What’s app home, tell the family it’s really comin’ down
The message back sayin’ they got the same in Castleford town
After breakfast rain abates we go for a drive, let the day come alive
Lookin’ for a beauty spot it can’t be found so we’re homeward bound
But not before I stop once more, part of Bull Creek I ain’t seen afore
More pics for my album for this years tour
Back fpr lunch, get my ironin’ done an’ soon we’re resting for the afternoon
Rest over ironin’ done, still no sign of the sun
So we’re on the porch listenin’ to the breeze, an’ the rain hittin’ the trees
For a while anyway, then it starts getting’ cold an’ we don’t feel so bold
But one thing we can look forward to with delight
Josh is orderin’ catfish for supper tonight
02.05.26: 161) Catfish supper went down well last night
With tater waffles an’ American malt vinegar, sure was alright
An’ reminded me of 2011 an’ Memphis Tennessee
Where I was first able to have catfish on the table
An’ last nights would be, washed down with good ol’ Yorkshire tea
This mornin’s sunny an’ hot, looks like a good day ahead
An’ I gotta say to Jojo, “hey lazybones, get your butt outta that bed”.
162) Out for a run in the mornin’ sun
Two squirrels dash onto the road, I break because I want them to cross
Safe an’ sound but they turn round, driver behind paid ‘em no mind
Along they sped leavin’ one of them dead
I call them all the names under the sun for what they just done
I go back, see the squirrel lyin’ there, gonna show I care
I get out pick it up an’ I’m cryin’ soon it’s lyin’
In some bushes an’ I’m prayin’ to God above
To accept it’s soul into a place of everlasting love
Later I would go and bury it properly
163) We decide to to take some time at Ladybird Lake
An’ I can say, usin’ the parkin’ machines goes ok
Takin’ more pics of my roam, to show to the folks back home
We sit an’ relax a while an’ smile, as a squirrel comes in to sight
Running along a fence away from the road, this ones gonna be alright
164) Once again we call at H-E-B
Get what we feel we need for our next meal
Back to Jojo’s we run, Becca an’ Rachel’s comin’ at one
Sit an’ chat a while, then they’re away, we decide on the rest of the day
We decide, an’ so to Lake Travis we go
Enjoyin’ the breeze blowin’ through the trees,
Waves lappin’ on the shore an’ more
I swim, we relax an enjoy the sun, watchin’ black squirrels an’ lizards run
At a place where people an’ nature can be as one
165) 5:00 pm an’ on our reconin’ our evenin’ meal was beckonin’
So back we head, Rachel’s left some pumpkin soup an’ we’re fed
Becca calls an’ I tell sad mornin’ but the afternoon went well
She’s pleased without doubt that Jojo’s getting’ out an’ about
Later we make plans for tomorrow an’ I aspire to look at a local boat hire
We think it could be grand, to sail to Hobo Island
Last year seen but we’ve never been
Could be a great way to start another day
03.05.26: 166) Yes last year on Ladybird Lake, Hobo Island was seen
But as yet we’ve never been. That’s because we had to sail across
So we decided what to do, and hire a kayak for two
So it’s to EpicSUP bound, it’s found
But a bit of a lark findin’ somewhere to park
I did, then it was lifejackets on embark, we’re good to go
We’re away, I’m paddlin’ away, no trouble or strife
Thinkin’ back aways to my scoutin’ days
Find a place to land, get out enjoy the peace, it’s grand
Time passes back we head, once more I’m paddlin’ away thinkin’
‘What a great start to the day’.
167) Soup, crackers, ice cream for lunch, then we’re found
To Lake Travis bound. Once mor in the afternoon sun
Again watchin the squirrels an’ lizards run
It gets busy so tranquillity we seek, an’ head out to Cypress Creek
Finding it to our likin’, laid out for boatin’ fishin’ an’ hikin’
New pictures to show where I’ve bee, an’ what I’ve seen
We rest a while before headin’ back, day on track.
Seems kinda neat, to stop for an ice cream treat
Then back to Jojo’s to see how we feel,
About what to have for our evenin’ meal
168) Day almost spent, to Pappadeaux we went
Once there, a sample platter to share
A fish feast before our eyes, on a bed of fries
Jojo asks “are you orderin’ more?” I say “there’s enough here for four”.
So it looks like once again I’ll be blessin’ the cotton socks
Of the person that thought up the to go box
04.05.26:169) Today we decided to go and see
Somewhere named after the habitat of the Mexican Honey Bee
A short drive away, ideal for the first part of the day
Named in the 1850’s by settllers who wanted to get away
From Austin forever growin’ to a place where the pace of life was slowin’
So a place was found, an’ to it they were bound
Settled there an’ the name they gave, what else but Bee Cave
170) Galleraria an’ City Hall maybe someone there’ll tell me all
I need to know an’ where to go. Someone does an’ we’re away
City Park, a steady stroll sit an’ rest, enjoy the scenery an’ the tranquility
Then to the Sculpture Park, where I find
I’m wonderin’ what went through the sculptors mind
What inspiration did they find
Seriousness or jape as their creations took shape
Intent or wonderment. We decide to head back
An’ at the Fire Station opposite, Jojo’s in luck
Me an’ her get our picture took in front of a local Fire Truck
171) Lunch an’ relax, get Jojo’s energy levels right
For Walter’s Tavern open mic tonight
While she’s restin’ I nip out thinkin’ of a surprise
That’ll bring a shine to her eyes, Download some pics to USB
So they can be, printed off as a souvenir of what we did this year
I do, she’s delighted her spirits lift,
An’ I’m thinkin’ I couldn’t have got her a better gift.
05.05.26: 172) More exploring, today we felt
An’ so headed to Lakeway and Hamilton’s Green Belt
Youpon Creek our first port of call, an a steady stroll, always best
Makin’ sure Jojo gets plenty of rest, not too overtaxin’
Short distances then relaxin’ listen to the creek flowin’ good an’ clear
Thinkin’ it’s really peaceful here. Like many Texas Parks I find
It’s created with people in mind
So when the stress of living drives ‘em up the wall
There’s somewhere to go an’ get away from it all
173) On Google another Greenbelt found, to it we’re bound
For a while sit lazin; watchin the deer grazin’
Leave ‘em alone an’ we find, they don’t pay us any mind
Then I seek, pictures of the waterfall at Hurst Creek
That an’ more, what stories I’ll have in store
To go on my Facebook album for my 2026 tour
All thanks to philanthropy from the local Hamilton family
174) Pizza whole or by the slice, whichever it tastes nice
Vegan, vegetarian or meat, always tastes a treat
No need to worry about what it’s costin’
Cos’ its always good value a Slice of Austin
A pizza shop we called at on the way back, an’ it was really nice
06.05.26: 175) Last nights evenin’ meal plates cleared away
Still plenty left of the day, so time to take a visit to nearby Mueller Lake
Afore it gets dark we decide we’ll visit Mueller Lake Park
Sit an’ relax, watchin’ birds swimmin’ or in flight in the gatherin’ twilight
Another great memory of my roam.
To share with family an’ friends when I get home
176) Becca rang yesterday, tellin us what was to do
Jojo’s therapist comin’ between 1 an’ 2
So we don’t go too fars away
An’ I get an update form “our lass*” across the pond in dear ol’ Cas’
She’s feelin’ better, takin’ things steady,
Managed to get out an’ a haircut yesterday
Says she may go out for coffee today
Slowly getting stronger, I’ll be glad when she can tell
It’s all done an’ all is well Our
*Our lass a Yorkshire term of endearment for wife
177) Breakfast an’ for Balcones Park we head, swimmin’ pool empty
Park attendant Ralf laughs when I say to him, it’s for those that can’t swim
We look on the playground it’s showin’
Makeshift percussion so me an’ Jojo get it goin
An we find, we’re playin’ what comes to mind
The it looks like rain, Jojo sits in the car, I take photos again
Walkin’ wonderin’ what stories the rocks could tell
As I seek what is called Walnut Creek
But it’s dry, no water flowin’ down towards the town
But there’s water flowin’ across the path
An’ I’m knowin’ that round it’s growin’ its own ecology for all to see
Tiny spring, self reliant, to bad conditions it’s defiant
Hopefully to tell, given a chance, Mother nature makes all things well
178) Lunch then wait, for therapist hope she’s not late
She’s here, therapy starts an’ she can tell, Jojo’s doin’ really well
Keep things up for longer, an’ she’ll be growin’ stronger
She’s pleased, she goes we sit outside, talkin’ an’ I take the time
To catch up on my rhyme
Like a poetic journal it unravels, the story of my travels
An’ maybe we’ll rest some more so things go right
At OPA for my final open mic tonight
179) Catchin’ up done. In goes the sun
Starts to turn cool we decide coffee would be a change from Yorkshire tea
Then rest some more before, we go for a stroll letting time gently roll
Before for OPA we hit the road , an’ maybe I’ll read my latest ode
Or make my performance a blast, with travel poems from the past
It’s my last night but I ain’t too blue, cos’ I’ll hear Jojo recitin’ too
180) Set off in plenty of time, drive can either go like a song or go wrong
It’s going well, Fire Truck joins us from the right
Goin’ at a pace, cars give him some space
I find he;s behind me an’ I’m ready to move
Then it’s plain, it’s an accident in the express lane
I’m past, the Fire Truck stops, we carry on, soon North Lamar we’re on
OPA not far ahead an’ it looks like we’ve time
To enjoy a meal before our evenin’ of rhyme
181) Plenty of parkin’ spaces outside the venue, now lets see the menu
We order a sharable, it’ll do for us two
It comes an’ to our delight, it tastes alright
An’ once it’s gone, it’s bring the poetry an’ music on
182) Molly came, so did Bob but no sign of Thom
I wondered where he was, Austin’s import from Oz
We’re all signed up and ready to go, but from Thom its still a no show
The shows started an’ I find, I’ve left my poems behind
But things is fine I got a blog online an’ I can get, it on the internet
So I don’t moan, I bring it up on my cellphone
Goin’ back to 2011, two poems written on location
On my first time travellin’ across the American nation
Now folks is performin’ an’ times abatin’ but for Thom, we’re still waitin’
Jojo went pn stage then me, both of us went down fine
But of Thom, there’s still no sign
He’d taken Wendy to choir practice, him not being here was a loss
An’ I’m wondering if in his household it shows who’s the boss
