Will it be a Happy New Year for me?

 R.I.P. Linda

Tomorrow starts another New Year. This will be the first New Year I'll be seeing in with my lovely wife, Linda, who passed away in January, 2025.

Romance in Redcliffe

One hope I have us that my relationship with my friend, Clara, who lives in Redcliffe , Bristol, will develop into a romance

How to make a bad impression on me

 False Assumptions

Young ladies online

Once again, a young lady on WhatsApp made false assumptions of my tastes, and paid for her mistakes.

Firstly, she assumed as she was young, that an old man like me would leap at the opportunity to date such a young girl. What she never checked was if I liked her, two days ago I didn't know she existed, then out-of-the-blue she asks for a date

The Carole Landis Mystery

 Rex Harrision

Could you blame Rex Harrison?

At the time of her death, Carole Landis was a rising star, with several marriages to her name. Her last fling was with Rex Harison, who she "claimed" had promised to marry her, though he was happily married at the time. 

At the time of her daeth when she was 24, she'd had four marriages. While the reason she comitted suicide could be questioned, and Rex's refusual to marry her can be questioned, if he agreed. His actions after he heard the news are questionable, at the least. On hearing of her death, he spent hours cleaning the rooms, before phoning the police

The odd couple

  Margaret Dumont

Marx Brothers

In an era when when names like Mae West, Carol Lombard, Hedy Lamarr, Myrna Loy, and Geta Garbo dominated the movies, one lady is always forgettorn, yet she palyed a pivotal role in some of the most well-known comedy films of the era.

People remember her face, and her comedy with the Groucho Marx, but the name of Margaret Dumont is rarely recalled.

Zeppo Marx

When the Marx Brothers are mentioned, people recall the three brothers who played in the films of their successful years, but one brother, the eldest, is forgotten. Herbert "Zeppo" Marx is the eldest of the four brothers, but is forgotten because after appearing in the first two movies, he left acting to become a director.

It is strange how quickly things can change

 Latino Street Bites

Tomorrow will be the end of the week, the first in a month when I have not visited the cafe, Latino Street Bites, run by my friend, Michelle. The cafe is closed until the New Year because of the Christmas period. Only a month ago, I didn't know of the cafe, now it is part of my regular week. I only found it as I was cold and hungry one afternoon while waiting to meet my friend Clara (below) in Redcliffe, Bristol.

Romance in Redcliffe?

I hope my friendship with Clara, is going to develop into a romance in the New Year, so far we have only had a series of setbacks. Clara keeps telling me she wishes to advance from a friendship to a romance, yet after over eight dates, we have yet to meet. We only began chatting on Twitter two months ago. We were attracted to each other, but at the time, I thought she lived in the USA, so I had no opportunity to meet her, in which case, I didn't get too involved. It turned out, as she lives in Redcliffe, and I live in Hartcliffe, we are almost neighbours

Will the New Year bring light into my darkness?

 Romance in Redcliffe?

A question I cannot answer

The answer to my question is not within my power to answer, my "friend" in Redcliffe, Bristol, "claims" to wish for a lasting relationship, yet avoids meeting me.

I have no wish to end our friendship, but unless there is a huge change by the end if January, I think my hand will be forced, as I have worn myself out trying to meet, Clara, yet we are yet to meet after 10 cancelled dates.

I want to forget Christmas

Christmas 2024 

                                                              Christmas 2025

Christmas 2024 was the last my wife enjoyed, despite being in severe pain, she did her best to leave us with happy memories of her passing.

Christmas 2025 is very different for me, the depression I had for most of the year has returned with a vengeance, which makes me wish I could hibernate, and not come out.

As for my "friend" in Redcliffe, Bristol, who keeps avoiding meeting me, as I see it our relationship, if we had one is on its knees, and unless she makes a huge effort soon, it will be over.

Do YouTube uploaders care?

 All About Eve

Sunset Boulevard

If you read my blog, one common theme is that YouTube uploaders can't be bothered to check their information, all it takes is a few seconds, and some care to treat the viewer as more than a number.

Today's incident involves two film noir movies from the 50's.

The title says it is about All About Eve, yet the uploader says the star is Gloria Swanson. Anyone with a little film knowledge can see the error without Google.

All About Eve was a film starring Bette Davis, NOT Gloria Swanson. Gloria Swanson's big film of the era is Sunset Boulevard, in which she parodies herself as a fading 20's actress holding onto her memories thinking she can make a comeback

The Frasier Mystery is cleared

 The Missing box sets

What happened to Fireball XL5?

For several weeks, I have been trying to locate my copy of Frasier series 1. I know I had it, as the rest of the box set of DVDs is on my shelf, but series 1 eluded me, until today. While hunting for my set of Fireball XL5, I found the answer, I don't have the set as I sold it several months ago

What happened to Fireball XL5?

 eBay sales

An unforeseen incident

This morning on eBay, I had a request for the sale of my Fireball XL5 boxset, the request set in motion three mysteries.

First, though the order was supposedly paid for, the set is not shown as for sale on my page.

Secondly, if the set is paid for, the site has not asked me to sell it, yet.

Finally, though I have the set, I have no idea where it is in collection of items for sale

Darlene Love or the Crystals?

 He's a Rebel

The Do Ron Ron

I realise it is only a personal opinion, but for me, I prefer the Darlene Love versions of The Do Ron Ron and He's a rebel, to the more recalled versions by The Crystals.

There are two reasons for my view, the main one is I could never stand the tinny voice of La La Brooks, the other reason is Darlene's version is more sexy than the pop version.

The lady on the right is La La, the lady in the middle is Dee Dee Kenniebrew, who became the lead singer in a new version of the Crystals after the hit. The lady on the right is Barbara Alston, who despite being offered a contract as a lead singer, was happy being a member of a group. Barbara is the younger sister of Shirley Alson who is the lead singer of The Shirelles, could this be a reason she didn't wish to be a lead singer?

Why do groups break up?

 ABBA

Life gets boring

There are many reasons why groups seperate, other than internal friction. One of the biggest reasons, in my opinion is life on the road gets boring quickly.

Imagine a group like ABBA, we know their songs, and tunes, but for the group, I imagine singing the same songs night after night, with only a change of order, and venue to break the monotony, singing got tiresome quickly. Even if you perform new songs, the old favorites keep being requested

Freaky Friday

 Bristol Industrial Museum

                                                               All our Yesterdays

Friday 19th December, 2025 was a spooky day for me.

I was on my way to visit the Latino Street Bites cafe, run by my friend, Michelle, in Redcliffe, Bristol. As I had to stop off in Bedminster to do some shopping on my way, I had to cross Bedminster Bridge, I realise the bridge has stood for over 100 years, but it feels weird to me, walking over water.

I stopped to watch the birds on the water, it was at this point I felt a strange pull. I felt as though I was being drawn to the water's edge again, the last time I had this feeling was over 30 years ago, when I worked in the Bristol Industrial Museum.

Am I devoted or delusional?

 Romance in Redcliffe

Or am I desperate?

With another  partially wasted journey to meet a lady in Redcliffe, Bristol, I ask myself am I devoted to keep this relationship ongoing after so many cancelled dates? Am I deluding myself into thinking a lady would wish for a relationship with a 69-year old widower, or am I desperate, not to end my life with no female companion?

The upside to the wasted day is i had another good meal at the Latino Street Bites cafe, ran by my friend, Michelle.

The Jigsaw Man

 The Missing Link

Romance in Redcliffe

Today could be a momnetus day in my relationship with my lovely friend, Clara, who lives in Redcliffe, Bristol. We plan to meet for lunch in the Latino Street Bites cafe.

The reference to the Sir Michael Caine film at the header is because my friend has seen the top and bottom of me, but not the middle

Blocked on Zangi

The Fixation

Not on my mind

I often get asked by ladies am I in a relationship, if not why not?

At the moment, I am building a relationship with Clara, my friend in Redcliffe, Bristol.

Before last month, the answer would have been no, the reasons are my wife passed away in January, and I am not fully over the loss; I hadn't thought of another relationship, as until last month, I thought I was not attractive to ladies, andat 69 I was too old.

This evening on Zangi, I had to block one young lady who had become fixated on marrying me; all she talks about is when can we get married?

If I did decide to marry again, it would be to Clara.

 

A new beginning

 The Mysteries of Romance

Romance in Redcliffe

Latino Street Bites

Usually around this time of the year, I am thinking of my New Year's Resolution, which is usually to challenge next year to be worse than this year was. I doubt next year could be worse, after losing my wife in January, this year, I am hoping for a new relationship to bloom with my friend in Redcliffe, Bristol

It's my party

 An exclusive friend

It will be my choice

In the last four months, I have had four ladies try to convince me to be their exclusive friend, and shut out other ladies I talk to online.

I feel close enough to a lady, I shall decide what to do, I won't be pushed, the more you try to push me, the harder it will be to change me. The irony is, now I have only two ladies I chat to online, yes, one is trying to convince me to be her exclusive, and NO, she will not succeed. The other lady lives in Redcliffe, Bristol, and is close to my age.

The story behind the short story shown here is about the night I almost died in my sleep

Am i a person or a possession?

 A perplexing question 

Alan Place - man of mystery

I am full of mysteries.

The biggest, and most perplexing mystery, for me, is that ladies, both younger than me, and my age see me as attractive.

Some ladies get very upset, when they know I cahtted to other ladies online, this does NOT mean I am in a relationship with them, all it means is the ladies feel safe chatting with me, as I don't push myself on them. Unlike some men, I don't try to lead a conversation to sex, if a lady wishes to talk about the subject, that is her choice to make. I have had several ladies ask me to stop contact with other ladies, and become their exclusive chat partner. As I explained to one young lady last night, I have been chatting online, for almost 18 years, in that time, I have posted fewer than half-a- dozen images of myself not fully clothed.

The Strangeness of the Blog

 An Expanding blog

                                                     I have entered the Muslim World

In the last two weeks I noticed my blog has been read more, and more in the Muslim community. Yet, though I posted lots about Israel, nobody there has read my posts.

Also, I noted, my posts are being seen as much in South America, as they are in the USA, and Canada

Robert Mitchum

 Who would you choose?

                                                              Film Noir

The answer I posed a week or two ago, "Who would I choose to play me in a movie?" is Robert Mitchum.

Some men would go for Robert Redford, others would go for Humphrey Bogart, I've never considered myself either attractive to ladies, or as tough guy, which is why Robert Mitchum suits me

You keep 'a' knocking

 But you can't come in

Your Cheating Heart

My relationship, if there was one, with my friend in Redcliffe, Bristol entered a new stage yesterday. I am no longer interested in forming a lasting, loving, relationship. 

For some time, I have thought she was playing games with me, from the first date I had my suspicions, as whenever we planned a date, she found a reason to stand me up. In the beginning, two weeks ago, I was excited at the thought of meeting her, in the short time we've been chatting, excitement at meeting has changed to an attitude of IDC - I don't Care - each time I read her excuses, they get more fanciful.

I am returning to my original plan for the rest of my life, I am NOT seeking romance

What would I do now?

 San Diego

Fake Reviews

Many ears ago, when I thought m reputation as a writer had a meaning, I turned down what could have been a lucrative offer from a lady in San Diego.

She wanted me to write reviews for items I hadn't used, and places I never visited. In those days, I had a strict moral code, where did that get?

If I got a similiar offer now, I wouldn't miss a blink in accepting, writing never paid for me, as for my reputation, what a joke.

Can you sign into Zangi?

 The Request of an Influencer

                                      Young ladies online

Last night, I was chatting to an influencer on Twitter, she lives where I spent most of my youth, in Clevedon, North Somerset. At her request I signed back in to my Zangi account, which I hadn't used for two years, as the site was full of young ladies trying to scam me.
Here we are 18:15, and no sign of her,

Am I desirable?

Naughty Dreams of Alan

Menage-a-trois

My BFFs

Last night, I had a totally wicked dream, I drempt I was in a menage-a-trois with my two BFF friends, Claire (top) who lives in Durham, and Clara who lives in Bristol.

I have deep respect for both ladies as we've built up solid relationships based on trust over the months we've been chatting on What'sApp. While we joke about many things, including sex, and romance, they know I wouldn't do anything with them, without their permission, to me, trust and respect are the basis of a strong relationship

 

Boundaries are needed

Romance in Redcliffe

A big difference

Though my friend, Clara, who lives in Redcliffe, Bristol, and I chat about our relationship, including the possibility of it becoming intimate. I may jokingly say "naughty" things, if we do get involved in a romantic situation I told Clara she is in control, and any time she wishes to stop, all she has to do is say "please can we stop?"

Am I too old-fashioned?

 Camel toe photos

I am no Prude

I ofgten wonder if I am too old for modern times?

One point in particular comes to mind, the tendency for ladies to pull panties and underwear up in their crutch, displating what is known as the "camel toe."

I am not a prude, I have written stories with sex in, one eBook got banned from several online bookstores for being too suggestive. I realise it is personal preference, I get more aroused by a flash of panties. The camel toe, interests me more for a comfort reason

How about these for opening lines?

OMG! Are you for real?

Comments from the USA

I've read the usual commnents from young ladies trying to impress me, and they are like "water off a duck's back." They try to think they are original, but I've read them so many times, I see the formula.

That changed in October, 2025.

Coming out of the depression of losing my wife of 38 years, in January, 2025, I changed from depressive Twitter posts, to slightly more optimistic options, with immediate effect. 

Two weeks before my birthday on the 18th, a lady from Gloucester, who is a history teacher from the USA, sent me a mesage saying "I want to suck your c@@k until you cum in my mouth, then drink you dry." To say I was shocked is putting it mildly, the lady had been watching me for weeks, but made no contact before then. Because of intermittent contact on Telegram, before my account was hacked, I never got to ask had she done it before, or was it only a phrase to get my attention?

Not long after that, another lady from the USA commented "I want to stick your c@@k in my breasts, and squeeze until you cum on them," I found out, she was genuine.

I am not imnune to flattery, from the right lady, but rather than going at it from the off, I prefer to build a relationship based on trust, as I am doing with my friend, Clara, in Redcliffe, Bristol.

OMG! Are you for real?

 Some men get intimidated easily

Influencer?

I can unsedtand why my BFF, Claire  (top) could be seen as intimdating by some men, but I fail to see how grown men can view the young lady from the USA as intimidating, other than in her imagination. I wasn't intimidated by girls with larger breasts than hers, when I was in school

New Frontiers

My Favourite cafe in Bristol

Latino Street Bites

While my blog is reaching new areas such as the Netherlands, Romania, and Poland, on a personal front, I have found both a new cafe, and a new friend in Redcliffe, Bristol.

My friend, Michelle, runs the Latino Street Bites cafe in the undercroft of St. Mary's church from Tuesdays to Fridays

I cannot understand my allure

 Ladies on Twitter

Alan Place - Sex Object?

I will never understand the allure I have among ladies of all ages on Twitter in the last quarter of 2025

Perhaps, that is my charm. As I never considered myself attractive to ladies, I never pushed myself, unlike some men, I rarely, if ever publish a photograph of myself not fuly clothed. The only ladies who seen me partially clothed are two close friends.

What did I do right?

 An Expanding blog

A Big Thank You to my Readers

I had a shock a few minutes ago, as usual, I checked to see how my blog figures are for the day. To my surprise, I had over 1.3K readers today.

I think the success of the blog today is because rather than having the posts telling the readers something, I have been posing a question with the post. By doing this, the reader feels part of the blog, rather than being seen as the subject of a lecture.

Who would you choose?

 Film Noir

                                               The Dockland Murders

Here is an interesting question, who would you choose to play me in a movie?

Here a few clues.

He was an Icon of Film Noir during the late 1940's, until the mid-70's. He died in 1997.

My Christmas 2025 wish list

 Romance in Redcliffe

My main wish is for the swift recovery from an injury for my friend, Clara, who lives in Redcliffe, Bristol. When she recovers, we can begin our romance after several mishaps this month.

My second wish is for the sale of my eBook - A Sailor's Love - if that happens I will get royalties from Draft2Digital for the first time in three years.

A Sailor's Love

My hopes for 2026

 Romance in Redcliffe

A Sailor's Love

eBook sales

I don\t have many wishes for the new year, my main two are that my romance with my friend Clara, who lives in Redcliffe, Bristol blooms after several mishaps this month,

My other wish is that my romance eBook - A Sailor's Love - sells on Draft2Digital, if that hapens I will get my royalties for the first time in three years

Downsizing

 R.I.P. Linda

Romance in Redcliffe

Since my wife passed away in January, the idea of downsizing has been on my mind. There are other matters which stop me, apart from having to do the house clean out.

Our daughter, Sarah, is my carer, however, she is considering trying to get a flat of her own. I was considering, if my romance with a lady I knew in Redcliffe, Bristol blossomed, in the future, if she asked me to move in with her, it would have been a possibility. I saw would, as our romance has died before it had a chance to thrive; I gave her several opportunities to meet me, and she kept making excuses not to, so, as far as I am concerned the friendship is dead

The case of the Missing DVDs

  Italian Crime on eBay

                                                  ScandiNoir for sale on eBay

This morning, while searching for a DVD to add to my page on eBay, I found I had misplaced around 20 DVDs. These include the Beck TV series from Sweden, and Inspector Montalbano from Italy.

ScandiNoir for sale on eBay

 A new Selection for sale

 A Varied Selection

Among the selection of DVDs I am selling on eBay will be my varied selection of ScandiNoir. Several of the series were not shown on UKTV, as I viewed them on a foreign channel

Readers in South America

 An Expanding blog

South America

For most of my time as a blogger, I have struggled to have the blog read in the Southern Hemisphere, that changed this month.

This week, the largest number of readers outide Hong Kong, and Singapore are in Brazil, and Argentina.

Taking in the size of the continents, I have more readers in South America than Asia. I say South, not Southern America

December eBook sales boost

 After the goldrush

Sons of Baal

In one way, the headline could be misleading, in another way it tells the sad truth of my life as an Indie Writer.

I do have a December eBook sales boost, yesterday, the opening short story in my science fiction series -Forgestriker - sold a copy. To most writers one sale is nothing to get excited about, for me, this is the first sale in almost a year

How many chances would you give a person?

 Is there a Future in the Relationship?

I am NOT seeking romance

I am close to ending my friendship with a lady I chatted to on Twitter, why?

Clara "claims" to live in Redcliff, Bristol, a short bus ride from where I live in Hartcliffe.

In the past two weeks, we arranged to meet SEVEN times, and she always has an excuse to miss the appointment, I began to think she is a SCAMMER last week, this week, I am almost certain she is.

I would have liked to have met Clara, but she proved my theory, nobody wants a romantic relationship with me, at 69. Not that I am bothered, I accepted that back in January, when my wife passed away