What a Week....

I've rather a mixed blog for you today.
The first part is great news. Robin docked in Grenada and his case has now been returned to him! He really enjoyed having a walk around the 'Spice Islands', which he said are very interesting, hilly and lush. The weather was fantastic with a cooling breeze. Even better, was returning to the QM2, having a bath, and being able to put on his own clothes!
Now that he has his nail repair kit, he can plan his programme for tomorrow. He did consider changing it, as any flamenco pieces may have proved too much for his nails, especially if he was unable to strengthen them prior to the concert.
Hopefully I'll be able to report back on that tomorrow, but many thanks to all the staff on the QM2 for recharging 'phones/computers, and generally finding him things to wear!
There was a story in the paper today, by Christopher Hope, explaining how many original pictures of the Beatles have been inadvertently thrown out, including the only copy of the photograph for their 'Please Please Me' album. That's a real shame.
This brings me to the second part of the blog and the problems we have been having with our very own photographer, Jonathan Keenan.
He also happens to be my brother, which does, of course, make him Robin's brother-in-law.
On Wednesday evening he was doing a shoot in the centre of Manchester (UK), 30ft up in a crane, when the crane fell over.
He was thrown onto the cobbles below, landing on his head and shoulder.
Amazingly, nothing is broken, and despite severe head lacerations and bruises all over his body, he has now come home.
Sadly, the crane operator was not as fortunate and died the next day.
You can imagine the turmoil the family have been in. At times like this everyone pulls together, gathers around, and takes comfort from just being together. Thoughts of what might have been are never far away.
For Robin this has been particularly difficult as he is so far from home and unable to be here. There have been many 'phone calls, reassuring in all directions, and thankfully, Jonathan is home and starting a period of recuperation.
Robin was able to send him an e mail though, which went something along the lines of, "Don't you know the rules of Bungee jumping?" But that's men for you!
I'm surrounded by artistic sorts, sometimes I think life would be so much simpler if they all worked in a supermarket.
Still, at least Robin is able to take his mind off things on the Island of St.Kitts. I'm sure he'll take a break from his guitar practice to have a look around.