26th December 2018
Only five days of 2018 left and we'll have a clean slate. We had a lovely Christmas Day at Carol and Gary's - the motorway was virtually empty and we zoomed over to Shrewsbury in no time. We called on Ethel (Bern's Mum} at her care home in Shifnal en route. Hope everyone survived the over-indulgence and corny cracker jokes and felt able to leap out of bed bright and chirpy this morning. I crawled out and managed to provide living proof that I'm losing the plot. I thought festivities done, a quiet day ahead, just the time to get on with some painting. So, as you do, I rifled through the wardrobe for my big mustard jumper that I call my painting jumper. It got relegated because I'd managed to get acrylic paint on the sleeves and it doesn't wash off. But my jumper wasn't there. Checked the washing basket - no! Then I remember I'd turned it into a cushion cover and it's been lurking on the sofa for a while. Why do I do these things? We're not hard up for a cushion cover so why did I wreck my jumper? Messy sleeves are allowed if it's your painting jumper? |
Have a look at this - it's my friend Rene's Christmas Card. Rene is our 93-next-birthday writers' group member and she's having fun on a tractor - we all fell about when we saw it. As you might guess, she's game for anything. (photo courtesy of Rene's son-in-law Keith) I know one little boy called Jai who will be well-impressed with Rene's escapade as he's a tractor buff with equal enthusiasm for buses, bin lorries, and fire engines |
24th December 2019
WELL DONE HILARY - ( another bezzie mate) she's also left a message with the correct answer to "guess Betty's collage". Hope no one's experiencing stress and panic over the Christmas goings on. I like to remind myself that's it's only one flipping day that will come and go of it's own accord so why do we worry? |
Warning: Carol was shopping in Sainsbury's and attempted to use her Nectar Points in part payment. The transaction revealed that her Nectar card had been accessed by someone in Scotland reducing the value on her card to about £20. Sainsbury's did refund the original total but it shows there's a blip in their system.
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21st December 2019
WELL DONE JOAN - my friend of old (now lives in Leicester) and someone the young people these days call a "bezzy mate". She's left us a message here with the correct answer for my writers' group collage guessing game. Can't reveal it yet as no one at the group had worked it out and Maggie thinks they should try again when we go back in January. |
This year's winter solstice is a bit of a special one - there'll be a full moon and a meteor shower, both of which rarely coincide with the solstice. The winter solstice is an astronomical phenomenon marking the day with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year. It occurs when one of the Earth's poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun. It happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere.
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I felt rubbish again yesterday so I didn't make it to Writers' Group end of term do. Maggie has sent us a pic - they enjoyed the nibbles, quizzes, and word games. We all had to make a collage depicting a book or drama title. I sent mine in but apparently no one guessed it. It was a cartoon image of Lord Horatio Nelson and three pictures of men's' trousers showing just the zip area. Any ideas? |
14th December 2018
Brexit still hangs in the balance - the media have banged on so long now that it's becoming boring. I'm going to tune out however irresponsible that may seem. |
Have you bought a ticket for a trip on Richard Branson's space rocket? It's only £200,000 pounds a go for a 19 minute jaunt to the brink of space. How to get rid of a fortune in a blink of an eye - you'd be back on earth before you'd fastened your seat belt. A fool and his money... etc. Not even time for a snack.
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Yesterday's hospital trip was OK. I'd always wondered if consultants from the different departments I have to attend communicate with each other. Yes they do. Rheumatology man has spoken with Cardiology man (that's why I'm seeing him on Monday) and they're going to decide if I should undergo a procedure to correct my heart problem. But for now, just like Brexit, it's awaiting further decisions.
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12th December 2018
It was penultimate writers' meeting yesterday - next week we'll be in end-of-term mode with nibbles and maybe a bit of chocolate. We'll not be dancing on the tables as it might upset the library staff, but hey ho, we'll be having fun with words and quizzes. I've had an unsettling phone call this afternoon - hospital rheumatology consultant wants to see me tomorrow and I've no idea why. Maybe he's had a cancellation or something and has brought forward my January appointment. |
Today's date is a memorable one for Guglielmo Marconi (1874-1937). 12th Dec 1896, he demonstrated his radio for the first time at the Toynbee Hall, London. On 12th Dec 1901 he received the first successfully transmitted radio signal from Cornwall to Newfoundland. I wonder if he'd approve of all the Twittering and Tweeting that litters the air waves these days. He looks a decent sort of bloke - he'll never know of the information onslaught he started.
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10th December 2018
The month plods on doesn't it. We had a jolly day yesterday - it was our annual "take the family out for lunch" day at Weston Park so we were in festive mode. John and Zara, just back from Rotterdam, were able to join us. The extra adults came in handy as we had three small babies. We took turns to do a baby bouncing and bottle shift so everyone got to eat their lunch in relative peace. Here's Big Jay and little Josh keeping each other amused between courses. |
There was one of the dreaded letters lurking in this morning's post - I'm called back to cardiology on the 17th December after boasting that I'm hospital free until January. Hope they don't have something to tell me that I don't want to hear. I've made a start on writing cards - Christmas is officially in motion (well sort of). Must buzz off now and try to come up with tomorrow's homework - the brief is "something seasonal" - topical I suppose. Not an easy task for me if my "bah humbug" mood descends.
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1st December 2018
OK, relax folks, we can say the 'C' word without dread now we're into the countdown month. Shout it from the rooftops if you like... Christmas! It's in full swing in all the supermarkets with piles of seasonal goodies urging us to overstuff ourselves to the point of gluttony. To counterbalance that, a news item yesterday said doctors are prescribing liquid diets to cure Type 2 diabetes. I reckon it's time to decide which side of the fence we park our butts. |
28th November 2018
I made it to writers' group yesterday - I'd even done my homework. We're sardine-like round the library table these days as more new members have joined us. Each week is different: depending on who is present the dynamic changes, we have interesting debate about the work presented. Some members will participate in Wolverhampton's Literary Festival at the end of January so we have to listen out for pieces suitable for public performance. All good fun. |
What is it about women and handbags? As my joints get more painful I try to lighten the load in mine. I empty it out, go through all the and then shove it all back in to arrive at square one. I've always been famous (or infamous) for failing to travel light but there's nothing in there that I could leave home without. Pens, diary, notebook, tissues, bottle of water, comb, keys, purse, Blue Badge, lipstick, pills, spare key for Bern's car (it's a modern gadget that weighs a ton), reading glasses, hand warmer gadget. And yes, it's more sack than handbag.
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24th November 2018
I missed writers' group last Tuesday as it coincided with a hospital visit. Had another appointment on Wednesday and was handed a walking stick - I've parked it in the porch - testament to my circumstances. Thing is I could do with another arm to cope with it - I'm fiddling about like an octopus whose undergone an amputation. I made it to Thursday's art class and got a thumbs up from Roland for an acrylic painting. Today has been a rubbish day and Bern did the Sainsbury's trolley dash on his own. |
Carol and Gary are in Lichfield to babysit for Ian and Jenny. This little picture has just hopped onto my phone via Whats App. Gary with little Freddie. I think he looks very alert for a 10-week old. Sorry Gaz - looks like I've chopped off your head.
Kate and Aled have landed in Vietnam - the last leg of their travels before heading home in time for the big 'C'. |
20th November 2018
It's that "nothing happens" time of year when there's not much to talk about - it's too early to worry about 'C' - too cold to do stuff outside - our only excitement this week was standing in the flu jab queue. Like I often say - we're not exactly cutting edge folk. had a bit uplifting news this morning - the kidney consultant told me there's been a slight improvement in kidney function. Hope cardiology can up with the same result when I go next Monday. |
Jay and Les came on Sunday - he was feeling pretty chuffed as he'd won a prize for one of his photographs which is published in 'Black and White Photography' magazine. Well done Jay.
Kate and Aled have left New Zealand - they're now in Tokyo - she had a kimono for her November birthday - just the job if you're in Japan. Where's your shoes Kate? And Uncle Gary says, "nice frock!"
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13th November 2018
Good morning - now I know I'm going daft - I hadn't realised that it's been over a week since I popped in here for a chat. So… what's been happening? Jay and Les were with Les's parents for the weekend (Hi to Jack and Audrey - hope Jack's post-op leg is on the mend). Jay nipped into London on Sunday morning to give his medals and airing and take part in the veteran's march past at the Cenotaph. We went to a little 'do' on Sunday afternoon for my brother's 80th birthday. En route we collected Dave and Ann Chandler - thereafter a pleasant time reminiscing was had by all. I reckon raking up our youth is a sure sign of old - the scariest thing is that I'll be catching up with him next year. |
This morning's news tells us it's Purple Tuesday today. It's a new one on me - it's to make shops and businesses more aware of the difficulties confronting the disabled when trying to shop. A worthy event but why does it have to have a designated colour?
I've also read that next Friday, November 23rd is this year's Black Friday. The day for greedy grabbing shoppers to behave badly as they fight for bargains. |
4th November 2018
I've renamed them the Rotterdammers - they hop over there quite often to see Zara and Jonathan. Here's Les, Gary, Jay, Jon and Carol on a flying visit. Looks like cold drinks on a cold day - give me a cup of tea anytime. Do you have your sparklers and bangers ready for a taste of gunpowder, treason and plot? At the risk of being called a damp squib I think it bizarre that an act of terrorism committed more than 400 years ago has turned into a celebratory fun event that sends load of money up in smoke. Yeah - I'm a tight wad too!
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3rd November 2018
I've had another e-mail from Peggy in Australia, a response to me waving our geriatric selves at the world yesterday, she's been up in the attic (or wherever they store their old photos in Oz) and dug out some of us as teenagers some 60+ years ago. So, especially for my grandsons and great-grandsons here's proof that we were young once. Photos were not ten-a-penny in our younger days, we thought twice about getting rolls of film developed - different from today's digital age of selfies at little or no cost. Anyway boys - here's your daft old Gran with her mate Peggy, I think we were in Dawlish, Devon - holidays abroad weren't the norm in our day. I think our trousers look a bit baggy but I'm sure they were the fashion of the day - I wonder what colour they were, and Peg didn't have an afro hair-do, a sea breeze is playing havoc. |
2nd November 2018
Oh dear, following my words of 28th October, Peggy has checked in to claim the "most wrinkly" prize - she says she's never sent a picture before because of her wrinkles. BUT I beg to differ - I'm definitely the most wrinkly and herewith claim the prize. Here's the proof - and she gets by without specs. Cheers Peg! |
1st November 2018
Here we are and another new month has crept up on me. I've often pondered the academics' fascination with the frequently discussed space time continuum. Albert Einstein worked it all out in the first place and said his theory of special relativity created a fundamental link between space and time. The universe can be viewed as having three space dimensions — up/down, left/right, forward/backward — and one time dimension. This 4-dimensional space is referred to as the space-time continuum. HOWEVER... it probably works like that for everyone else but I'm sorry Mr Einstein, for me TIME moves on and I seem to remain static, stuck in my space while time gallops on without me. Chances are I've misunderstood the entire flipping concept, in which case please disregard my ramblings. |
E = mc2. It's the world's most famous equation, but what does it really mean? "Energy equals mass times the speed of light squared." The equation says that energy and mass (matter) are inter-changeable; they are different forms of the same thing. Crikey! Not sure I know what I'm talking about. let's change he subject.
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29th October 2018
Oh crikey! It's much too cold to stick my nose outside this morning. Even the beautiful sunshine didn't tempt me outside so I went for a stroll around Facebook instead. I was tickled pink to come across a picture of Zara (Jonathon's partner in Rotterdam). Her employers have used this image in their advertising. Fame at last for Zara! I've put the Dutch text into a translate website and this is what it says... VACANCY KITCHEN 32 UR (M / F) Arzu is directly looking for one topper with affinity for the kitchen ALWAYS HAVE ALL THE BEST OF PANCAKES WANT TO MAKE ROTTERDAM? SEND YOUR CV TO (looks like when translating via an app rather than a human the grammar rules go awry but we get the gist) Ah... now I get it... It looks they've used a picture of Zara to recruit people for her job. She and Jon both leave their jobs very soon - immediately after Christmas they going globe trotting again. They surely have the itchiest feet ever. I'm still struggling to come up with an idea for the dreaded "C" card. Maggie tells me she taking hers to the printer today - well done Mags for keeping on track. . For me it's time for a selfie - meaning a self kick up the backside.
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28th October 2018
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PEGGY (my lifelong friend in Australia) She sends me pictures of her beautiful granddaughters but never one of herself. After all these years I still don't know which one of us has become the most wrinkly. We were in our early teens when we met - we charged around on our bikes, grew a pony tail, went on holiday together, we were almost like twins. Inevitably we had to grow up and the rest is history. |
I've observed that our lavatory seat is very sensitive to temperature. Now that winter threatens it's become a hostile place to sit. Maybe it' me that's over sensitive. I know you'd rather not know this little fact... I was just saying...
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Do you remember I enrolled on an online art course (operating in Canada). I've let it lapse just recently - probably because I was miffed when reprimanded about my rubbish photography skills. You have to photograph your work and submit it for feedback. I've stopped sulking now and just e-mailed my latest completed exercise - subject was collage. I've been snipping, gluing and sticking all weekend and with trepidation I've sent it on its way.
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26th October 2018
Healthwise, it's been an up and down week - missed art class and writers' group but had a fab day on my birthday. Friends and family popped in and we had a happy time. All the babies tipped up (grown ups in tow), Freddie, Josh and Jai with Jai acting as number one candle blower-outer helper while I hung on to Freddie - Josh was rolling round on the hearthrug. |
A note for Jack and Audrey. (Lesley's Mum and Dad). Thanks for the lovely card (made by Audrey) and get well soon Jack - hope your knee op was successful and is soon mended.
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I imagine that you're all about to dive into the garden shed, garage, conservatory, man-cave, (or wherever such deeds are done) to hack holes in Halloween pumpkins. I wonder why we adopted this ritual - it never happened when I was a kid - It is good fun though. I have a little terracotta spooky figure and for the last few years I've put lighted candle in him to keep the bad guys at bay at Halloween. Must remember to dust him off ready for this year. |
Here's a bit of pumpkin wisdom that amused me. |
18th October 2018
Modern day thinking is definitely getting dafter, I've just read about the tissue issue... Kleenex man-size tissues have been declared "sexist" and they're to become "gender neutral" by renaming large tissues. It has to be one of the most stupid news items I've ever heard. I wonder if they'll have to rename Tena Lady so the chaps can use them. |
16th October 2018
Friday's and Monday's hospital visits over and done with - the Monday one was a bit of a fiasco. "Chest X-ray" they said, so I was expecting the usual quick in and out with a "straight on" pic taken. This time the radiologist told me to lean backwards like a limbo dancer going under a low lying bar. My limbo days have long been over and my back wasn't bendy enough for the "shot" he needed. Also, I couldn't hold the "pose" for the requisite length of time while he fiddled about with his x-ray kit - a big square thing that look like a floodlight. In the end I was told to sit on a chair and lean back while the chap grovelled on the floor pointing the square thing up at me as he tried to get the picture he needed. An undignified experience for all concerned. |
12th October 2018
Late again - so soz (as the young ones say). I bunked off from the writers and art groups this week - I've been a bit under par. This week's out-and-about adventures amount to a session at the GP's on Monday, a mid-week hair cut, and an afternoon in Rheumatology yesterday - a veritable social whirl - plus they've prescribed some physio sessions on my back and hands to aid mobility and another chest x-ray as my lungs have joined my kidneys in the downward spiral. The good news is that when I asked the consultant some blunt questions he reassured me that I'm not nearing the need for dialysis yet. |
Sad to say that time of year has arrived - I've rummaged in the under stairs cupboard and unearthed my faithful hot water bottle. Brace yourself at bedtime Bern - my frosty feet are lurking.
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26th September 2018
Missed writers' group this week - I was too busy coughing. Hoping to make it to tomorrow's art session. Freddie Mitchell is still centre stage in our world. Jenny says he is now officially a person as she took him to be registered today. Maybe we can call this his first "official" engagement. Here's a pic from last Saturday - our first glimpse of Freddie. We think he's beautiful but we've yet to discover what he makes of us old codgers. |
23rd September 2018
Well, here we are at the autumn equinox (Mabon) - the beginning of the final quarter of the year's ever turning wheel. I thought we'd be a pumpkin coloured today in honour of the occasion and time to watch the leaves change colour. Our garden is already beginning to look a bit sleepy. The geraniums are ready to give up the ghost and tips of bulbs are poking through. The colchicums (sometimes called autumn crocus) have bloomed and now lie prostrate. The roses are the stalwarts - the blooms are smaller but still they struggle on. |
21st September 2018
Right now life seems to revolve around baby boys - bootees, bottles and little bottoms keep everyone busy. John and Zara have hopped over from Rotterdam to meet up with Freddie, the latest arrival. |
I had to give art class a miss this week due to a horrible cold - my nose was like leaky tap that morphed into one looking like I'd nicked it off Rudolph. I even delayed a visit to meet baby Freddie for fear of passing on germs. I feel better today so we hope to finally pounce on him at the weekend. Brace yourself Freddie.
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14th September 2018
Congratulations Ian and Jenny and a big warm welcome to little Freddie who managed to be a couple of weeks late. We were all getting a bit twitchy - they're home from hospital now and all's well. I'm a bit worried about the pictures Ian's so thrilled with - little chap is hardly through the door and his Dad's sizing his feet for footy boots, an Oz Rules shirt or maybe it'll be hockey kit just like his Mum. We're all besotted and Freddie's already had thousands of "likes" on Facebook - what more can a boy wish for? |
6th September 2018
A little fact for book lovers - Britain's first free lending library was opened in Manchester on 6th September 1852, and while we're leafing through the pages of history I'll mention a couple of good reads recommended by Carol who has been devouring the printed word this week. She's read two novels in two days - I don't know how she does it but one wonders if the vacuum and dusters have been out of the closet lately. Anyway here they are with her comment "thoroughly recommended". The Man Who Didn't Call by Rosie Walsh The Girls by Lisa Jewell |
3rd September 2018
Sorry I missed the 1st of the month - at least you were spared the "new month" superstitious drivel - pinch punch, white rabbits, etc. I collected new specs on Saturday and the world is looking different (very slightly) but I see it's still a nasty place considering the constant knife crime incidents, displaced persons, overpaid celebs, starving children - endless horror. |
I've done my Tuesday homework i.e. write a review of a book you've read during the summer break. Next week art class resumes. Must get my brain in gear for all this autumnal activity.
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I'm off to potter round Facebook now. I've joined a FB group for people who have the same disease as me. It's not the national one (SRUK). A chap in Birmingham has started it for people in this area. He's mentioned it to SRUK and they are sending a representative to the next meeting which is in November - I'm hoping to get there. I trust it won't be a communal wail, I don't think that would help anyone. But they seem cheerful and positive people so maybe it'll be a matter of comparing notes and discussing treatments and coping strategies.
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22nd August 2018
Good afternoon folks - I didn't get here first thing because we went to let the plasterer in at Jay and Les's place. They're in the middle of a bathroom refurbishment so thought I might warn you to keep up-wind of them as the new shower hasn't been connected yet. All together now... let us spray... |
I've had lovely messages from Rene and Joan - it's great to hear from everyone and get their news. I've embarked on an online art course which is proving interesting but challenging. Its called "26 Weeks of Inspiration" - I've done the first two exercises but not with much success so for the time being I'm reserving judgement. Must dash now Jay and Les are coming round to use the "facilities". I guess we can hang fire on the spray!
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Kek's time in Oz is nearly up - I believe they're cramming in a few extra adventurous moments before departure time comes round. I love this one - taken at the Great Barrier Reef. Don't know who took the pic - is it a selfie on a waterproof phone? Maybe they asked a passing shark to do the biz. Safe journey home Karen. |
We've gone and done it - replaced the car so there's now quite a hole in the kids' inheritance. It's all shiny new and complete with mod cons we've never experienced before. Big mystery when we first put it in the garage. Who switched the lights on and how do we switch them off? We'd no idea it would sense the lack of light in there and turn the headlights on all by itself. There's loads more wizardry to come to terms with yet but at least we've managed to get to Sainsbury's and back. A sneak peek at the hefty instruction manual was a big yawn - too much rocket science for us oldies - it's safely back in the glove compartment but I guess we'll have to confront it one day soon.
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2nd August 2018
Kek seems to be embracing Australian culture - she's already indulged in kangaroo burgers and rumour has it that she's doing the tourist thing wearing a hat with dangling corks. Warning to family members: sometimes one's relatives can act in an embarrassing manner. |
The little creatures on your left are not something exotic in Australia - this was going on at my feet this afternoon in our garden while I was having a cup of tea. A wasp, or maybe it was a hornet dived bombed an innocent spider that was wending his way through the gravel, then he ate it alive - free entertainment if you like that sort of thing. |
1st August 2018
Here we are again - another month gone. The family keep telling me I repeat myself but I can't help it when a new month comes round because I'm always puzzled about where the time went and I haven't achieved much. |
Bern's busy battling with a quandary - the exhaust on his car has given up the ghost. He's had it checked at the garage and they say the catalytic converter thing has gone too. If you've heard a mighty roaring noise round the village it's probably us on the move. The dilemma: does he pay to have it replaced (quote is in the region of £2,000 plus) or does he get a new car? It's a bit of no-brainer (as they say) but he's renowned for being careful (scrupulously careful) with his money. We just have to leave him to get on with his mulling and pondering and await an announcement.
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We're in the month of festivals: the most ancient being Lammas - one of the four great Pagan festivals of Britain. Way back if was called the Festival of the Gule of August to celebrate the first fruits of the earth and that of the grain harvest. When Christianity took over they adopted the event and renamed it Hlaf-mass (loaf mass) hence the offering of a loaf in church. This became shortened to Lammas.
In modern times the Edinburgh Festival takes place this month, and the Military Tattoo. In Wales they hold the Royal National Eisteddfod. In some rural villages they still hold a Lammas Fair at the end of the month; there's London's Notting Hill Carnival and in Jersey the Battle of Flowers. In all, quite a jolly old month. |
31st July 2018
Good morning... we're just back from my 9.00 am appointment at New Cross Opthamology Department. The organisation and colour-coordinated manoeuvring of patients was impressive. On arrival they said "take a seat on the orange chairs." We wandered up the corridor until we came to the said orange chairs where we sat and waited. |
Eventually, I was called again to go to another area where I noticed all the chairs were black, and all the staff were wearing black uniforms. My first thought was, blimey, is this the morgue? But it was OK they just did scans and photographs - and had me looking into a gismo at the green light.. and all that sort of stuff.
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I was called to go for a sight test and then was instructed to wait to be called again but this time they said, "sit on the purple chairs." Further along the corridor we found the purple chairs and got engrossed in our sudoku puzzles whilst we waited.
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30th July 2018
It's that time of year when I have to cough up for MoT, car service, and Road Tax. I call it "money down the drain month" - I.e. spend a fortune and see nothing for it just when I'd rather be buying new clothes or tubes of paint or at least something tangible that you can look at. To crown it all the garage man smirks and sniggers when he sees how many miles I've NOT done since last year. I go along with his corny joke and think "stuff you - you'll be old yourself one day". |
Yay! Kek's arrived in Oz. She's now with Kate and Aled for three weeks. Her only complaint is that the airline tea is rubbish but she's making up for it right now with Aled doing tea duty. Kate is looking happy to have her Mum around, she's not seen her for a year. Have a great time you guys.
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Long lost family: Thanks to good old Facebook I've been in touch with my cousin in Canada - we all moan about social media but it has good points too - distance is not a barrier when it comes to communicating across continents. Cousin Liz's daughter, Michelle, is hoping to make contact with family members (Auntie Pat's daughters) who live in Holland as she plans to nip off to the Netherlands in the near future. I'm calling UK Family to let me know if they have addresses or contact numbers for any of Auntie Pat's four girls (maiden name Terpstra - married names not known).
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Anyone a fan of Hilaire Belloc? - it's his birthday today (1870 - 1953). He was born in France and became a naturalized British citizen in 1902. He served as MP for Salford and is well known for his serious writings, but is remembered more for his collection of children's books - he wrote comic and nonsensical verse for children, notably The Bad Child's Book of Beasts and Cautionary Tales. I like this little ditty...
I am a sundial, and I make a botch Of what is done much better by a watch. Hilaire Belloc, On A Sundial (1938) |
24th July 2018
Three hundred and fourteen years ago today, England snatched Gibraltar from Spain. I'm a bit embarrassed about this - we decided to commandeer this tiny dot of land to spy on who comes in and out of the Mediterranean Sea. The Treaty of Utrecht (1713-14) formally made Gibraltar British. I think all the countries that have pinched, pillaged, or captured territories not their own, should give them back. Then everyone should shuffle back behind their own borders and the world can start again with a clean slate and no squabbles. Simple isn't it? What are they all messing at? A bit of female logic would sort out the world's problems in no time at all. |
The Haematology man was happy with my blood yesterday, it's back up to par. He said the trouble is no one knows why it went haywire. It's to be checked in a couple of month's time to see if I need another top up via the drip thing.
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Don't forget to do a bit of moon gazing on Friday 27th July. Britain will witness a spectacular and rare celestial spectacle this week. At dusk on Friday, the full moon will rise and reveal itself coloured a deep red. The nation will then experience a blood moon or, as astronomers term it, a total lunar eclipse. It will be the longest-lasting total lunar eclipse of the 21st century. After it rises in the south-east – at around 8.50pm in London – the moon’s eclipse will continue until early on Saturday. “Weather permitting, it should give Friday evening a special, exciting edge,” said Sheila Kanani of the Royal Astronomical Society. (link)
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23rd July 2018
Have to say "whew!" as it's a tad warm again and I'm loving it. Well it's OK if you've not much to do and I fall into that category these days. I reckon all Raynaud's sufferers must be rejoicing in the warmth. |
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to David (Lesley's brother). Jay and Les went down to Hampshire for the weekend to help him celebrate and a good time was had by all.
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All the girls had a happy time in Lichfield yesterday - It was Jenny's baby shower (wife of no 1 grandson Ian) - friends and family turned up for afternoon tea in the garden. Here's the girl of the moment with the two Carols, her Mum (right) and Mother-in-law. We know that the baby is a great-grandson but his name is a closely guarded secret. They played guess-the-baby's name at the 'do'. Ian looked through the entries and said someone had guessed it but it's not been revealed what it is.
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20th July 2018
Good morning... I'm just resurfacing after a couple of rubbish days - following my sessions on the drip thing I tend to sleep the clock round before I'm compos mentis again. It was a different experience this time - I was in a little side ward with two other people. Along came the free lunch, cups of tea etc. Staff were very busy and running between various wards plus our little area. There was a young chap to my right and a very old lady to my left who couldn't speak English. Both her's and my gismo started bleeping - an alarm indicating the machine had stopped for some reason. The chap on my right leapt into action and wheeling his own gismo began pressing buttons on both our gadgets. I was quite alarmed as I'd just overheard him tell his girlfriend that they'd decreased his methadone (eek!). I had visions of him hitting the wrong button and bumping us both off. Bern had nipped out to the loo and the old lady was alone. Help! Thankfully the girlfriend fetched a nurse and got him back to his chair. |
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11th July 2018
Well... trauma over for now. I got through today's dreaded event and I suppose, from the perspective of an oldie, it was quite a sociable day out. It was a big airy ward with comfortable armchairs that adjusted at the press of a button. One by one we were cannulated and linked up to a bottle of stuff - everyone's life-giving juice different depending on their condition. I was tempted to ask the chap next to me what his tipple was, but he started complaining to the very busy nurse who was sorting us all out - he'd had to wait for them to locate the right mix of blood to suit his needs. I decided to keep my mouth shut in case I pointed out that we're lucky someone has the knowledge to treat us. Some dozed, some chatted and by the end of the afternoon we were nearly bosom buddies. |
Zara has just checked in with a message saying "we're ready". Looks like the Rotterdam branch of the family are crusading for the "old country". Jon's middle name is George so there's an oblique touch of appropriateness in there somewhere in a punny sort of way. Maybe I'll just shut up?
Little Jai has us laughing: when he hears baby Josh crying he says to his Mum, "Josh - dudahs". Meaning give him a bottle of milk and he'll shut up. (Dudha = Punjabi for milk)
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9th July 2018
Yours truly is not a happy bunny. Just had news from New Cross that the awful stuff I've been swallowing for the past few weeks hasn't done the trick. I have to go in for the day on Wednesday so they can shovel a bit more into me intravenously. I'll be glad when that little outing is done and dusted. In the meantime I have to miss writers' meeting tomorrow to attend New Cross eye department and then on Thursday we're popping over to Cannock Hospital for more tests. Bern's talking about getting a mortgage to meet all the car parking fees. |
Carol texted this morning after perusing her morning paper - this little headline had her in fits of laughter. A certain member of our family will not venture abroad without a tin of baby powder (it HAS to be Johnson's) and a jar of a favourite brand of coffee. I'll not embarrass anyone by mentioning a name but he/she was questioned by customs personnel last Sunday morning when visiting one of the low countries as these very items were discovered in the hand luggage. With a grin the customs man said, "ooh baby powder, where do you put that?" Mmm... let's not go there!
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1st July 2018
Sound the trumpets: Happy Birthday to Jon. Fijne verjaardag Jon - een mooie dag - we denken aan jou. Zara arranged a surprise party for him last night with all their Rotterdam friends. Seems like it was a party day for everyone. |
We had a lovely afternoon and early evening at Emma's do yesterday. I've pinched a couple of Jenny's party pictures from Facebook to show you.
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At crack of dawn this morning Carol and Gary took off for Rotterdam - surprise birthday visitors for Jon.
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30th June 2018
Blimey! What happened to June? I've frittered away another month without achieving much. I seem to have lost the knack of spending my time wisely. |
Congratulations to EMMA who turned 21 yesterday. We're all descending on her this afternoon for a celebratory get-together. Brace yourself Em the family horde is about to land.
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Death and Fire, is an expressionist work by Paul Klee just before his death June 29th 1940. In 1935 Klee was diagnosed with scleroderma which manifested with fatigue, skin rashes, difficulty in swallowing, shortness of breath and pain in the joints of his hands. His paintings during this period tended to be simpler and representative of the suffering he was going through. "Tod", the German word for death, is a common motif throughout the painting. It appears in the features of the face, the "d" and "t" are rotated. The word can also be seen in the figure's raised arm as the "T", the yellow orb as the "O", and the figure's head as the "D".
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And now on a brighter note: let me introduce you to our little Josh, At two days old he ventured out to meet us all at David Austin Roses Tea Shop. He managed to sleep through a very enjoyable tea and cake session. I guess Josh (previously known as Arun) and I were zapped by the hot weather so we didn't rush about although little Jai enjoyed running round the flower beds in the hot sunshine yelling for Pa to chase him. I knitted and crocheted loads of stuff for Jai and feel guilty not having done the same for Josh - my hands and arms are too painful now.
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25th June 2018
What a scorcher - hope everyone is enjoying it, including baby Arun who checked in yesterday afternoon weighing 7lbs. Big brother Jai has related the full story on his page. |
Time to say
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Denise. Have a lovely day. |
Plenty of Al Fresco dining going on. We even had breakfast in the garden this morning. We, attended a fab family birthday barbecue yesterday at Ian and Jenny's place in Lichfield.
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FIRST PRIZE FOR FAUX PAS OF THE YEAR - yes, it's me who has won the prize. You see the happy birthday Denise message above, I can't just delete it and pretend it never happened because I've posted the card to go with it. Thing is, Denise's birthday is next month. I've had a calendar malfunction (sounds better than senior moment). Sorry Denise. I'll get it right next year.
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Here's my friend Maggie looking fabulous at the weekend for her Granddaughter's wedding.
As I had to pop back to correct the birthday business I can tell you that I gave up this afternoon's sunshine, glued myself to the computer and managed to do tomorrow's homework. |
21st June 2018
Happy Solstice (or Litha). In the UK, the summer solstice will occur today at exactly 11.07am BST (UTC 10.07am). Tomorrow daylight time will be three seconds less, which means we're on the downhill run in the direction of winter. |
We had a jolly time at the birthday bash last night at Raj and Andy's place. Little Jai was on his way to bed when we arrived so it was grown ups only. I didn't attempt the chips and things and settled for a jacket potato. Karen brought a chocolate birthday cake and little Jai blew out the candles before we all arrived. Kek chose a cake that would please Jai - hope they saved him a piece.
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20th June 2018
Time to say Happy Birthday to Carol (yesterday) and to Jenny (for tomorrow) - I wonder how many of us will be dipping our toes in the morning dew to dance round the stones to welcome tomorrow's summer solstice. I made it to writers' group yesterday after having missed two weeks. We have two new members - great news - Sally and Graham - welcome. |
15th June 2018
Went to final art class yesterday - no more sessions until September. Writers' group carries on until the end of July so I won't become completely brain dead until August. I've started reading a book with an unusual title - it's what one could describe as "different" but very readable. I think someone recommended it a while back - I'd forgotten I'd downloaded it to my Kindle so I'm finally giving it a go and finding it enjoyable. The reviews on Amazon are good if you fancy a light summer read. |
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Carol and Gary have hopped on a train this morning - they're a bit over-excited as they're heading to a Rolling Stones concert. Carol's checked in to say Gaz has already started on his egg and cress sandwiches and they're hardly out of Shrewsbury. He never travels without egg and cress sandwiches - never mind, we all have our little foibles.
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Not sure I have the stamina for such an event - ugly old blokes making a lot of noise but I guess they'll have fun reliving their younger years. Not to worry, they'll morph back into Nanna and Grandad on their return. Another troubling thought... what will Mott the Hoople make of it when they find out Gaz's loyalty is divided. I bet he'll never turn up to an Ian Hunter gig wearing a Stones jumper. Apparently this sticking out tongue thing is a sort of Stones icon. hmmmm!
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11th June 2018
Bit of a mystery going on today - has anyone lost this? Does anyone know what it is? I bet you can't guess how and from where I acquired it. Well, I found it at the bottom of my handbag and I can honestly say I've never seen it before so how on earth did it get there and for how long has it been lurking in the dark depths? If you need one of these you can have it for free. Weird! Don't know which way up it's supposed to be, but as per the picture the long sticking up bit is about 4 inches. Lovely gardening weather this weekend - we made hay while the sun shone. Metaphorical hay that is - I've dibbled in the borders with my trowel and Bern's been tidying up an overgrown tree - interspersed with morning coffee and lunchtime sandwich outside - great! The worrying thing now is that we tend to do more sitting than doing while trying to convince ourselves that we're gardening.
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7th June 2018
I've a music story to bore you with today. Have you ever had a tune that gets into your head and won't shift almost to the point of driving you mad as it pops in at odd moments through the day. The one that's currently haunting me leapt in the moment I awoke this morning. I hadn't a clue what it's called or where it comes from - enough is enough and I made haste to get to the bottom of things. I remembered that the last time I heard it was on Saturday morning on the way home from Sainsbury's. We had Classic FM on the car radio and it was around 10.30 am because we were heading home in time for coffee. Time to visit Classic FM website, Bill Turnbull's programme, find the play list. Gotcha! No wonder it's wormed itself into my brain... it's called Dick’s Maggot (from Suite of English Folk Dances). A strange title for a catchy little tune... |
I've faced today's dose of liquid iron (yuk) . I noticed an additional yellow sticker that the pharmacist had stuck to the bottle - it says "an overdose can be fatal" - I'd rather not know that thank you. Must go, a beekeeping friend has just arrived to confirm whether we have wasps or bees.
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Hooray, they're precious honey bees so John was happy to collect them. He got all togged up in his space suit and protective kit and then placed a box under the branch (don't know what the collective noun is for a bunch of bees that are not actually swarming - tree-hugging lump seems appropriate - and so he knocked the clump of bees into his box. The queen bee remained stuck to the branch along with a few hangers on - he sawed off the bit of branch with her on and placed it in the box. He then buzzed off (sorry) for an hour to allow stragglers to find their way into the box to join their mates and the Queen. A big thank you to Beryl and John. We hadn't a clue about the technicalities of handling bees - all very interesting but it seems to me you need to know what you're doing to avoid mishaps. In the middle of all this Carol and little Jai arrived for a Wednesday play session so we had to employ diversion tactics to keep Jai away from the back garden where stray bees were still marauding.
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Rene is home again following a family trip to Norfolk to enjoy the wildlife. They had a fascinating time in the more remote areas of the county. She especially enjoyed boating serenely through the fenland waterways. What better place to immerse yourself in the joys of nature. She's sent us some lovely photos including one of the swallow tail butterfly - |
A note to family: I've met up with my great niece Molly on Facebook. Here's a picture of her wedding day which took place last month. Congratulations Molly and James. We love getting news of family members who live miles away.
Llongyfarchiadau mawr ar eich priodas holl gorau ar gyfer y dyfodol. wrth eu bodd i chi oll bob amser gan ein Staffordshire / Shropshire / Beddau / Glamorgan / Cardiff |
4th June 2018
I've been on an early morning snail trail today... just as the hostas are looking their best those nasty little snot machines start eating them. I carry out my sleuthing by following the shiny snail trails until I find the perpetrator. I wonder what the neighbours think if they happen to see me peering closely, nose to the ground, and then pouncing triumphantly on my prey. I found some monsters this morning - they're now in the green bin. My plan is to let them eat themselves silly on the stuff in the bin and then the lorry will cart them off to wherever on bin day. Thing is, several times a day I have to open the bin and shove the would-be escapees back to the dark depths and hope they'll wear themselves out as they try to scale the heights of the green bin. |
Further goings on in the garden: Clematis Nelly Moser has become entwined with a climbing hydrangea - they make a pretty pair and the bees are buzzing round them non-stop. Having mentioned 'buzzing' take a look at this. It's a swarm of wasps or perhaps hornets that has settled high up in our cherry tree.
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I phoned the council but they no longer provide a service for removing this sort of thing. I rang the company they have designated to carry out this procedure but I couldn't get a reply so I posted on Facebook to ask if anyone knew how to persuade the swarm to move on. One chap said to fill a black bag with scrunched up newspaper and hang it in the tree - the wasps will think it's an even bigger swarm and will fly away to pastures new. Bags, paper, ladder were put into action to set up the decoy. I wondered if the neighbours were sniggering behind their curtains as Bern went up the ladder to hang a well stuffed black plastic bag in the tree - I keep checking but as yet the wasps (or whatever they are) look well settled and quite un-phased by the big black bag that looms next to them. Where do we go from here? Suggestions welcome. The tree is right by the gate - hope they don't decide to dive bomb any visitors.
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I did last Friday's visit to haematology. They've booked me in for a day in hospital to receive some iron stuff intravenously. However, in the meantime, I have a bucketful of iron gloop to swallow daily. Blood tests nearer the time of the July hospital date will determine whether or not they go ahead with the day-on-a-drip thing. The gloopy stuff is pretty disgusting, it's the colour of rusty old iron and is worse than chewing the stuff in this picture.
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On a more interesting note, I've embarked on another abstract painting. It's turning out to be a make-it-up-as-you-go-along exercise. I find it difficult to decide whether it's any good or not. I'm happy with it so far... a watch this space thing... the "bin it" or "hang it on someone's wall" decision will be made at a later date.
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29th May 2018
Hi everyone... the site stats tell me you've been popping in, thank you. I've had a couple of rubbish days but feel better today. We had a flying visit to town just for a change of scene. We walked all round Beatties, (House of Fraser) and came home with an orange cushion which was going cheap in their sale. I refused to pay for a plastic bag so we had to walk out with it tucked under Bern's arm - hope no one thought we had nicked it. I also wanted to try out my new shoes (acquired via online shopping because they were knocking £20 off for first time customers). They're really cool dude things and quite ridiculous for someone of my age - but I don't care - you have to do something daft before you die. On the box it says "Sporty Sneakerboot" but they'd not look amiss if I decided to walk on the moon. |
They're roomy and comfortable. The techno-twaddle in the leaflet had me in stitches, I quote: "...engineered by our expert in-house biomechanist.. Anatomicush midsole technology is engineered to deliver incredible comfort with soft curves shaped to hug the contours of your feet, seamless smart-spots and a motion-empowering grid of flex-lines." Sounds like they're going to set me leaping around... dream on Mr Biomechanist my motion went at the same speed it always does as I toddled round Beatties on my grid of flex-lines.
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How's your garden? - ours seems pretty grateful for the bank holiday monsoon - everything is green and growing and I've spent time hunting out slugs and snails - little varmints! We planted a new rose last autumn: it's flowering well in it's first season. It's one recommended by TV's Monty Don as suitable for an east facing wall with only partial sun. It's a climber with a wonderful scent. Name: Madame Alfred Carriere. I wonder why it's a Madame with a man's name...
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23rd May 2018
Little Jai is having a busy day with cards and parcels - he's two today - which set me thinking about Bern's mum who has just turned 102. That makes 100 years between the oldest and youngest in the family. They'll both have vastly differing experiences of life. |
We had a good writers' meeting yesterday - we all missed Rene who is trotting round Norfolk to hunt out swallowtail butterflies. Perfect weather for such an adventure - have a great time Rene and I hope said butterflies put in an appearance for you.
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Just a reminder in case you save them - I had an e-mail from Sainsbury's to say that next weekend they're giving Nectar Points x 10 in store and on petrol. I reckon the cost of running the Nectar Points scheme must be high and paid for by highly priced goods. I'd rather they reduce the price of goods overall instead of chasing after our money with loyalty points. |
Our intrepid travellers in the antipodes have moved on to Brisbane where they have found jobs to help fund further adventures. Karen is going to join them for a few weeks during the summer break - an exciting trip for her where she'll get a taste of an Oz autumn-into-winter season. [A word to Karen: you might not need to pack a bikini Kek] |
21st May 2018
I went to Rajni's baby shower yesterday afternoon... these things are "women only" - we had a lovely afternoon in the sunshine doing fun baby stuff e.g. "pin the tail on the donkey" type game but it was "put the dummy in the baby's mouth". Most of us missed the mouth and plonked it somewhere above his/her head. Of course it was also a good goss session and there were cool drinks and food for those who wanted it. We were in the garden at the Crown at the Wergs - they hold such events in a little private area, all very "naice". Yesterday's "do" was to welcome little Jai's sibling who is scheduled to join us any time soon. Here's our Mummy-to-be looking rather bonny. |
Wedding of the year - part one
Did you stay glued to the telly on Saturday? I did, it was a spectacular wedding wasn't it and all carried off in an atmosphere of bonhomie. I was amused to see the A-list celebs teetering down Windsor's cobbled hill in their heels, clinging to the arms of their escorts to keep upright. Fabulous hats - fabulous weather - indeed a happy day. |
Wedding of the year - part two
Monday morning and I'm speechless! Goody Bags handed out to invited members of the public to the grounds of Windsor Castle have already put their Goody bags on e-bay and they're receiving bids as high as £1000 for a little bag filled with shortbread, chocolate money, bottled water, fridge magnet, and an Order of Service booklet. They wore their red, white, and blue; waved their little flags; then did a quick about turn to become a mercenary. Unbelievable! |
18th May 2018
Do you remember that abstract painting I did a short while ago, Jay and Les said they liked it and it now has a new home above their dining room fireplace. Don't ask me what it is, I don't know, it looks like a few misshapen whatsits but I'm chuffed to have a picture hanging on someone's wall. I had to miss my art class this week as it was a hospital day. It turned out to be quite a busy appointment. First stop was the blood lady where I parted with an armful. Then on to the consultant in Rheumatology - he wasn't very happy with my progress so he sent me off to another department for spine and chest x-rays. He's also put me down for further appointments with the eye department and neuro something or other department. His parting shot was, see you in three months time. It looks like I'm in for another busy summer on the medical merry-go-round.
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Have you stocked up with Royal Wedding souvenirs yet? There'll be loads of people making loads of money selling loads of tacky stuff. I'm sure it will be a wonderful event but I'll not be loading our house with these wares. Look at this gruesome little gem - the picture doesn't even look like the happy couple. I've had an overdose of wedding fever already and it hasn't even happened yet but I wish them well (even if they do forget to send me a piece of wedding cake). |
14th May 2018
Good morning - the sun is shining so all's well with my world. I could drum up a few little niggles but moaning is a waste of energy. My sister (Wendy) is busy packing a bag and generally getting herself dolled up for their big day tomorrow. I'm sure it will be an interesting experience so enjoy the moment Wendy and Phil... and the dinky sandwiches, vol au vent heaven, cake... don't forget your posh hat. |
11th May 2018
I can't believe how cold it feels today so I've abandoned the plan to do a bit of gardening. I've nothing much to tell you folks, the old systemic sclerosis and scleroderma continues to impose limitations. I end up nodding off at odd times of the day. I've been awake since 5.30 this morning because the skin on my feet was screaming as it tightens. When we were pottering about in the garden yesterday I suddenly realised my hand was pouring with blood, I'd unknowingly knocked it causing a split on the back of my hand but all's well now. |
I was amused to read that the waltz was first introduced to British ballrooms on 11th May 1812 - BUT and it's a hard to believe BUT - it was immediately condemned as being immoral. Imagine what today's kids would make of a voluminous silk gown, and dancing with gloves on to a Strauss waltz.
I guess music with a 3/4 time signature is the wrong rhythm for shaking one's booty in today's world |
9th May 2018
Bank holiday done and dusted - what fabulous weather! Back to normal now with everyone chugging along in the same old way. The holiday weekend was good though - Carol and Gary went to Holland to see John and Zara. Ian and Jenny called in on Monday afternoon and then we went to a barbecue at Jay and Lesley's - it's great having a daughter-in-law who's a chef. No boring burghers and lettuce - it's always fab food at their place. |
1st May 2018
No doubt you're all out there getting giddy as you dance round a maypole or perhaps you're tripping the light fantastic with a gang of burley Morris Men: bells jangling, ribbons whirling and a great clashing of sticks and clogs on cobbles. I heard on Radio 4 this morning how all these old traditions are enjoying a revival. A refreshing change from telly, cell phones and computer screens; and there's the added bonus of healthy exercise. I wish I had the energy to join 'em. Despite the nerdy image - I like all this folksy stuff. Happy May Day ... or Greetings at Beltane if you hark back to the the old ways. |
Don't get alarmed, I've not found a dragon's egg, and they didn't fall out of the sky. It's been a bit chilly this week so I've been glued to You Tube watching "how-to" videos. This is the result of watching how to do an abstract in acrylics. It reminds me of all sorts of things... something along the lines of... there must be a poor old hen somewhere with a very sore bottom... or in Black Country lingo "there are some very strange bibbles on our lawn." Then something with muddy feet crawled all over it. And NO! I've not hung it on the wall.
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28th April 2018
Have you read the warning issued by the Forestry Commission? It's all about hairy scary caterpillars - a species which arrived via trees imported from Europe. We are warned not to touch them nor to try getting rid of nests or clusters ourselves. Apparently they can eject their hairy bits and if infected by them they'll make you quite ill. As far as is known they are only currently in the South but who knows how long it'll be before they join us up here. Here's how to spot them... |
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Key identifying features of the Oak Processionary Moth caterpillar (OPM)
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I'm glad that the North and South Korean leaders have got together for a kiss-and-make-up session giving us one less thing to worry about. I've heard that Mr Trump is finally coming to meet Her Maj - I've a yen to be a fly on the wall on that particularly occasion. Will he get through it without committing a mighty faux pas and cause Ma'am to get tense and tight-lipped? I fear he's best keep out of range of her handbag.
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With Jon now being a Dutch national he's joined in the jollifications which take place on 27th April every year. Here he is with Zara at yesterday's festivities.
King's Day in Rotterdam: Koningsdag (King's Day) is a Dutch national holiday to celebrate King Willem Alexander's birthday. It's a unique night and day carnival-like event. On 27 April it will be one big party in the streets of Rotterdam and the Netherlands! King's Day is the Netherlands' biggest event with its huge orange coloured crowds. Don't forget to dress up in orange on King's Day, do as the Dutch do! Orange will be all around you: from orange food and drinks to orange clothing and even the fountain at the Hofplein roundabout will be filled with orange water! Wear orange, breathe orange, think orange... Hey you guys... you're supposed to be wearing orange. I should say... Hé jongens ... je zou oranje moeten dragen. |
Having spent a couple of days doing the limp lettuce routine while missing my mojo, I forgot to nod in Shakespeare's direction for his birthday of yesterday. Nor did St George get his annual mention on his special day. I'm not keen on him being hailed as our national bloke, he's patron saint of loads of other countries too and I doubt he's ever set foot in England. Another one of life's little mysteries I don't understand.
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The cherry blossom is out and looking beautiful so along comes the wind and rain... I know we had a decent day last week but now I'm wondering will I ever feel warm again? Thing is, when that miniscule window of warm weather arrived I abandoned my hot water bottle, washed its fluffy cover, and bundled it all away until next winter.
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21st April 2018
The sunshine is such a treat after our long and dreary winter. Sorry I've not been here for a few days, I've not been very lively, but I'm hoping that things will improve following my haematology and rheumatology appointments - I'll be asking them to reinstate my mojo. I've been dabbling with paints and pastels this week and several items have been banished to the dustbin. I've granted this one a bit more time... I started it at art class and finished it off this morning... it's done with oil pastel. I find it difficult to do fine detail with these oily crayons so I'm trying to pass it off as impressionistic as well as ending up big, bold and in your face. |
Our poorly chest people ( Little Jai and Carol ) are well enough now to say normal service has been resumed. We have to say Happy Birthday to her Maj today - it's her real birthday, not the one where the military chaps get up extra early to prepare for Trooping the Colour.
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We were up a bit earlier today because the window cleaner was due - I can't bear him to pop up at the window while I'm in bed, so I've done the washing... well, I pressed the 'on' button and Bern pegged it out. Then we shuffled round Sainsbury's and I feel like I've done a days work... it's time to sit in the sun.
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17th April 2018
It's getting warmer, so says the weather girl. About flipping time. We've done damn all this weekend other than shopping, shoving the vacuum cleaner round and wasting time on the Internet, hence the reason for not having much to talk about. I'll have to stir my stumps and rattle my brain as we're back to Writing Group and Art Class this week. My brother rang this morning and we managed to solve a crossword clue that was bothering him - a case of two heads are better than one. |
Jay and Les are in Hampshire to meet up with Australian relatives who are visiting Lesley's parents. I notice on our Whats App family group that Jay is asking Jon to bring some Stroopwafels from Holland when he comes in June. A favourite food fad of the young. Not sure if they're terribly healthy but Jay asserts they are "nom" - which I think means they taste nice as in, "nom. nom, nom..."
Good old Google - I've got to the bottom of the waffle thing and it seems Stroopwafels have migrated to UK supermarkets in recent times. My advice is give them a miss if you have waistline worries. One waffle = 144 calories and 6 grammes of fat Google says: A stroopwafel is made from two thin layers of baked dough with a caramel syrup filling in the middle. They're very popular in the Netherlands, and were first made in the city of Gouda. |
I guess there's a strong possibility of them being rather yummy when they're served up like this.
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12th April 2018
Little Jai popped in to see us yesterday, he brought Nanna Carol with him. He was wearing his favourite wellies so of course, we had to do jumping in the puddles which we don't tell his Mummy about. |
Sorry I've nothing exciting to tell you - although the world news is getting into the realms of "edge of your seat" with all the super powers at loggerheads and threatening to go ballistic in the literal sense. Scary!
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Maggie has just e-mailed a list of all the forthcoming events at Codsall Library - I've posted the list on the Local Stuff page in case anyone's interested. With the library in the council offices building, along with the café and coffee bar, it's the place to hang out these days.
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Poor Lesley is hobbling around with one leg the size of a Yetty. She has a fractured bone in her foot and has been given this dainty piece of kit to wear until it is healed. Good job she's not planning to trip the light fantastic any time soon. I guess this behemoth of a boot is more comfortable than the old plaster of Paris - she said it's almost weightless. Some consolation I guess - hope it heals soon Les.
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8th April 2018
Thanks Joan, Maggie and everyone for your concern about little Jai. He's up and running again as though nothing had happened. If you have a quick look on his page you can see for yourself what he was up to yesterday. |
Wendy (my sister) rang from Caerphilly - time for a catch-up. She and Phil are all agog as they've just received an invitation from Her Maj to attend a Buck House Garden Party in May. I had a couple of invitations to boast about too but they don't register as high as Wendy's on the social scale - one of mine is the same week as theirs - it's from New Cross Rheumatology and the other one is of a similar nature in Haematology. Oh well... at least I won't have to fork out for a new hat. Exciting stuff for Wendy and Phil though... she says they've had written instructions regarding protocol and it looks like there's no point in asking Her Maj to pose for selfie. She's sent a pic of her gold monogrammed invitation but I can't show it to you as tech issues mean I can't shift it from my phone to the computer. (Grrr!) Forgot to mention: their invitation is to acknowledge their voluntary community work.
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Carol is poorly at the moment with a chest infection: maybe it's the same one Jai had. Now she's being dosed with steroids and antibiotics - get well soon.
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Jay and Les wandered in yesterday afternoon looking tanned and full of the joys of Sri Lanka. They say it's a wonderful place and would like to revisit - friendly people, great food, and they've enjoyed seeing the wildlife... elephants, leopards, and the exotic wild birds. Look at this lovely notebook they brought for me - inside it says, "this hand crafted product is made from 100% elephant dung paper" - and there's no way I'd poo-poo the concept as I really do try to be eco-friendly.
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1st April 2018
Easter Day and April Fools Day coincide this year - I thought this a bit odd and searched around to find that this quirk of the calendar last occurred in 1956. 2018 also saw another anomaly when Ash Wednesday fell on Valentine's Day which meant we were stuffing chocolate and sniffing roses the very day after we'd gobbled up piles of pancakes; but for today, with Friday's fish and hot cross buns done with, we've just the chocolate overload to get through. |
30th March 2018
Here we are then - Good Friday - stockpiling chocolate and buns, and maybe treating ourselves to a bunch of daffs. I've just been looking at the daffs in our garden and getting ratty because next door's cats have pooed amongst them - varmints! I mean the cats are varmints not the daffs. I'd no sooner uttered (typed) the word when I thought what an odd word so, as you do, I looked it up, it wasn't in my dictionary so I galloped over to Google. Result: it's a mid 16th C word meaning troublesome animal (I'd used the right word then) it came into being as a corruption of the word vermin. I'm not 100% averse to cats but I do consider them verminous when they poo in the daffs. Apologies if you find this an inappropriate soap box sermon for Good Friday. My wrath is vented. Here endeth the diatribe. |
Today's birthday boy is Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890). I've always had a soft spot for him, his story has such irony. It is said that he only sold one painting in his lifetime (he traded many others for painting materials as he was always strapped for cash). On the anniversary of his birth 30th March 1987 his painting Sunflowers was sold in London for £24,750,000.
In a letter to his brother he wrote, "I cannot help it if my paintings do not sell. The time will come when people will see that they are worth more than the price of the paint." |
28th March 2018
Yesterday's writers' meeting went well - and it's art class tomorrow. We have two weeks off from both groups so no homework worries for a while. Kate and Aled are still journeying round Australia and have recently enjoyed Bondi Beach. Grandson No 3, Jonathon, AKA Jon but now called Cha Cha, will be home for Easter. Zara is staying in Rotterdam to catch up on her uni work and dissertation. Back to Cha Cha - pronounced with a short 'a' and not char char: our little Jai is already demonstrating his bi-lingual capability which I think is wonderful. We're trying to take on board words he uses. Cha Cha, in Punjabi, is the name used for one's father's youngest brother. So it's see you on Sunday Cha Cha. |
What do you think of today's Facebook Find? It made me laugh - a brilliant demonstration of how we've adopted the mobile phone culture - I'm as guilty as the kids: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. |
26th March 2018
While I was eating my Shredded Wheat this morning, which is like trying to down a bale of hay but it's said to be healthy, (sorry I digress) whilst thus engaged I had half an ear on the radio and I heard John Suchet say something about Dorchester. It's a town I like because it's Thomas Hardy's Casterbridge and I've been for a look round several times; anyway John Suchet was telling us about an historic 19th century Dorchester clock that has gone to be repaired. The bloke carrying out the work noticed that the clock face shows 61 minutes, the extra minute is placed between the hours of 8 and 9 and it's gone unnoticed for years. It gives new meaning to the phrase "just a minute". Once fixed I suppose it will be getting a second chance. |
We visited little Jai yesterday for a bit of playtime. We got engrossed in putting shapes into the bucket via the shaped holes. He soon got bored - gave me a withering look and promptly removed the lid and shoved all the shapes inside in one go. I'm not sure if that demonstrates a short attention span or pragmatic thinking. We then went outside to chuck stones into a wheel-barrow full of rainwater - he found it to be much more fun.
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Writers' Group homework done - whoop-whoop! (or whatever that silly noise is they make these days). |
21st March 2018
This year the spring equinox occurred yesterday - I think of it as the official start to spring. It's a time of year that, in pre-Christian times, was known as Ostara which became Easter. The nocturnal hare was a big part of the mythology surrounding Ostara - over the years he morphed into the Easter Bunny who now mysteriously delivers chocolate eggs. Today let's send congratulations and wish Carol and Gary a Happy Wedding Anniversary. I'll be in the doghouse for showing you this photo - they look about 12 and forgot to smile. |
I've just been reading the disheartening news that Wolverhampton is the shop lifting capital of the West Midlands. Oh crikey... are our citizens totally dishonest or just desperate?
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There was a good turnout for yesterdays writers' meeting. I had to do a bit of lurking at the back as I'd not done my homework but things improved at cup of tea time - it was Sam's birthday and she'd brought a goodly amount of choc-chip fairy cakes. Happy Birthday Sam - nice cake.
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21st March 1829: a famous duel took place at Battersea Fields, London between Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington (the then prime minister) and the Earl of Winchilsea. Records state that both parties took great care to avoid shooting each other. Bit of a daft business if you ask me - they took care to avoid shooting each other and call it a duel. More of a non-event. Guess what the dispute was about: religion!
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19th March 2018
We've had a message from Doreen to say she's done the personality test (see 14th March) and she is a Mediator. Doreen also sends greetings to Joan - I knew she'd be glad to have news of the Tarriers - Joan I'm passing a wave from Doreen to you and Vic. Back to the test thing: there are 16 personality types, so the website says, so it's looking like we're a pretty mixed bunch. All good fun - pinch of salt - etc. etc. Well... we need something to amuse us seeing as we're holed up again due to this cruel arctic weather. Bern braved the washing line this morning - it's blowing a Siberian blast out there and I'm wearing so many layers I've renamed myself Betty Onion. Latest on THE test: Ann has popped in to tell us she is an Architect. I wonder if she would pop over to Shrewsbury to look at Carol and Gary's roof. |
Poor old Gary was up on the Shrewsbury roof yesterday - their conservatory sprang a leak as the snow melted. I bet that wicked wind hit places he'd rather it didn't while carrying out the torturous task.
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I hate to admit it but I now have proof that "the plot" is eluding my grasp - I'm losing it. Twice i.e. yesterday and today, I have managed to take the wrong pills at the wrong time despite my weekly ritual of filling up an idiot proof pill dispensing contraption. Some of my stuff has to be taken first thing on waking, also there's the ones taken last thing at night. These two live upstairs on my bedside. The daytime collection lives downstairs in the said idiot proof gadget. This morning I took the late night pill instead of the early morning one. Last night I took my pre-going upstairs blood pressure thingy at teatime instead of the two pretty blue ones that I take after my evening meal.
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I can't think of a word that describes the predicament of muddling up ones medicines... I've decided to invent one. I'll call myself a Medicamentor in which case the following parts of speech would come into use... Medicamentation (noun) Medicamentate (verb). OK, I agree, it's a crackpot way of passing the time... I blame the pills.
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I'm feeling guilty now - while I'm trying to rewrite the dictionary, Bern's tackling the ironing. I'd better go and offer to help. Catch up with you soon.
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15th March 2018
Anyone else had a go at the personality test? (see yesterday's post). Thelma has sent a message to say she's done it and discovered that she's a campaigner. Now we know who to call upon if we want banners waving, cages rattled, and things righted. Carol has just messaged: she's a protagonist too - it must run in the family. Maggie just popped in too to tell us she's a Consul - that sounds important, maybe she mediates with tact and diplomacy. The website explains the personality traits - all good fun but I'm blowed if I know what a protagonist gets up to. |
There was a good turnout at art class this morning and some nice work going on - I let the side down a bit as I only managed a nondescript pencil drawing. I've missed two weeks so it was good to catch up with Hilary who is recently back from her jaunt round Australia and New Zealand - quite a trip - she's come home with a poorly knee which needs therapy, exercise and TLC.
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Another message has just popped in from Joan. Last December I was thrilled to find Joan and Vic (friends of long standing) they've moved to Leicester and we'd lost touch. She says they're loving the drivel herein. Re the personality test thing: Joan's results declare her an Advocate, only 1% of the population are Advocates. I always knew my friends are unique. Love you Joan - Doreen (from our fire station days) reads these hallowed pages and I know she'll be happy to have news of you.
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14th March 2018
Hiya! as little Jai would say. It's his favourite expression at the moment accompanied by a wave of his hand. My outpatient appointment of yesterday turned out to be just a routine check up with the kidney consultant. I even made it back in time to attend the writers' meeting. Jane was with us to do a workshop and we ended up spending the afternoon dissecting a difficult poem and writing stuff on the theme of 'if'. Not an easy concept as it can take you in all directions - but fodder for the grey matter. |
I've been shuffling round the Talkback forum on the Writers' News magazine website. I came across a link to a personality test thing. People taking part have indicated that they found the outcome fairly accurate. I find these things quite interesting - here's the link if you want to have a go. My result tells me my personality type is protagonist. You also get an explanation of what it all means. Anyway, here it is if you want to have a go:
https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test |
"Beware the ides of March." So said the Soothsayer in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (1599).
The ides of March is tomorrow, the 15th: keep your wits about you in case the Fates behave unfavourably. It's considered a bit of an unlucky date because it's the day Caesar was bumped off by a group of conspirators led by Marcus Junius, Brutus, and Gaius Cassius Longinus (sounds like he was a tall chap). The assassination was motivated by a desire to restore republican freedom to a country that was increasingly dominated by its dictator. The bloody act failed to achieve its aims and led to further civil war. Well blow me down with a feather, that little story is still happening in several places around the world today. So much for mankind and modern living. Here's my battle cry for the ides of March - come on all you world leaders, tighten your togas, gird up your whatsits, and strive for fairness, democracy, compassion. |
12th March 2018
We have an inkling that Jenny and Ian have some news. They've recently moved to a bigger house, Jenny is currently refraining from playing in the Lichfield Ladies First Hockey Team, and we've noticed a few cryptic photographs knocking about. There's mutterings of an event planned for late August / early September. Assuming we've interpreted the clues correctly, there's going to be one little person who is pre-destined to be involved in sport. Don't know yet if he/she will play for the pink team or the blue team but we've spotted an extra pair of trainers that need occupying. |
An entry for March 12th in my Chambers Book of Days says: that in the year 2000 "...Pope John Paul II publicly issued a mea culpa asking God's pardon for the past sins of the Roman Catholic Church..."
Considering ongoing news items I reckon it's time for the various religious factions to issue another one and make an effort to practise what they preach. |
We had a fun time on Saturday morning - we all nipped over to David Austin Roses (café) for a civilised end of birthday week breakfast. Jay, Lesley, Carol, Bern and me - Gary couldn't make it as it was duty weekend at work for him despite being one of the birthday people. Better luck next time Gaz. We did Mothers' Day stuff too before Les and Jay dashed off to Hampshire to see her parents Jack and Audrey. Hi you guys
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8th March 2018
We've had birthday overload this week - Gary Monday, Lesley today and Bern yesterday - happy birthday to you all. Their respective ages end with a this year which means next year the three of them hit a significant, large size, 0 birthday. I managed writers' group on Tuesday then missed this morning's art class (feeling rubbish again). I've a hospital visit tomorrow - lung function session. It's the one where you sit in a glass tardis with a peg on your nose and blow into a thing until you're gasping. It takes about 45 minutes of puffing and blowing your way through the various tests - the process is called lung Plethysmography. |
I've taken little heed of International Women's Day in the past but it's enjoying a higher profile this year: I presume because this year is the 100th anniversary of the Suffragette Movement. While doing a Google about today's event I came across an item that said November 19th is Men's Day - it's news to me. Must remember to wave a flag for the blokes in November.
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4th March 2018
There's not a lot happening while everyone is holed up. Wendy and Phil escaped from their hotel yesterday and arrived back in Caerphilly after a long slow drive. There were others "trapped" in the hotel with them and she said it was like being in an Agatha Christie story with a motley collection of people eyeing each other up. She and Phil amused themselves by building stories about them (as you do). She kept me informed by text and between us we worked who had "done it" and where to look for the body. Talking of stories, as we've been in a state of siege, I've done my homework for Tuesday's writers meeting - no last minute panic this week. |
2nd March 2018
I won't mention the 'S' word - I think we're all cheesed off with 'W' talk. It's certainly taking its toll and the 'S' stuff keeps on coming. Had a message from my sister this morning to say she and hubby are snowbound in Exmouth and resigned to staying there for an extra couple of days until the roads are clear. Carol and Gary have frozen pipes and their shower is out of action: thought I'd mention it in case anyone wishes to get up-wind of them (or should it be down-wind?) Jon and Zara have hopped over to Bruges - they have 'S' there too. Little Jai has no complaints, he's happily braved the wintry blast to revel in the white stuff and try out his welly boots. |
1st March 2018
Firstly, profuse and abject apologies for any confusion caused by my little mishap - i.e. the disappearance of January and February 2018 jottings. However, I'm glad you've found your way here - welcome to Page Number 10 and Welcome to March. I'll try to be careful about letting stuff slip down the plughole. What flipping weather, we put an extra layer on the bed last night - sorry to bang on about it, but facing the stuff we have at the moment is above and beyond the call of duty and I reckon the daffodils will suffer a setback. I really look forward to them at this bleak time of year. |
I made it to writers' group this week complete with homework but I'm having to give art class a miss as I've a doctor's appointment this morning. Rene is still out of action - here's waving to you Rene and wishing you well.
Yesterday I had an email from SRUK to inform me that was Rare Disease Day and the little lot I'm lumbered with comes under it's umbrella - Do I really need to know that there's a special day to remind me of my troubles? St David and Wales have their day today - mine was yesterday. |