I have tried to be brave and strong, but I think I need a Brandy for the shock!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
No Tricks, unbelievable though it may seem.
I had to post this photo. I took the photo in the first place because this is an exceedingly rare event. I have not retouched the photo in any way, it is all exactly as it appears. I took the photo because nobody would believe me if I told them, but it is true. What you see here is The O'Connor himself sitting at a computer typing an email.
I have tried to be brave and strong, but I think I need a Brandy for the shock!
I have tried to be brave and strong, but I think I need a Brandy for the shock!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Our little cutiepie
Auntie Michelle bought her a pink baseball hat in Ashford today and she is really impressed with it.
Wendy is 19 months old now and she is an enchanting little imp.
She wanted Daddy to try it too. And Uncle Brakkie, but he wasn't very co-operative.
She is a little imp, and full of character with it. We feel so blessed that she is in our family.
Wendy is 19 months old now and she is an enchanting little imp.
She wanted Daddy to try it too. And Uncle Brakkie, but he wasn't very co-operative.
She is a little imp, and full of character with it. We feel so blessed that she is in our family.
Today
Kate and Nigel came over and Nigel took Wendy with Michelle and Richard to go shopping at the MacArthur Glen centre in Ashford. The idea was to distract Richard from the shock of his father's death but there was another bonus, and that was Kate got a heck of a lot of College work done and printed.
Tomorrow evening I will look after Wendy while Kate, Nigel, MNichelle and Richard go out. Sean and I will not be going to Scotland because there are Engineering works on the tracks which will cause several hours of delays plus part of the journey done by bus.
My mother was in Jerusalem Old City today and went to the Wailing Wall. The group are having a day of rest tomorrow - even though they are having a great time, sometimes a rest is needed.
Tomorrow evening I will look after Wendy while Kate, Nigel, MNichelle and Richard go out. Sean and I will not be going to Scotland because there are Engineering works on the tracks which will cause several hours of delays plus part of the journey done by bus.
My mother was in Jerusalem Old City today and went to the Wailing Wall. The group are having a day of rest tomorrow - even though they are having a great time, sometimes a rest is needed.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
After all this sadness
After all this sadness on a cold foggy day, I thought some funny pictures were called for. These come from the hilarious Lolcats and Funny Pictures site
Curious Coincidences
There have been at least three curious coincidences between Richard and our family.
1. On Richard's birthday, Wendy broke her arm.
2. On the day her arm came out of plaster, Richard started a new job.
3. We were grieving for June, and Richard's father died.
1. On Richard's birthday, Wendy broke her arm.
2. On the day her arm came out of plaster, Richard started a new job.
3. We were grieving for June, and Richard's father died.
Mr Mooney, R.I.P
Richard's father died this morning. It wasn't unexpected, but it is always a shock.
While I was posting about June last night, I felt I should pray for Richard's father, and I did, and I am glad I did.
Richard has been too uneasy to sleep well recently but this afternoon, even though it hadn't really 'hit' him yet, I could see him 'shut down' while I was with him, and I tucked him up and he went to sleep.
He will need a lot of support in the days to come when the numbness has worn off.
While I was posting about June last night, I felt I should pray for Richard's father, and I did, and I am glad I did.
Richard has been too uneasy to sleep well recently but this afternoon, even though it hadn't really 'hit' him yet, I could see him 'shut down' while I was with him, and I tucked him up and he went to sleep.
He will need a lot of support in the days to come when the numbness has worn off.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Goodnight, sweetheart
I'm thinking of that song, Goodnight Sweetheart.
I'm happy that there is no more suffering for June, no more worry, fear or anxiety, no more gasping for breath. Nobody taking advantage of her good and generous nature.
I know she is at peace, and I know that it is the best thing for her, but oh! how we miss her. The girls and I often talk about her and remember her with love and gratitude that she was in our lives for so many years.
Her professional Carers remember her tenderly and affectionately too. They miss her. We all do.
Rest in peace, my old friend. When we meet up again one day, it will be great to see you whole, well and happy. God Bless you as He blessed us through you.
June in my kitchen with Skippy, the dog she had after Cara died.
Skippy lives with us now and frankly I am surprised that he is such bosom buddies with Wendy. Those two are thick as thieves and he puts up with things from her he would not tolerate from anyone else. Since we have had him, he suffers from separation anxiety. I wonder if he thinks that if I go out without him, I will 'disappear' like June did? He won't eat or drink or go out for hygiene reasons. He lies by the door looking dejected and miserable. He sighs, sits up and howls sometimes before lying down in a depressed heap on the floor. Nobody can do anything with him so he has to come with me wherever I go.
We could almost write a book series of his adventures in places he has visited with me. Skippy goes to Dover, Skippy goes to Deal, Skippy goes to Wales, to Scotland, to Tonbridge, to London, to the Isle of Wight, to Norfolk, to Hythe, to Lympne - he really gets around these days
I would like to think that June is content and knows that her dog is having a happy life.
Skippy lives with us now and frankly I am surprised that he is such bosom buddies with Wendy. Those two are thick as thieves and he puts up with things from her he would not tolerate from anyone else. Since we have had him, he suffers from separation anxiety. I wonder if he thinks that if I go out without him, I will 'disappear' like June did? He won't eat or drink or go out for hygiene reasons. He lies by the door looking dejected and miserable. He sighs, sits up and howls sometimes before lying down in a depressed heap on the floor. Nobody can do anything with him so he has to come with me wherever I go.
We could almost write a book series of his adventures in places he has visited with me. Skippy goes to Dover, Skippy goes to Deal, Skippy goes to Wales, to Scotland, to Tonbridge, to London, to the Isle of Wight, to Norfolk, to Hythe, to Lympne - he really gets around these days
I would like to think that June is content and knows that her dog is having a happy life.
A nostalgic, rather sad, day
Two years ago today, my dear friend and honorary aunt to my children, died. Katie is still sad that June never saw her baby, Wendy. June was so good with babies. We still miss her. I'm sure these pics convey some of the sense of fun she had when she was feeling well.
The Jack Russell dog in the photos is her old dog, Cara.
Cara was very bad tempered but you knew where you stood with her. If you went near her, she's have your hand off so you would be quite safe if you gave her a wide berth. The only person who could really do anything with her was June. After she died, Cara was cremated and June kept her ashes in a lovely carved wooden box in her bedroom.
June's sister Carole had a lovely idea when June died. Cara's ashes went in June's coffin with her. Cara meant so much to June.
The Jack Russell dog in the photos is her old dog, Cara.
Cara was very bad tempered but you knew where you stood with her. If you went near her, she's have your hand off so you would be quite safe if you gave her a wide berth. The only person who could really do anything with her was June. After she died, Cara was cremated and June kept her ashes in a lovely carved wooden box in her bedroom.
June's sister Carole had a lovely idea when June died. Cara's ashes went in June's coffin with her. Cara meant so much to June.
Josie in the Holy Land
My mum is in the Holy Land. Yesterday she went swimming in and had a boat ride on the Sea of Galillee. She was due to visit Nazareth today. The text messages she is sending are very bubbly and happy.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
What a busy weekend!
Kate, Nigel and Wendy spent the weekend here, taking loads of my junk to the Tip. I wanted a proper mini-office, a place where I would have space to spread out and do my studies. In the previous computer place, there was no space to keep a textbook open on the desk and I am struggling with my studies as it is, so struggling with holding a textbook open at the right page, look at the screen and type was jolly difficult. Now all my stationery is close to hand, I have bookshelves plus desk space for them to be open and referred to.
My cat Father Jack has taken up residence on the printer which is flat and big and easier to lie on than the screen. He won't be pleased when I want to print, but at least I'm not having to move his tail like a windscreen wiper when I need to read parts on the screen. Both my cats used to love lying on the monitor and dangling their tails directly in the line of vision, and they used to get annoyed and twitchy when I took liberties with moving them.
My Mum sent me a text message saying she was in her room in a kibbutz hotel at the Sea of Galilee and that it was 29 degrees. I hope she enjoys her time in Israel. She has always wanted to go there.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Weekly News
Josie left today on the first leg of her journey to the Holy Land. She and a friend went to stay in a hotel near the airport. The car will be securely parked there until they get back, and tomorrow they will catch a shuttle in to the airport. This way there won't be the stress of worrying about the possibility of the Motorway being closed for some reason, or a huge rush in the early hours. This time tomorrow, God willing, she will be in Israel.
Nigel wrote one test and two exams last week, and he not only passed them well, but had a Merit grade. He will have more news on the other results when he returns to College next term. This lad is shining like a star and doing extraordinarily well. I'm very proud of him.
Caelyn too has been doing well in college and has been working very hard. At boarding school, they used to confiscate her books because they felt she was working too hard. Of course, she now has family and home responsibilities that make it harder to knuckle down to it, but she is doing very well too. She has been appointed Salon Manager at the college. She checks that the place is clean, neat and tidy, that there are sufficient supplies, that everyone has the equipment they need for their tasks and for keeping the place orderly and businesslike.
Michelle has been working ridiculous hours. She did a 48hr shift last week. She is tired, of course. She is supporting Richard emotionally because his father is very ill, probably dying, and there is a DNR (do not resuscitate) order on him. It is traumatic for a child to contemplate the loss of a parent even if the "child" is 28. He has been working hard too and it is a bit unfortunate that he has just started a new job while his dad is so ill. She and Richard are joining us for a big Sunday Lunch tomorrow.
Caelyn and Nigel have been here this weekend, helping me reorganise the lounge and by taking stuff to the tip. The place is still in chaos but it feels a more spacious chaos now!
Sean went to the Cultural Festival in Little Missenden then 0n to stay with his daughter in Milton Keynes.
Nigel wrote one test and two exams last week, and he not only passed them well, but had a Merit grade. He will have more news on the other results when he returns to College next term. This lad is shining like a star and doing extraordinarily well. I'm very proud of him.
Caelyn too has been doing well in college and has been working very hard. At boarding school, they used to confiscate her books because they felt she was working too hard. Of course, she now has family and home responsibilities that make it harder to knuckle down to it, but she is doing very well too. She has been appointed Salon Manager at the college. She checks that the place is clean, neat and tidy, that there are sufficient supplies, that everyone has the equipment they need for their tasks and for keeping the place orderly and businesslike.
Michelle has been working ridiculous hours. She did a 48hr shift last week. She is tired, of course. She is supporting Richard emotionally because his father is very ill, probably dying, and there is a DNR (do not resuscitate) order on him. It is traumatic for a child to contemplate the loss of a parent even if the "child" is 28. He has been working hard too and it is a bit unfortunate that he has just started a new job while his dad is so ill. She and Richard are joining us for a big Sunday Lunch tomorrow.
Caelyn and Nigel have been here this weekend, helping me reorganise the lounge and by taking stuff to the tip. The place is still in chaos but it feels a more spacious chaos now!
Sean went to the Cultural Festival in Little Missenden then 0n to stay with his daughter in Milton Keynes.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Storms Predicted for November
Stormy Weather in November
Three major storms are predicted to hit Britain in November. It is thought the storms will be as bad as the storms of 1987 or possibly worse. It is suggested that winds could gust up to 130m.p.h and cause structural damage to properties, fallen trees and flooding. The three fierce weather periods are predicted as:
Friday 26 October to Thursday 1 November
Thursday 8 to Tuesday 13 November
Saturday 24 to Wednesday 28 November, which will be the worst one.
Weather forecasters frequently get their predictions wrong so this may very well not happen at all or be much milder than currently feared. My own view is to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Lets look at various potential problems.
With flooding, sewage may contaminate drinking water making it unsafe to drink. Flooded and damaged shops will not be able to trade. Roads may be impassable with fallen trees. Gas end electricity supplies are likely to be disrupted so ordinary cooking and heating facilities will be unavailable. Hospitals may be under pressure treating injured patients, if the injured and the staff are able to get to hospital in the first place. With structural damage to property and damage to gas pipes, people may have to evacuate their homes.
There are things we can do to prepare ourselves in case the worst should happen while hoping it won’t. Lets examine a few ideas.
1. Look at your home. Where might you be safe if something like a wheelie bin is blown through a window? Stairwells are usually safe.
2. You might buy some masking tape or duct tape to stick to your windows in a criss-cross pattern to prevent huge flying splinters of shattered glass.
3. Stock up on bottled water beforehand and as the storm hits, fill up buckets and other containers with clean water in case the water becomes unsafe to drink.
4. Stock up on non-perishable food such as long life milk, tins of fruit and other food, biscuits, sweets etc.
5. Make sure you will have enough prescription medicine in case you can’t get out or the chemists can’t open.
6. Have a couple of sources of light such as candles, torches with spare batteries or windup torches.
7. In times of disaster, the radio rather than television keeps people informed of what is going on. Have a radio available, preset to the local radio station, and with new and spare batteries. You won’t be able to rely on using electricity to power your radio. At places like Argos, Homebase, B and Q, Woolworths etc you can buy a torch with an FM radio that you wind up with a handle and it runs for about 30 min on a 30 sec cranking of the handle. The advantage of this is that it does not depend on batteries.
8. Another useful piece of kit is a portable camping stove or gas ring that works on mini canisters. A hot drink or warm meal may be a great comfort in a storm. Make sure you have enough fuel for the stove. Along with that, a stainless steel thermos flask will keep water hot for hours.
9. It is possible to buy battery or crank-handle operated mobile phone chargers. It would be good to have a charged up mobile with credit on it because mobile networks are less likely to be affected by severe weather as cable based landlines. Remember that there is another emergency number apart from 999, and that is 112. 112 is satellite based and often works when 999 doesn’t.
10. Get your important documents together and tape them up in something waterproof such as a few freezer bags. Documents you might need are forms of ID such as passports, repeat prescriptions, your name, address and date of birth, next of kin names and contact details, your usual doctor, any health problems you may have or anything else people might need to know if you are unable to speak for yourself. I would put info like this in a plastic envelope and physically tape it on to small children or the elderly and infirm. Don’t forget your household pets either.
11. You should have a quick-grab bag that you are able to carry without help containing a few essentials in case you have to evacuate your home in a hurry. You will need a change of warm clothes, toilet paper, a few toiletries, hand towel, hairbrush, prescription medicines, possibly a small first aid kit, a bottle of water, some sweets in case of shock and some other things that you might need such as nappies for babies, a blanket or whatever you think best. Whatever you pack, you will have to be able to carry as it isn’t likely that anyone else will offer to carry your bag for you – they will probably have their own bags to deal with.
12. A good book might be a good distraction. If you live alone, it might be wise to weather the storm with a friend, choosing the home that will probably be the safest. A house on a hill for instance would be at less risk of flooding.
13. Keep an eye out for the vulnerable and offer help if you can. Vulnerable people would include small children, heavily pregnant women, chronically ill and frail people, the elderly, and people with handicaps. Some disabled people might depend on working dogs such as guide dogs for the blind, and the safety of those working dogs should be given priority over the safety of a companion animal. (It hurts me to say that because I have two cats and a dog who I love very dearly, but the clinical, coldly practical part of me says that working animals should have priority, even though that is not what my heart says)
14. Make the best of things, have a friendly sing song with friends and family, keep each other’s spirits up and make the best of things. Keep warm. Find something to distract yourself with such as some music, card games, or telling stories. And remember: it may never happen.
By hoping for the best while preparing for the worst, we should be OK. People are surprisingly resilient and can get through all sorts of things, especially if they have been like good Boy Scouts and were Prepared.
Three major storms are predicted to hit Britain in November. It is thought the storms will be as bad as the storms of 1987 or possibly worse. It is suggested that winds could gust up to 130m.p.h and cause structural damage to properties, fallen trees and flooding. The three fierce weather periods are predicted as:
Friday 26 October to Thursday 1 November
Thursday 8 to Tuesday 13 November
Saturday 24 to Wednesday 28 November, which will be the worst one.
Weather forecasters frequently get their predictions wrong so this may very well not happen at all or be much milder than currently feared. My own view is to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Lets look at various potential problems.
With flooding, sewage may contaminate drinking water making it unsafe to drink. Flooded and damaged shops will not be able to trade. Roads may be impassable with fallen trees. Gas end electricity supplies are likely to be disrupted so ordinary cooking and heating facilities will be unavailable. Hospitals may be under pressure treating injured patients, if the injured and the staff are able to get to hospital in the first place. With structural damage to property and damage to gas pipes, people may have to evacuate their homes.
There are things we can do to prepare ourselves in case the worst should happen while hoping it won’t. Lets examine a few ideas.
1. Look at your home. Where might you be safe if something like a wheelie bin is blown through a window? Stairwells are usually safe.
2. You might buy some masking tape or duct tape to stick to your windows in a criss-cross pattern to prevent huge flying splinters of shattered glass.
3. Stock up on bottled water beforehand and as the storm hits, fill up buckets and other containers with clean water in case the water becomes unsafe to drink.
4. Stock up on non-perishable food such as long life milk, tins of fruit and other food, biscuits, sweets etc.
5. Make sure you will have enough prescription medicine in case you can’t get out or the chemists can’t open.
6. Have a couple of sources of light such as candles, torches with spare batteries or windup torches.
7. In times of disaster, the radio rather than television keeps people informed of what is going on. Have a radio available, preset to the local radio station, and with new and spare batteries. You won’t be able to rely on using electricity to power your radio. At places like Argos, Homebase, B and Q, Woolworths etc you can buy a torch with an FM radio that you wind up with a handle and it runs for about 30 min on a 30 sec cranking of the handle. The advantage of this is that it does not depend on batteries.
8. Another useful piece of kit is a portable camping stove or gas ring that works on mini canisters. A hot drink or warm meal may be a great comfort in a storm. Make sure you have enough fuel for the stove. Along with that, a stainless steel thermos flask will keep water hot for hours.
9. It is possible to buy battery or crank-handle operated mobile phone chargers. It would be good to have a charged up mobile with credit on it because mobile networks are less likely to be affected by severe weather as cable based landlines. Remember that there is another emergency number apart from 999, and that is 112. 112 is satellite based and often works when 999 doesn’t.
10. Get your important documents together and tape them up in something waterproof such as a few freezer bags. Documents you might need are forms of ID such as passports, repeat prescriptions, your name, address and date of birth, next of kin names and contact details, your usual doctor, any health problems you may have or anything else people might need to know if you are unable to speak for yourself. I would put info like this in a plastic envelope and physically tape it on to small children or the elderly and infirm. Don’t forget your household pets either.
11. You should have a quick-grab bag that you are able to carry without help containing a few essentials in case you have to evacuate your home in a hurry. You will need a change of warm clothes, toilet paper, a few toiletries, hand towel, hairbrush, prescription medicines, possibly a small first aid kit, a bottle of water, some sweets in case of shock and some other things that you might need such as nappies for babies, a blanket or whatever you think best. Whatever you pack, you will have to be able to carry as it isn’t likely that anyone else will offer to carry your bag for you – they will probably have their own bags to deal with.
12. A good book might be a good distraction. If you live alone, it might be wise to weather the storm with a friend, choosing the home that will probably be the safest. A house on a hill for instance would be at less risk of flooding.
13. Keep an eye out for the vulnerable and offer help if you can. Vulnerable people would include small children, heavily pregnant women, chronically ill and frail people, the elderly, and people with handicaps. Some disabled people might depend on working dogs such as guide dogs for the blind, and the safety of those working dogs should be given priority over the safety of a companion animal. (It hurts me to say that because I have two cats and a dog who I love very dearly, but the clinical, coldly practical part of me says that working animals should have priority, even though that is not what my heart says)
14. Make the best of things, have a friendly sing song with friends and family, keep each other’s spirits up and make the best of things. Keep warm. Find something to distract yourself with such as some music, card games, or telling stories. And remember: it may never happen.
By hoping for the best while preparing for the worst, we should be OK. People are surprisingly resilient and can get through all sorts of things, especially if they have been like good Boy Scouts and were Prepared.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Who could resist?
What baby could ever resist a box?
Wendy and her Mum have had a great time playing.
Helping Mum with her homework. Mum is sure to come top of the class.
Wendy and her Mum have had a great time playing.
Helping Mum with her homework. Mum is sure to come top of the class.
A time for enjoying Family
The old folk
Look at this. Wendy insisted on her doll and Tigger sitting in the High Chair. She flatly refused! Obviously, high chairs are for babies, not big girls. Does she really have to grow up so fast?
Isn't this sweet?
We left after lunch on Sunday and we all had a marvellous time.
Look at this. Wendy insisted on her doll and Tigger sitting in the High Chair. She flatly refused! Obviously, high chairs are for babies, not big girls. Does she really have to grow up so fast?
Isn't this sweet?
We left after lunch on Sunday and we all had a marvellous time.
Uncle Brakkie
Even Uncle Brakkie was treated with indulgence.
Here are Nigel and Brakkie on the sofa, looking studious.
Here are Nigel and Brakkie on the sofa, looking studious.
She loved running around in the garden. If you look through the photos, you will see that Uncle Brakkie is with her in almost all of them.
And here is the Boss himself, with his arms in the sink. He is so soft on Wendy, and she is so sweet it is easy to understand why.
The Boos man himself. Doesn't he look gorgeous? I think just by looking at him you can see his good character shining through. My brother Stephen and I do not always agree, but he said that 'Sean is a man of integrity and honour who ought to be declared a National Treasure'. Indeed. You won't meet a nicer man anywhere.
And here is the Boss himself, with his arms in the sink. He is so soft on Wendy, and she is so sweet it is easy to understand why.
The Boos man himself. Doesn't he look gorgeous? I think just by looking at him you can see his good character shining through. My brother Stephen and I do not always agree, but he said that 'Sean is a man of integrity and honour who ought to be declared a National Treasure'. Indeed. You won't meet a nicer man anywhere.
Weekend at Sean's
Sean invited us to his house on Saturday, with Kate and Nigel sleeping in the attic flatlet.
Everyone really enjoyed themselves. It was just a pity that Michelle was working and couldn't be there.
Sean is enchanted by Wendy and really enjoys Grandpa Duty.
Everyone really enjoyed themselves. It was just a pity that Michelle was working and couldn't be there.
Sean is enchanted by Wendy and really enjoys Grandpa Duty.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Old Photos and a new Printer
I have a new printer, or should I say, a Multifunction device. Sean bought it for me and I am delighted because my old printer never gave very satisfactory results. As I am now studying (as are Michelle, Caelyn and Nigel) having a good printer would be an asset. Even so, when the old one 'died' it was a loss especially as I couldn't afford to replace it with better one. Sean's gift will help us all.
These are of my grandparents, Percy and Margaret Gardner. He left school at 14 and went to Boots to serve an apprenticeship as a pharmacist. After he and Grandma were married, they had a chemist shop in Tunbridge Wells and a branch shop in Frant. They had five children and were practicing Catholics. One of my first memories of my grandmother is her taking me to St Augustines Catholic Church in Tunbridge Wells. Later, my mother took my brother Paul and I to live in South Africa, where we did not practice religion. At boarding school, it can be lonely and I was in need of comfort so I began going to Mass because I remembered the loving warmth of my grandma and the peace of the Mass which I had been too young to understand at the time.
In 1996, my daughters and I returned to England and I met Sean. Curiously, he had been attending St Augustines Catholic Church in Tunbridge Wells for years, and what is more, he still does. He thought he was 'safe' seeing a South African lady but actually, I am more local than he is! I have loads of relatives in that area, and my daughter was Confirmed in that church too.
My grandparents are buried in Pembury where they had a small house for the last years of their lives. Grandad was alive at the time of the very first flight and lived to see men reaching the moon. He started out as a pharmacist making tablets and mixtures by hand and by the time he retired he was doing most of his work on a computer.
These are of my grandparents, Percy and Margaret Gardner. He left school at 14 and went to Boots to serve an apprenticeship as a pharmacist. After he and Grandma were married, they had a chemist shop in Tunbridge Wells and a branch shop in Frant. They had five children and were practicing Catholics. One of my first memories of my grandmother is her taking me to St Augustines Catholic Church in Tunbridge Wells. Later, my mother took my brother Paul and I to live in South Africa, where we did not practice religion. At boarding school, it can be lonely and I was in need of comfort so I began going to Mass because I remembered the loving warmth of my grandma and the peace of the Mass which I had been too young to understand at the time.
In 1996, my daughters and I returned to England and I met Sean. Curiously, he had been attending St Augustines Catholic Church in Tunbridge Wells for years, and what is more, he still does. He thought he was 'safe' seeing a South African lady but actually, I am more local than he is! I have loads of relatives in that area, and my daughter was Confirmed in that church too.
My grandparents are buried in Pembury where they had a small house for the last years of their lives. Grandad was alive at the time of the very first flight and lived to see men reaching the moon. He started out as a pharmacist making tablets and mixtures by hand and by the time he retired he was doing most of his work on a computer.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Our Wounded Soldiers
Anyone who has been reading UK newspapers recently can't have failed to notice the disgraceful way we are allowing our wounded servicemen to be treated. There is a particularly outrageous story of a young soldier who had to be taken to a Birmingham Hospital, Selly Oak, by LORRY - because there was no ambulance available to transport him. This young lad had severe injuries and needed more than 20 surgical procedures, yet he was apparently dumped in A and E, where he was told to remove his uniform in case someone who did not support the war in Iraq was offended!!
Ye gods and little tin fishes!!!!! That is so disgraceful, ungrateful and outrageous that the mind boggles. See the newspaper article here.
As it happens, I did not support the war in Iraq, but when the decision was made to send our armed forces there, I supported them because they are very brave and I felt it was my patriotic duty to do so. I feel deeply ashamed at the way they are treated. They no longer even have specialist Service hospitals and Rehabilitation units. That is madness, as their needs are too complex to be dealt with by civilian hospitals. Think of a physiotherapist who has had a career primarily involved with keeping the elderly arthritis sufferers mobile. That cannot suit the needs of a young man with traumatic amputations and brain damage. Sorry, but it doesn't. These young people have given all they had in response to the call of duty and when things go wrong, they MUST be properly cared for and treated. It is the least we can do.
They need access to specialist Trauma counsellors, surgeons with special skills in the treatment of multiple traumatic injuries, highly skilled nurses, specially trained physiotherapists and occupational therapists. What is available in Civvie Street doesn't come close to what these people - and their families - need.
It is all too common for compensation to be paltry and very much delayed. Many ex-servicemen with psychiatric injuries are not treated for their Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and turn to drink and drugs and eventually become homeless.
I plead for these lost lives, for those who now merely exist, and for the appalling tragedy that hits their families and loved ones.
A charity has been set up to help these people. At the moment they are trying to raise money for a heated physiotherapy pool. Take a look at the charity and donate what you can, even if it is only a pound. As they say at the supermarket "Every little helps".
Ye gods and little tin fishes!!!!! That is so disgraceful, ungrateful and outrageous that the mind boggles. See the newspaper article here.
As it happens, I did not support the war in Iraq, but when the decision was made to send our armed forces there, I supported them because they are very brave and I felt it was my patriotic duty to do so. I feel deeply ashamed at the way they are treated. They no longer even have specialist Service hospitals and Rehabilitation units. That is madness, as their needs are too complex to be dealt with by civilian hospitals. Think of a physiotherapist who has had a career primarily involved with keeping the elderly arthritis sufferers mobile. That cannot suit the needs of a young man with traumatic amputations and brain damage. Sorry, but it doesn't. These young people have given all they had in response to the call of duty and when things go wrong, they MUST be properly cared for and treated. It is the least we can do.
They need access to specialist Trauma counsellors, surgeons with special skills in the treatment of multiple traumatic injuries, highly skilled nurses, specially trained physiotherapists and occupational therapists. What is available in Civvie Street doesn't come close to what these people - and their families - need.
It is all too common for compensation to be paltry and very much delayed. Many ex-servicemen with psychiatric injuries are not treated for their Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and turn to drink and drugs and eventually become homeless.
I plead for these lost lives, for those who now merely exist, and for the appalling tragedy that hits their families and loved ones.
A charity has been set up to help these people. At the moment they are trying to raise money for a heated physiotherapy pool. Take a look at the charity and donate what you can, even if it is only a pound. As they say at the supermarket "Every little helps".
Tomorrow
Tomorrow I have to be up early to receive a delivery for Michelle.
My Mum is coming mid-morning to go to town on my scooter, then we are going to Hythe for lunch. I will borrow her scooter to go to the optician for an eye test, then coming back to Folkestone to catch a train to Tonbridge to see Sean.
I'm exhausted already and I haven't even done it yet!
My Mum is coming mid-morning to go to town on my scooter, then we are going to Hythe for lunch. I will borrow her scooter to go to the optician for an eye test, then coming back to Folkestone to catch a train to Tonbridge to see Sean.
I'm exhausted already and I haven't even done it yet!
Auntie Squibbs R.I.P
It was dear Auntie Squibbs funeral today. She will be remembered with love for her huge, warm human heart, her sense of mischief and her deep devotion to God and his people, who she was always looking for new ways to serve. She was a truly great person, a very rare gem of a woman.
Auntie Squibbs is pictured closest to the camera on a day trip to Eastbourne.
Her passing leaves a big gap in many people's lives.
We will miss her.
Auntie Squibbs is pictured closest to the camera on a day trip to Eastbourne.
Her passing leaves a big gap in many people's lives.
We will miss her.
Richard
Wendy broke her arm on Richard's birthday.
It is a bit spooky that he started a new job today and today Wendy's Plaster was taken off.
Richard enjoyed his first day at his new job, and Wendy was given a Super Patient sticker.
It is a bit spooky that he started a new job today and today Wendy's Plaster was taken off.
Richard enjoyed his first day at his new job, and Wendy was given a Super Patient sticker.
Woozle News
Woozle had an appointment at Fracture Clinic today. Her bones have healed well, so she is out of plaster. She doesn't have to be seen again, but the Dr said she should not go to Nursery for two weeks as she will still be tender as it is not quite healed. It has healed to the point where there would be no further benefit from keeping it in plaster. Her parents have been told that if she bumps the arm and is still crying and holding her arm after 10 min, they should giver her some Calpol. There is some deformity but they expect it to have sorted itself out by Christmas.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
The Fang Gang
I have been reinstalling Office programmes, photo editing programmes, utilities and drivers etc. What would I have done without the 'help' of the Fang Gang?
Of course, when my very blonde Brak saw the Fang Gang on the lofty heights of the CRT Monitor, he thought he should also show some moral support, so he jumped on my lap. Then Madam Spikkeldy jumped down onto the keyboard and did something marvellous to the computer. I really haven't got the strength to fiddle around any more so Jack can doze in peace on top of the monitor and I will go to bed.
Of course, when my very blonde Brak saw the Fang Gang on the lofty heights of the CRT Monitor, he thought he should also show some moral support, so he jumped on my lap. Then Madam Spikkeldy jumped down onto the keyboard and did something marvellous to the computer. I really haven't got the strength to fiddle around any more so Jack can doze in peace on top of the monitor and I will go to bed.
Friday, October 05, 2007
It was a good evening.
Woozle telling Gummy what she needed to know
Family group hug
Since Woozle broke her arm, she has been bandaging everyone. Last week she bandaged the dog and this week she was bandaging Gummy. My mum said tonight that she said "No" to two young men she was giving a lift to. One of them said it was such a definite "No" so where did she learn to say it like that? Her great Granddaughter, she said. Woozle has a very definite "No!" Well, it is definite when she says it, but not so definite when it is said to her, funnily enough.
And here is our little cherub all laid back.
Family group hug
Since Woozle broke her arm, she has been bandaging everyone. Last week she bandaged the dog and this week she was bandaging Gummy. My mum said tonight that she said "No" to two young men she was giving a lift to. One of them said it was such a definite "No" so where did she learn to say it like that? Her great Granddaughter, she said. Woozle has a very definite "No!" Well, it is definite when she says it, but not so definite when it is said to her, funnily enough.
And here is our little cherub all laid back.
Nigel and Richard
When I started my computer today, I got a black screen with white writing telling me that the NTFS drivers in Windows were corrupted and I had to reinstall Windows.
Richard and Nigel spent a lot of time doing that. It obviously worked or I wouldn't be posting this now. However, Richard says he thinks my Motherboard has just about had it, and he may be right. This computer has been messing around for ages.
I am very lucky to have Richard to keep nursing it along. When I get my first basic qualification as a CIW Associate, I should be able to earn a bit of money to get another one. In the meantime, God has been good to me in sending these two lovely lads to nurse it along.
I was abysmal at typing at school. We used the big old manual Olivettis and my fingers just wouldn't get used to it and I got the lowest possible mark of 0 to 19%. My typing teacher wrote on my report 'Sue has no talent for this subject whatsoever. However, she tries hard'. I reasoned that if ordinary typing was so problematic, there was no way I'd cope with a computer which was much more complicated.
I got this computer for my kids to do their homework on and they tried to teach me to use it but I had to ask them so much that they would get cross and say 'oh, come on mum. You can't be that thick. You're putting it on to wind us up!'
So I took myself off to Adult Education and did a very basic ABC course. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it so I followed up with an ECDL course. There are no further courses offered locally and of course I can't travel to lessons, so I have enrolled on a CIW course with the view to working from home. My health is more stable than it was but there is no way I could commit to a commute and the whole 9 to 5 thing. I need a quiet dimly lit room to work in (which an employer could not reasonably provide) and I need to work when I have energy. I function better in the afternoons and evenings, and I need frequent breaks because I can't sit for long.
If you would like to know more about the course I'm doing, look at www.CIWcertified.com.
Richard and Nigel spent a lot of time doing that. It obviously worked or I wouldn't be posting this now. However, Richard says he thinks my Motherboard has just about had it, and he may be right. This computer has been messing around for ages.
I am very lucky to have Richard to keep nursing it along. When I get my first basic qualification as a CIW Associate, I should be able to earn a bit of money to get another one. In the meantime, God has been good to me in sending these two lovely lads to nurse it along.
I was abysmal at typing at school. We used the big old manual Olivettis and my fingers just wouldn't get used to it and I got the lowest possible mark of 0 to 19%. My typing teacher wrote on my report 'Sue has no talent for this subject whatsoever. However, she tries hard'. I reasoned that if ordinary typing was so problematic, there was no way I'd cope with a computer which was much more complicated.
I got this computer for my kids to do their homework on and they tried to teach me to use it but I had to ask them so much that they would get cross and say 'oh, come on mum. You can't be that thick. You're putting it on to wind us up!'
So I took myself off to Adult Education and did a very basic ABC course. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it so I followed up with an ECDL course. There are no further courses offered locally and of course I can't travel to lessons, so I have enrolled on a CIW course with the view to working from home. My health is more stable than it was but there is no way I could commit to a commute and the whole 9 to 5 thing. I need a quiet dimly lit room to work in (which an employer could not reasonably provide) and I need to work when I have energy. I function better in the afternoons and evenings, and I need frequent breaks because I can't sit for long.
If you would like to know more about the course I'm doing, look at www.CIWcertified.com.
Family Friday
Well, it is Friday and as usual on Fridays, we had Family Night In. Wendy was full of mischief tonight and only really wanted to be with her Great Gran, Josie. Josie had made us some Pumpkin Soup from a pumpkin she grew in her garden. It was delicious.
Michelle has had a hard week of study. It is always tiring, starting a new course of studies, especially when you are out of the habit of it. So she snuggled down in my bed and had a snooze until Wendy went to wake her up.
My mum was feeling sad after the death of her best friend and having Wendy make a fuss of her was a welcome distraction. My mum isn't sleeping well, which is usually a symptom of depression. Grieving has much the same symptoms and it is a process that has to be gone through. There is no quick and easy way around it. Even Jesus cried when his friend Lazarus died.
Michelle has had a hard week of study. It is always tiring, starting a new course of studies, especially when you are out of the habit of it. So she snuggled down in my bed and had a snooze until Wendy went to wake her up.
My mum was feeling sad after the death of her best friend and having Wendy make a fuss of her was a welcome distraction. My mum isn't sleeping well, which is usually a symptom of depression. Grieving has much the same symptoms and it is a process that has to be gone through. There is no quick and easy way around it. Even Jesus cried when his friend Lazarus died.
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