Kate and Nigel's cat Phantom hasn't been well. She took a turn for the worse last night and they are at the Vet with her now. She has liver cancer even though she is such a young cat - only 3yrs old. The Vet is giving them time to say their goodbyes, then Phantom will be put to sleep.
Of course it is for the best, but how sad. They are really upset. They want to bury her in my mother's garden.
A friend is looking after Wendy, who loves her cats and knows that two of them live in her house. She is always concerned for their welfare and wanting to feed them. Wendy will sense her parent's sadness and will know that one of her cats is no longer there, but how can you explain these things to a two year old?
Phantom came from a cat sanctuary. She had had too many litters of kittens for such a young cat, and had known cruelty and hard times. At least she had a couple of happy years with them and she died knowing she was loved.
Sleep in comfort little one, in a place where no pain can touch you any more.
You were a good friend.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Going offline for a While
I'm having the worst relapse I've had for months.
When I first get up, I feel fine, but as time goes by, I get dreadfully nauseous, my head aches, my arms, hips and joints hurt a lot and I feel dizzy. Then I need to go and sleep and after a few hours, wake up feeling quite a lot better, but within half an hour, feel ghastly again.
So, I'm going to bed at least until Saturday. I'll allow myself up for half an hour at a time but won't be doing much during those half hours. They are more to avoid the complications of bedrest, but frankly, this health dip has been going on for several weeks and I think the only thing to do now is to rest up and wait it out.
So, I'm going offline for a while. Sitting at the computer is physically painful and exhausting, so I won't do it until I feel a lot better.
I'll think of my friends and loved ones while I'm resting, so please don't feel abandoned! Just to cheer you up, here is a pic of Woozle having fun with her Auntie Michelle:
When I first get up, I feel fine, but as time goes by, I get dreadfully nauseous, my head aches, my arms, hips and joints hurt a lot and I feel dizzy. Then I need to go and sleep and after a few hours, wake up feeling quite a lot better, but within half an hour, feel ghastly again.
So, I'm going to bed at least until Saturday. I'll allow myself up for half an hour at a time but won't be doing much during those half hours. They are more to avoid the complications of bedrest, but frankly, this health dip has been going on for several weeks and I think the only thing to do now is to rest up and wait it out.
So, I'm going offline for a while. Sitting at the computer is physically painful and exhausting, so I won't do it until I feel a lot better.
I'll think of my friends and loved ones while I'm resting, so please don't feel abandoned! Just to cheer you up, here is a pic of Woozle having fun with her Auntie Michelle:
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Odd Hour
I have been tired and unwell lately. Last night I fell asleep at 7.30 when Michelle was going to watch a television programme. I intended to get up at 8pm to watch a movie with her, but the next thing I knew was that it was 01h30! I'd had 5 missed calls from Sean.
With this odd sleeping thing, I'm sure it will take a while to get my body back in rhythm. Perhaps not though because after 20 min at the computer, my hips are sore and my head aches. I feel as if I could go back to bed and sleep. I'll try that.
With this odd sleeping thing, I'm sure it will take a while to get my body back in rhythm. Perhaps not though because after 20 min at the computer, my hips are sore and my head aches. I feel as if I could go back to bed and sleep. I'll try that.
Birthdays
It is my brother Stephen's birthday today.
Happy Birthday, Stephen.
Stephen shares his birthday with Lisa, a dear friend.
Happy Birthday to you too, Lisa dear.
I'm thinking of you both today and wishing you very many more happy and healthy ones.
Happy Birthday, Stephen.
Stephen shares his birthday with Lisa, a dear friend.
Happy Birthday to you too, Lisa dear.
I'm thinking of you both today and wishing you very many more happy and healthy ones.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Nearly Two
Its hard to believe, but our little Woozle is nearly 2 years old. The time has flown by. Hasn't she grown?
She loves playing with people she knows well and is full of fun. She is a bit quiet at the moment as she is getting over a nasty cold. Of course, she is in Nursery school now, and children spread germs around very liberally. We just accept that as a fact of life while admiring her dramatic progress in vocabulary. She still loves 'peek a boo' sorts of games, enjoys building blocks, her dolls and pram and her 'motor bike'. She loves reading, especially her 'Zoo' book, where she gets a great kick out of us pretending to be frightened of the snake. My Mum got her some LetterLand videos which she loves. She asks for 'Duckie' from the title Detective Dippy Duck, and she carries on until we let her see it. We are virtually word perfect in it, and we would prefer not to be, so I plan to get her another LetterLand video for her birthday so that we have a selection.
This child is such a delight to us and we are so thankful that God sent her to live in our family.
She loves playing with people she knows well and is full of fun. She is a bit quiet at the moment as she is getting over a nasty cold. Of course, she is in Nursery school now, and children spread germs around very liberally. We just accept that as a fact of life while admiring her dramatic progress in vocabulary. She still loves 'peek a boo' sorts of games, enjoys building blocks, her dolls and pram and her 'motor bike'. She loves reading, especially her 'Zoo' book, where she gets a great kick out of us pretending to be frightened of the snake. My Mum got her some LetterLand videos which she loves. She asks for 'Duckie' from the title Detective Dippy Duck, and she carries on until we let her see it. We are virtually word perfect in it, and we would prefer not to be, so I plan to get her another LetterLand video for her birthday so that we have a selection.
This child is such a delight to us and we are so thankful that God sent her to live in our family.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Caelyn's Friends and Neighbours
Caelyn was at school with a girl I will call Bobbie. She is married to Mike and they have a daughter about the same age as Wendy.
Mike and Bobbie suffered a stillbirth late last year, and apart from that, the old grandpa is dying. They both work, but due to all the upset, they are behind with their rent. Their boiler packed up before winter started and they have had no hot water or heating. The landlord will not repair the boiler until they are up to date with their rent. He has finally sent them Notice to Quit. Not very nice, but not unexpected.
What was unexpected and frankly very low, was that Mike and Bobbie got a letter from Social Services saying that they would need to come and inspect because the Landlord had reported them for neglecting their baby. The Social Workers are due to come tomorrow.
The Landlord has not in fact seen the child, but he knows that they have no hot water or heating because he knows he hasn't fixed the boiler.
Mike and Bobbie are very upset, but the child looks visibly well nourished, a good weight for her height with rosy cheeks. She is confident and outgoing, talks well and is ahead of some of her milestones. Caelyn can confirm that the baby baths at her house and that she has loaned them two electric heaters to keep the baby's room warm. Mike baths at Caelyn's too, and Bobbie baths at work as she works in a Care Home. Objectively speaking, there are no grounds for removing the baby, but these are Social Workers who are not the most reasonable creatures on the planet.
Bobbie has taken the Notice to Quit to the Council and they are top of the list for a Council House. Perhaps the Social Worker's endorsement could help with that application.
Caelyn and Nigel are over there at the moment, helping Mike to blitz the place, as Bobbie is at work. Caelyn said they turned up unannounced this afternoon, and found that the baby was in her normal childcare placement and that Bobbie was at work. It is sneaky to turn up out of the blue like that, and I don't trust them as far as I can spit backwards. I'm reminded of the legendary late Aspinall who founded Port Lympne and Howletts Zoos. He was criticised for taking his newborn grandchildren into the gorilla cage and he said they were much safer in the hands of gorillas than in the hands of social workers, and really, I think the man had a very valid point.
So tomorrow will be crucial. Let us pray that the social workers will
a) be honest and
b) see things as they really are and not as the spiteful and negligent landlord would have them believe.
Caelyn has complained about dangerous electrical wiring a couple of times and it hasn't been fixed but she is too scared to carry on complaining because she is scared to death that they will get reported to social services too.
What kind of world is this????
Mike and Bobbie suffered a stillbirth late last year, and apart from that, the old grandpa is dying. They both work, but due to all the upset, they are behind with their rent. Their boiler packed up before winter started and they have had no hot water or heating. The landlord will not repair the boiler until they are up to date with their rent. He has finally sent them Notice to Quit. Not very nice, but not unexpected.
What was unexpected and frankly very low, was that Mike and Bobbie got a letter from Social Services saying that they would need to come and inspect because the Landlord had reported them for neglecting their baby. The Social Workers are due to come tomorrow.
The Landlord has not in fact seen the child, but he knows that they have no hot water or heating because he knows he hasn't fixed the boiler.
Mike and Bobbie are very upset, but the child looks visibly well nourished, a good weight for her height with rosy cheeks. She is confident and outgoing, talks well and is ahead of some of her milestones. Caelyn can confirm that the baby baths at her house and that she has loaned them two electric heaters to keep the baby's room warm. Mike baths at Caelyn's too, and Bobbie baths at work as she works in a Care Home. Objectively speaking, there are no grounds for removing the baby, but these are Social Workers who are not the most reasonable creatures on the planet.
Bobbie has taken the Notice to Quit to the Council and they are top of the list for a Council House. Perhaps the Social Worker's endorsement could help with that application.
Caelyn and Nigel are over there at the moment, helping Mike to blitz the place, as Bobbie is at work. Caelyn said they turned up unannounced this afternoon, and found that the baby was in her normal childcare placement and that Bobbie was at work. It is sneaky to turn up out of the blue like that, and I don't trust them as far as I can spit backwards. I'm reminded of the legendary late Aspinall who founded Port Lympne and Howletts Zoos. He was criticised for taking his newborn grandchildren into the gorilla cage and he said they were much safer in the hands of gorillas than in the hands of social workers, and really, I think the man had a very valid point.
So tomorrow will be crucial. Let us pray that the social workers will
a) be honest and
b) see things as they really are and not as the spiteful and negligent landlord would have them believe.
Caelyn has complained about dangerous electrical wiring a couple of times and it hasn't been fixed but she is too scared to carry on complaining because she is scared to death that they will get reported to social services too.
What kind of world is this????
Caelyn's Cat - happy news
Caelyn's cat, Phantom, is well and eating and getting over whatever nasty bug she had.
Thanks be to God!
Thanks be to God!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Caelyn's Cat
Caelyn's cat Phantom has been hiding today. Caelyn saw her yesterday and she was OK, but she phoned me tonight in tears saying that Phantom had been hiding, she had just seen her, and she had lost a lot of weight. Her eyes were glassy with the 3rd eyelid visible. It doesn't sound good.
I advised her not to call the Vet tonight because the surgeries do not have staff on a 24hr basis, so Phantom would be better at home where Caelyn could watch her. I suggested she try to give Phantom weak warm watery milk with added sugar for extra calories and a few drops of brandy.
It is going to be a long night. I am worried about Caelyn's distress as she is very upset. It sounds like cat 'flu and poor little Phantom probably won't make it whether she is at the vets or at home. I said to keep Wendy and the other animals well away from Phantom so they don't upset her. Caelyn is on the couch downstairs with the cat folded to her chest, willing Phantom not to give up but to fight for life.
I advised her not to call the Vet tonight because the surgeries do not have staff on a 24hr basis, so Phantom would be better at home where Caelyn could watch her. I suggested she try to give Phantom weak warm watery milk with added sugar for extra calories and a few drops of brandy.
It is going to be a long night. I am worried about Caelyn's distress as she is very upset. It sounds like cat 'flu and poor little Phantom probably won't make it whether she is at the vets or at home. I said to keep Wendy and the other animals well away from Phantom so they don't upset her. Caelyn is on the couch downstairs with the cat folded to her chest, willing Phantom not to give up but to fight for life.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Caelyn's Birthday
Caelyn is a Valentine's Baby. On her actual birthday, she had a horrible day. She had a new tutor who was very nitpicking, her baby wasn't well (she had picked up a bug at Nursery School) so she was short on sleep, her friend was ill so Caelyn went to look after Sammy's baby, wait there for the gas man and clean the place while Nigel took Sammy to hospital. Fortunately it was a kidney infection, rather severe but easy to treat. So by the end of the day, she felt thoroughly despondent.
They had planned all along that they would celebrate her birthday today, and I'm delighted to tell you she had a fabulous time. She appreciated her presents. Michelle did her hair and make up for her, a friend put on acrylic nails with nail art for her and Josie, Michelle and I looked after Wendy while Nigel took her to a Dinner and Dance at the East Cliff Pavilion, where she thoroughly enjoyed herself.
She looked fabulous, as did Nigel. Wendy was as sweet as pie and didn't cry at all. She watched her Duck LetterLand video, was read to, played with, given dinner and a bath after which Michelle put her pyjamas on amid great shrieks and giggles. When she was tired, she asked for her Mum, but she didn't cry, and settled down to sleep like a little angel. She insisted on keeping her shoes on though. My Mum had found some excellent Startright shoes on sale. They are top quality and sell for well over £30 but Josie got a pair for £1 and another two pairs for silly prices. She would have been a fool not to have bought them. Wendy was ecstatic. She is going to be a real 'bag and shoes' girl.
I'm very pleased that Caelyn and Nigel had a good time. They work hard at their studies and they are very broke because of their studying and life isn't too easy for them. If ever a couple deserved a blast, it is those two.
My Mum brought dinner for us at home - a fabulous home baked meat pie from Farthingloe Farm and a blackberry and apple crumble she made herself. There wasn't time for the Thorntons cake Michelle got her, but we look forward to having that tomorrow.
Thank you God, for families. They were a brilliant idea!
They had planned all along that they would celebrate her birthday today, and I'm delighted to tell you she had a fabulous time. She appreciated her presents. Michelle did her hair and make up for her, a friend put on acrylic nails with nail art for her and Josie, Michelle and I looked after Wendy while Nigel took her to a Dinner and Dance at the East Cliff Pavilion, where she thoroughly enjoyed herself.
She looked fabulous, as did Nigel. Wendy was as sweet as pie and didn't cry at all. She watched her Duck LetterLand video, was read to, played with, given dinner and a bath after which Michelle put her pyjamas on amid great shrieks and giggles. When she was tired, she asked for her Mum, but she didn't cry, and settled down to sleep like a little angel. She insisted on keeping her shoes on though. My Mum had found some excellent Startright shoes on sale. They are top quality and sell for well over £30 but Josie got a pair for £1 and another two pairs for silly prices. She would have been a fool not to have bought them. Wendy was ecstatic. She is going to be a real 'bag and shoes' girl.
I'm very pleased that Caelyn and Nigel had a good time. They work hard at their studies and they are very broke because of their studying and life isn't too easy for them. If ever a couple deserved a blast, it is those two.
My Mum brought dinner for us at home - a fabulous home baked meat pie from Farthingloe Farm and a blackberry and apple crumble she made herself. There wasn't time for the Thorntons cake Michelle got her, but we look forward to having that tomorrow.
Thank you God, for families. They were a brilliant idea!
Friday, February 15, 2008
How to start your day with a Cheerful outlook
1. Open a new file in your computer.
2. Name it "Robert Mugabe".
3. Send it to the Recycle Bin.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin.
5. Your PC will ask you. "Do you really want to get rid of
"Robert Mugabe ?"
6. Firmly Click "Yes."
7. Feel better?
2. Name it "Robert Mugabe".
3. Send it to the Recycle Bin.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin.
5. Your PC will ask you. "Do you really want to get rid of
"Robert Mugabe ?"
6. Firmly Click "Yes."
7. Feel better?
Unusual Sight
On my way home this morning, I passed a Funeral Home and was amazed and happy to see these beautifully turned out horses with their grooms ready to transport someone to the cemetery or possibly a church.
The whole rig was sparkling clean and very impressive looking.
The horses - one a 16hh Thoroughbred and the other a 17.2hh Shire Cross looked magnificent in their lovingly cared for tack and brasses. They had been very well groomed and their hooves were oiled and glossy too. They wore blinkers and their groom, a tiny lady, stayed with them all the time. It was a wonderful sight to see. It makes me hope that the person who died had died well and with dignity after a long and happy life.
I took these pics with my mobile phone which is why the quality isn't brilliant but it was something I wanted to remember. I should say that the person they had come to collect was still in the funeral home and there were no relatives nearby. If there had been, I would not have taken photos because it would have been far too disrespectful and insensitive.
May whoever it was who was to be drawn in this carriage through the Mercy of Christ Rest in Peace.
The whole rig was sparkling clean and very impressive looking.
The horses - one a 16hh Thoroughbred and the other a 17.2hh Shire Cross looked magnificent in their lovingly cared for tack and brasses. They had been very well groomed and their hooves were oiled and glossy too. They wore blinkers and their groom, a tiny lady, stayed with them all the time. It was a wonderful sight to see. It makes me hope that the person who died had died well and with dignity after a long and happy life.
I took these pics with my mobile phone which is why the quality isn't brilliant but it was something I wanted to remember. I should say that the person they had come to collect was still in the funeral home and there were no relatives nearby. If there had been, I would not have taken photos because it would have been far too disrespectful and insensitive.
May whoever it was who was to be drawn in this carriage through the Mercy of Christ Rest in Peace.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Birthday Caelyn
Happy Birthday, my little Lastborn!
Wishing you a wonderful year, overtaken with blessings and prosperity.
Wishing you a wonderful year, overtaken with blessings and prosperity.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Ferocious Blessings
Someone referred me to a website with beautiful photos done by a person severely affected with ME and who has been confined in pain to one darkened room for 11 years. The photos are extraordinary, and I recommend that you take a look.
The site is called Ferocious Blessings.
Here is a little about the artist, copied from her page:
Severe M.E. has left me bedridden for more than a decade. Most of that time has been spent alone, in the dark, overwhelmed by pain and exhaustion, and feeling too fatigued for any activities. One day, after a slight improvement, I picked up my mother's digital camera. I didn't have energy to investigate how to use it, just pointed and clicked. My arms were weak and the result was blurry but there was tremendous satisfaction from producing something colourful – and it had only required a couple of second of precious energy.
Almost immediately I felt I wanted to take atmospheric photographs documenting the 'spirit' of one who had been ill, disabled and shut away from society for so long. I was the only model available for this and despite being very camera shy, I submitted myself to the scrutiny of the camera.
When I became tired of photographing tiredness, I turned the camera on the darkened room that I have been incarcerated in for eleven years. I discovered it contains a parallel universe of vibrancy (perhaps the so called invalid and her kind do too!).
The site is called Ferocious Blessings.
Here is a little about the artist, copied from her page:
Severe M.E. has left me bedridden for more than a decade. Most of that time has been spent alone, in the dark, overwhelmed by pain and exhaustion, and feeling too fatigued for any activities. One day, after a slight improvement, I picked up my mother's digital camera. I didn't have energy to investigate how to use it, just pointed and clicked. My arms were weak and the result was blurry but there was tremendous satisfaction from producing something colourful – and it had only required a couple of second of precious energy.
Almost immediately I felt I wanted to take atmospheric photographs documenting the 'spirit' of one who had been ill, disabled and shut away from society for so long. I was the only model available for this and despite being very camera shy, I submitted myself to the scrutiny of the camera.
When I became tired of photographing tiredness, I turned the camera on the darkened room that I have been incarcerated in for eleven years. I discovered it contains a parallel universe of vibrancy (perhaps the so called invalid and her kind do too!).
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Roast Chicken and Harmony?
Sean invited Caelyn, Nigel, Wendy and I to his house for Caelyn's favourite Roast Chicken. When we got there, Wendy was tired of sitting still so there was a bit of fun in the garden for her to stretch her legs.
Brakkie was with her all the time. No surprise there. He adores that kid and sticks closer than a brother.
Even Sean joined in the chasing around the garden.
Dad was never too far away either.
After all that, we were all very hungry and were very pleased to see the chicken that we had been looking forward to for weeks.
Behold the Master Chef! His cooking is definitely better than his piano playing.
Soon we were all tucking in with a good appetite. No wine though, because it is Lent. Mind you, apart from Sean, none of us drink anyway. Nigel won't even smell the stuff if he is driving and Caelyn and I can't drink for health reasons, and Woozle is far too young for it. So it was only Sean who felt a bit deprived. All the same, there was so much going on that I'm sure he didn't have time to even think about wine.
There was some happy chit chat around the table when the meal was finished.
.... but someone had to go to the Naughty Step. Now, who might that be, exactly?
Then we had some Bendicks' Mint Chocolates in the sitting room and Sean and Wendy began making Melodies. Melodies? Well, I'm sure thats what the Publicity people said. I think you'll have to decide for yourselves though.
Brakkie was with her all the time. No surprise there. He adores that kid and sticks closer than a brother.
Even Sean joined in the chasing around the garden.
Dad was never too far away either.
After all that, we were all very hungry and were very pleased to see the chicken that we had been looking forward to for weeks.
Behold the Master Chef! His cooking is definitely better than his piano playing.
Soon we were all tucking in with a good appetite. No wine though, because it is Lent. Mind you, apart from Sean, none of us drink anyway. Nigel won't even smell the stuff if he is driving and Caelyn and I can't drink for health reasons, and Woozle is far too young for it. So it was only Sean who felt a bit deprived. All the same, there was so much going on that I'm sure he didn't have time to even think about wine.
There was some happy chit chat around the table when the meal was finished.
.... but someone had to go to the Naughty Step. Now, who might that be, exactly?
Then we had some Bendicks' Mint Chocolates in the sitting room and Sean and Wendy began making Melodies. Melodies? Well, I'm sure thats what the Publicity people said. I think you'll have to decide for yourselves though.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Muscles
I have been having a hard time health wise. Yesterday it was difficult to get through the Ash Wednesday Mass and I am thankful that I did because I'm really having problems today.
My muscles hurt and feel as responsive as jelly. I can't sit up at my computer any more. The housework will have to wait. There is nothing for it - I will just have to go back to bed and hope for the best.
I came to the computer to read my Daily Retreat and I came across Fr Mychal Judge's prayer
Father Mychal's Prayer
Lord, take me where
you want me to go;
Let me meet who
you want me to meet;
Tell me what
you want me to say, and
Keep me out of your way.
The URL for the Daily Retreat is http://www.ihrc.net/retreat.htm and it has been a great blessing to me since I first had a computer.
My muscles hurt and feel as responsive as jelly. I can't sit up at my computer any more. The housework will have to wait. There is nothing for it - I will just have to go back to bed and hope for the best.
I came to the computer to read my Daily Retreat and I came across Fr Mychal Judge's prayer
Father Mychal's Prayer
Lord, take me where
you want me to go;
Let me meet who
you want me to meet;
Tell me what
you want me to say, and
Keep me out of your way.
The URL for the Daily Retreat is http://www.ihrc.net/retreat.htm and it has been a great blessing to me since I first had a computer.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Ash Wednesday and Christmas Dinner
Last night, Shrove Tuesday, Sean took his office staff out for a meal at a Tunbridge Wells Restaurant, the Brasserie Blanc. The food was of a high standard and everyone enjoyed themselves.
It was actually the office Christmas Dinner at the very last possible moment before Lent. Sean is frequently late, but a Christmas Dinner on Shrove Tuesday is magnificent in its outrageousness and has taken the great O'Connor legend to new heights! He will never be able to top this one.
I had been going through a bad ME-tummy phase and I dosed myself up on extra medication plus live yoghurt and counted myself lucky that I got through it ok. When the ME is more active, I sleep badly. I woke up at 5am after going to sleep at 1am, with disturbances in between. I thought it best to go home to rest in order to be in time to pick Wendy up from school at 12, so that is what I did.
My mother has driven Michelle to Eastbourne where she will be spending a week at a place called Ellel (I think that is how it is spelled)
Sean went to the dentist today - what a penance with which to start Lent! He went to the Tonbridge church to get his ashes and I went to Our Lady Help of Christians in Folkestone, which has a serene and holy atmosphere. The church was so full that Father was surprised and thanked us for turning out in such great numbers. The Folkestone church usually is pretty full anyway.
Physically, I found the Mass very difficult. It was getting harder and harder to stand or kneel so when I simply could not do it any more, I just sat quietly. My muscles just weren't going to do anything more at all. I feel tired and achy and ill and nauseous, but happy and optimistic, and serious about putting as much into Lent as possible.
It was actually the office Christmas Dinner at the very last possible moment before Lent. Sean is frequently late, but a Christmas Dinner on Shrove Tuesday is magnificent in its outrageousness and has taken the great O'Connor legend to new heights! He will never be able to top this one.
I had been going through a bad ME-tummy phase and I dosed myself up on extra medication plus live yoghurt and counted myself lucky that I got through it ok. When the ME is more active, I sleep badly. I woke up at 5am after going to sleep at 1am, with disturbances in between. I thought it best to go home to rest in order to be in time to pick Wendy up from school at 12, so that is what I did.
My mother has driven Michelle to Eastbourne where she will be spending a week at a place called Ellel (I think that is how it is spelled)
Sean went to the dentist today - what a penance with which to start Lent! He went to the Tonbridge church to get his ashes and I went to Our Lady Help of Christians in Folkestone, which has a serene and holy atmosphere. The church was so full that Father was surprised and thanked us for turning out in such great numbers. The Folkestone church usually is pretty full anyway.
Physically, I found the Mass very difficult. It was getting harder and harder to stand or kneel so when I simply could not do it any more, I just sat quietly. My muscles just weren't going to do anything more at all. I feel tired and achy and ill and nauseous, but happy and optimistic, and serious about putting as much into Lent as possible.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Had to Laugh
Madam Woozle got hold of some wrapping paper this evening. She thought she would gift-wrap herself. So far, so good.
Then she gets a brilliant idea. (I should mention at this point that she had had a bath not 20 minutes since and was already grubby again. She insists on wearing her boots to bed. Her Mum waits until she is in a sound sleep before removing them)
The brilliant idea: the dog has to be gift-wrapped too.
I don't think the dog was quite as keen as Woozle was, but he should be given credit for being longsuffering.
How would you describe this face? Impish? Triumphant? Mischievous? Wicked? Funny? Sweet? Cute? Or perhaps, simply, 'Pure Woozle' ? Oh dear, I already feel sorry for her Teacher even though she hasn't started school yet!
What a child!!
Then she gets a brilliant idea. (I should mention at this point that she had had a bath not 20 minutes since and was already grubby again. She insists on wearing her boots to bed. Her Mum waits until she is in a sound sleep before removing them)
The brilliant idea: the dog has to be gift-wrapped too.
I don't think the dog was quite as keen as Woozle was, but he should be given credit for being longsuffering.
How would you describe this face? Impish? Triumphant? Mischievous? Wicked? Funny? Sweet? Cute? Or perhaps, simply, 'Pure Woozle' ? Oh dear, I already feel sorry for her Teacher even though she hasn't started school yet!
What a child!!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Congratulations are in order
Brother Paul was General Manager in Minopex, South Africa.
Today he learned that he has been promoted to Managing Director.
He is very chuffed and my mum is very proud of his achievements.
Minopex' website has not yet been updated, but here is a link to the old page that lists him as General Manager.
Congratulations, Paul.
Today he learned that he has been promoted to Managing Director.
He is very chuffed and my mum is very proud of his achievements.
Minopex' website has not yet been updated, but here is a link to the old page that lists him as General Manager.
Congratulations, Paul.
Thank God!
Thank God! The babies are OK.
The A & E doctor phoned Guys Hospital Poison Centre and was told that the chemical was only harmful after 250ml had been ingested and they would show signs of being drowsy, drooling and vomiting. They were alert, giggly and chirpy, so they concluded that they can't have had any and they were discharged.
The chemicals, which were for the car, had been in an alcove behind the front door. Wendy has never been able to open the door because she is still a tad too short. Caelyn had gone to the lavatory and when she got out she heard giggling. She hurried over to ask them what they were doing, and Ayesha said "Painting!" with great glee.
They have had such a fright that Nigel is putting a chain on that door so that the babies can't open it. You have to have nerves of steel to be a parent.
After everything was OK, I virtually collapsed and had to go to bed for a couple of hours.
The A & E doctor phoned Guys Hospital Poison Centre and was told that the chemical was only harmful after 250ml had been ingested and they would show signs of being drowsy, drooling and vomiting. They were alert, giggly and chirpy, so they concluded that they can't have had any and they were discharged.
The chemicals, which were for the car, had been in an alcove behind the front door. Wendy has never been able to open the door because she is still a tad too short. Caelyn had gone to the lavatory and when she got out she heard giggling. She hurried over to ask them what they were doing, and Ayesha said "Painting!" with great glee.
They have had such a fright that Nigel is putting a chain on that door so that the babies can't open it. You have to have nerves of steel to be a parent.
After everything was OK, I virtually collapsed and had to go to bed for a couple of hours.
Please Pray
My 2yr old granddaughter Wendy and her friend Ayesha got hold of some poisonous chemical for the car - similar to Antifreeze. Nobody is sure if they drank some or not, but we all know childproof caps keep adults but not children out. The chemicals are highly toxic so they are all at A and E now. Ayesha's mum had a stillborn baby in December and is still grieving so she doesn't need extra worry and heartache now.
Everyone is afraid
a) of the effects of the poison itself on the babies and
b) that Social Services will be called.
It is a terrible dilemma because you have to seek medical care for your child but if you do you risk having the child taken away from you. My daughter, Caelyn, is in a terrible state.
Everyone is afraid
a) of the effects of the poison itself on the babies and
b) that Social Services will be called.
It is a terrible dilemma because you have to seek medical care for your child but if you do you risk having the child taken away from you. My daughter, Caelyn, is in a terrible state.
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