Saturday, October 08, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
The scan picture clearly shows little feet. This is Michelle's 18 week scan. There is another picture I'd like to post of the baby reaching out with his arm. His fingers are clearly visible. There was so much excitement in the scanning room. We saw his heart beating and we also saw the ridges and gullies of his brain. Michelle says he is especially active this evening.
On the way back from the hospital, we called in at Caelyn's. The two sisters were sooooo excited and were comparing bumps and maternity notes. Its exciting for them to be expecting together.
They will be Winter babies.
One problem is that Caelyn's village gets cut off during heavy snow, and she delivered her two daughters quickly. The midwife has told her to call at the first twinge and they are thinking it might end up as a home birth if its too dangerous to try to get to hospital. That's Plan B.
Plan C, if the midwife can't get to her, I've suggested that Nigel put her on a sled and take her to the Old Age Home nearby because at least three of the staff there have been senior midwives for a long time. They obviously don't keep midwifery equipment there, but they would have a better idea of what to do than Nigel would.
The other thing is that this winter is forecast to be a harsh one, and the cost of heating has gone up by double figures. We couldn't afford it last year when it was cheaper.
We will have to keep one room warm and stay in that one with the baby. Otherwise, we will keep heavy curtains closed to keep the heat in, drink hot drinks, move around, put on extra layers of clothing and use blankets when we are sitting still.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Little Animals
But they will disappear at bath time, so we won't have them long.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Michelle Expecting a Baby
We are delighted for her. This is a Miracle baby, and very, very welcome. Little one is due on 22 February. Caelyn's boy is due at the beginning of January, so my guess is that the cousins will get up to a lot of mischief together.
Michelle's Baby
Michelle's baby age 13 weeks and one day. Baby was very active and was seen sucking his or her thumb. Baby is due on 22 February.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Grandbaby News
Caelyn went for her 20 week Anomaly Scan.
The baby is fine, and everything is within normal parameters.
And its a boy this time!
We have never had a boy in the family. What on earth does one do with one?
Apparently they are quite different to little girls.
Monday, August 15, 2011
A Rare Opportunity
Sometimes people do great things for us and we move away and lose touch. As years go by, the understanding of just how much gratitude we owe that person gets deeper and deeper and we wish we could see them again to tell them just how much they affected our lives. Quite often, it isn't possible.
I had an extraordinary teacher in 1976. I have spoken of her often, and remembered the things she taught me. I didn't think I would have a chance to see her again in this life, and I very much wanted to tell her how much she meant to me - and still does. She was a petite Franciscan nun whose face radiated with joy. She was so excited about what she was teaching that her words would trip over themselves. That joy and enthusiasm made the message go straight in to the head of even the scattiest kid. She was gentle, funny, sweet, warm and holy, and quite irresistible, even to the stern Calvinist School Inspector.
I recently found an old friend, Fiona, on Facebook. She wrote Matric in the same year that I did, and she still lives in Durban. She is coming to England to visit her daughter in September, and I can't wait to see her.
She was also one of Sister Lucy's pupils, and astonishingly recently met up with her again. Fiona and her husband Rob teach adults Christian Doctrine, and Sister Lucy is also one of the teachers. Fiona passed a verbal message from me to Sister Lucy and then I emailed her, care of Fiona. She is 83 years old and living in the convent for frail Franciscan Sisters in Durban. We spoke on the phone. I was brimming over with gratitude that I was able to thank her for all she is and for all she meant to me. It is so seldom that we are granted such an opportunity.
But it gets even better. She said she was going to visit Ireland for two months to visit her frail older sister, and as soon as Sean heard that, he suggested we go and see her there. We fly to Shannon on Friday. He has heard so much about her over the years that he feels he knows her too. I really hope it all works out, but even if it doesn't, I am so blessed to have been able to email her and speak to her.
Here we are:
I had an extraordinary teacher in 1976. I have spoken of her often, and remembered the things she taught me. I didn't think I would have a chance to see her again in this life, and I very much wanted to tell her how much she meant to me - and still does. She was a petite Franciscan nun whose face radiated with joy. She was so excited about what she was teaching that her words would trip over themselves. That joy and enthusiasm made the message go straight in to the head of even the scattiest kid. She was gentle, funny, sweet, warm and holy, and quite irresistible, even to the stern Calvinist School Inspector.
I recently found an old friend, Fiona, on Facebook. She wrote Matric in the same year that I did, and she still lives in Durban. She is coming to England to visit her daughter in September, and I can't wait to see her.
She was also one of Sister Lucy's pupils, and astonishingly recently met up with her again. Fiona and her husband Rob teach adults Christian Doctrine, and Sister Lucy is also one of the teachers. Fiona passed a verbal message from me to Sister Lucy and then I emailed her, care of Fiona. She is 83 years old and living in the convent for frail Franciscan Sisters in Durban. We spoke on the phone. I was brimming over with gratitude that I was able to thank her for all she is and for all she meant to me. It is so seldom that we are granted such an opportunity.
But it gets even better. She said she was going to visit Ireland for two months to visit her frail older sister, and as soon as Sean heard that, he suggested we go and see her there. We fly to Shannon on Friday. He has heard so much about her over the years that he feels he knows her too. I really hope it all works out, but even if it doesn't, I am so blessed to have been able to email her and speak to her.
Here we are:
New Ways
I have downloaded the Blogger App to my Android phone, and am hoping that it will work well. I haven't blogged much lately, and that is because I don't always want to turn the computer on. The laptop keyboard is damaged, and I don't always feel well enough to sit at the big desktop computer. I am not too sure about posting photos, but will probably find a way to do it.
Yesterday Sean and I took the kids out and oh boy, I am paying the price today! So I am in bed catching up with the Blog. I uploaded some photos to my Picasa web albums yesterday, so I will look and see if I can work out how to post a link from my phone rather than my computer.
OK, I haven't found a way from my phone, so I went to the computer. Here is the link to the album with pics of the kids on the Hythe and Dymchurch Light Railway yesterday. Its expensive so it is only done once a year, and it was Teresa Jayne and Benny's first time yesterday. (29 GBP for two adults, a five year old and a two year old). They had loads of fun.
LINK TO PICASA ALBUM
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
A sad Farewell to Jake
This is Jake, who was put to sleep yesterday because he had a cancerous tumour that doubled in size in a week, and it was cutting off his airway. I've known Jake for years, and you couldn't hope to meet a dog with a nicer nature.
Sadly it isn't possible to contact his owner who is a dear friend. She is in one of the Balkan countries and gets back next week. She will be shocked and devastated to hear of what happened to Jake. The Vet tried to keep the old boy going until she came back from her visit, but he couldn't succeed with such an aggressive cancer and that very final decision had to be made in my friend's absence.
Friday, June 24, 2011
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!
I was asked not to say anything up until now, but Caelyn and Nigel are expecting another baby. She went for a scan today, and has been given a 'due date' of 2 January. The baby is developing well and everything is within normal limits, and this is the first pregnancy Caelyn has had that has ever been within normal limits.
Yet even that is odd because the child was conceived while Caelyn had the Implanon progesterone based contraceptive implant surgically implanted in her arm. It was supposed to have protected her for 3 years but she conceived long before it was due to be replaced. The child certainly wasn't planned. Caelyn had been doing very well in her studies and her two bedroomed house was starting to be as she wanted it to be. We are in a recession and everything is much more expensive and wages are not keeping up. They will have to move again, and they love their house and hate moving. Studies may never happen because after the baby is born, the course will be unaffordable for them. Her kidney function is poor and will be strained further during a pregnancy.
There seems to be so much against it, but we all are deeply sure that this little one is a special Gift from God. The Implant is supposed to be foolproof, yet we are having a new baby in the family. We welcome this gift with gladness, and thanksgiving.
Here is the little one, already 6cm long and sucking his or her thumb. The magic of 12 weeks! Bless you, little one, and may you continue to grow and flourish as God knits you together in the secrecy of your mother's womb.
Psalm 139 verses 13 to 19
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake, I am still with you.
Implanon Wikipedia Quote:
In a comparison of birth control methods in terms of effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, Implanon is one of the most effective form of birth control currently available, along with Jadelle.
The failure rate for Implanon is 0.04%, as observed in the UK, where only 584 women have reported unwanted pregnancies, out of 1.3 million who have used Implanon since 1999. This means that only 1 in 2,000 women using Implanon will become pregnant over the course of one year of use. Unlike other birth control methods, there is no differential for perfect use versus typical use, as no user action is required after insertion. Most cases of failure are due to incorrect insertion or insertion during pregnancy.
Yet even that is odd because the child was conceived while Caelyn had the Implanon progesterone based contraceptive implant surgically implanted in her arm. It was supposed to have protected her for 3 years but she conceived long before it was due to be replaced. The child certainly wasn't planned. Caelyn had been doing very well in her studies and her two bedroomed house was starting to be as she wanted it to be. We are in a recession and everything is much more expensive and wages are not keeping up. They will have to move again, and they love their house and hate moving. Studies may never happen because after the baby is born, the course will be unaffordable for them. Her kidney function is poor and will be strained further during a pregnancy.
There seems to be so much against it, but we all are deeply sure that this little one is a special Gift from God. The Implant is supposed to be foolproof, yet we are having a new baby in the family. We welcome this gift with gladness, and thanksgiving.
Here is the little one, already 6cm long and sucking his or her thumb. The magic of 12 weeks! Bless you, little one, and may you continue to grow and flourish as God knits you together in the secrecy of your mother's womb.
Psalm 139 verses 13 to 19
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake, I am still with you.
Implanon Wikipedia Quote:
In a comparison of birth control methods in terms of effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, Implanon is one of the most effective form of birth control currently available, along with Jadelle.
The failure rate for Implanon is 0.04%, as observed in the UK, where only 584 women have reported unwanted pregnancies, out of 1.3 million who have used Implanon since 1999. This means that only 1 in 2,000 women using Implanon will become pregnant over the course of one year of use. Unlike other birth control methods, there is no differential for perfect use versus typical use, as no user action is required after insertion. Most cases of failure are due to incorrect insertion or insertion during pregnancy.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Italian ice cream, scooters and two little dogs
My mum and I were in the Italian ice-cream shop the other day. We had gone to town on our scooters and of course we took the dogs with us. Granny Whoops and Benny really enjoyed seeing each other again, and it was nice for my mum and I to be together doing relaxing, happy stuff on a summery day.
The summer has gone again though. Its just grey and cold. Mind you, yesterday was torrential rain as well as grey and cold, so I suppose you could say that things are looking up!
Team Tidge
Teresa Jayne and her sidekick Benny the Blondster driving dad's car.
This is quite reminiscent as I have a similar picture of Wendy doing the same thing at the same age, only with Brakkie, not Benny. The photo is in the Blog Archive for September 2007. Wendy and Brakkie had such a close bond. He has been gone for almost a year now but at times we still call Benny by Brakkie's name. Wendy often talks about him and says that she misses him. We all do.
Michelle and I both have regrets about the way he died. He was
desperately sick - he lay helplessly in his own diarrhoea, had fits
and at times couldn't walk. His fur was separating from his skin,
which was raw red. He was weak and in pain, so we kept taking him to
the Vet with the idea of putting him to sleep but then he would be
give some injections and perk up for a few days, so we hoped he might
get better. We had come back from the Vet one afternoon and he had
had to be carried from the car into the house because he was too weak
to walk, but after an hour or so, Wendy came and he got up and bounded
out to meet her and make a fuss of her. After that he collapsed
again. He had made one brave effort to greet his little friend.
So we decided he couldn't go on like that and we steeled ourselves and
made the appointment. But he didn't want to go! The Vet tried to get
the needle into a vein but she couldn't as he was struggling so much.
She gave him a sedative injection and tried again half an hour later,
but it didn't sedate him enough so she had to give him another dose.
When that worked she gave him a small dose of the euthanasing drug
into his vein but again he struggled, although less vigorously. He
fell down onto the table and she gave the remaining dose into his
heart. Michelle couldn't handle it and went to the waiting room with
my mum.
He was so sick (cancer of the liver) but he didn't want to go! I
think he wanted to die in his own home, and I'm sure he wouldn't have
lasted more than a couple of days. Michelle and I both found it
traumatic and wanted to stop the euthanasing process. We both wish we
had. He was such a good friend and he didn't deserve his last moments
like that. If we are ever in that situation again, I will ask the Vet
to provide me with medication to give at home and let my friend pass
away peacefully in his own bed. I don't mean I would put him to
sleep - what I mean is painkillers, antibiotics or steroids that would
keep him comfortable while Nature took its course.
Here he is, waiting patiently for us.
Sean and Michelle celebrating her new job.
Sean took Michelle, Richard and I out to dinner at Giovannis to
celebrate her new job. It was a lovely evening.
celebrate her new job. It was a lovely evening.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Santiago de Compostela
Sean set off to walk the Camino in mid May. The Camino is a walking Pilgrimage across France or Spain to Santiago, which is the Spanish word for St James the Apostle. Sean flew to Santander then travelled to Leon and he started his long 320km walk from there.
He walked through very rural areas across the Pyrenees. It was lonely and isolated for much of the way and sometimes all he saw were farmers driving tractors in the distance. He was caught in a sudden mountain thunderstorm and narrowly escaped being hit by a lightning bolt by about 50 metres, and he found that very unnerving. He depended on text messages and conversations with me to sustain him. Camino sites often advise Pilgrims to leave their mobile phones at home. I didn't think he would use it as he is technophobic but I wanted him to take it so he could call for help if he needed to. I suppose people should choose for themselves whether it would be right or wrong for them to take things like that with them. The thing is, if you are walking in a mostly unpopulated area and you break a leg, it could be a long time before someone finds you.
On 31 May, I flew from Stansted to Santiago de Compostela to meet him at the Parador dos Reyos Catolicos, or the Hospital of the Catholic Monarchs. The Monarchs were Ferdinand and Isabella, and they had the hospital built to exacting specifications in 1499, and it boasts that it is the oldest hotel in the world. I went to our very comfortable and quiet room off one of the cloisters and slept as I had been up at 4am to be at the airport by 5am. It is a 5 star hotel and I usually don't feel comfortable in them. I often feel like they are museums and afraid to sit down in case I wrinkle a cushion, but this hotel is most certainly not like that. Its just wonderfully comfortable and relaxing, and we would both like to go back there again.
Sean thought he would arrive at about 6pm, and I was in the square waiting for him to come down those famous steps. I was so excited and so very proud of him, and absolutely overwhelmed with joy. He was happy but exhausted, and we had a lovely meal in the hotel's restaurant. then a good night's sleep.
Naturally, getting his Pilgrim's Passport stamped and receiving his official Certificate was a high moment. Its an extraordinary achievement for anybody, but Sean is a 72yr old office worker!
DISABILITY INFO
The streets of Santiago are very wheelchair friendly. There are a lot of hills and no public transport in the narrow ancient streets of the old part of town, so if you need a wheelchair sometimes, I advise you to take it with you. The newer part of town is much like new towns anywhere and the public transport is good there. We went on a tour in a white bus that looks like a train and when we went past a Disability shop I saw wheelchairs but no scooters in the window.
I would not have coped without my small Revo scooter, and I would have held Sean back. I wouldn't have been able to cope with those inclines and distances and he would not have wanted to leave me at the hotel to go off exploring on his own. On our way home we flew from Santiago to Madrid, where we had wheelchair assistance booked. We arrived in Terminal One and were met by the Assistance Staff who whisked us through all the official checks and took us to Terminal Two for our connecting flight to Stansted. The Revo does walking speed of 4mph, and from the time we were met to the time we were handed over to the Assistance staff in Terminal Two, we had been doing walking speed for an hour. I would have collapsed if I had tried to do it on foot.
Airlines will carry scooters free of charge, courtesy of EU rules - even Ryanair. They have to measure no more than 1200 x 700mm and must have sealed batteries approved by the IATA. You also have to hand over the battery charger for inspection because, I suppose, it would be easy to put a bomb in one.
I saw no other scooters in Santiago at all, and had some envying looks from some older people, and a lot of curiosity from children. When my mother went to Benidorm she was able to hire a scooter, so they are not unknown in all parts of Spain.
Underneath here is a picture. Click on it and you can see the web-album online. There are some of the hotel and surrounding areas and a photo of the little white bus that looks like a train.
He walked through very rural areas across the Pyrenees. It was lonely and isolated for much of the way and sometimes all he saw were farmers driving tractors in the distance. He was caught in a sudden mountain thunderstorm and narrowly escaped being hit by a lightning bolt by about 50 metres, and he found that very unnerving. He depended on text messages and conversations with me to sustain him. Camino sites often advise Pilgrims to leave their mobile phones at home. I didn't think he would use it as he is technophobic but I wanted him to take it so he could call for help if he needed to. I suppose people should choose for themselves whether it would be right or wrong for them to take things like that with them. The thing is, if you are walking in a mostly unpopulated area and you break a leg, it could be a long time before someone finds you.
On 31 May, I flew from Stansted to Santiago de Compostela to meet him at the Parador dos Reyos Catolicos, or the Hospital of the Catholic Monarchs. The Monarchs were Ferdinand and Isabella, and they had the hospital built to exacting specifications in 1499, and it boasts that it is the oldest hotel in the world. I went to our very comfortable and quiet room off one of the cloisters and slept as I had been up at 4am to be at the airport by 5am. It is a 5 star hotel and I usually don't feel comfortable in them. I often feel like they are museums and afraid to sit down in case I wrinkle a cushion, but this hotel is most certainly not like that. Its just wonderfully comfortable and relaxing, and we would both like to go back there again.
Sean thought he would arrive at about 6pm, and I was in the square waiting for him to come down those famous steps. I was so excited and so very proud of him, and absolutely overwhelmed with joy. He was happy but exhausted, and we had a lovely meal in the hotel's restaurant. then a good night's sleep.
Naturally, getting his Pilgrim's Passport stamped and receiving his official Certificate was a high moment. Its an extraordinary achievement for anybody, but Sean is a 72yr old office worker!
DISABILITY INFO
The streets of Santiago are very wheelchair friendly. There are a lot of hills and no public transport in the narrow ancient streets of the old part of town, so if you need a wheelchair sometimes, I advise you to take it with you. The newer part of town is much like new towns anywhere and the public transport is good there. We went on a tour in a white bus that looks like a train and when we went past a Disability shop I saw wheelchairs but no scooters in the window.
I would not have coped without my small Revo scooter, and I would have held Sean back. I wouldn't have been able to cope with those inclines and distances and he would not have wanted to leave me at the hotel to go off exploring on his own. On our way home we flew from Santiago to Madrid, where we had wheelchair assistance booked. We arrived in Terminal One and were met by the Assistance Staff who whisked us through all the official checks and took us to Terminal Two for our connecting flight to Stansted. The Revo does walking speed of 4mph, and from the time we were met to the time we were handed over to the Assistance staff in Terminal Two, we had been doing walking speed for an hour. I would have collapsed if I had tried to do it on foot.
Airlines will carry scooters free of charge, courtesy of EU rules - even Ryanair. They have to measure no more than 1200 x 700mm and must have sealed batteries approved by the IATA. You also have to hand over the battery charger for inspection because, I suppose, it would be easy to put a bomb in one.
I saw no other scooters in Santiago at all, and had some envying looks from some older people, and a lot of curiosity from children. When my mother went to Benidorm she was able to hire a scooter, so they are not unknown in all parts of Spain.
Underneath here is a picture. Click on it and you can see the web-album online. There are some of the hotel and surrounding areas and a photo of the little white bus that looks like a train.
Friday, June 10, 2011
My Firstborn
Michelle's luck has changed at last, and she has some great news. She has a new job in Hawkinge, which is a short bus journey away. She is in training at the moment, tired but happy.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Cat and Dolphins playing together
This video is amazing, and has the "aww sweet" factor in bucket loads. I loved this heartwarming video so much I just had to share it. Enjoy!
CAT AND DOLPHINS VIDEO
CAT AND DOLPHINS VIDEO
Video Trailer "Voices from the Shadows"
M.E can kill. To call it "fatigue" is ridiculous. Sophia Mirza died of it, and on post mortem examination, her spinal cord showed inflammation with ganglionitis. M.E was put on her death certificate as a cause of death, as it was on Annabel Senior's. On post mortem, Lynn Gilderdale was found to have muliple severe disorders. Many patients, not believed by family, friends or the medical profession, kill themselves. This is likely to become even more common as the UK sickness benefits are being overhauled. Patients will have payments withdrawn and simply not be able to work and earn money of their own, and see no hope of survival.
The girl shown at the beginning of this short trailer is Lynn Gilderdale, may she rest in peace.
See the trailer by clicking this text:
Trailer for the upcoming documentary "Voices from the shadows", a compassionate and moving exposé, bearing witness to the devastating consequences of psychiatric prejudice and medical ignorance about one of the most prevalent illness of the 21st Century.
The girl shown at the beginning of this short trailer is Lynn Gilderdale, may she rest in peace.
See the trailer by clicking this text:
Trailer for the upcoming documentary "Voices from the shadows", a compassionate and moving exposé, bearing witness to the devastating consequences of psychiatric prejudice and medical ignorance about one of the most prevalent illness of the 21st Century.
Friday, May 20, 2011
A Lib Dem clock on the Leas?
Michelle and I spotted a brand new clock on the Leas today. We were a bit puzzled at first, but then I realised it was a subtle statement. A farewell memorial, perhaps, to the Lib Dems, who have lost all their seats in Shepway after the recent local Elections and Alternative Vote referendum.
At first glance, the clock looks OK, but a bit too modern and out of place in a town full of Edwardian and Victorian architecture. But look a bit closer. On a second look you realise that things aren't quite what they seem. The clock:-
The correct time as recorded in the camera's exif data was 13h24 instead of 18h33 as it is in the photo.
Bye bye, Lib Dems. Shepway will remember your works for decades to come.
At first glance, the clock looks OK, but a bit too modern and out of place in a town full of Edwardian and Victorian architecture. But look a bit closer. On a second look you realise that things aren't quite what they seem. The clock:-
- Despite appearances, is fundamentally flawed
- It can't be right no matter how people try to tell you differently
- It is missing some essential features
- It has no useful functions and
- Very limited ornamental appeal
- Looks like you could spend a penny in it, but don't be fooled. It is closed and inaccessible like our public lavatories were when the Lib Dems controlled the Council.
- It will always be confused and
- Not fit for Purpose and
- Quite out of touch with reality.
The correct time as recorded in the camera's exif data was 13h24 instead of 18h33 as it is in the photo.
Bye bye, Lib Dems. Shepway will remember your works for decades to come.
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Poor Michelle!
Michelle was to have started a new job this evening and she got all her clothes ready before lunch because she was so pleased and excited. But at 14h30 the boss phoned her to say that the person who had resigned had changed her mind and therefore they did not need her services.
She was so disappointed that its no exaggeration to say that she was distraught for a whle. Poor little lass. She didn't deserve this!
She was so disappointed that its no exaggeration to say that she was distraught for a whle. Poor little lass. She didn't deserve this!
A New Addition
Finlay, the little wire haired dachshund, belonged to Marion. She has been very ill and she was bereaved last year and she couldn't cope with him, so he went to stay with Caelyn to give Marion some respite. He fitted into their lives beautifully, and loved cuddling up to Teresa when she slept. He loved the kids playing with him and was very good with them. Also, he and Caelyn's dog, Belle, got on very well together.
Then Marion having been nagged by her inner chatterbox all about DUTY decided to let him come home. But it didn't work. He doesn't get on with Abbey, Marion's other dog, and Benny's best friend. Marion tried and tried but Finlay was miserable and pining for Caelyn and the kids. He kept running towards kids on the Leas and was dejected when they weren't Wendy or Teresa. She would take him for a walk and he would pull on the lead to go to my house.
Marion's heart broke and she decided to give him to Caelyn. She will remain responsible for his Vet bills - he is old - and his food. Caelyn said she couldn't and wouldn't take him back unless it was permanent because she and the kids couldn't handle it and it would be fair on nobody. With a heavy heart, Marion agreed. She has given him to Caelyn because she loves the silly dog even though he drives her up the wall. He was very much her Peter's dog. Its so sad. But he loves being with Caelyn and the kids so Marion acted in his best interest even though she hated doing it. Poor Marion! Sometimes the choices we have to make in life are very difficult. Here he is with Caelyn, who is sad because she feels Marion's pain.
Then Marion having been nagged by her inner chatterbox all about DUTY decided to let him come home. But it didn't work. He doesn't get on with Abbey, Marion's other dog, and Benny's best friend. Marion tried and tried but Finlay was miserable and pining for Caelyn and the kids. He kept running towards kids on the Leas and was dejected when they weren't Wendy or Teresa. She would take him for a walk and he would pull on the lead to go to my house.
Marion's heart broke and she decided to give him to Caelyn. She will remain responsible for his Vet bills - he is old - and his food. Caelyn said she couldn't and wouldn't take him back unless it was permanent because she and the kids couldn't handle it and it would be fair on nobody. With a heavy heart, Marion agreed. She has given him to Caelyn because she loves the silly dog even though he drives her up the wall. He was very much her Peter's dog. Its so sad. But he loves being with Caelyn and the kids so Marion acted in his best interest even though she hated doing it. Poor Marion! Sometimes the choices we have to make in life are very difficult. Here he is with Caelyn, who is sad because she feels Marion's pain.
The Wedding Weekend
Last Friday, Prince William married Catherine Middleton. His brother Harry calls them the Dude and the Duchess. Sean and I watched it on television and loved it. Then we hopped on a train to go to Bournemouth to see Peter and Sue in Wimborne. It was a lovely visit and they made us very welcome. They have been friends for upwards of 60 years, which is very good going. Here are Peter and Sean in Peter's beautiful garden:
The bluebells were out when we were there. They took us into the woods to see them. They only last about 2 or 3 weeks, so if you want to see them you can't put it off. They have a lovely smell of sweet nectar.
The bluebells were out when we were there. They took us into the woods to see them. They only last about 2 or 3 weeks, so if you want to see them you can't put it off. They have a lovely smell of sweet nectar.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Easter Time
I usually go to Downside with Sean for the annual Old Boys Easter Retreat, but this year he went with his sister. My mum is away and Caelyn wanted a representative of the Wrinkly Generation to come to her house to celebrate Easter Sunday. So I did, and enjoyed it too, but next year will go with Sean again, God willing. I had a wonderful weekend but it was too much physically and I have been in bed with "payback" since then. "Payback" isn't pleasant, but sometimes its worth it, and this was definitely worth it, so no complaints from me.
These were taken at Caelyn's house on Easter Sunday
Teresa Jayne wanting her Fat Granny
When we think of being outdoors en famille, Lathe Barn has to feature. We went there on Easter Monday. Sean had come home early from Downside then drove down to us. He gets withdrawal symptoms if he doesn't see the kids regularly.
Finally, I'm sorry to tell you this mother dear, but Granny Whoops aka Madam Butterball, doesn't seem to be missing you at all! In the circumstances though, you'll agree that that isn't actually a bad thing. She's as sweet as pie and a very dear and lovable old lady.
She loves running on the Leas, or ambling around sniffing different things. Her tongue sticks out on the side of her mouth and looks very funny. She barks and runs after balls and has been throwing small soft toys into the air. She is very lovable but she finds security in Benny and me. She is the one I am dreading leaving tomorrow when I go up to Sean's. I know she will be very well looked after but she has developed a trust in me and I don't want her to be upset.
I ache everywhere now and my glands are sore so I'd better settle down for another sleep. Thats all I've been doing, and it doesn't actually help because when I wake up I feel just as bad as when I went to sleep in the first place. Even though I know sleep doesn't make me feel better, its irresistible and can't be fought against. Its an overwhelming need.
Sick or not, life is good. God is good. Alleluia!
These were taken at Caelyn's house on Easter Sunday
Teresa Jayne wanting her Fat Granny
When we think of being outdoors en famille, Lathe Barn has to feature. We went there on Easter Monday. Sean had come home early from Downside then drove down to us. He gets withdrawal symptoms if he doesn't see the kids regularly.
Finally, I'm sorry to tell you this mother dear, but Granny Whoops aka Madam Butterball, doesn't seem to be missing you at all! In the circumstances though, you'll agree that that isn't actually a bad thing. She's as sweet as pie and a very dear and lovable old lady.
She loves running on the Leas, or ambling around sniffing different things. Her tongue sticks out on the side of her mouth and looks very funny. She barks and runs after balls and has been throwing small soft toys into the air. She is very lovable but she finds security in Benny and me. She is the one I am dreading leaving tomorrow when I go up to Sean's. I know she will be very well looked after but she has developed a trust in me and I don't want her to be upset.
I ache everywhere now and my glands are sore so I'd better settle down for another sleep. Thats all I've been doing, and it doesn't actually help because when I wake up I feel just as bad as when I went to sleep in the first place. Even though I know sleep doesn't make me feel better, its irresistible and can't be fought against. Its an overwhelming need.
Sick or not, life is good. God is good. Alleluia!
Outdoor Activities at Last!
My mum is hopefully on a ship now, and will have access to a computer tomorrow night, so I'm going to post some recent photos for her to see. She misses Wendy and Teresa Jayne while she is away. Mum - I hope you have a VERY bon voyage!
Tomorrow I will be on my travels too, but only as far as Sean. On Friday we will watch the Royal Wedding then go to Bournemouth to see some people he has been friends with for more than 50 years. That is a very long time indeed. He has several ongoing friendships that have lasted just as long or even longer. No one can accuse him of being fickle or shallow.
As I have mentioned before, a bit of sunshine has done wonders, and we have been able to do some 'outdoor' stuff. Here are a few shots of recent outdoor things:
A Spontaneous Picnic
Wendy has discovered the gentle Art of Daisy Chains
Tomorrow I will be on my travels too, but only as far as Sean. On Friday we will watch the Royal Wedding then go to Bournemouth to see some people he has been friends with for more than 50 years. That is a very long time indeed. He has several ongoing friendships that have lasted just as long or even longer. No one can accuse him of being fickle or shallow.
As I have mentioned before, a bit of sunshine has done wonders, and we have been able to do some 'outdoor' stuff. Here are a few shots of recent outdoor things:
A Spontaneous Picnic
Wendy has discovered the gentle Art of Daisy Chains
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Kids on Holiday
The kids are off school for the Easter Holidays, and they went to an Easter Egg Hunt at the school, which they both enjoyed. The parents had to pay a nominal fee which went towards school funds.
The Community Centre has organised a coach to take families to Howletts Zoo at a reduced price. Today the Council organised a Play Day at the bottom of the Leas in the Coastal Park. Its very good because the parents and kids can find the holidays dragging a bit, and people young enough to have kids usually don't have much money so having fun activities at reasonable prices is brilliant. I think they were making Easter bonnets today.
Here is a photo of young Wendy in her summer uniform.
And Teresa taking a photo as Granny Whoops looks on
Isn't she sweet? And she is using more words and understanding a great deal. Wendy is lovely too, and is especially liking artwork. We have a wooden model lorry for her to build and paint with Sean.
Sean is preparing for the Camino, which starts in mid May. At the end of May, I fly out to meet him in Santiago. He's doing the Leon to Santiago route across the Pyranees. Michelle suggested he take out a gym membership to train for this, and he went for his second session today. He's enjoying it, and I hope he doesn't let pressure of work side track him and stop him going. He needs to go, because he is a 72yr old office worker who is about to walk 320km in two weeks.
The Community Centre has organised a coach to take families to Howletts Zoo at a reduced price. Today the Council organised a Play Day at the bottom of the Leas in the Coastal Park. Its very good because the parents and kids can find the holidays dragging a bit, and people young enough to have kids usually don't have much money so having fun activities at reasonable prices is brilliant. I think they were making Easter bonnets today.
Here is a photo of young Wendy in her summer uniform.
And Teresa taking a photo as Granny Whoops looks on
Isn't she sweet? And she is using more words and understanding a great deal. Wendy is lovely too, and is especially liking artwork. We have a wooden model lorry for her to build and paint with Sean.
Sean is preparing for the Camino, which starts in mid May. At the end of May, I fly out to meet him in Santiago. He's doing the Leon to Santiago route across the Pyranees. Michelle suggested he take out a gym membership to train for this, and he went for his second session today. He's enjoying it, and I hope he doesn't let pressure of work side track him and stop him going. He needs to go, because he is a 72yr old office worker who is about to walk 320km in two weeks.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The sunny weather is still with us and it seems to have put a bounce into people's steps and smiles on their faces. The school children are on holiday and suddenly life seems a lot better for all sorts of people. The tulips are out, and I love tulips. They seem so cheerful somehow.
I'm going to have to post some photos for my mum to see. She is having a wonderful holiday but she like to look at the Blog to see what has been going on. First of all, a picture of some colourful tulips that gladdened my heart:
The Leas at Sunset
I have a new phone and took the above picture with it, and am very pleased with its clarity. Also, its not such a strain talking on the phone as the calls are remarkably clear and I can hear what is being said very easily. I hadn't realised how I struggled to hear on the old one, and that is probably why I found calls so exhausting and tried to avoid them. There is a 'but' coming, though, and that is that although it is on maximum setting, I don't hear the phone when it rings. I have experimented with other ringtones but it doesn't make much difference.
I was sitting on a bench on the Leas with my friend Marion today and the phone was on the bench between us. I checked the phone for text messages and noticed I had missed a call from Caelyn just a couple of minutes previously. Marion hadn't heard it either, and she has no hearing problems. So I think I'm going to email Customer Services to see what can be done about it.
Other than that, I'm very impressed by it. A great camera, fast internet, music. E-Books - I have Pride and Prejudice, Treasure Island, Aesops Fables, Diary of a Slave girl on there so far, with thousands more available, and I love reading. I have the Catholic Bible, Daily Readings, the Divine Office (prayers and scriptures for different hours of the day) Devotions and Prayers. I can watch YouTube and download stuff onto the BBC iPlayer, although as I don't like TV very much, I doubt if I will use that. Oh, and Google Sky. Sean and I will enjoy that a lot. And Sat Nav, which is great if you have no sense of direction. So - a brilliant device. You just can't hear when the phone rings. Which may not be an entirely bad thing ....
Out with Benny and Granny Whoops. Those two have become quite wild together. They play, roll around, chase balls, wrestle and romp and generally are thick as thieves. Full of life and vitality. My poor Mum left a quiet, sedate and matronly dog with me and when she gets back she will find a mischievous hooligan. I thought Benny would teach her how to be a dog, but I didn't think she'd learn quite this well. Mum's in for a shock.
Here Marion and I are out with the dogs enjoying the balmy Spring weather. I know I'm going on about it, but if all you've seen for months is grey, seeing the sun, even if its still cold, is a blessed relief.
She and I went down to the harbour today. The Council have a Youth Project down there, called The Shed. Her grandson Ben goes, and the kids love it. He has done a First Aid course there, and there is place for them to ride their BMX bikes and skateboards. For years people complained about the kids using the pavements etc but that was unfair because there wasn't anywhere for them to go. Most people live in flats without gardens, and all the public parks have notices saying things like 'no bicycles, no dogs, no ball games'. So where were the kids supposed to go?
This Conservative Council has done well. They have this project, plus they have done a lot of planting and maintenance of the public green areas and there are lots of new dropped kerbs for wheelchairs and prams all over town. The Lib Dems, if you remember, did not cut the grassy verges so it was impossible to see oncoming traffic at roundabouts, and they locked the public lavatories to try to save money.
It was lunacy - if you want to attract money spending people to your town, you have to realise they can't stay and spend money if they can't 'spend a penny' when they need to. They really were a confused bunch, and in Coalition Government don't seem any better.
Poor dears. They should go off and have a genteel cup of tea and let competent people do the grown-up stuff. Yes, I'm sure they are very nice people and their mummies undoubtedly love them, but they really can't be allowed to make decisions. Poor Mr Clegg "forgot" he was supposed to be running Britain while the Prime Minister was away. Oh dear.
But at least Mr Clegg is married to the mother of his children. The Leader of the Opposition, Ed Miliband, isn't. If a baby is illegitimate, the father has to be present when the birth is registered in order for his name to be recorded on the child's birth certificate. Mr Miliband is quoted as saying he was "too busy" to give his firstborn son his name. His girlfriend has had yet another child by him and he has now said that they will get married. He hadn't done it before because he "didn't have the time" and apparently the wedding is to be a very small, low key affair.
Shabby. Very shabby.
I'm going to have to post some photos for my mum to see. She is having a wonderful holiday but she like to look at the Blog to see what has been going on. First of all, a picture of some colourful tulips that gladdened my heart:
The Leas at Sunset
I have a new phone and took the above picture with it, and am very pleased with its clarity. Also, its not such a strain talking on the phone as the calls are remarkably clear and I can hear what is being said very easily. I hadn't realised how I struggled to hear on the old one, and that is probably why I found calls so exhausting and tried to avoid them. There is a 'but' coming, though, and that is that although it is on maximum setting, I don't hear the phone when it rings. I have experimented with other ringtones but it doesn't make much difference.
I was sitting on a bench on the Leas with my friend Marion today and the phone was on the bench between us. I checked the phone for text messages and noticed I had missed a call from Caelyn just a couple of minutes previously. Marion hadn't heard it either, and she has no hearing problems. So I think I'm going to email Customer Services to see what can be done about it.
Other than that, I'm very impressed by it. A great camera, fast internet, music. E-Books - I have Pride and Prejudice, Treasure Island, Aesops Fables, Diary of a Slave girl on there so far, with thousands more available, and I love reading. I have the Catholic Bible, Daily Readings, the Divine Office (prayers and scriptures for different hours of the day) Devotions and Prayers. I can watch YouTube and download stuff onto the BBC iPlayer, although as I don't like TV very much, I doubt if I will use that. Oh, and Google Sky. Sean and I will enjoy that a lot. And Sat Nav, which is great if you have no sense of direction. So - a brilliant device. You just can't hear when the phone rings. Which may not be an entirely bad thing ....
Out with Benny and Granny Whoops. Those two have become quite wild together. They play, roll around, chase balls, wrestle and romp and generally are thick as thieves. Full of life and vitality. My poor Mum left a quiet, sedate and matronly dog with me and when she gets back she will find a mischievous hooligan. I thought Benny would teach her how to be a dog, but I didn't think she'd learn quite this well. Mum's in for a shock.
Here Marion and I are out with the dogs enjoying the balmy Spring weather. I know I'm going on about it, but if all you've seen for months is grey, seeing the sun, even if its still cold, is a blessed relief.
She and I went down to the harbour today. The Council have a Youth Project down there, called The Shed. Her grandson Ben goes, and the kids love it. He has done a First Aid course there, and there is place for them to ride their BMX bikes and skateboards. For years people complained about the kids using the pavements etc but that was unfair because there wasn't anywhere for them to go. Most people live in flats without gardens, and all the public parks have notices saying things like 'no bicycles, no dogs, no ball games'. So where were the kids supposed to go?
This Conservative Council has done well. They have this project, plus they have done a lot of planting and maintenance of the public green areas and there are lots of new dropped kerbs for wheelchairs and prams all over town. The Lib Dems, if you remember, did not cut the grassy verges so it was impossible to see oncoming traffic at roundabouts, and they locked the public lavatories to try to save money.
It was lunacy - if you want to attract money spending people to your town, you have to realise they can't stay and spend money if they can't 'spend a penny' when they need to. They really were a confused bunch, and in Coalition Government don't seem any better.
Poor dears. They should go off and have a genteel cup of tea and let competent people do the grown-up stuff. Yes, I'm sure they are very nice people and their mummies undoubtedly love them, but they really can't be allowed to make decisions. Poor Mr Clegg "forgot" he was supposed to be running Britain while the Prime Minister was away. Oh dear.
But at least Mr Clegg is married to the mother of his children. The Leader of the Opposition, Ed Miliband, isn't. If a baby is illegitimate, the father has to be present when the birth is registered in order for his name to be recorded on the child's birth certificate. Mr Miliband is quoted as saying he was "too busy" to give his firstborn son his name. His girlfriend has had yet another child by him and he has now said that they will get married. He hadn't done it before because he "didn't have the time" and apparently the wedding is to be a very small, low key affair.
Shabby. Very shabby.
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