28 November 2007
If I needed any proof of the southern bias on the BBC I was given proof tonight on the ten o'clock news on radio 4. Charlotte Green told us, in dulcet tones, that both Liverpool and Chelsea had kept their hopes of being in the European Championship by winning tonight - then told us that Chelsea had won 4-0. That was it, full stop. The Liverpool match was obviously not important enough to even give the score. Well, it's only Liverpool, after all.
If I needed any proof of the southern bias on the BBC I was given proof tonight on the ten o'clock news on radio 4. Charlotte Green told us, in dulcet tones, that both Liverpool and Chelsea had kept their hopes of being in the European Championship by winning tonight - then told us that Chelsea had won 4-0. That was it, full stop. The Liverpool match was obviously not important enough to even give the score. Well, it's only Liverpool, after all.
27 November 2007
The squirrel has not got the message and has indeed brought his brother with him; I am seriously considering anti-vandal paint which I am sure would delight me as the animal tried and failed to climb the central pillar of the bird-table. So far I have not seen any but the RSPB recommend rubbing petroleum jelly on the table legs but I cannot help but think you would need a very large jar.
Saturday's concert was a triumph and the flowers which I was so worried about turned out well. I was a bit spooked when the organist asked me to page-turn during his solo but I need not have been as he was very clear in his instructions and I quite enjoyed it. The house is a tip; no Christmas shopping has been done; there is a loo on the front step and we have temporarily at least, no water. All will be well.
The squirrel has not got the message and has indeed brought his brother with him; I am seriously considering anti-vandal paint which I am sure would delight me as the animal tried and failed to climb the central pillar of the bird-table. So far I have not seen any but the RSPB recommend rubbing petroleum jelly on the table legs but I cannot help but think you would need a very large jar.
Saturday's concert was a triumph and the flowers which I was so worried about turned out well. I was a bit spooked when the organist asked me to page-turn during his solo but I need not have been as he was very clear in his instructions and I quite enjoyed it. The house is a tip; no Christmas shopping has been done; there is a loo on the front step and we have temporarily at least, no water. All will be well.
21 November 2007
Well, we have had quite a time of it with leaks over the last couple of weeks. The downstairs cloakroom developed a leak which turned the carpet bright turquoise, the upstairs loo decided to follow suit and on Monday we discovered that the less than efficient workman who fitted the kitchen a few years ago had made the trap under the sink work by straining all the joints to fit instead of doing the job properly. Of course, over time, the joints have worked loose and flooded the cupboard causing the bottom to warp and the dishwasher door not to close properly. It's strange how things all go at once and so the next couple of weeks are going to be busy for us with a new cloakroom suite being fitted and all the other bits being sorted out. We are so lucky that we discovered all the leaks before major damage was done. The squirrel seems to have got the message.
Well, we have had quite a time of it with leaks over the last couple of weeks. The downstairs cloakroom developed a leak which turned the carpet bright turquoise, the upstairs loo decided to follow suit and on Monday we discovered that the less than efficient workman who fitted the kitchen a few years ago had made the trap under the sink work by straining all the joints to fit instead of doing the job properly. Of course, over time, the joints have worked loose and flooded the cupboard causing the bottom to warp and the dishwasher door not to close properly. It's strange how things all go at once and so the next couple of weeks are going to be busy for us with a new cloakroom suite being fitted and all the other bits being sorted out. We are so lucky that we discovered all the leaks before major damage was done. The squirrel seems to have got the message.
19 November 2007
It is hard to believe that a year has gone by since my big birthday; today has been lovely but tiring. Big Sis wanted to meet up so that she could share my day and suggested a shopping mall some miles away. This was agreed and we duly set out, arrived, coffeed, lunched and looked and came home. I fell very blessed with the cards and good wishes I have received and some of the most beautiful gifts. Two of my cards were handmade (from Ranger and Big Sis) and that has made them very special to me. I was reflecting on hoarding which has become second nature to me and the fact the last week I took the plunge and cleared out the bureau of old cards, letters and diaries and now feel much better for doing so. I should be ruthless with what I keep but looking back at the only two cards I still have from my parents convinced me that I am not just being a magpie - they are a real link to those I loved and see no more.
Hoarding was also in my mind as I chucked ever increasing sized stones at the grey squirrel who seems to think that the whole of my bird table and all the bulbs in my garden are his by right. The chances of me hitting this animal are about a million to one as I have no strength or ability to throw at all but I am incensed by the fact that this creature will sit on the boundary fence chattering at me and daring me to throw something else. It does eventually give up but it's endurance is far more than mine, bearing in mind I am usually in pjs and slippers and he has the advantage over me of wearing a fur coat. It is not just the food that he takes that annoys me but also the fact that he scares away the birds for whom the food is intended; another rat less in the world bothers me not at all but fewer blackbirds and robins I consider to be a disaster.
It is hard to believe that a year has gone by since my big birthday; today has been lovely but tiring. Big Sis wanted to meet up so that she could share my day and suggested a shopping mall some miles away. This was agreed and we duly set out, arrived, coffeed, lunched and looked and came home. I fell very blessed with the cards and good wishes I have received and some of the most beautiful gifts. Two of my cards were handmade (from Ranger and Big Sis) and that has made them very special to me. I was reflecting on hoarding which has become second nature to me and the fact the last week I took the plunge and cleared out the bureau of old cards, letters and diaries and now feel much better for doing so. I should be ruthless with what I keep but looking back at the only two cards I still have from my parents convinced me that I am not just being a magpie - they are a real link to those I loved and see no more.
Hoarding was also in my mind as I chucked ever increasing sized stones at the grey squirrel who seems to think that the whole of my bird table and all the bulbs in my garden are his by right. The chances of me hitting this animal are about a million to one as I have no strength or ability to throw at all but I am incensed by the fact that this creature will sit on the boundary fence chattering at me and daring me to throw something else. It does eventually give up but it's endurance is far more than mine, bearing in mind I am usually in pjs and slippers and he has the advantage over me of wearing a fur coat. It is not just the food that he takes that annoys me but also the fact that he scares away the birds for whom the food is intended; another rat less in the world bothers me not at all but fewer blackbirds and robins I consider to be a disaster.
15 November 2007
Today I am having a rest. I spent yesterday with Ranger and it was a beautiful, crisp day with sun, blue skies and cold air and we did Christmas shopping in the small city where he lives. We did not realise that it was the day of the switch-on of the Christmas lights but I really enjoyed the atmosphere which was buzzing. There was a large screen set up in the middle of the shopping centre and attractions such as a male voice choir and as it grew dark the children grew more excited!
On the drive home which is about 36 miles, I counted eighteen cars with both headlights and fog lights on and three cars with only one headlight. I was counting because on two occasions I was followed by vehicles with both sets of lights illuminating the interior of my car and flashing off my wing-mirrors, of course they were also driving too close to me but there was nothing I could do. There has been no real fog in this area for at least a year and I cannot understand how these drivers can remain oblivious to the blinding glare coming from their cars - maybe too busy chatting on the blue-tooth?
Today I am having a rest. I spent yesterday with Ranger and it was a beautiful, crisp day with sun, blue skies and cold air and we did Christmas shopping in the small city where he lives. We did not realise that it was the day of the switch-on of the Christmas lights but I really enjoyed the atmosphere which was buzzing. There was a large screen set up in the middle of the shopping centre and attractions such as a male voice choir and as it grew dark the children grew more excited!
On the drive home which is about 36 miles, I counted eighteen cars with both headlights and fog lights on and three cars with only one headlight. I was counting because on two occasions I was followed by vehicles with both sets of lights illuminating the interior of my car and flashing off my wing-mirrors, of course they were also driving too close to me but there was nothing I could do. There has been no real fog in this area for at least a year and I cannot understand how these drivers can remain oblivious to the blinding glare coming from their cars - maybe too busy chatting on the blue-tooth?
14 November 2007
Just when you think all is jogging along nicely - oops! I reluctantly agreed a few years ago that my dentist could fit a crown to a twisted front tooth but I did ask that he would leave it twisted as I was quite fond of it having lived with it for so long. Of course he didn't because dentists want everything perfect so I was never really happy with it. Tonight, eating my mince, it split in two and I am singing in a concert on Saturday - well that will look good, won't it? I am convinced that it split because the rest of my teeth had grown used to it being positioned in a certain way and now they have rebelled!
Tomorrow I will have to look for an emergency glue kit, which I believe are quite good, because there is no way I will get an appointment in time to have it all fixed for Saturday. Also, will have to look for a well-known chain of specs people as for the third time a lens has fallen out. Good job I have got spares!
Just when you think all is jogging along nicely - oops! I reluctantly agreed a few years ago that my dentist could fit a crown to a twisted front tooth but I did ask that he would leave it twisted as I was quite fond of it having lived with it for so long. Of course he didn't because dentists want everything perfect so I was never really happy with it. Tonight, eating my mince, it split in two and I am singing in a concert on Saturday - well that will look good, won't it? I am convinced that it split because the rest of my teeth had grown used to it being positioned in a certain way and now they have rebelled!
Tomorrow I will have to look for an emergency glue kit, which I believe are quite good, because there is no way I will get an appointment in time to have it all fixed for Saturday. Also, will have to look for a well-known chain of specs people as for the third time a lens has fallen out. Good job I have got spares!
11 November 2007
I had a phone call on Thursday from the local hospital to say they had a cancellation for Friday and would I like to use it for the scan on my neck? Oh good, I thought, no time to worry about it so said yes. I was then offered three different times for the appointment - must have been some cancellation! The net result was that I had my neck jellied, ultra sounded and pronounced all clear of any nastiness - just a lump of fatty tissue. I had not realised how much I had been anxious about this until I was given the all clear and it never ceases to amaze me how powerful one's mind is in controlling all aspects of living.
Everyone I met at the hospital was lovely, caring and professional and it all looked very clean. The only trouble is that from where I had parked to the particular Xray unit I needed was about three quarters of a mile and I had worn my grey ankle boots with three inch heels and I regretted this within two minutes of leaving the car. Oh such vanity!
I had a phone call on Thursday from the local hospital to say they had a cancellation for Friday and would I like to use it for the scan on my neck? Oh good, I thought, no time to worry about it so said yes. I was then offered three different times for the appointment - must have been some cancellation! The net result was that I had my neck jellied, ultra sounded and pronounced all clear of any nastiness - just a lump of fatty tissue. I had not realised how much I had been anxious about this until I was given the all clear and it never ceases to amaze me how powerful one's mind is in controlling all aspects of living.
Everyone I met at the hospital was lovely, caring and professional and it all looked very clean. The only trouble is that from where I had parked to the particular Xray unit I needed was about three quarters of a mile and I had worn my grey ankle boots with three inch heels and I regretted this within two minutes of leaving the car. Oh such vanity!
4 November 2007
Polyarthralgia, says GP number 1. Cyst in my neck nothing to worry about. Subserosal arthritis says GP number 2, referral to a rheumatologist. Don't like the look of that cyst, order an ultra-sound scan. Confused? Yes, I am. I don't much care what they call whatever it is as long as they do something about it. That is happening I hope, at the end of the month when I have my scheduled visit to the specialist; my good friend is coming with me. I told her that I was instructed to allow an hour and a half for the consultation - "I'll bring a book, then" she said. GP number 2 has prescribed some painkillers and what a difference that has made. The creaks are still there but at least their voices are a bit hushed.
Life has been quite busy lately although the weather has not permitted a great deal of work in the garden. Quite a lot of singing, socialising and doing not a great deal seems to take up time and energy but at least I have some lovely memories to show for it.
Yesterday was a memory I will retain for a long time; annually our diocese has a Festival when the young choristers who have attained Bishop's and Dean's standards in the RSCM are awarded their certificates and the parish choirs all meet in a celebration. This year the theme was angels and the music, although difficult, was really lovely and the occasion was made all the brighter when, at the end of it, a newly consecrated bishop said how much he had enjoyed it all and how important it is that we celebrate our worship through our singing. In these days of guitars and drums, worship "songs" and changing attitudes, it was lovely to hear a lofty cleric reaffirm the place of robed choirs in the parish churches and that meant we all left the cathedral with a hope that both sorts of music could be accomodated without either being lost or being in conflict with each other. There is room for all kinds of music.
Polyarthralgia, says GP number 1. Cyst in my neck nothing to worry about. Subserosal arthritis says GP number 2, referral to a rheumatologist. Don't like the look of that cyst, order an ultra-sound scan. Confused? Yes, I am. I don't much care what they call whatever it is as long as they do something about it. That is happening I hope, at the end of the month when I have my scheduled visit to the specialist; my good friend is coming with me. I told her that I was instructed to allow an hour and a half for the consultation - "I'll bring a book, then" she said. GP number 2 has prescribed some painkillers and what a difference that has made. The creaks are still there but at least their voices are a bit hushed.
Life has been quite busy lately although the weather has not permitted a great deal of work in the garden. Quite a lot of singing, socialising and doing not a great deal seems to take up time and energy but at least I have some lovely memories to show for it.
Yesterday was a memory I will retain for a long time; annually our diocese has a Festival when the young choristers who have attained Bishop's and Dean's standards in the RSCM are awarded their certificates and the parish choirs all meet in a celebration. This year the theme was angels and the music, although difficult, was really lovely and the occasion was made all the brighter when, at the end of it, a newly consecrated bishop said how much he had enjoyed it all and how important it is that we celebrate our worship through our singing. In these days of guitars and drums, worship "songs" and changing attitudes, it was lovely to hear a lofty cleric reaffirm the place of robed choirs in the parish churches and that meant we all left the cathedral with a hope that both sorts of music could be accomodated without either being lost or being in conflict with each other. There is room for all kinds of music.
18 October 2007
A glorious autumn day with blue skies, scudding, wispy white clouds and leaves varying between gold, orange, yellow, ochre and green with a riot of indiscriminate beauty. Apparently the time of year in which you were born influences the season to which you most closely relate; having spent the day with Ranger, whose birthday is mid October, it is certainly true that both of us love this time of year. I had to scrape the ice from the windsceen this morning but by midday (the proper one not the BST imposition) the temperature had risen and so had our spirits.
The fact that Ranger was showered with many birthday gifts has nothing to do with anything
A glorious autumn day with blue skies, scudding, wispy white clouds and leaves varying between gold, orange, yellow, ochre and green with a riot of indiscriminate beauty. Apparently the time of year in which you were born influences the season to which you most closely relate; having spent the day with Ranger, whose birthday is mid October, it is certainly true that both of us love this time of year. I had to scrape the ice from the windsceen this morning but by midday (the proper one not the BST imposition) the temperature had risen and so had our spirits.
The fact that Ranger was showered with many birthday gifts has nothing to do with anything
16 October 2007
This morning I watched the Channel 4 film on the relief of Belsen. It was compelling viewing and I cannot comprehend some of the sights which our British Army had to see and deal with. Normally, I would not have chosen to watch this but my much loved father was just one of the troops who relieved this place and would have been closely involved; it was something which he would never talk about, just the fact that he had been there.
There is a good argument for leaving the past in the past but in this case I am glad that this particular part of the past has not been forgotten and nor should it be.
This morning I watched the Channel 4 film on the relief of Belsen. It was compelling viewing and I cannot comprehend some of the sights which our British Army had to see and deal with. Normally, I would not have chosen to watch this but my much loved father was just one of the troops who relieved this place and would have been closely involved; it was something which he would never talk about, just the fact that he had been there.
There is a good argument for leaving the past in the past but in this case I am glad that this particular part of the past has not been forgotten and nor should it be.
30 November 2007
Well, I now have a name for it. Fibromyalgia. I feel so much better knowing that it is not all in my head and now the work begins to find a way through and round it. It is a bit of a facer when you discover that what you had thought was the right thing to do (joining a gym, trying to exercise and lose weight) was not necessarily the correct way to go about things. Still I am learning and will do some research and find a way to live with it. The most important bit of the way forward is trying to get a good night's sleep and my specialist said that was number one on the agenda. Onward and upward.
Well, I now have a name for it. Fibromyalgia. I feel so much better knowing that it is not all in my head and now the work begins to find a way through and round it. It is a bit of a facer when you discover that what you had thought was the right thing to do (joining a gym, trying to exercise and lose weight) was not necessarily the correct way to go about things. Still I am learning and will do some research and find a way to live with it. The most important bit of the way forward is trying to get a good night's sleep and my specialist said that was number one on the agenda. Onward and upward.
My lovely Dad
