Stroke update

People who see me say how much better I look. I am now allowed to drive again and my stomach PEG is due to be removed Nov 4th. I still tire easily, feel wobbly when walking and still feel unwell generally.   I really hope my symptoms start to ease soon.

Facebook

You either love it or hate it.

Even though I am 65 and people think modern technology is past me, I love Facebook. It is a great way to keep in contact with friends and relatives that otherwise might get a Christmas card exchange just once a year. Thanks to Facebook, these distant friends are a daily part of my life. I enjoy finding out what they are doing and I frequently enjoy their comments and support when times have been tough.

I have resisted the temptation to join Twitter. Keeping up with Facebook is enough.

Plymouth Argyle and Cambridge United football clubs

Although not an avid football fan - I very very rarely go to matches -  I do look to see how these 2 teams are doing in the Football League Division 2. So far, both have got off to a "not too bad" season. It would be great if both were promoted to the next league up next season, but there is a long way to go first.

See Plymouth Argyle FC.
See Cambridge United FC.

Why not the good news?

I guess with modern communications we hear about everything in the world quite fast. It is a pity that there are not a few more "good news" reports in the news. A lot of good things happen, but we rarely hear about these. There are definitely far more good things happening than bad, yet we seem to revel in Ebola, IS and other bad news.

Quiet day today

We had visitors this morning and are out this evening, so this afternoon I am taking things quietly to maintain my stamina for tonight. Although better than I was, I still get tired easily and giddy if I am on my feet too much, because of my stroke last year. My wife is out at her choir this afternoon.

Driving again

Another milestone today here. I drove (first time in 13 months) to and from the local garden centres at Fordham. This is a round trip of nearly 10 miles. Both the neurosurgeon and my doctor said "yes" and DVLA agreed I could. Informed the insurer too.

This is a major step. Would probably not want to drive too far for a while, but at least I can drive again locally.

Out for lunch

Today we decided we should go out for lunch so we went to La Hogue Farm Cafe for a change. I was able to eat a ham and cheese panini with coleslaw and a very small cup of coffee. Small steps, but good to eat normally.

Bedding plants

Summer is gone and now we are entering autumn. The trees are losing their leaves and it is time to remove the summer bedding plants and replace them with bedding plants that will look good through winter. Last year my wife planted primroses and they looked really good when I left hospital in January. We'll probably plant these again this winter.

See http://www.lovethegarden.com/gardening-growing/winter-spring-bedding-plants .

PEG removal

If things work out as planned, my PEG, (line into stomach) should be removed on Nov 4th. Currently, the line is only used for water as my feed has been all by mouth since June.  This will be another step on the long road back to normality.

Cambridge University of the 3rd Age (U3AC)

As you might expect, the U3AC choices in Cambridge are huge and varied.

For the first time in several years I decided to join some courses this year. This term I am doing 2 and next term one course. The first, "Human Evolution, is it a Darwinian process?" started today. For me, it means a bus ride and a fairly (for me) long walk, but it is a chance to be "normal" again and get out of "illness mode". The lecturer is a chap called Ken Edwards who took me when I was on a different course a few years ago. It was good.

Anglesey Abbey in autumn

Today we went to Anglesey Abbey (National Trust) for what will be a series of visits this autumn as the leaves change colour and fall. We hope to visit most weeks, weather permitting. Some trees are turning, but most (Oct 5th 2014) are still green-leafed. A few cold snaps and autumn gales could change things.

Pilgrim's Lawn - Anglesey Abbey (NT), Oct 5th 2014 3.30pm

Even when Anglesey Abbey is busy, at the weekends, Pilgrim's Lawn tends to be quite quiet. It is not on the main "winter walk"  and "mill" route that most visitors tend to take. The dahlias have been good again, but have now finished.

Autumn is here.

After a good and long summer, the rain band came through yesterday and the temperature has dropped some 6-8 degrees. It now feels like autumn has arrived. The temperature mid-afternoon was 15 deg C. Before the rain band it was in the low 20's Centigrade.

Roses - Oct 5th 2014

Our roses by the front door are now in their 3rd flush with plenty of buds. The cosmos (LHS) still look good although the sweet peas in the back garden are now coming to an end: we have been cutting these since the end of June for the kitchen table.

Where AIDS all started - in a 1920s Congo town

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-29442642 . According to scientists working on the history of AIDS, it all started in Kinshasa, Congo in 1920 and then spread as a result of railways, sex and population growth.

Last gym session (for now)

Outside the Newmarket gym

Today was my last day at the gym in Newmarket as part of their "Active For Life" programme.  I have been going twice a week, most weeks, since May. Although my stamina is better, I don't think my balance has improved much. From next week I am attending a weekly U3AC course in Cambridge so will do a fair bit of walking to and from the bus stops. I am hoping to drive to the "Park and Ride" site when again allowed to drive the car.

Rovio (Angry Birds creators) to cut jobs

Rovio (Finland) who make the famous Angry Birds game are to cut 130 jobs (16%) of its workforce. Angry Birds is very addictive game!

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-29458445 .

Lynsey de Paul dies

The singer/songwriter Lynsey de Paul has died in her mid-60s from a suspected brain tumour. She was most famous in the 1970s.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-29457228 .

Sepura PLC

My old company, Sepura, continues to "hold its own" with shares holding their ground.  Although they have fallen back from their peak of over 150p a share earlier this year, they are hovering around the 140-142p a share currently, which is just above the price at which they were floated about 12 years ago.

With both TETRA and DMR products they have a good future with a world-wide market.

UPDATE 1605z:  Shares in Sepura ended the day at 140.5p.

UPDATE 3.9.14  2245z:   Shares ended at 141.0p.

David Cameron's speech today

Well, I think it very unlikely I shall vote Labour in the General Election next year.  I have voted labour several times in the past. I don't like Ed Milliband (at all) and he left out vital parts in his recent Labour Party conference speech on the deficit and immigration.   At the moment, I am inclined to vote Conservative as they seem to have the better policies. I wish the Conservatives were less "toffs" though. In truth,whoever gets elected will have a tough time. I am not voting UKIP.

The difference between the 2 main parties is really not that great. As a "first past the post" election, tactical voting will be called for. I'd like to vote Green but think this will be a wasted vote in a General Election.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29433919 .

Car tax discs - not needed from today

As of Oct 1st 2014, it is no longer necessary to display a car  tax disc in the window of your car in the UK. Using computer records, enforcement officers can use registration details to check if a car is taxed and insured.

But apparently the on-line tax system is falling over. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29430979 .

Burwell Museum

See http://www.burwellmuseum.org.uk/ .

Well worth a visit and a local museum that "punches above its weight".

Always lots to see and do and ideal for children with lots of "hands on" things to enjoy.

Preserving British Values

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29414574 . On this, I agree with the Home Secretary.

Great Britain does have values and these are worth preserving. The latest moves, planned for the next parliament, will be controversial as some will see them as an infringement of civil liberties. On balance, I favour the move to keep extremism at bay.

Lunch visit

Today one of my old school friends and his partner called in for lunch. It was the first time I'd seen him since my illness and it was good to spend a few hours catching up on things.

Independent Catalonia?

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-29410493 .

I am all for states gaining their independence, but they need to do it in association with the country they form part of currently. For example, Scotland had a vote to break away from the UK recently, but the majority wanted to stay in the UK. In Catalonia's case it would be fine to break from Spain if that is the majority view, but this is best done with the blessing of Spain.

Europe wins Ryder Cup

In the end, Europe beat the USA 16.5 to 11.5 in the Ryder Cup Golf 2014.   It was a convincing win, with none of the last day surprises as has happened in the past in recent years.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/golf/29402472 .

Housing costs in the South Hams, Devon

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-28648704.

The gap between house prices and average earnings is huge in the South Hams with a ratio of 14.8 times. This makes most homes unaffordable to locals who work there. Average house price there is £304,012 and average earnings £20,478.

Places like Salcombe will impact results and some remote inland villages, with poor infrastructure, will be a little less bad. It is becoming a very serious issue.

97th birthday

Had my mother not had cancer a few years ago, she would have celebrated her 97th birthday today. Both my brother and I thought she would make it to 100, but it was not to be.

Grandchildren gone home

Well, the house is almost quiet again after the visit of our son Chris and his family. Just an old friend Josie is still here. She will be leaving soon. Josie is God mum to our smallest granddaughter.

Family day today

At around 12 noon, we are expecting our son Chris and family to arrive from Kent. They plan to go to the annual Pumpkin Fair in Soham and then some are off to nearby Newmarket to see The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe performed at the Nomads Theatre. It should be a nice weekend for them and for us.

Image on LHS is located at http://www.sohampumpkinfair.co.uk/images/mrpumpkin_welcome.jpg .  

Image copyright is with originating website and link will be removed if requested, but you are getting free publicity!

Our granddaughter surrounded by pumpkins!

Stomach PEG coming out soon (stroke)

Having seen the dietician nurse in clinic at Addenbrooke's today, it is now likely that my stomach PEG will be removed "in the coming weeks".   Just how it comes out will be decided shortly.   It means that the water I currently inject directly into my stomach will have to be by mouth soon. As my swallow of liquids is still not that easy, this will be non-trivial, but do-able. Regarding alcohol, the dieticians could see no reason why the odd glass of wine should be an issue, but they suggested I discuss with my GP in case it is linked to the pills I take. I doubt this.

"Deadly serious" computer security vulnerability

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-29361794 .

Computer experts are warning about a new vulnerability that could affect many millions of computers worldwide.

Lower cost car insurance?

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29339753 .  It looks like car insurances may drop in cost soon. I hope so, as insuring cars is an expensive business. In my own case I have to declare my brain bleed a year ago to my insurer as "a pre-existing condition".  I have no idea what difference this will make to how much I shall have to pay. Not too much I hope.

Never trust a politician?

The last time I voted Conservative was in a local election some 40 odd years ago. I am what people call "a floating voter" as I vote according to my conscience and a have voted Labour, Lib Dem and Green in the past. Although I have sympathy with some Labour policies, I find it hard to trust the current Labour leader  who seems ineffective to me. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29335450 .

At the moment I am very undecided who to vote for in the General Election next year.  Maybe when their policies are better explained I'll be able to decide. Voting Conservative rather goes against the grain - their policies do seem to support the well heeled, but they have done a reasonably credible job so far in the coalition government in the last 4 years. Labour is likely to have stoked the National Debt even more. This worries me for the future.

The basic message is we have to learn to live within our means as individuals and as a nation.   Whichever party truly believes this and has the right policies will (probably) get my vote.   It is a long time since we ruled the world and had an empire that allowed us to exploit it.

UK wide webcams

See http://www.camsecure.co.uk/Camsecure_Live_Demo_Index.html for a map listing many UK free webcams. A useful place to look.

Windy in S.Devon?

Every few days, I check the webcams in the South Hams.

Just looked at the one in Hope Cove where it looks cold and windy. See http://www.camsecure.co.uk/SalcombeHopeCove.html . As I write this, it is dark. The flag is visible blowing around in the wind. In the daytime it is a lot more interesting.

Hope Cove is where there were Lapthorns nearly 500 years ago, and possibly much earlier too. I have one record of a Lapthorn sharing a piece of land nearby (parish of South Huish) in 1428.

Anglesey Abbey with granddaughter

Today has been quite an energetic day for me. Firstly I walked to and from the doctors.

Then "Active For Life" at the gym in Newmarket and then, after lunch, a 1.82km walk at Anglesey Abbey (National Trust). The latter was with our son and his daughter. At the end I was very tired.

The picture shows a line of dahlia heads stretching nearly as far as the eye can see with one of our sons and granddaughters.

Lawns

Today marked a milestone in the recovery from my brain bleed:  I managed to cut both the front and back lawns in a single session in the garden. OK, by the end I was very tired, but at least I managed it. The lawns are not that small either. The front lawn is tapered and is about 80 feet long. The rear lawn is about 15-20 feet wide and 70 feet long.

A natural?

Our grandson has a way with animals. He loves them and cares for them and they seem to reciprocate.

Here he is holding a small bantam hen. Before long he will be wanting pets.

When he grows up, I can see him as a vet, but he may change. He is a very gentle and loving little boy.

As a child I had a tame bantam hen called Margaret that ate off the same plate as our cairn terrier. She was very tame. Our grandson reminds me of the love I had as a child.  When that little bantam eventually died, I was heartbroken.

Our house from the church tower

This panoramic view is on the Burwell Community Website. Our house is just visible as the roof in front of the windmill. Please visit the link for more information about the village and a bigger, clearer panorama.

http://www.burwell.co.uk

Burwell Museum - worth a visit

http://66.147.244.76/~burwellm/

I can thoroughly recommend a visit to Burwell Museum. It is PACKED with interesting exhibits and "punches above it weight". Ideal for everyone aged from 3 to 103.

Open 11-5 Thursdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays Easter to late October.

Anglesey Abbey (National Trust)

Anglesey Abbey (NT)

This afternoon we went to Anglesey Abbey (NT) for a walk of about 1.6km. The dahlias are still out but they are now past their best.  They have a novel way of using the old dahlias heads - see picture. Some are in a 220m line of dahlia heads and some are hung from a tree as in the photo.

Although still giddy and I tire easily, the walking itself is not problematic. In fact I enjoy it very much. We bumped into 3 old friends whilst there.

From Al Jazeera news - does bombing help?

See http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2014/09/confronting-isil-why-bombing-d-2014918103329702304.html .

Interesting piece by Rachael Shabi on the Al Jazeera website questioning whether or not bombings in the Middle East actually helps stop terrorists. In the past, these moves have failed.

Imams speak out

Imams have published a YouTube video pleading for the release of British taxi driver Alan Henning. They condemn holding him ("an innocent humanitarian aid worker") as being against Sharia Law.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29289304 .

"Executing this man is totally haram," he said. "Impermissible, prohibited according to sharia for a number of reasons."

Salmond to step down

It seems a pity to me but apparently Alex Salmond is stepping down as First Minister of Scotland after not winning the referendum. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-29277527.   Although he did not win, I thought he was magnanimous in defeat. It is a great shame he is stepping down.

Autumn

It is amazing, although not too surprising, how just a few weeks can make so much difference.

Although the grass is still growing vigorously and needs cutting every week still, the nights are really drawing in now and it will be dark at 7pm very soon now. Some of the trees are turning golden.

We have had a very good summer and the autumn fruits and berries have been 4-6 weeks early. Most mornings I can still find wild blackberries on my strolls. I love all seasons - we are lucky in the UK to have 4 distinct seasons all lovely in their own special way. I agree with the Met Office seasons which, to me, fit well:

Dec, Jan, Feb - winter
Mar. Apl, May - spring
June, July, Aug - summer
Sept, Oct, Nov - autumn.

My favourite season of all is spring when things come alive again with fresh new growth and the migrant birds return from winter in Africa. In the meantime, let us enjoy autumn and winter for their special charms. On dry days, usually in January, the light is low and wonderful.

I hope next year that I am fit again. This year has been hard as I have been so unwell.

Scotland votes to stay in UK

Good news but more devolved power likely across UK as "yes" to an independent nation was quite strong.

Archbishop admits doubts about God.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29255318 .

The Archbishop of Canterbury explains that it was acceptable to occasionally have doubt, and still be a Christian. He added: "The extraordinary thing about being a Christian is that God is faithful even when we're not. When we get into the wrong place he comes alongside us and says, 'Right let's go from here.'"

His remarks were made at an event in Bristol Cathedral in which the Archbishop spoke about why he believes in God and how his faith in Jesus has transformed his life.

Scotland decides

By tomorrow morning we should know if Scotland is to leave the UK or stay as part of the union it has belonged to for 307 years.

Although I hope people there stay in the UK, it is their decision. If they leave, I suspect it will prove hard.  Most results won't be known before breakfast, so I won't be glued to the TV overnight, fun though it might be. Breakfast TV will have all the results probably.

We have some affinity with Scotland. One of my sons was at university in Glasgow for 4 years and then worked there for a year.

Ebola and economies

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29239604 .  The World Bank believes the current Ebola outbreak could ruin many West African economies. The Ebola outbreak is killing thousands. President Obama has warned of the dangers to the world from it and has offered more troops.

There are some vaccines being tested, but it is early days for these. The real danger is if it spreads to more populated nations when further spreads could be even harder to contain. Imagine Ebola on a tube train.

Scottish Referendum

The vote tomorrow in which Scotland will decide if it is to leave the UK will be a close call according to the experts. Whatever the outcome, we have to respect the views expressed.

At the moment it looks like the "yes" vote i.e. Scotland votes to leave the UK, may just win. If it does, I suspect that Scotland will find it gets quite hard quite soon.

Personally, I agree with Mr Salmond on Trident: it is a total waste of money and Scotland will be better without it. Mind you, the vote is very important for far more reasons than this. I urge all Scots to think carefully.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29235191 .

 Apparently the .scot domain name will soon be available.  See http://www.lcn.com/dotscot?utm_campaign=dotscotlaunchfb&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=CAsidebar .

UPDATE 1625z:  There are a lot of people in the "don't know" or "undecided" category. A lot will depend on these votes. It could go either way. The latest opinion polls show a narrow lead to the "no" campaign, but there are lots of undecided voters who could swing the result either way.

Spare £1.95M anyone? Landmark, Salcombe.

See http://search.savills.com/content/assets/properties/gbetrsexs140087/EXS140087_02_gal.JPG .

This fine "Arts and Crafts" house, which was once owned by author Paul Gallico, is on the market for £1.95million.  I fear the developers will simply sell to the highest bidder and the site will be extensively redeveloped, mainly for greed and a quick profit. The sellers own sales literature even says, "Possible redevelopment opportunity". It is pretty clear what they want.  This is a very fine house, which should be kept as it is. It has real history with it once being Paul Gallico's home where many of his books were written. It is a rare gem.

See http://search.savills.com/property-detail/gbetrsexs140087 . This building should be listed and developers prevented from making "a fast buck" by selling such houses! Salcombe is rapidly being ruined by the greed of those with no real interest in the town.   Already locals are being priced out. In 20 years Salcombe will be dead - just a playground for those with "loads of money" and very little sense. My dad used to call them the "Hooray Henry" brigade. You know the type. Salcombe is beng bought up by those earning silly money such as Premier League footballers and bankers and the like who earn millions in bonuses for basically gambling with OUR money. Sorry, but I get very angry when I see good, hard working locals unable to afford to live in their own town.

I have no idea whether listing a building that is on the market is possible or not. To try, write to customers@english-heritage.org.uk .