Autumn here (almost)

The leaves are starting to fall now in our garden and another few weeks will see autumn set in strongly.

Our garden - leaves now falling fast.

This morning we went to Anglesey Abbey (National Trust) where the weather was good with temperatures due to reach the low 20 deg C mark this afternoon.

Anglesey Abbey - leaves starting to fall. Colours changing.

Are we being spoiled? Is this the calm before the storm of a very harsh winter?

Secret USA space mission?

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-29669205 .

It looks like the USA has been testing a secret unmanned re-useable space vehicle. It sound like it being used by the US military to test new systems. Spying sounds the most probable use?

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a fascinating "east meets west" place, with Harry Ramsden's fish and chips, double decker buses and bamboo scaffolding and very eastern markets down side streets. For work (years ago) and for pleasure I have been there several times. I have landed at the old airport (hairy) and passed through the modern new airport on my way back from Taiwan. I still was amazed to see a W.H. Smith shop in the new airport, years after the hand back to China.

I hope Hong Kong manages to retain its unique feel in the years ahead. You get the feeling though that the Chinese government is not at ease with its liberal ways with a western leading. Things could change.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-29672083 .

Tuck postcard archive online

Someone found this today. A very useful and free online resource for postcard enthusiasts and collectors. See http://tuckdb.org/ and search for your favourite place. I expect the content will vary day to day. I searched "Salcombe", "Kingsbridge" and "Burwell" and found plenty of old photo PCs.

My brain

Whenever I post on my blogs or Facebook it seems to take a second visit before I spot a posting error. Usually it is an omitted letter or similar. I wonder if this is an effect of my brain bleed? Usually I can correct the error(s) before anyone is aware, but sometimes it can be the next day before I notice. All my limbs work and (mostly) my cognitive powers are fine, if a bit slower than before. I do so hate being not right still. Although local driving seems fine I still feel giddy on my feet and still tire very easily with any physical activity. Even washing the breakfast dishes tires me still.

New Apple Products

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-29643671 .

Although we possess iPod Touch products and an iPad, I still get frustrated by the fact you have to take the products apart to simply change the battery, there is no SD or micro-SD slot and no flash support.

On Android products this is NOT the case. On my Samsung Galaxy S4 mini (Android phone) it is easy and cheap to replace the battery and an extra 32GB of micro-SD storage was easy to fit, so space for apps and photos is not an issue.

NHS - how to WASTE money

It makes my blood boil!

Over a week ago I agreed by phone to change the date of an operation to remove my stomach PEG because the date given clashed with our grandchildren being here over half term. The lady on the phone was very helpful and changed the appointment to the following week. Not only that, we also agreed that a bed overnight would NOT be needed as my wife would be with me at home on discharge. Imagine my disgust to get a typed letter yesterday from the hospital saying the bed was reserved for 2 nights and the appointment was the original date! Of course I rang up immediately and was told there was a mix-up. They would ring me back. Guess who is still waiting!

Clinical care is good but the NHS seems unable to communicate with anyone effectively. Each year the NHS must waste billions because of rubbish communications. Sorry,but the sooner the NHS sorts out its inefficiencies the better.  Let no-one claim that they can't be better. They can improve and give their "customers" a better experience too.

In private industry I would have SACKED people by now.   There really can be no excuse.

The NHS culture needs to change.