Stroke after effects

My brain is still exhibiting some bizarre effects. I still have problems with drinking thin liquids, speaking, getting tired and feeling drunk when walking, but it is not seeing obvious errors with words on my blogs that is fascinating. My problem, back in Sept 2013, was a cerebellum brain bleed, that was operated on.

For example, on another of my blogs I wrote "as" instead of "has" but it took a long time to realise this was wrong. It is as if my brain does not process words quite correctly, or at least not quickly. It is not a serious issue and I correct the errors as soon as I do spot them. It happens quite a bit so I think it is real and not just me being paranoid.

I am finding it harder to get absorbed in TV dramas too. It is as if my memory has been affected in some way. My basic intellect is still sharp, but recalling some things can be a problem. Maybe this is just age? I am desperate to get my "old self" back, but know it could be a long road. Knowing now how bad I was I guess I was pretty lucky and I could have ended up as a terrible mess mentally and physically.

Richard, an old friend, told my wife to get me into hospital fast in Sept 2013. Looking back, this probably saved my life.

See http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/cerebellum .

History destroyed

Whatever the conflict, I find it tragic when the history of a country is destroyed.

This happened in WW2 in Germany (e.g.Dresden) and is even now happening in the Middle East. Absolutely no society has the right to erase history for ever. The past is what made us now. We are part of that history. People, whatever their backgrounds, are vandals if they try to wipe out the past.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-31760656 .

Migrant population

According to recent research data the migrant population in the UK has risen by 565000 since 2011. This is a huge increase. We need to find more effective ways of controlling net inward migration, allowing in skills we need but perhaps turning away people we do not need.

True refugees are different and, like the rest of Europe, we should hold out the hand of friendship to those who come to our shores as a result of war and strife in their own lands.

Although I do not intend to vote UKIP in the May General Election, the EC has a lot to answer for. Some people we do need.  Many we do not. Where possible, jobs should be offered to UK citizens, although the work ethic of some from Eastern Europe is very good. The main attraction is the health of our UK economy: even low wages here in the UK are better than no work at all in their own countries. This requires a points system and needs to apply to all entering the UK for work and residency.

BTW, both my sons married citizens from outside the UK!

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31748422 .

FTSE lower?

Although there are only small movements, the FTSE 100 share index seems to be drifting a little lower today. It is early in the day and a lot can change still. As I write this at 1112z it is 0.18 % down on the day.

UPDATE 1142z:  The FTSE 100 is staging a fight-back! It is currently 0.06% lower.

UPDATE 2220z:  At the end of the day it ended down 0.71%.

Johanna Sallstrom

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johanna_S%C3%A4llstr%C3%B6m .

My wife and I much enjoy the Swedish language Wallander series on TV but were saddened to hear that the actress who played Linda took her own life as a result of depression. She was an excellent actress. She died in 2007. Tragic.

Miniature trains again in Kingsbridge, Devon

Recently I sponsored a short length of track for this miniature railway. I really hope they make a success of the venture.

See http://www.branchline.org.uk/bln/e-BLN_1223.pdf .

See also https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kingsbridge-District-Light-Railway-Co/837410829632854

From Branch Line News, p23:

"MR213] Kingsbridge Miniature Railway, Devon: Between 1969 and 1991 a 7¼" gauge miniature railway ran in the town, along Squires Quay (SX735440). Apparently, there are now plans to bring a miniature railway back. The Kingsbridge & Salcombe Gazette posted an article on its web site on 21 November 2014, titled Council backs railway revival. The question where has the train gone? is apparently the second most common one put to staff at the Tourist Information Centre - after where is the ferry? ACTIONWEST director Steve Mammatt made a presentation to the Kingsbridge Town Council at their meeting on 11 November, which was very well received. A photo of the old railway, posted on the Kingsbridge Old Locals Facebook page, had been received with over 300 'likes' and comments of how it was missed. This kicked Steve into action to see if he could get the much-loved attraction back up and running. The new line, due to the state of the pavement, would no longer be able to run along the same side - the car park side closest to the Quayside Leisure Centre. So Steve said he was looking to have it run along the other side, on Embankment Road. In the, admittedly early, plan it would run from the Quay end of the estuary down to the sheltered seating area opposite the recreation ground. A small shed by the shelter on the pavement would keep the trains safe when not in use.  A gauge of 7¼" gauge is suggested, with a 5" rail also added to allow enthusiasts to be invited to run their locomotives during 'Steam Weekend' events. Most of the cost of the locomotive and the carriages has been covered by sponsorship from a couple of local businesses. Tally Ho! Coaches are keen to have a carriage with their name on it and Steve also has had offers from Herring Shoes, Toad Hall Cottages, Ashby's Easy Stores and WM Construction."

Oxburgh Hall

Today we visited Oxburgh Hall in Norfolk.  This is a  fine moated house that looks more like a fortified castle. It has excellent grounds that had lots of snowdrops out. At the moment the daffodils have still to come out. We had the fine homemade leek and potato soup for lunch.

Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk, UK

See http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburgh-hall/ .

See also http://eachurches.blogspot.co.uk/ .