My son is watching snooker on TV in the bedroom, grandchildren are both asleep in beds and in the lounge my wife and daughter-in-law are reading books. The TV is off.
All is very quiet - lovely.
Sunday 4 May 2014
Family day
This afternoon our son Tim, his wife and their 2 delightful young children came to stay for the night. They go back to London after lunch tomorrow. We love their company and especially enjoy the little grandchildren. The youngest of this pair is not quite 3 and her elder brother is 6.5 years old. They have cousins in Kent who are a little younger.
Gerry Adams released
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-27278039.
Gerry Adams has been released from custody following days of questioning over the 1972 murder of Jean McConville in Northern Ireland. A file is being prepared to decide whether charges will be brought later. Mr Adams has always denied involvement in the murder.
One thing is certain: if Gerry Adams is summoned, justice may be served, but the Northern Ireland peace process will be irreparably damaged . In some ways, a greater peace would be served if he was not prosecuted, even if the PPS believe he was involved. Sinn Féin are "engaged" in the peace process and alienating them would not be in the long-term interests of the province. The next six months will be critical for the peace process. I am glad this decision is not mine to make.
In an ideal world the evil past would be history. One good thing would be for both side to say where "The Disappeared" are buried i.e. those killed by the IRA and protestants but whose place of burial has never been known. For the families this has been a nightmare. I am a believer in a amnesty for past political crimes and realise some who committed real atrocities would be free men. Evil was done on both sides of the divide in the last 50 years. Surely better to bury the hatchet of history and to work constructively for a really long, peaceful future. One of the enduring images in recent years in Northern Ireland is of Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley - once sworn enemies - enjoying a laugh together (the so-called "chuckle brothers"). If they can make peace there is real hope.
Sadly, this is Northern Ireland and nothing follows sensible paths. We must now wait and hope.
Gerry Adams has been released from custody following days of questioning over the 1972 murder of Jean McConville in Northern Ireland. A file is being prepared to decide whether charges will be brought later. Mr Adams has always denied involvement in the murder.
One thing is certain: if Gerry Adams is summoned, justice may be served, but the Northern Ireland peace process will be irreparably damaged . In some ways, a greater peace would be served if he was not prosecuted, even if the PPS believe he was involved. Sinn Féin are "engaged" in the peace process and alienating them would not be in the long-term interests of the province. The next six months will be critical for the peace process. I am glad this decision is not mine to make.
In an ideal world the evil past would be history. One good thing would be for both side to say where "The Disappeared" are buried i.e. those killed by the IRA and protestants but whose place of burial has never been known. For the families this has been a nightmare. I am a believer in a amnesty for past political crimes and realise some who committed real atrocities would be free men. Evil was done on both sides of the divide in the last 50 years. Surely better to bury the hatchet of history and to work constructively for a really long, peaceful future. One of the enduring images in recent years in Northern Ireland is of Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley - once sworn enemies - enjoying a laugh together (the so-called "chuckle brothers"). If they can make peace there is real hope.
Sadly, this is Northern Ireland and nothing follows sensible paths. We must now wait and hope.
Saturday 3 May 2014
Salcombe, Devon - where I came from years ago
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| Salcombe, S.Devon |
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| Looking out to sea - Salcombe |
Friday 2 May 2014
Politics in Northern Ireland
Politics in Northern Ireland continues to puzzle me.
I am in no position to say whether or not Gerry Adams was in any way, shape or form involved in the murder in 1972 of Jean McConville. In many ways I hope he was not.
There is a kind of uneasy peace in the province. In many ways, the sectarian violence of a few years ago has gone, yet the fundamental sectarian bad feelings are still there simmering just beneath the surface. A visit to Northern Ireland still has reminders of the past: the barriers between Catholic and Protestant areas are still there in Belfast, the police stations still have huge barrier fences etc. The politics is divided on sectarian lines even now, not politics in the sense we know it elsewhere in the UK.
It seems to me very little would be needed to change the current (uneasy) peace back to violence.
Why cannot the ordinary folk of this most beautiful province cast the past aside and really embrace peace? True peace can only come when forgiveness has a chance to flourish. We are still some way from this.
I am in no position to say whether or not Gerry Adams was in any way, shape or form involved in the murder in 1972 of Jean McConville. In many ways I hope he was not.
There is a kind of uneasy peace in the province. In many ways, the sectarian violence of a few years ago has gone, yet the fundamental sectarian bad feelings are still there simmering just beneath the surface. A visit to Northern Ireland still has reminders of the past: the barriers between Catholic and Protestant areas are still there in Belfast, the police stations still have huge barrier fences etc. The politics is divided on sectarian lines even now, not politics in the sense we know it elsewhere in the UK.
It seems to me very little would be needed to change the current (uneasy) peace back to violence.
Why cannot the ordinary folk of this most beautiful province cast the past aside and really embrace peace? True peace can only come when forgiveness has a chance to flourish. We are still some way from this.
Max Clifford gets 8 years sentence
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-2725931 .
So PR guru Max Clifford gets a sentence of 8 years allegedly for sexual assaults on women. With good behaviour "inside" he will be out again in 4-5 years' time. What do I think? No real views, but he was tried on the evidence before a judge and jury and found guilty, so he must serve his time according to English law.
This is one of the Operation Yewtree trials that has led to a conviction. I assume the evidence must have been convincing, whereas in many other trials it depended on very old, and somewhat hearsay, evidence that was never going to convince a jury, beyond reasonable doubt, of the defendant's guilt. In English law a man is innocent until proven guilty: the onus is on the prosecution to convince the jury of the evidence beyond reasonable doubt i.e. it has to be good and solid evidence.
My view is that a lot of people are getting on the compensation bandwagon now and many cases should not be brought to court. If the evidence is strong and recent, then yes, but hearsay evidence that is 50+ years old, when our public morals were very different is not on. In my place of work 50 years ago, the moral climate was quite different. Many a girl had her bottom pinched or was wolf whistled. I am not saying this was right, just that our standards today are different. What was acceptable then may not be by our standards today.
I also have a problem that it is only now these cases are coming into the open. Surely if a person was a monster 40 years ago he should have been brought to justice then and not in 2014? The argument that people would not have been believed then are not that convincing in really serious cases
My views - you may well hold differing views.
So PR guru Max Clifford gets a sentence of 8 years allegedly for sexual assaults on women. With good behaviour "inside" he will be out again in 4-5 years' time. What do I think? No real views, but he was tried on the evidence before a judge and jury and found guilty, so he must serve his time according to English law.
This is one of the Operation Yewtree trials that has led to a conviction. I assume the evidence must have been convincing, whereas in many other trials it depended on very old, and somewhat hearsay, evidence that was never going to convince a jury, beyond reasonable doubt, of the defendant's guilt. In English law a man is innocent until proven guilty: the onus is on the prosecution to convince the jury of the evidence beyond reasonable doubt i.e. it has to be good and solid evidence.
My view is that a lot of people are getting on the compensation bandwagon now and many cases should not be brought to court. If the evidence is strong and recent, then yes, but hearsay evidence that is 50+ years old, when our public morals were very different is not on. In my place of work 50 years ago, the moral climate was quite different. Many a girl had her bottom pinched or was wolf whistled. I am not saying this was right, just that our standards today are different. What was acceptable then may not be by our standards today.
I also have a problem that it is only now these cases are coming into the open. Surely if a person was a monster 40 years ago he should have been brought to justice then and not in 2014? The argument that people would not have been believed then are not that convincing in really serious cases
My views - you may well hold differing views.
Stroke progress
When I came out of hospital in January I was expecting to get better very quickly. That was early January and we are now early May, almost 4 months later.
Although walking is much better I still have major balance issues best described as feeling like I've just had 8 pints of beer. My eating and drinking by mouth are not that different, especially drinking which I still find hard. However, I have much less liquid feed directly into my stomach and am eating a larger variety of foods by mouth though. I must be making progress without realising.
The lesson seems to be to measure progress in many months and not weeks and to be very patient. Progress is slow and in fits and starts. I have to "hang in there" and not expect to get instantly better. All in its own time. This is not as I expected. Some days I feel I'm actually sliding backwards and this can be disheartening. To be honest, I am very frustrated with the progress.
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Although walking is much better I still have major balance issues best described as feeling like I've just had 8 pints of beer. My eating and drinking by mouth are not that different, especially drinking which I still find hard. However, I have much less liquid feed directly into my stomach and am eating a larger variety of foods by mouth though. I must be making progress without realising.
The lesson seems to be to measure progress in many months and not weeks and to be very patient. Progress is slow and in fits and starts. I have to "hang in there" and not expect to get instantly better. All in its own time. This is not as I expected. Some days I feel I'm actually sliding backwards and this can be disheartening. To be honest, I am very frustrated with the progress.
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Thursday 1 May 2014
Peaches Geldof
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-27242721
What a sad loss of a young life. Heroin was found in her body so she may have died, like her mother, from an overdose? Whatever, it is too young to die for any reason, especially with a child. Sir Bob Geldof lost a young wife and now has lost a daughter. My heart goes out to him in his pain. It must be dreadful for him, especially with a world watching, when all he wants is to be able to grieve in peace.
What a sad loss of a young life. Heroin was found in her body so she may have died, like her mother, from an overdose? Whatever, it is too young to die for any reason, especially with a child. Sir Bob Geldof lost a young wife and now has lost a daughter. My heart goes out to him in his pain. It must be dreadful for him, especially with a world watching, when all he wants is to be able to grieve in peace.
Carbon Capture
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-27063796 .
We seem to be sleep-walking into the future with no real attempts to move away from a carbon based energy economy. Oil and gas are very heavily subsidised I believe in many western nations, so there is no imperative to make a switch to more sustainable energy sources. This being so we need to either change (fast) or move to measures that will mitigate the effects of high carbon use.
The UK looks to have been granted EU money (300M euros) to support a pilot project (see BBC report linked). This takes CO2 from coal power station emissions and buries it under the North Sea. If successful, CCS could be a useful technique as we make the switch to a lower carbon energy economy.
We tend to forget the positive side of EU membership.
We seem to be sleep-walking into the future with no real attempts to move away from a carbon based energy economy. Oil and gas are very heavily subsidised I believe in many western nations, so there is no imperative to make a switch to more sustainable energy sources. This being so we need to either change (fast) or move to measures that will mitigate the effects of high carbon use.
The UK looks to have been granted EU money (300M euros) to support a pilot project (see BBC report linked). This takes CO2 from coal power station emissions and buries it under the North Sea. If successful, CCS could be a useful technique as we make the switch to a lower carbon energy economy.
We tend to forget the positive side of EU membership.
Just chilling
Yesterday one of our sons and a granddaughter came and this morning neighbours came for coffee.
This afternoon we are expecting no-one so we are just relaxing - chilling - in our cosy lounge. I am getting blogs up to date and my wife is reading her book. Perfect on a rainy day.
This afternoon we are expecting no-one so we are just relaxing - chilling - in our cosy lounge. I am getting blogs up to date and my wife is reading her book. Perfect on a rainy day.
Salt of the earth people
A couple of our neighbours, Margaret and Brian, came over for coffee today. When I was in hospital they were very kind indeed and supportive of my wife.
Strange how a serious illness brings out the worst, and very best, in people. A couple of our "Christian" neighbours (regular churchgoers and the wife a Sunday school teacher) have hardly wanted to know me - they have called to see me once since leaving hospital (we invited them) - whereas others have been totally and genuinely concerned and kind.
Two such are Margaret and Brian - genuine "salt of the earth" people, kind to the very core. Thank you.
I am not seeking kindness, but I can easily tell genuine love and kindness from "sham" kindness (doing good because it is a duty).
Strange how a serious illness brings out the worst, and very best, in people. A couple of our "Christian" neighbours (regular churchgoers and the wife a Sunday school teacher) have hardly wanted to know me - they have called to see me once since leaving hospital (we invited them) - whereas others have been totally and genuinely concerned and kind.
Two such are Margaret and Brian - genuine "salt of the earth" people, kind to the very core. Thank you.
I am not seeking kindness, but I can easily tell genuine love and kindness from "sham" kindness (doing good because it is a duty).
Wednesday 30 April 2014
Anglian Water - very impressed
Until we had a burst main yesterday and our water was off for several hours, I had no idea that if one needed water for a medical condition, as I do, that one can register to have bottled water delivered if the supply is off for a long period. Anglian Water was very good, ringing me several times during the day. As it happened, our water was back on after lunch at reduced pressure and the burst fully mended early evening. No bottled water was needed.
I have to say I was very impressed with the service and level of care that Anglian Water showed to its customers.
I have to say I was very impressed with the service and level of care that Anglian Water showed to its customers.
UKIP and European Elections
In a few weeks' time we in the UK vote in the European elections. UKIP is expected to do well, no doubt as an anti-European protest vote. As a voter, I am still undecided who to vote for, but it will not be UKIP. In my personal view (others may well disagree) UKIP is a single issue party - Europe in or out - and they have failed to demonstrate - to me - any other policies. In my personal view (others may well disagree) UKIP is a bit like a British National Party (BNP) but with enough respectability that ordinary voters can vote for them with a clear conscience.
No, the decision on who to vote for is unclear as yet except it will not be UKIP or the BNP.
No, the decision on who to vote for is unclear as yet except it will not be UKIP or the BNP.
Tuesday 29 April 2014
Palestine - Israel talks, where next?
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27210263 .
Peace talks seem to be deadlocked, yet again, begging the question of just how to get these 2 sides around a single table involved in meaningful discussions on a long term peace settlement.
The sad thing is both sides need this but seem unable to take the bold steps required, especially Israel. The Palestinians are not blame free either. Think how history will remember you if/when you succeed.
Please, cast the past aside and make real peace for once - you know it makes sense. Years of war and uncertainty does no-one any good. Think about all the benefits a good peace treaty would bring.
Peace talks seem to be deadlocked, yet again, begging the question of just how to get these 2 sides around a single table involved in meaningful discussions on a long term peace settlement.
The sad thing is both sides need this but seem unable to take the bold steps required, especially Israel. The Palestinians are not blame free either. Think how history will remember you if/when you succeed.
Please, cast the past aside and make real peace for once - you know it makes sense. Years of war and uncertainty does no-one any good. Think about all the benefits a good peace treaty would bring.
More Ukraine
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27204009 .
Russia is getting upset by NATO "cold war" behaviour and sanctions - well tough! Reduce your 40000 troops on Russia's border with Ukraine then.
The small scale NATO moves are about re-assurance whereas Russian moves are pure threat to a free and independent nation. Cool it or expect yet more sanctions. You should have to pay for your intimidating behaviour.
Russian actions belong back in the Cold War days and have no place in a free and democratic world. Russia, act like a grown up and stop throwing your toys out of your pram. I know there are always at least 2 sides to any dispute but Russian actions are plain wrong. This is not the way to air you grievances.
Russia is a great nation that deserves to be treated respectfully, but only if it behaves like an adult nation. Russia is behaving like a spoiled child at present over eastern Ukraine.
I fear for the future of eastern Ukraine: The Russian "inner circle" is still living in the 1970s. The age of the USSR is long gone!
Russia is getting upset by NATO "cold war" behaviour and sanctions - well tough! Reduce your 40000 troops on Russia's border with Ukraine then.
The small scale NATO moves are about re-assurance whereas Russian moves are pure threat to a free and independent nation. Cool it or expect yet more sanctions. You should have to pay for your intimidating behaviour.
Russian actions belong back in the Cold War days and have no place in a free and democratic world. Russia, act like a grown up and stop throwing your toys out of your pram. I know there are always at least 2 sides to any dispute but Russian actions are plain wrong. This is not the way to air you grievances.
Russia is a great nation that deserves to be treated respectfully, but only if it behaves like an adult nation. Russia is behaving like a spoiled child at present over eastern Ukraine.
I fear for the future of eastern Ukraine: The Russian "inner circle" is still living in the 1970s. The age of the USSR is long gone!
Without water
Isn't it amazing how we get to depend on our essential services? Just after breakfast our cold water went off. Others locally are cut off too. I need water for my syringe (4 loads, 4 times a day) to keep my fluid intake up ( stroke). Our neighbour phoned the water company who seemed not to know of the issue quoting "4 hours" to fix which sounds like a standard answer and I guess it could be any time! Now told "6 hours" typical for a mains leak, but it could be longer. I have gone on the Anglia Water "Water Care Register" which promises to deliver bottled water if the supply is disrupted for long periods. You have to be disabled and have a need for regular water as I do (stroke 2L a day).
It is only when water and electric or even the internet goes off you realise just how much we take these essential services for granted. When we first moved last year we had no phone or internet for weeks - what a pain that was!
We are now having to be very frugal with the little water we have - just what is left in the system.
People in rural 3rd world countries have had to be frugal with water and electricity for years and years.
It is only when water and electric or even the internet goes off you realise just how much we take these essential services for granted. When we first moved last year we had no phone or internet for weeks - what a pain that was!
We are now having to be very frugal with the little water we have - just what is left in the system.
People in rural 3rd world countries have had to be frugal with water and electricity for years and years.
Monday 28 April 2014
Out this afternoon and MH370 speculation again
This afternoon my wife and I went down the road to friends for a couple of hours. It was nice to "chew the cud" and talk about all sorts of things - to be normal in fact.
At the end we were speculating about flight MH370 again, and we all agreed there was something we are not being told. The rumour mills are working overtime but it is odd that not a single piece of wreckage has been found yet.
One theory is it was shot down and whoever was responsible does not want to own up. The other odd fact is that the USA has been remarkably quiet when the skies are riddled with US spy satellites. Surely, the USA would know where this plane came down? Or did the USA have a part to play in its end?
Has it been secretly landed at a US base in the Indian Ocean? Maybe Diago Garcia? Why no mobile phone traffic at all? See http://www.emirates247.com /news/missing-mh370-latest-air-search-called-off-only-underwater-now-2014-04-28-1.546548.
The Australian PM seems confident the acoustic pings detected in the search area off W.Australia were from the plane's black boxes.
Lots of questions but, as yet, no answers.
At the end we were speculating about flight MH370 again, and we all agreed there was something we are not being told. The rumour mills are working overtime but it is odd that not a single piece of wreckage has been found yet.
One theory is it was shot down and whoever was responsible does not want to own up. The other odd fact is that the USA has been remarkably quiet when the skies are riddled with US spy satellites. Surely, the USA would know where this plane came down? Or did the USA have a part to play in its end?
Has it been secretly landed at a US base in the Indian Ocean? Maybe Diago Garcia? Why no mobile phone traffic at all? See http://www.emirates247.com /news/missing-mh370-latest-air-search-called-off-only-underwater-now-2014-04-28-1.546548.
The Australian PM seems confident the acoustic pings detected in the search area off W.Australia were from the plane's black boxes.
Lots of questions but, as yet, no answers.
Sunday 27 April 2014
Quakers in the UK
Although not a Quaker, I seem to hold views that almost totally align with them. You may want to read the latest copy of Quaker News which gives a good insight into Quaker ways. See https://www.quaker.org.uk/quaker-news .
The Quakers are to be found working quitely behind the scenes on all sorts of fronts. Their policy of total non-violence is commendable.
The Quakers are to be found working quitely behind the scenes on all sorts of fronts. Their policy of total non-violence is commendable.
Lawns and Green Thumb
At our old house we had our lawns treated regularly by Green Thumb. This is a franchise business. For several years and with very little effort on my part (apart from mowing) the grass was very green and totally weed free.
Last week they gave the first treatment to the lawns at our bungalow. Already, the weeds are dying, so the signs are promising. These days there are similar companies fighting for the lawn care business. I have only experience of Green Thumb, who are good. I could probably do the same lawn care treatments myself, but not sure the results would be as good. It is surprising how many people asked me how I managed to keep the lawns looking so good. I just tell them Green Thumb!
Last week they gave the first treatment to the lawns at our bungalow. Already, the weeds are dying, so the signs are promising. These days there are similar companies fighting for the lawn care business. I have only experience of Green Thumb, who are good. I could probably do the same lawn care treatments myself, but not sure the results would be as good. It is surprising how many people asked me how I managed to keep the lawns looking so good. I just tell them Green Thumb!
DAB radios
I am a fan of AM and FM broadcast radios. Coverage is so much better than my DAB radio which drops out half the time and is really a waste of money. Give me FM any day of the week.
Well, today I read that OFCOM is consulting on DAB+ which is a new DAB format, rendering old DAB sets obsolete. Personally, I hope they never remove AM on medium, long and short waves, and FM on Band II VHF.
Well, today I read that OFCOM is consulting on DAB+ which is a new DAB format, rendering old DAB sets obsolete. Personally, I hope they never remove AM on medium, long and short waves, and FM on Band II VHF.
More normality today
Although my stroke still makes me feel sick and wobbly, it was good to do more "normal" things today: after lunch my wife and I took turns to do a ticketing duty at our local Burwell museum and windmill ,and this evening a friend came around to erect some amateur radio antennas. Not yet back to normal, but more steps on the way back to "normality".
Saturday 26 April 2014
Is war in Ukraine a certainty?
No, but the signs are ominous.
As in all conflicts, it depends on who you are listening to. The Russians believe they are in the right to send in troops if necessary to bring stability to the eastern cities. The Ukrainians believe Russian special forces are already at work destabilising the east of Ukraine. NATO is watching in the wings hopng the Russians will calm things, especially with the threat of more economic sanctions. Russia is already feeling economic pain.
I don't much like Mr Putin's stance. He clearly wants to re-create the Soviet Union in some form and is showing the world his flexed muscles. He is ex-KGB and doesn't sound a nice man. Maybe I am seeing a biassed view of the man? Could be.
This could all get out of hand so easily and lead to a major European war, or worse. At all costs, this conflict has to be defused and peace allowed to flourish.
And of course the Russian trump card is gas supply to Europe. Ultimately, the west wants Russian gas and will resist too much clout against Russia so they don't turn this off. On the other hand, the export of gas must help the Russian economy. See http://en.ria.ru/infographics/20090609/155206402 .
I don't much like Mr Putin's stance. He clearly wants to re-create the Soviet Union in some form and is showing the world his flexed muscles. He is ex-KGB and doesn't sound a nice man. Maybe I am seeing a biassed view of the man? Could be.
This could all get out of hand so easily and lead to a major European war, or worse. At all costs, this conflict has to be defused and peace allowed to flourish.
And of course the Russian trump card is gas supply to Europe. Ultimately, the west wants Russian gas and will resist too much clout against Russia so they don't turn this off. On the other hand, the export of gas must help the Russian economy. See http://en.ria.ru/infographics/20090609/155206402 .
Friday 25 April 2014
(More) birds in Mill Close
In the last few days there have been a few more small birds evident at our new home. There were great tits around today and yesterday my wife noticed a long tailed tit, so the small birds are around after all. It certainly seems harder to attract them than at the old house, but we will continue to try.
The long tailed tit certainly seems more common than a few years back and certainly is a most attractive little bird, more often heard (very high pitched squeak) than seen. Often, especially in winter, there are flocks of these flitting from tree to tree.
The long tailed tit certainly seems more common than a few years back and certainly is a most attractive little bird, more often heard (very high pitched squeak) than seen. Often, especially in winter, there are flocks of these flitting from tree to tree.
London children tragedy
My heart bleeds for the father, 8 year old daughter and the mum who killed her 3 young children last week in south west London.
The young children suffered from a degenerative disease that was slowly killing them as they grew older. For the parents to watch as their little ones grow more and more helpless would be unbearable. In some ways I can understand what she did and why. But oh so sad for the whole family. One of the worst aspects must be the vicarious interest of the press. The family must be devastated by the recent events.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-27155751 .
The young children suffered from a degenerative disease that was slowly killing them as they grew older. For the parents to watch as their little ones grow more and more helpless would be unbearable. In some ways I can understand what she did and why. But oh so sad for the whole family. One of the worst aspects must be the vicarious interest of the press. The family must be devastated by the recent events.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-27155751 .
Peg feeding because of stroke
Today was the date for my 2 monthly clinic session at Addenbrookes Hospital as part of the follow-up following my stroke last September.
Again it was good news: I can reduce the liquid feed through my stomach peg by 200ml every 2 weeks, meaning I could be totally free of liquid peg feed in about 2 months' time. This assumes I maintain my weight. I am already eating soft foods via my mouth and these will increase again.
I still have to take some water via the peg (my liquid intake is too low) but to be free of peg feeds will be a real milestone on my road to recovery.
Recovery from my stroke is taking a long time, but I am recovering, thankfully. Many don't do as well.
Again it was good news: I can reduce the liquid feed through my stomach peg by 200ml every 2 weeks, meaning I could be totally free of liquid peg feed in about 2 months' time. This assumes I maintain my weight. I am already eating soft foods via my mouth and these will increase again.
I still have to take some water via the peg (my liquid intake is too low) but to be free of peg feeds will be a real milestone on my road to recovery.
Recovery from my stroke is taking a long time, but I am recovering, thankfully. Many don't do as well.
Thursday 24 April 2014
Israel - are they ALL mad?
BBC link corrected.
Israel totally baffles me.
You would have thought the nation would realise it needs good relations with its neighbours for its long-term security. Instead they seem hell-bent on upsetting the Palestinians. Already treating the Palestinians as non-people with no rights for years and years, it has now said peace talks (a real joke) are off if the Hamas-Fatah reconciliation goes ahead. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27149225 .
Israel, please realise you need to make peace and not war unless you want to live forever in a state of insecurity.
Israel's position is strengthened by the ongoing support of the USA. Surely the USA must become more even-handed in the Middle East. It chooses its friends for its own vested self interest. The USA is a plutocracy not a true democracy. From Wikipedia, " In modern times, the term is sometimes used pejoratively to refer to societies rooted in state-corporate capitalism or which prioritize the accumulation of wealth over other interests." Is this not the USA?
The Middle East issues could so easily be fixed with a true will for peace on all sides. The precidents of N. Ireland and S. Africa give me some hope. Nations and individuals can and do change.
Israel totally baffles me.
You would have thought the nation would realise it needs good relations with its neighbours for its long-term security. Instead they seem hell-bent on upsetting the Palestinians. Already treating the Palestinians as non-people with no rights for years and years, it has now said peace talks (a real joke) are off if the Hamas-Fatah reconciliation goes ahead. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27149225 .
Israel, please realise you need to make peace and not war unless you want to live forever in a state of insecurity.
Israel's position is strengthened by the ongoing support of the USA. Surely the USA must become more even-handed in the Middle East. It chooses its friends for its own vested self interest. The USA is a plutocracy not a true democracy. From Wikipedia, " In modern times, the term is sometimes used pejoratively to refer to societies rooted in state-corporate capitalism or which prioritize the accumulation of wealth over other interests." Is this not the USA?
The Middle East issues could so easily be fixed with a true will for peace on all sides. The precidents of N. Ireland and S. Africa give me some hope. Nations and individuals can and do change.
Tragic Death
Today, we heard that the son-in-law of one of my wife's old school colleagues has sadly died of cancer leaving a wife and a little girl not much older than our grandson. Despite knowing this was on the cards, it must be a terrible shock. The husband who died was 30s or 40s only. He has been ill for some time.
My heart bleeds for the little girl, who is delightful. She came to play with our grandson last year. I pray she will cope OK and still remember her dad as she grows up. That poor little girl. She is too young to have to cope with this.
My heart bleeds for the little girl, who is delightful. She came to play with our grandson last year. I pray she will cope OK and still remember her dad as she grows up. That poor little girl. She is too young to have to cope with this.
Wednesday 23 April 2014
Swallows in East Anglia
The barn swallow has been seen in S.Devon since mid-March, but here in East Anglia they are later arriving, at least in significant numbers. There may have been the odd ones earlier this month.
Today April 23rd, I had my second view this year (first last week) and my first close-up view, close to the River Ouse in Ely. The return of swallows from S.Africa, crossing continents and deserts to reach here, lifts my spirits. Even more so when the swifts arrive in a few more weeks' time.
"All's well with the world" as Robert Browning said.
See http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/swallow/ . But numbers are declining.
Today April 23rd, I had my second view this year (first last week) and my first close-up view, close to the River Ouse in Ely. The return of swallows from S.Africa, crossing continents and deserts to reach here, lifts my spirits. Even more so when the swifts arrive in a few more weeks' time.
"All's well with the world" as Robert Browning said.
See http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/swallow/ . But numbers are declining.
Flight MH370
The mystery deepens: still no definite wreckage found and no black box recovered and the black box batteries have probably died by now. If on the deep sea bed it could be a long time being found. I even read they are re-examining evidence that the plane may have landed somewhere after all.
A nagging gut instinct tells me we are not being told the full truth by the Malaysian authorities. Do they know something we don't? Maybe the Malaysians shot it down but are too scared to admit this? For the relatives it must be sheer hell: a roller-coaster of emotions and uncertainties.
For all involved, I hope there is some definite news soon, good or bad. Good would be wonderful, but even bad allows grieving to begin.
A nagging gut instinct tells me we are not being told the full truth by the Malaysian authorities. Do they know something we don't? Maybe the Malaysians shot it down but are too scared to admit this? For the relatives it must be sheer hell: a roller-coaster of emotions and uncertainties.
For all involved, I hope there is some definite news soon, good or bad. Good would be wonderful, but even bad allows grieving to begin.
Tuesday 22 April 2014
Progress?
I have to keep reminding myself that I am making progress with my stroke recovery.
Walking is now easier, I am taking less liquid feed via my stomach peg (currently 700ml a day, was 1000ml) and I am eating a bigger variety of food by mouth. My biggest issues remain my giddiness/clumsiness (feels like I have had 8 pints of beer to drink, whereas I have had no alcohol since last summer) and a feeling of sickness/nausea that may be is helped by pills I take.
The real breakthrough will be when the giddiness is better.
Walking is now easier, I am taking less liquid feed via my stomach peg (currently 700ml a day, was 1000ml) and I am eating a bigger variety of food by mouth. My biggest issues remain my giddiness/clumsiness (feels like I have had 8 pints of beer to drink, whereas I have had no alcohol since last summer) and a feeling of sickness/nausea that may be is helped by pills I take.
The real breakthrough will be when the giddiness is better.
Monday 21 April 2014
Grandchildren gone home
Our home is very quiet again. The 2 "London" grandchildren have now gone back to their London home and the elder one (6.5) goes back to school in the morning.
We have had the children on their own Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights - they were perfectly behaved - and their mum joined us on Sunday. Even though I felt quite rotten at times (stroke - sickness and giddiness), it was a great pleasure and joy to have them stay and again enjoy their childhood sense of wonder with the world.
For a few days my illness was not the main focus of attention. It was such a pleasure to have them and to enjoy their joy of life. We are fortunate indeed to have 4 lovely little grandchildren in our lives.
We have had the children on their own Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights - they were perfectly behaved - and their mum joined us on Sunday. Even though I felt quite rotten at times (stroke - sickness and giddiness), it was a great pleasure and joy to have them stay and again enjoy their childhood sense of wonder with the world.
For a few days my illness was not the main focus of attention. It was such a pleasure to have them and to enjoy their joy of life. We are fortunate indeed to have 4 lovely little grandchildren in our lives.
Climbing the windmill
On their last day with us before returning to London, Tim (our son), Jo (his French wife) and our grandson Lucien (6.5 years, old) are climbing to the top of our local windmill (inside). The windmill is just over our front garden wall. Inside the mill, the steps/ladders are very steep, so I have advised them to take great care. All being well, we should get some good photos of our bungalow from quite high up. Amandine, our little granddaughter (3 years old) is having her afternoon nap. My poor health (stroke) is currently preventing me climbing the windmill - maybe later this year?
The recently restored 4-sailed windmill is part of our excellent local Burwell museum, both worth a visit.
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| Our bungalow is to the left of the mill, just behind. |
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| Lucien on the phones in the museum (old exchange) |
Visit to the local church
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| http://www.stmarysburwell.org.uk/content/pages/uploaded_images/1.jpg |
The church was largely built in the 1400s. It was designed by the same man who designed Kings College Chapel in Cambridge. Burwell church (and Kings College Chapel) is well worth a visit. Look for the medieval wooden animals carved in the roof timbers that are sometimes hard to see. Burwell is a fine English church in the perpendicular style much liked by Pevsner on his visits.
Sunday 20 April 2014
Easter Egg Hunts
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| Amandine, Jo and Lucien after the Easter egg hunt |
This afternoon was the first day our local Burwell museum and windmill were open. Our grandchildren all love visiting as there is lots for youngsters to see and do. Our 6.5 year old grandson enjoyed hunting for Easter Eggs in the form of numbered pictures . He managed to find 24 all together. This year the windmill is open too.
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