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Sunday 20 July 2014

Storms abating

The worst of the bad weather seems to have ended. It got very close (nearly overhead) but the centre now seems to have moved away to the east. The sun is now trying to shine again! Whilst it lasted, it was very nasty weather with thunder, lightning and heavy rain. I admit I am glad when nasty storms have moved away.

See http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime?lang=en .

Approaching storm

This week we have missed the worst of the storms but, right now, one is heading our way. Currently it is a little to the west of us, but the thunder is audible and the lightning map shows it moving our way. The skies are darkening. Somehow I think we are going to soon feel its full force quite soon.

UPDATE 1742z: It is here now! Lightning very close and heavy rain.

MH17 crash in Ukraine

If Russia is innocent then why is it not doing far more to help international investigators gain full, unhindered, access to the crash site? Why am I suspicious? If they have nothing to hide why all the secrecy?  All the Russian actions appear to show ever more complicity.

It would be better for Russia to "come clean" and admit that Russian backed separatists shot the plane down. Admit Russia was unable to control rebel factions and then move on. As it is, Russia is likely to face tougher sanctions and yet more isolation in the international community. Both actions are not in Russia's best interests.

It would be in Russia's best interest to agree a permanent downing of weapons in Ukraine and to hold elections to decide the future of Russian speaking regions of Ukraine, perhaps under UN control (of elections)? If some parts want to move to Russia, then let them go.  Bombs and bullets do not solve such conflicts.

UPDATE 1612z:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28389991

Saturday 19 July 2014

Visitors since coming out of hospital

My wife tells me we have had over seventy different visitors come to see us since I came out of hospital back in January.  Many have returned time and time again. Not being able to travel so easily at present, it is lovely to see people in our home. Most ring first to make sure it is convenient. Although people say I look well, inside I am still giddy and feel sick a lot of my waking time.

Some visitors are noticeable by their absence. Some admit they hate illness and are afraid to come. Some of the non-visitors are more surprising as outwardly they claim to be good Christian people. Sham!  As I have said before in this blog, illness certainly shows who are your kind and loyal friends and who are the friends one can do without.

It is not that some people don't call that hurts: it is the sham of some people who claim to be "upright citizens" when really they just don't want to know or to get involved.

It is the sham that hurts.

Storms tracking east of us?

At present the nasty storms coming up from France and Belgium are over Ipswich and Clacton. The storm path seems to be moving north, suggesting we might miss the worst. It certainly feels as if we are in for a storm, but who knows? We are certainly in for a hot uncomfortable night in bed.

See http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime?lang=en  .

The storms over NE France and Begium currently are very intense. I really hope these miss us later.

Storms over Kent

See http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime?lang=en  .

Although it certainly feels stormy here at present - very close and humid - the main storms seem to be some 60-70 miles west of here. Down in East Kent, where our younger son lives,  there are active storms now, with several lightning strikes occurring. His main risk is flooding from rising ground water, although river levels are currently very low, so they should be OK.

School room at museum

Last Thursday our grandson Edward (5) visited our local museum. He he is as the schoolmaster at the reconstructed village school room.