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Friday 28 October 2016
Autumn in the back garden
The garden is starting to turn more autumnal by the day. Most trees are turning colour and losing their leaves. October seems to have gone very fast!
Thursday 27 October 2016
Salcombe lifeboat disaster - 100 years ago today
See http://salcombelifeboat.co.uk/lifeboat-disaster-centenary/ .
One hundred years ago today the small Devon town where I came from suffered a tragedy when the lifeboat (rowed with oars) overturned with the loss of life of most of the crew. Only two men survived. It was a tragedy in a small community.
There will be a special service to mark this 100 year anniversary.
One of my aunties witnessed the tragedy when she was a young girl. Most of the crew were not young men as most of these were fighting in WW1.
To this day the RNLI crews go out in any weather to save lives. They are brave men and women.
One hundred years ago today the small Devon town where I came from suffered a tragedy when the lifeboat (rowed with oars) overturned with the loss of life of most of the crew. Only two men survived. It was a tragedy in a small community.
There will be a special service to mark this 100 year anniversary.
One of my aunties witnessed the tragedy when she was a young girl. Most of the crew were not young men as most of these were fighting in WW1.
To this day the RNLI crews go out in any weather to save lives. They are brave men and women.
Wednesday 26 October 2016
Thwaites Glacier, Antarctica
See http://motherboard.vice.com/read/scientists-warn-the-collapse-of-this-glacier-could-be-globally-catastrophic-thwaites
It looks as if this glacier is melting fast and could result in a huge sea level rise. I know the skeptics will say this is just scientists after funding, but we ignore these risks at our peril.
It looks as if this glacier is melting fast and could result in a huge sea level rise. I know the skeptics will say this is just scientists after funding, but we ignore these risks at our peril.
Tuesday 25 October 2016
Smart Phones
Tuesday is one of my days in Cambridge doing Polar Studies at the Scott
Polar Research Institute. The course is run by the University of the
Third Age. We are very lucky to have a huge range of courses in Cambridge. We are lucky to have many ex-university lecturers.
See http://www.spri.cam.ac.uk/ .
In a not very scientific study into smart phone use, these were my findings, just looking:
See http://www.spri.cam.ac.uk/ .
In a not very scientific study into smart phone use, these were my findings, just looking:
- Younger people are the main users
- About 1 in 10 (at least) seemed to be using these
- More women than men seemed to use these (keep away, don't speak to me, acknowledge my private space?)
Saturday 22 October 2016
Dying
Perhaps this is something that comes with old(er) age? If I am lucky I
might have another 20 years, or I could die tomorrow. The only thing
certain in life is that we all die, some far too soon. The great
religions of the world all speak of some kind of life after death. The
truth is we just do not know. Some with great faith believe they have
the answers. I prefer to accept my doubts.
I do not remember anything before I was born, so eternal "nothingness" is possible. I guess all humans hate to think in terms of finality. The best ones are those who can accept life as a gift and to live their lives fully. Some argue that without a life after death we have no real moral compass.
In the end I am agnostic - what will be will be. All the major religions seem to strive to understand the ultimate question. One day we will all know the answer.
I do not remember anything before I was born, so eternal "nothingness" is possible. I guess all humans hate to think in terms of finality. The best ones are those who can accept life as a gift and to live their lives fully. Some argue that without a life after death we have no real moral compass.
In the end I am agnostic - what will be will be. All the major religions seem to strive to understand the ultimate question. One day we will all know the answer.
Sunday 16 October 2016
Salcombe Lifeboat Disaster 1916
See http://salcombelifeboat.co.uk/lifeboat-disaster-centenary/ .
One hundred years ago this month the small Devon town where I came from suffered a tragedy when the lifeboat overturned with the loss of life of most of the crew. It was a tragedy in a small community. There will be a special service to mark the 100 year anniversary. One of my aunties witnessed the tragedy when she was a young girl. Most of the crew were not young men as most of these were fighting in WW1. Only 2 people survived.
To this day the RNLI crews go out in any weather to save lives. They are brave men.
One hundred years ago this month the small Devon town where I came from suffered a tragedy when the lifeboat overturned with the loss of life of most of the crew. It was a tragedy in a small community. There will be a special service to mark the 100 year anniversary. One of my aunties witnessed the tragedy when she was a young girl. Most of the crew were not young men as most of these were fighting in WW1. Only 2 people survived.
To this day the RNLI crews go out in any weather to save lives. They are brave men.
Car troubles
Our elder son had to use our car to get home today (to London) as his car would not start. I think he needs a new battery. The rain last night probably did not help as some of the leads would have been damp. The joys of autumn and cooler, wetter times!
We now have pansies planted in the rear garden. These should be in flower until the spring.
UPDATE 1320z: Green Flag (rescue) have now been and said the battery is charging OK and had loose connectors. It has been left running for 15-20 minutes. Our son will collect on Wednesday.
We now have pansies planted in the rear garden. These should be in flower until the spring.
UPDATE 1320z: Green Flag (rescue) have now been and said the battery is charging OK and had loose connectors. It has been left running for 15-20 minutes. Our son will collect on Wednesday.
Thursday 13 October 2016
Autumn
Suddenly we seem to have moved from summer into autumn. The nights are
getting rapidly darker earlier, the temperature has dropped and it
suddenly feels like autumn. I enjoy all the seasons, but they seem to
come around sooner. Where was summer? Yesterday we planted primroses
instead of the begonias which die in the first frosts. The picture shows
the primroses under the windows at the front of our bungalow.
Thursday 29 September 2016
365project
For several years now, my wife and I have done a photo each day as a kind of visual diary. You can see these at:
http://365project.org/g3xbm/365 (me)
http://365project.org/foxes37/365 (my wife)
For $19.99 a year you can make your pictures private and have more albums. We have the free membership, which anyone can sign up for. It is great fun to look back and see what we have done. My wife's favorite trick is to say when friends and relatives came to see us. She can usually pinpoint the exact day. Sad?
Some people use this to show off their excellent photography skills. I 'm afraid our photos are more mundane. Some pictures are good, but most are very average. To us it is a visual diary. It is a good discipline too. I have much enjoyed doing it.
http://365project.org/g3xbm/365 (me)
http://365project.org/foxes37/365 (my wife)
For $19.99 a year you can make your pictures private and have more albums. We have the free membership, which anyone can sign up for. It is great fun to look back and see what we have done. My wife's favorite trick is to say when friends and relatives came to see us. She can usually pinpoint the exact day. Sad?
Some people use this to show off their excellent photography skills. I 'm afraid our photos are more mundane. Some pictures are good, but most are very average. To us it is a visual diary. It is a good discipline too. I have much enjoyed doing it.
Wednesday 28 September 2016
Tomatoes
To be honest, I am no plant expert. Yesterday our son Tim came to see us. He took back to London the
tomatoes our granddaughter Amandine grew. We expected these to turn red,
but they stayed green. Maybe this is a variety that is meant to stay
green? This is our son with my wife Lis outside our home.
Sunday 25 September 2016
UK Politics
Jeremy Corbyn has been re-elected as Labour leader in a national vote. He is on the left of the party and is popular with ordinary Labour members, but not with Labour MPs. The Labour party is in great danger of splitting. Corbyn is an honest and decent man, but I cannot see him leading Labour back in to power. Even in opposition, Labour looks a mess. Interesting times.
One possibility is the formation of a new centre party with members drawn from Labour, Conservatives, Greens and LibDems. This is logical but it takes a brave person to jump ship. Previous attempts (such as the SDP) failed to gain traction.
One possibility is the formation of a new centre party with members drawn from Labour, Conservatives, Greens and LibDems. This is logical but it takes a brave person to jump ship. Previous attempts (such as the SDP) failed to gain traction.
Corfu Sunrise
This was a sunrise in Corfu, Greece last week. As we are now home again,
this is probably the last Corfu picture that I shall post on this blog.
Saturday 24 September 2016
Corfu
Fruit and veg for sale in Corfu Old Town |
Now back home.
Wednesday 14 September 2016
Anglesey Abbey
Every time we visit here there is something to see. It changes through
the seasons although some things are beautiful at any time of the year
such as the bark on this tree on the winter walk.
Saturday 10 September 2016
Renovation
For over 40 years there has been a grade 2 listed former farmhouse empty
in our village. Slowly it was going to ruin. Over the last 2 years it
has been extensively renovated and is now for sale. Today was an "open
house" so we went to have a look around. Someone will like it and buy
it. It is on the market for just under £1M. It would make a good Bed
& Breakfast house or large family home. It is just across the
road from the church. This picture shows the view from one of the
bedrooms.
Friday 9 September 2016
Supermarkets and plastic
Have you noticed how much packaging, especially plastic, is used in
supermarkets these days? When I was a child we had none, really.
Why is it so hard for supermarkets to make clear which plastics can be recycled? Why are not ALL plastics used in supermarkets recycled? They all have a lot of power over their suppliers and should INSIST on this.
Basically, I hate plastic packages for so much, especially when it cannot be recycled.
Why is it so hard for supermarkets to make clear which plastics can be recycled? Why are not ALL plastics used in supermarkets recycled? They all have a lot of power over their suppliers and should INSIST on this.
Basically, I hate plastic packages for so much, especially when it cannot be recycled.
Sunday 4 September 2016
Our garden
The garden is still relatively colourful, although less so than in
spring and high summer. Our sweet peas are past their best and the
sunflowers have peaked. When the first frosts come - usually November -
we will replace the begonia sempiflorens with primroses, which give
colour all winter.
We'll blink and it will be spring, but we have autumn and winter beauty to enjoy first. Luckily in the UK all seasons have their pleasures.
We'll blink and it will be spring, but we have autumn and winter beauty to enjoy first. Luckily in the UK all seasons have their pleasures.
Saturday 27 August 2016
Football
My old "local" team, Plymouth Argyle, had a dreadful start to the football season, but have
now won the last 3 games and are currently in the play-off places. Mind
you, it is very early days.
My current "local" team, Cambridge United, is currently at the very bottom of the league. Unless they buck up they could lose their league place at the end of the season.
My current "local" team, Cambridge United, is currently at the very bottom of the league. Unless they buck up they could lose their league place at the end of the season.
Thursday 25 August 2016
Swifts gone
It is now several weeks since I last saw (and heard) swifts overhead.
I guess they have started their journey south. For a few months they are an English summer. Then one day you realise they've gone. I miss them and look forward to their return next May.
I had the rare privilege of holding a swift many years ago when one landed accidentally in the road. We kept it in a box overnight and fed it insects. The next day it just flew away. They really are lovely birds.
Farewell and safe journeying over land and sea. See you next year.
I had the rare privilege of holding a swift many years ago when one landed accidentally in the road. We kept it in a box overnight and fed it insects. The next day it just flew away. They really are lovely birds.
Farewell and safe journeying over land and sea. See you next year.
"London" grandchildren
All being well our "London" grandchildren are here next week. We love seeing all our grandchildren, but I shall be very exhausted by next Friday.
Monday 22 August 2016
Frog
When getting some fresh parsley from the garden, I had a surprise when this fellow appeared! I am told it is a frog and not a toad. As you know, I am not an expert on frogs and toads!
Butterfly
A picture of a brimstone (?) butterfly on the sweet peas. Taken a few
weeks ago at Anglesey Abbey, a National Trust house a few miles to the
east of Cambridge, UK.
One of our sons called them flutterbys, which is a much better name!
One of our sons called them flutterbys, which is a much better name!
Sunday 21 August 2016
Stroke and not feeling well
Since my stroke, nearly 3 years ago now, I have felt giddy when on my feet. I tire easily but I am not sure if this is a separate issue
or as a result of feeling giddy. To be honest, I have not felt well now
for almost 3 years.
My health has prevented me doing so much. Yes, compared with many, I know I have come off lightly. But, I know how I was and the frustration is so great. All my amateur radio field work is on hold and most amateur radio antenna work is impossible without the help of others. I am very grateful for the help that has been so generously given, but I would prefer to be able to do this myself.
Life can be cruel, but my limited energy is better focused on making the best of what I have and not hoping to be fully mended and as I once was.
My health has prevented me doing so much. Yes, compared with many, I know I have come off lightly. But, I know how I was and the frustration is so great. All my amateur radio field work is on hold and most amateur radio antenna work is impossible without the help of others. I am very grateful for the help that has been so generously given, but I would prefer to be able to do this myself.
Life can be cruel, but my limited energy is better focused on making the best of what I have and not hoping to be fully mended and as I once was.
Friday 19 August 2016
Paralympics
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/disability-sport/37135083 .
Brazil is struggling, but this is a major setback for disabled athletes. Up until this Olympic Games the outlook for disabled athletes was getting better progressively.
Brazil is struggling, but this is a major setback for disabled athletes. Up until this Olympic Games the outlook for disabled athletes was getting better progressively.
Garden Birds
Young Starling |
Sunday 14 August 2016
Railways in Burwell
Our local museum has an exhibition about railways in and around Burwell.
Passenger traffic ended in the early 1960s but freight traffic limped
on for a few more years. They also had a video of the branch line to
Mildenhall from Cambridge which went through Burwell.
UK Pound
At the moment, the UK pound seems to have stabilised since we voted
to leave the EU. The value (about 10% lower) should work in favour of
exporters, although less so if their raw materials are imported.
Imports become more expensive. Does this mean we will buy more UK food like UK bacon? At the moment we import far more than we need.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business/market_data/currency/default.stm .
Imports become more expensive. Does this mean we will buy more UK food like UK bacon? At the moment we import far more than we need.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business/market_data/currency/default.stm .
Saturday 13 August 2016
Rio Olympics
It seems hard to believe that the London Olympic Games were 4 years ago.
At the moment, the UK is 3rd in the medal tables, which is very good.
Preparing for the Olympics takes hours and hours of dedication and very hard work. To all Olympians from any country my thanks and best wishes. There is no place for cheats. For those who perform at their personal very best, my praise. Thank you.
We will blink and it will be time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Preparing for the Olympics takes hours and hours of dedication and very hard work. To all Olympians from any country my thanks and best wishes. There is no place for cheats. For those who perform at their personal very best, my praise. Thank you.
We will blink and it will be time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Thursday 11 August 2016
BREXIT
It is still too early to tell how this is going to pan out.
The euro, yen and dollar exchange rates have moved in favour of UK exporters and making imports from these nations more expensive.
I have the feeling that the euro will collapse in value in the next 18 months as the remaining EU nations wake up to Greek debt (there is no way they can repay this) and the likelihood of the Greeks defaulting and leaving the EU. This would really hit Germany. In the end I think the UK will be fine. The UK was a net contributor to the EU and we voted to leave. This puts an even greater burden on the richer EU members.
It would not surprise me if we had a snap General Election here in the UK, especially if the Labour party commits self-imposed suicide and splits in two. Our current Prime Minister, Teresa May, did not vote for Brexit and neither did any in my family. If a General Election was to be called then the Conservative Party is likely to get a huge majority.
I am currently reading a book on the history of Europe 1789-1989. I had little idea how the borders and alliances changed so much in the 1800s. Clearly Europe is still evolving.
The euro, yen and dollar exchange rates have moved in favour of UK exporters and making imports from these nations more expensive.
I have the feeling that the euro will collapse in value in the next 18 months as the remaining EU nations wake up to Greek debt (there is no way they can repay this) and the likelihood of the Greeks defaulting and leaving the EU. This would really hit Germany. In the end I think the UK will be fine. The UK was a net contributor to the EU and we voted to leave. This puts an even greater burden on the richer EU members.
It would not surprise me if we had a snap General Election here in the UK, especially if the Labour party commits self-imposed suicide and splits in two. Our current Prime Minister, Teresa May, did not vote for Brexit and neither did any in my family. If a General Election was to be called then the Conservative Party is likely to get a huge majority.
I am currently reading a book on the history of Europe 1789-1989. I had little idea how the borders and alliances changed so much in the 1800s. Clearly Europe is still evolving.
Monday 1 August 2016
Stroke update
Every now and again I give an update on my recovery from my stroke in
2013. There is very little change! I seem to be on a plateau now with
most (all?) foods OK but I still have problems with drinks. Beer and
orange are OK in small sips but I find tea (especially Lapsang Souchong)
and coffee hard work. I used to love these!
All the time I feel giddy on my feet and I still tire easily after any physical or mental activity of more than about 15 minutes. My emotional threshold seems lower - I worry and cry more. I have a sick feeling most of my waking time. Sleep is fine, although I sometimes muddle dreams with reality: for example I was convinced my younger son had decided to break a journey to the Lake District here next weekend. He is coming but they have no plans to visit the Lake District. I must have dreamed this! I can drive and most cognitive functions are fine. My fine motor skills are not as good as they were. My voice is poor.
In summary, I am having to adapt to the new "me". If things improve, great, but after all this time I am beginning to, reluctantly, accept my limitations. The main problem is people see me and say how well I look. Indeed I do look well. Inside I still feel unwell. In some ways it would be easier to have a disability that people could see.
All the time I feel giddy on my feet and I still tire easily after any physical or mental activity of more than about 15 minutes. My emotional threshold seems lower - I worry and cry more. I have a sick feeling most of my waking time. Sleep is fine, although I sometimes muddle dreams with reality: for example I was convinced my younger son had decided to break a journey to the Lake District here next weekend. He is coming but they have no plans to visit the Lake District. I must have dreamed this! I can drive and most cognitive functions are fine. My fine motor skills are not as good as they were. My voice is poor.
In summary, I am having to adapt to the new "me". If things improve, great, but after all this time I am beginning to, reluctantly, accept my limitations. The main problem is people see me and say how well I look. Indeed I do look well. Inside I still feel unwell. In some ways it would be easier to have a disability that people could see.
Saturday 30 July 2016
Church Blog Updated
See http://eachurches.blogspot.co.uk/
This now includes Mildenhall in Suffolk. Supposedly, the largest church in Suffolk according to Simon Knott who knows a few things!
Mildenhall |
This now includes Mildenhall in Suffolk. Supposedly, the largest church in Suffolk according to Simon Knott who knows a few things!
Friday 29 July 2016
Flying Ants (again)
Even though we thought we'd seen the last of the flying ants in the house last week, we unusually had a second "invasion" yesterday. Normally we see these once a year and then they are gone. Perhaps it is the wet and warm weather?
Saturday 23 July 2016
Yet another sunny day and flying ants
For about a week now we have had better summer weather in this part
of the UK. Temperatures have been in the mid 20s to low 30s (deg C) all
week. We had one big storm which dropped humidity, but yesterday and
today are hot.
It is also "flying ant season". Whilst I was out yesterday we had hundreds of flying ants in our bedroom. I gather these larger,flying ants are queens.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuptial_flight .
It is also "flying ant season". Whilst I was out yesterday we had hundreds of flying ants in our bedroom. I gather these larger,flying ants are queens.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuptial_flight .
Wednesday 20 July 2016
Humidity dropped
A few hours ago we had a violent storm pass through with heavy rain, hail and thunder. Now the storms have moved east towards the coast (now in the North Sea) and we are having a lovely evening with much lower humidity and pleasant evening sunshine. The image shows the storm at its height a few hours ago.
See www.lightningmaps.org .
See www.lightningmaps.org .
Tuesday 19 July 2016
Hot day
We have had the hottest day of the year so far with a temperature of 32 deg C, so we spent some of the afternoon in the garden. We had
tea outside. There was a gentle breeze.
Here are a few images in our garden. The first is our Crocosomia "Lucifer" and the second a cobweb on our birdbath. The latter was being well used by the wasps today. There was a sparrowhawk chasing the young swifts high above us. The frog (?) was spotted when we watered the garden.
Here are a few images in our garden. The first is our Crocosomia "Lucifer" and the second a cobweb on our birdbath. The latter was being well used by the wasps today. There was a sparrowhawk chasing the young swifts high above us. The frog (?) was spotted when we watered the garden.
Monday 18 July 2016
Trident
This evening, the UK Parliament votes on whether or not to renew the
Trident submarines which carry our "independent" nuclear deterrent. I
personally think this is a TOTAL waste of money. Most nations
don't have this. Are we really any safer? Personally I'd rather spend
the money (£100 billion?) on things that help us with 21st century
threats such as terrorism.
What amazes me is why so many in the UK parliament think this is "a good idea". Sorry, but we are in NATO and are very very unlikely to fire nuclear weapons. In my view, Trident should be phased out as soon as possible.
Sorry if this is political, but I hate the whole idea of the UK having nuclear weapons at all. Were these ever to be used, it would be the end of civilisation. We should be setting an example for others to follow.
What amazes me is why so many in the UK parliament think this is "a good idea". Sorry, but we are in NATO and are very very unlikely to fire nuclear weapons. In my view, Trident should be phased out as soon as possible.
Sorry if this is political, but I hate the whole idea of the UK having nuclear weapons at all. Were these ever to be used, it would be the end of civilisation. We should be setting an example for others to follow.
Saturday 16 July 2016
Summer at last?
Here in eastern England we have had a bad summer so far: it has been very wet and temperatures have been lower than normal. Oddly, my brother in Devon has had a good summer. Next week they are forecasting warmer weather here with sun. Temperatures of 25-22 deg C are possible here. The jet stream has been right overhead and we have seen low after low roll in with very few long sunny spells. Maybe things are changing?
Thursday 14 July 2016
Mr Bean - sacked
The man, allegedly, who stabbed Boris Johnson - a possible UK Prime
Minister candidate - in the back (metaphorically) has been sacked from
the new UK Cabinet. I for one, although not a Conservative, agree with
this. There is no place in the UK government for such people.
I am told Mr Gove is a bright man. His recent behaviour has left me speechless. I only hope that all around the Cabinet table are people who take theĆr jobs with great seriousness. They will be married to their jobs and all will have to work long, hard hours.
I am told Mr Gove is a bright man. His recent behaviour has left me speechless. I only hope that all around the Cabinet table are people who take theĆr jobs with great seriousness. They will be married to their jobs and all will have to work long, hard hours.
The Future
We now have a new Prime Minister and Cabinet. We voted to leave the EU. The future is a book still to be written. I very much hope we welcome genuine refugees fleeing conflict in their own lands.
I wish the new PM well, but it is a VERY long time go that I voted Conservative! Leaving the EU and still remaining good friends with our European neighbours will not be easy.
As I have said before, we like the idea of free trade but not free movement of people to our small island. We already are crowded with a high population density. Unlike Germany with a falling population we do not actually need people.
Of course, genuine refugees fleeing conflict are always welcome. We welcomed Hugenots, German Jews and others in the past and I hope we are still a welcoming place for those fleeing trouble in their own lands. Most British have always welcomed refugees. I remember being at school with a boy from Hungary in the late 1950s. I hope he soon felt at home.
I wish the new PM well, but it is a VERY long time go that I voted Conservative! Leaving the EU and still remaining good friends with our European neighbours will not be easy.
As I have said before, we like the idea of free trade but not free movement of people to our small island. We already are crowded with a high population density. Unlike Germany with a falling population we do not actually need people.
Of course, genuine refugees fleeing conflict are always welcome. We welcomed Hugenots, German Jews and others in the past and I hope we are still a welcoming place for those fleeing trouble in their own lands. Most British have always welcomed refugees. I remember being at school with a boy from Hungary in the late 1950s. I hope he soon felt at home.
Friday 1 July 2016
Battle of the Somme WW1
It is 100 years ago today that the Battle of the Somme started with a huge loss of life. The whole of WW1 was a slaughter of innocents. It should never have happened.
If we learn anything, it is that wars like this one are futile and it is usually the innocents that are killed or injured. We should do all in our power to ensure such futility never occurs again.
I am not a Quaker but I have great sympathy with their policy on non-violence.
If we learn anything, it is that wars like this one are futile and it is usually the innocents that are killed or injured. We should do all in our power to ensure such futility never occurs again.
I am not a Quaker but I have great sympathy with their policy on non-violence.
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