Last night, we were sent a copy of our oldest grandson's school report. He is 6.5 years old and lives in London. He is getting on really well, but the thing that pleased us most was that the school think of him as a kind little boy who is faithful to his best friend.
One thing my recent illness has taught me is you find out who your real friends are. Some people that I had expected to be overflowing with kindness and genuine love just don't want to get involved: they have avoided finding out how I am really feeling and this shows and hurts. Others have gone out of their way to be genuinely kind and caring, bless them. Most times I try to manage but it is good to have genuinely caring friends and relatives. Genuine love shines brightly.
As an example, one of my hobbies is amateur radio and I normally enjoy building and experimenting. This week, two people, one a total stranger, have offered to build a kit I've had for some months. The kit has been left unbuilt as my hands are too clumsy. Such genuine kindness. I was overwhelmed by their offers.
I am so pleased that my grandson is kind and caring. We love him to bits and this is how we find him. I hope he grows up to be kind and loving.
Tuesday, 8 July 2014
Monday, 7 July 2014
Strangford Loch
This afternoon Jackie (of Jackie and Bill) called in for a chat and cup of tea. Their two sons work in the Far East, in Shanghai and Hong Kong. Jackie is hoping they will move back to N.Ireland to a house not too far from her sister.
N.Ireland is a very beautiful part of the British Isles, unknown to most in Britain. Recent political unrest did N.Ireland (Ulster) no favours. The distrust goes back centuries and make no sense in the modern world.
Jackie and Bill hope to move to a place near the top of Strangford Loch, one of the best places in the Province.
See http://www.strangfordlough.org/ .
N.Ireland is a very beautiful part of the British Isles, unknown to most in Britain. Recent political unrest did N.Ireland (Ulster) no favours. The distrust goes back centuries and make no sense in the modern world.
 |
| Strangford Loch http://www.strangfordyachtcharter.com/images/stlview.jpg |
See http://www.strangfordlough.org/ .
Sunday, 6 July 2014
Polish code breakers - the unknown story
Until reading the article on the BBC website I had no knowledge of the part played by Polish codebreakers in decyphering the German Enigma code. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-28167071 .
There is little doubt that the work of the Bletchley codebreakers helped to shorten the war. I had no idea that Polish codebreakers were so important too.
There is little doubt that the work of the Bletchley codebreakers helped to shorten the war. I had no idea that Polish codebreakers were so important too.
Tour de France 2014
This year, "Le Tour" started in Yorkshire and tomorrow it comes to Cambridge en route to London. The crowds lining the route in Yorkshire were amazing - millions at a guess.
Some years ago (2010), when in Burgundy, we ran into the Tour de France quite by accident: Our route was barred off and we had to stop until the Tour had passed through. In all, it took 2 hours!
This short video was taken as we waited. All the cars leading the Tour were throwing gifts to the crowds. We got a frizby for our grandchildren. Others got teeeshirts, balls, drinks and sweets. It was quite an occasion.
Some years ago (2010), when in Burgundy, we ran into the Tour de France quite by accident: Our route was barred off and we had to stop until the Tour had passed through. In all, it took 2 hours!
This short video was taken as we waited. All the cars leading the Tour were throwing gifts to the crowds. We got a frizby for our grandchildren. Others got teeeshirts, balls, drinks and sweets. It was quite an occasion.
Saturday, 5 July 2014
Ely Consort Concert
This evening we went to a concert given by the excellent Ely Consort in Burwell St Mary's Church. The Ely Consort must be one of the best choirs in the county.
See http://www.elyconsort.org.uk/ .
The concert this evening was a very varied program with Madrigals, Folk Songs and arrangements of more modern popular pieces. Altogether excellent music. The Ely Consort is about to do a tour of Germany.
The sung works were interspersed with music by Chinese, but Cambridge born, Hannah Brock (aged 15) playing Chinese music on the zither. Beautiful.
Cambridgeshire is blessed with many fine choirs. The Ely Consort is up with the very best.
Sadly, my health has not been good today. Both my stomach and giddiness were bad. However, I managed to walk to the church and thoroughly enjoyed the concert.
See http://www.elyconsort.org.uk/ .
The concert this evening was a very varied program with Madrigals, Folk Songs and arrangements of more modern popular pieces. Altogether excellent music. The Ely Consort is about to do a tour of Germany.
The sung works were interspersed with music by Chinese, but Cambridge born, Hannah Brock (aged 15) playing Chinese music on the zither. Beautiful.
Cambridgeshire is blessed with many fine choirs. The Ely Consort is up with the very best.
Sadly, my health has not been good today. Both my stomach and giddiness were bad. However, I managed to walk to the church and thoroughly enjoyed the concert.
Ukraine
For the life of me, I find it hard to make sense of the crisis in the Ukraine. The western media seems to put all blame on Russia, but I have my doubts.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28174104
This crisis seems to be about Russia being against the western leaning Ukrainian government and Russia wishing still to have a "sphere of influence" in the old communist states that once formed part of the USSR. The fact that Russia exports a lot of its gas to Europe complicates things. I don't know much about Ukraine's history but know Crimea was gifted to Ukraine by Russia in the old USSR days. Maybe this part should again be Russian?
Whatever, I hope differences can be fixed and a peaceful solution found. It would be terribly sad if Ukraine fell into civil war. Surely peace is worth so much more? Maybe the answer is more autonomy for the Russian speaking parts?
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28174104
This crisis seems to be about Russia being against the western leaning Ukrainian government and Russia wishing still to have a "sphere of influence" in the old communist states that once formed part of the USSR. The fact that Russia exports a lot of its gas to Europe complicates things. I don't know much about Ukraine's history but know Crimea was gifted to Ukraine by Russia in the old USSR days. Maybe this part should again be Russian?
Whatever, I hope differences can be fixed and a peaceful solution found. It would be terribly sad if Ukraine fell into civil war. Surely peace is worth so much more? Maybe the answer is more autonomy for the Russian speaking parts?
Friday, 4 July 2014
Rolf Harris jail term
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28163593 .
It saddens me to see our childhood heroes jailed for sex crimes. In many cases these took place years ago, but justice has been done by judge and jury. This is good English law.
Personally, I think ALL sides in such cases should remain anonymous until a "guilty" verdict is reached. This is to protect all parties if the person on trial is found "not guilty". Sadly mud sticks and those found "not guilty" remain tainted for the rest of their lives.
Also today we hear of Andy Coulson, sentenced to 1.5 years in the phone hacking trial.
Personally I feel sorry for their victims and for the families of the accused who have to live with the shame and ignominy for years to come. In most cases, partners and children have stood faithfully by throughout the trials.
With good behaviour, these folks are likely to be released much earlier under licence. Of course. if they face further charges the sentences could be longer.
It saddens me to see our childhood heroes jailed for sex crimes. In many cases these took place years ago, but justice has been done by judge and jury. This is good English law.
Personally, I think ALL sides in such cases should remain anonymous until a "guilty" verdict is reached. This is to protect all parties if the person on trial is found "not guilty". Sadly mud sticks and those found "not guilty" remain tainted for the rest of their lives.
Also today we hear of Andy Coulson, sentenced to 1.5 years in the phone hacking trial.
Personally I feel sorry for their victims and for the families of the accused who have to live with the shame and ignominy for years to come. In most cases, partners and children have stood faithfully by throughout the trials.
With good behaviour, these folks are likely to be released much earlier under licence. Of course. if they face further charges the sentences could be longer.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)