FTSE 100 down 10%

This year, the FTSE 100 share index has fallen around 10%. It will rise again, although I am not sure shares have finished falling yet. Economics is cyclical and we have had a good few years since the very bad times.  Next year, it is likely we will see interest rates start to rise again. They have been low for a very long time now.

It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that we could be in to a few hard years. Greece and China continue to worry investors. If we are in for a dip then the FTSE could fall below 6000. At its peak it was over 7100 early this year. If in for the long haul, the FTSE 100 will come back, but it might be a few years away. Being fickle though, it could be over 7000 again next month!

Tact (or lack of it)

Nearly 2 years after my cerebellum brain bleed and I am still coming to terms with some of the subtler after-effects. My wife tells me I lack tact now whereas before I was far more sensitive to others.  If I have ever offended you in the past (or do so in the future) I certainly do not intend this. Please accept my most humble apologies and blame it on my brain!

Aylesham and Blickling, Norfolk

Today we did a 135 mile round-trip to Aylesham and Blickling in north Norfolk. We ate a light lunch in The Old Tearoom in Aylesham (this is our 3rd time here) before visiting the market square and church where they were celebrating VJ Day later.

Just outside Blickling - archetypal English scenery

Blickling Estate (National Trust) has fine grounds and gardens and was where Prime Minister Baldwin first heard about Edward VIII's affair with American divorcee Mrs Simpson. These days no-one would bat an eyelid but in the 1930s things were different. The house and estate were transferred to the National Trust in 1937.

On the lake was a great crested grebe with 3 chicks. Blickling has fine yew hedges on the approach to the house. If I was fit, there are lots of decent walks around the grounds. Sadly, just a walk around part of the formal gardens had me exhausted.

Son goes home

Today our elder son went back to London after staying with us for a few nights. It was good to see him again but the house is quieter and tidier again. He is a good cook but leaves a right mess!

He earns his living as a professional jazz pianist. Here he is composing his latest jazz compositions at the kitchen table. His family is currently in France visiting the French parents and grandparents. Today he is having a new bedroom carpet fitted.

China - should we worry?

In a word yes.

China is changing. Many are getting richer and are expecting a better life. Exports have struggled more lately and soon China may become too expensive, just like Japan became many years ago. Many of the investors in China are the Chinese people themselves. The Chinese government is trying to manipulate the market but the stock markets in China are in turmoil. If China catches a cold we will all know about it. Yes, we should be worried, but I am not sure what we can do. It may not be too long before the words "Made in China" are a thing of the past. We have grown used to low cost products made in China, but for how much longer?

The Chinese have devalued their currency twice in 2 days to help exports, but are they fighting a losing battle?

Perseid Meteor Shower

The next few nights you may see a shooting star as the Perseid meteor show reaches its peak. At its peak you may see 50 meteors an hour. Of course,this all depends on clear skies. I shall be listening for radio amateur signals reflected off their trails.

Greece and the FTSE 100

Apparently Greece has "all but" done a deal with its creditors on a new bailout deal, yet the FTSE 100 share index is currently down nearly 1%. The stock markets should surely be pleased that the Greek uncertainty is all but over.