In the past I have bought several second hand books via this company, but I wonder if they are in trouble? Just about every day I get an email offering money off. I have never used these knowing that tomorrow there will be yet another offer.
UPDATE 20th Aug 2015: Yes, you guessed, yet another discount offer in the email today. Nearly every day I get these offers. This company seems to be best choice for second hand books with lots of suppliers to choose from on their books. I hope they do not go out of business. The book business is tough at the moment, but I am surprised if Alibris is in trouble too.
Tuesday, 18 August 2015
Monday, 17 August 2015
Stroke update
My cerebellum brain bleed was in September 2013. This is nearly 2 years ago.
I am so fed up with my stroke symptoms, although I know I came off better than many. One person my wife knows was a teacher and only 49. He has been left very disabled. Likewise Michael Schumacher who, I understand, is a shadow of his former self since his head injury whilst skiing.
Me? Well I can still only take liquids in small sips, my voice is still very poor and I feel giddy all the time when on my feet. I still get exhausted doing physical or mental tasks taking over 15-20 minutes. My wife tells me I am far less tactful than I was: in the past I would have been more careful, whereas I tend to say it "as it is" nowadays and often regret it later. I blame this on my brain. Honestly, I have no wish at all to hurt anyone, but I know some of the things I have written have hurt others, which has never been my intention.
On the positive side I seem to be less tired than I was, but I still have a way to go. I now enjoy cheese again and I can drink (and taste) most liquids, albeit very slowly. I can eat most foods. The occasional beer is nice. I enjoy eating out again and can drive, although I find this tiring and needs lots of concentration.
I am not someone who gives up without a fight, but maybe some of these symptoms will always be with me? I do hope not and so much want to be as I once was. I miss being fit.
I am so fed up with my stroke symptoms, although I know I came off better than many. One person my wife knows was a teacher and only 49. He has been left very disabled. Likewise Michael Schumacher who, I understand, is a shadow of his former self since his head injury whilst skiing.
Me? Well I can still only take liquids in small sips, my voice is still very poor and I feel giddy all the time when on my feet. I still get exhausted doing physical or mental tasks taking over 15-20 minutes. My wife tells me I am far less tactful than I was: in the past I would have been more careful, whereas I tend to say it "as it is" nowadays and often regret it later. I blame this on my brain. Honestly, I have no wish at all to hurt anyone, but I know some of the things I have written have hurt others, which has never been my intention.
On the positive side I seem to be less tired than I was, but I still have a way to go. I now enjoy cheese again and I can drink (and taste) most liquids, albeit very slowly. I can eat most foods. The occasional beer is nice. I enjoy eating out again and can drive, although I find this tiring and needs lots of concentration.
I am not someone who gives up without a fight, but maybe some of these symptoms will always be with me? I do hope not and so much want to be as I once was. I miss being fit.
Bangkok blast
Violence must be carried out by very desperate people who feel they have no options left. In my mind, violence achieves lots of heartache and no lasting good.
In Bangkok there are lots of dead and for what good? Likewise in Syria and Gaza, lots of people made homeless and deeply saddened. No, I am sure all the problems of this world could have peaceful solutions if only all sides were honest and open minded. It seems many don't want peaceful outcomes.
Media reports suggest as many as 27 people have been killed and many badly injured.
In Bangkok there are lots of dead and for what good? Likewise in Syria and Gaza, lots of people made homeless and deeply saddened. No, I am sure all the problems of this world could have peaceful solutions if only all sides were honest and open minded. It seems many don't want peaceful outcomes.
Media reports suggest as many as 27 people have been killed and many badly injured.
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!
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!
Sunday, 16 August 2015
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!
Saturday, 15 August 2015
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.
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.
 |
| Just outside Blickling - archetypal English scenery |
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.
Friday, 14 August 2015
Son goes home
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.
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