l have taken up a strange new hobby called OCR. This little gem was found by accident and only did my first one in August. I am now on hold thanks to a strained Achilles tendon which l did walking of all things when Andy, Ann and l went out a few Sundays back for a gentle walk.
OCR stand for Obstacle Course Racing, have you heard of an event called Tough Mudder it was l thing among the first. Well there is now a plethora out there every weekend and l ended up with the group from the PT Studio where l train to get fit we went on the Total Warrior in the lake District on 1st August.
I hate running and very quickly moved to a walk but apart from the walls which l had no idea how to get over and figured l would hurt my self l did all the other obstacles. Swimming rivers and the dip in the although melted skip full of ice were cleansing but by god cold. The climb up death valley a vertical mud slope about 100ft high on cargo nets was ....interesting. The belly crawls under barbed wire through deep pits of mud were fun, the electric cables only gave me one shock on the hand on the way out, the slide with water running down it seemed 150 vertical foot of out of control slide and interesting but carrying logs up and down and up and down a hill was a killer as was crawling under cargo nets up a hill rolling logs.
So given all that l can say l honestly loved it, everyone was so friendly and helpful...runners and organisers the organisation was impressive from marshals to course layout and sign in on course, injured were ferried away fast by paramedics and 4wheel terrain buggies. (sizes may have been bigger or smaller l have no idea just it was steep and long and never shallow or short)
Time was very slow about 3hr 19mins but l did it all 10k of punishment and obstacles (99.9% of those). This not only did not put me off but has left me wanting more. l am booked onto 2 more races next year and wanted to do 2x night ones this year but my ankle threw a spanner into that so will do 2 nights next year.
I did my best to get into running for months before the event but no way around it l HATE loath and detest running. However l suddenly realised the other day that l did a tiny bit of cross country running at school and loved that, l was trying to get running on roads which l hate.
Now l am going nuts wanting to go make a start running and am not allowed. The physio finally passed me fit to do minor lower body exercises every other day...provided l am not in pain on my ankle post exercise or the next day So l will start with squats and jogging on the spot and within a couple of weeks move on to CC.... getting excited feel like l am going somewhere.
I am not that crazy that l would do the race barefoot. I had the Inov8 Bare Grip 200. These are a 0" drop shoe designed for what is called minimalist running. They have cleats on that make tractor tyres look like skid pan treads where others were throwing themselves at mud hills trying to get up and sliding back down l looked at the shoes and said "Ok now do your magic" and l walked up those hills, not one time did l slide up or down due to bad grip, the water swooshed out as they are designed not to hold water and no mud gripped...l do not know how but the mud pings off and always leaves the cleats free not clogged up.
Andy is going to join me on the next OCR that l do next year so l have been ordering him a load of bits to help including a pair of Inov8 talons, these have a 6mm drop. Loads different to his present regular nike things.
Minimalist shoes are not something you just put on and go if you are used to shoes especially the normal padded running sort so Inov8 have a load of info on their site and how to transition but if you are into running they do on road (flat) and off road (cleated) shoes and more and more research is showing how minimalist and barefoot is much better as you strike different and do not get the shock that the padding never absorbs.
If you want to find out more about OCR and belong to facebook then do a search there for a fantastic bunch called Obstacle course racing (UK.OCR)
And finally Pete Rees has Mudstacle full of help tips and videos on how to attack obstacles, equipment he and others have road tested and info on races and insurance for members and also money off races for members.
If you want to try something totally different try an OCR race, don't let age or skills put your off unless though you are confident on things like burpees avoid spartan. in these if you do not do an obstacle fine but you have to do burpees as a penalty. The other races you just walk round the ones you do not want to do.
Sunday, 5 October 2014
Sunday, 28 September 2014
Logging In Problems
It has taken me since before l restarted on the 17th September to sort my account out out. Google have some weird tie in now and my other (normal) email couldn't be used to log in.
Took 2 days of swearing to sort that bit out including about 5 new email accounts to be able to actually log in. It was not explained in a user friendly way. Now several lost/unknown passwords and getting sent texts l finally have that part nailed down.....l hope!
Took 2 days of swearing to sort that bit out including about 5 new email accounts to be able to actually log in. It was not explained in a user friendly way. Now several lost/unknown passwords and getting sent texts l finally have that part nailed down.....l hope!
Friday, 26 September 2014
How to Order a Meal!
Stopped at the Little Chef on the A34 just outside Oxford on the way home last night.
Me...I would like the beefburger with cheese, bacon and garlic mayo BUT no bun and no chips instead l want a fried egg*
Her...Stares at me like l am from outer space and 3 heads (ok l was barefoot but she wasn't looking at my feet) No bun no chips?
Me... Correct a .... * (repeat order)
Her...But no bun and no chips (this is an alien concept for her)
Me.. correct, l am a T2 diabetic and potatoes, bread, pasta, rice puts my blood sugar up so l eat low carb high fat. (said slowly as waitress though nice is obviously not to bright)
Her... repeats order
Me... No beefburger *
Her... Would you like a baked potato with that
Me... NO just what l asked for T2 diabetic bloods remember
Her/Me... She repeats something by now sounds totally unlike my order but l talk over her repeating the order about 3 times.
She goes off and l hear her repeating something in the kitchen that again l think l mis hear but sure chicken is mentioned but ...no l have bad hearing l know that.
Her.. Can l get you a drink?
Me... A cappuccino would be great thanks as weak as possibly if you can get one shot or less l would be happy.
Her... Placing meal before me with triumphant but rather dim smile proud to have managed such a hard order.
Me.... stare glumly at plate and loose will to live. 2 fried eggs (asked for 1) some lettuce and 2 small slices of tomato great some sort of mayo (not garlic) a breaded chicken slice not sent back there is no point so start to eat.
Her.... here's your drink l didn't put chocolate on as l KNOW that diabetics can not ever eat chocolate
Me... well actually l eat Lin...(my voice dies off l am already on a slippery slope l am not going to complicate it) ....ok thanks
Meal was ok but not what l wanted didn't tell them that life would have got more complicated.
I see that as l had a burger after 18:00 l get a free soft drink... well l am not going without.... Come to pay go collect my drink from fridge... l get a free one right l asked.
Ermmm yes l get a hesitant glance from her and followed by... the till won't accept it.
Que the manageress as vague but nice as her.... umm oh look cause you had no bread it wont accept the drink.... waitress. l think we put the 2 eggs there instead though.
They peer at computer poking it.
Look l said getting a bit Alice in Wonderland. I am paying for a full burger aren't l
Oh yes 2x beaming smiles.
Ok l am having this you sort that later l have a long drive ahead.
No problem we will do it as a normal burger...um pepsi max 2ltr ummm it doesn't have smaller 2 stare at computer.
I raise my eyes to heaven and mutter through clenched teeth....Try scroll up! Ohhh ummm 600ml? seems strange amount? It is 20% extra the only ones you carry l sigh and melt towards the floor Oh of course (2 big beaming smiles) I place my card press button, take my card and slip repress so they get their paperwork and place it back as the 2 biddys are staring at the computer trying to work out how to put in l had 2 eggs and no bread...l snuck out exhausted
Me...I would like the beefburger with cheese, bacon and garlic mayo BUT no bun and no chips instead l want a fried egg*
Her...Stares at me like l am from outer space and 3 heads (ok l was barefoot but she wasn't looking at my feet) No bun no chips?
Me... Correct a .... * (repeat order)
Her...But no bun and no chips (this is an alien concept for her)
Me.. correct, l am a T2 diabetic and potatoes, bread, pasta, rice puts my blood sugar up so l eat low carb high fat. (said slowly as waitress though nice is obviously not to bright)
Her... repeats order
Me... No beefburger *
Her... Would you like a baked potato with that
Me... NO just what l asked for T2 diabetic bloods remember
Her/Me... She repeats something by now sounds totally unlike my order but l talk over her repeating the order about 3 times.
She goes off and l hear her repeating something in the kitchen that again l think l mis hear but sure chicken is mentioned but ...no l have bad hearing l know that.
Her.. Can l get you a drink?
Me... A cappuccino would be great thanks as weak as possibly if you can get one shot or less l would be happy.
Her... Placing meal before me with triumphant but rather dim smile proud to have managed such a hard order.
Me.... stare glumly at plate and loose will to live. 2 fried eggs (asked for 1) some lettuce and 2 small slices of tomato great some sort of mayo (not garlic) a breaded chicken slice not sent back there is no point so start to eat.
Her.... here's your drink l didn't put chocolate on as l KNOW that diabetics can not ever eat chocolate
Me... well actually l eat Lin...(my voice dies off l am already on a slippery slope l am not going to complicate it) ....ok thanks
Meal was ok but not what l wanted didn't tell them that life would have got more complicated.
I see that as l had a burger after 18:00 l get a free soft drink... well l am not going without.... Come to pay go collect my drink from fridge... l get a free one right l asked.
Ermmm yes l get a hesitant glance from her and followed by... the till won't accept it.
Que the manageress as vague but nice as her.... umm oh look cause you had no bread it wont accept the drink.... waitress. l think we put the 2 eggs there instead though.
They peer at computer poking it.
Look l said getting a bit Alice in Wonderland. I am paying for a full burger aren't l
Oh yes 2x beaming smiles.
Ok l am having this you sort that later l have a long drive ahead.
No problem we will do it as a normal burger...um pepsi max 2ltr ummm it doesn't have smaller 2 stare at computer.
I raise my eyes to heaven and mutter through clenched teeth....Try scroll up! Ohhh ummm 600ml? seems strange amount? It is 20% extra the only ones you carry l sigh and melt towards the floor Oh of course (2 big beaming smiles) I place my card press button, take my card and slip repress so they get their paperwork and place it back as the 2 biddys are staring at the computer trying to work out how to put in l had 2 eggs and no bread...l snuck out exhausted
Saturday, 20 September 2014
Police Needed
A couple of years ago in 2012 l was at a veterinary practice with a branch surgery, l was staying in the bungalow behind the surgery along with a locum vet.
One morning she said that a couple of times over the last couple of weeks she had been there, she had heard the sounds of someone trying to break into the branch surgery and was not sure what to do and she was very nervous.
I had slept through and not heard a thing, the bosses were puzzled and said best to call the police if she though someone was breaking in.
l told her look just wake me up l am very pissy when woken and will go deal with things ... come to that l am pissy in general so l will go see if you need to bother police or not as they have a lot on and to yank them off something important did not seem right. It was very strange there was no sign of break in attempts scratched locks or anything amiss l wondered if dogs were messing about or foxes?
2 nights later she woke me up with a loud stage whisper into my room "The noise's are back". I flung on my clothes and rang the police as l went storming round to the surgery in my usual foul temper on waking, as l stomped round l called 999. Needless to say they were not happy and insisted that l stay and they would send someone. I told them it would be more than a bit late as a van was pulling out onto the main road.
I bellowed and it stopped, l called the number, type and colour to police while the guy in it started to insist he should be there. I had a short altercation with him and police control were going nuts asking what was going on. The vet was way back yelling to be careful and back away.
As usual l followed my own path and continued walking towards him having a few words with the driver along the lines of you are talking rubbish and updating the police.
Then he pulled his trump card..... He waved a key at me and paperwork and said he was legal, followed by the immortal line a movie script would have been proud of "I am the bodyman".
I relayed this info to police control who went into panic mode almost screaming at me to get away while l almost began hit my head with my hand and making a FFS comment everything coming together with a cymbal crash.
Look l will prove it he said throwing open the back door.
It is ok l told police control he has opened the back and l can see the bodies.
At which point l think the controller l was speaking too freaked into new year and l got a case of hysterical laughter at the whole fiasco and realised she wasn't veterinary...l explained between laughter that we are a vet practice he is collecting the bodies of patients and the clinical waste l checked.
I think l heard her sigh of relief and understanding from several miles away, the vet and l were laughing and the body man also joined in (a bit) before leaving.
About 30mins later a police car rolled up to check we were ok and took it in good heart, the bosses went bright red when informed of the nights going on and at not remembering the collection service who are key-holders, to be fair to them the practice has been there l think over 30 years so things become common place and not thought about.
The night of the "Body's" will long be a legend at the practice l fear judging by the body man's reaction when he saw me the other day for the first time in 2 years when he went to the main practice to do a day clinical waste collection and saw me...he chuckles about it......now.
One morning she said that a couple of times over the last couple of weeks she had been there, she had heard the sounds of someone trying to break into the branch surgery and was not sure what to do and she was very nervous.
I had slept through and not heard a thing, the bosses were puzzled and said best to call the police if she though someone was breaking in.
l told her look just wake me up l am very pissy when woken and will go deal with things ... come to that l am pissy in general so l will go see if you need to bother police or not as they have a lot on and to yank them off something important did not seem right. It was very strange there was no sign of break in attempts scratched locks or anything amiss l wondered if dogs were messing about or foxes?
2 nights later she woke me up with a loud stage whisper into my room "The noise's are back". I flung on my clothes and rang the police as l went storming round to the surgery in my usual foul temper on waking, as l stomped round l called 999. Needless to say they were not happy and insisted that l stay and they would send someone. I told them it would be more than a bit late as a van was pulling out onto the main road.
I bellowed and it stopped, l called the number, type and colour to police while the guy in it started to insist he should be there. I had a short altercation with him and police control were going nuts asking what was going on. The vet was way back yelling to be careful and back away.
As usual l followed my own path and continued walking towards him having a few words with the driver along the lines of you are talking rubbish and updating the police.
Then he pulled his trump card..... He waved a key at me and paperwork and said he was legal, followed by the immortal line a movie script would have been proud of "I am the bodyman".
I relayed this info to police control who went into panic mode almost screaming at me to get away while l almost began hit my head with my hand and making a FFS comment everything coming together with a cymbal crash.
Look l will prove it he said throwing open the back door.
It is ok l told police control he has opened the back and l can see the bodies.
At which point l think the controller l was speaking too freaked into new year and l got a case of hysterical laughter at the whole fiasco and realised she wasn't veterinary...l explained between laughter that we are a vet practice he is collecting the bodies of patients and the clinical waste l checked.
I think l heard her sigh of relief and understanding from several miles away, the vet and l were laughing and the body man also joined in (a bit) before leaving.
About 30mins later a police car rolled up to check we were ok and took it in good heart, the bosses went bright red when informed of the nights going on and at not remembering the collection service who are key-holders, to be fair to them the practice has been there l think over 30 years so things become common place and not thought about.
The night of the "Body's" will long be a legend at the practice l fear judging by the body man's reaction when he saw me the other day for the first time in 2 years when he went to the main practice to do a day clinical waste collection and saw me...he chuckles about it......now.
Thursday, 18 September 2014
Menopause...Opps! maybe not.
I had been suffering since Brian passed with a building up of menopause but am a stubborn person that doesn't trust the medical profession especially with what Mum and Dad went through so l self treated. Fancy words for ignored it. After 3 years though things were getting out of control l had around 28 of 32 symptoms.
On our holiday in September last year 2013 when we went to Germany for a month in the motorhome with 3 days in Switzerland l have rather large blank spots, when we got back l was almost collapsing getting to the other side of the road and felt maybe better see the Dr.
After a few blood tests l was informed that l was a type2 diabetic, ahh well such is life, and l was to get my blood glucose under control or l would be going on insulin and l had "high" cholestrol.
I would be on Metformin 3xs a day for t2 and statins for cholestrol.
Well T2 not a problem will deal with it, cholestrol ok l will deal with it... statins shove up your... ok so l didn't say that but said no way on gods earth was l taking statins l did say that.
This resulted in a huge argument
"you will die"
"so l die"
you won't die you will live a vegatable and be a drain on your family"
"no l won't l have a living will"
While this was going on Andy (more about him in a different post but my new hub) is sitting next to me shaking in silent hysterical laughter. I glared at him, sadly he can be slow to take warning.
Then back to arguing with the dr.
After 5mins when he realised he was getting nowhere he gave up and we discussed my throat palpitations that were out of control... was actually the heart palpating but in my case l felt it in my throat. He arranged for me to wear a halter monitor for 24hrs and the readings showed a few minor problems so he arranged for the specialist.
It took about 5 weeks for me to see the diabetic nurse and in that time my bloods were thanks to my monitor and low carb high fat under tight control. The DN read my blood figures and decided l could come off one of the metformin. She didn't like my diet, tough nhs is dinosaurs no wonder so many folks have T2 muttered statins l was polite gave her all the reasons no and she backed off.
I saw the cardiac specialist in January and had ecg and pacing tests and echo, all were 100% and the palpitations had almost gone apart from when l got stressed. Glucose under control solved the problem.
The podiatrist that l saw l was worring about so l walked in and said... "I am a barefooter, have been for all my life apart from work when l wear crocs and the odd time out. My feet suffer in shoes and if you don't like it..l will go now."
Give her her due she said to sit and she would run tests if there was a problem we would tackle it. I got a clear bill of foot health, her direct phone number for any worries l had and told go and enjoy life, barefoot.
By february when l saw the diabetic nurse for my first Hba1c the blood test that checks 3 months back l was at 5.5 which is halfway in the normal people non diabetic range. Same again in June and l am now on 1 metformin a day.
The sites l use for my diabetes and diet. Anyone diabetic out there (of any sort even prediabetic) look up DietDoctor first then head for the other 2 that is if you want to get yourself under control.
http://www.dietdoctor.com/lchf
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/
http://lowcarbdiabetic.forumotion.co.uk
On our holiday in September last year 2013 when we went to Germany for a month in the motorhome with 3 days in Switzerland l have rather large blank spots, when we got back l was almost collapsing getting to the other side of the road and felt maybe better see the Dr.
After a few blood tests l was informed that l was a type2 diabetic, ahh well such is life, and l was to get my blood glucose under control or l would be going on insulin and l had "high" cholestrol.
I would be on Metformin 3xs a day for t2 and statins for cholestrol.
Well T2 not a problem will deal with it, cholestrol ok l will deal with it... statins shove up your... ok so l didn't say that but said no way on gods earth was l taking statins l did say that.
This resulted in a huge argument
"you will die"
"so l die"
you won't die you will live a vegatable and be a drain on your family"
"no l won't l have a living will"
While this was going on Andy (more about him in a different post but my new hub) is sitting next to me shaking in silent hysterical laughter. I glared at him, sadly he can be slow to take warning.
Then back to arguing with the dr.
After 5mins when he realised he was getting nowhere he gave up and we discussed my throat palpitations that were out of control... was actually the heart palpating but in my case l felt it in my throat. He arranged for me to wear a halter monitor for 24hrs and the readings showed a few minor problems so he arranged for the specialist.
It took about 5 weeks for me to see the diabetic nurse and in that time my bloods were thanks to my monitor and low carb high fat under tight control. The DN read my blood figures and decided l could come off one of the metformin. She didn't like my diet, tough nhs is dinosaurs no wonder so many folks have T2 muttered statins l was polite gave her all the reasons no and she backed off.
I saw the cardiac specialist in January and had ecg and pacing tests and echo, all were 100% and the palpitations had almost gone apart from when l got stressed. Glucose under control solved the problem.
The podiatrist that l saw l was worring about so l walked in and said... "I am a barefooter, have been for all my life apart from work when l wear crocs and the odd time out. My feet suffer in shoes and if you don't like it..l will go now."
Give her her due she said to sit and she would run tests if there was a problem we would tackle it. I got a clear bill of foot health, her direct phone number for any worries l had and told go and enjoy life, barefoot.
By february when l saw the diabetic nurse for my first Hba1c the blood test that checks 3 months back l was at 5.5 which is halfway in the normal people non diabetic range. Same again in June and l am now on 1 metformin a day.
The sites l use for my diabetes and diet. Anyone diabetic out there (of any sort even prediabetic) look up DietDoctor first then head for the other 2 that is if you want to get yourself under control.
http://www.dietdoctor.com/lchf
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/
http://lowcarbdiabetic.forumotion.co.uk
Wednesday, 17 September 2014
So much going on in life l decided to make a restart on writing, not much about work more about how my life is going, and there has been so much going on it will take time to catch up on past and move forward on present.
Firstly though the sad news for me was my mum passed last year in April she was in a care home, a good one l want to add for all the bad things you hear there are many good. She is at peace now it was very strange each death, dad, Brian, mum twisted a little bit tighter on my emotions and memories but mums death especially heralded a new start in life by being the end of a life 3 tight knots unwound to fall gently away.
Firstly though the sad news for me was my mum passed last year in April she was in a care home, a good one l want to add for all the bad things you hear there are many good. She is at peace now it was very strange each death, dad, Brian, mum twisted a little bit tighter on my emotions and memories but mums death especially heralded a new start in life by being the end of a life 3 tight knots unwound to fall gently away.
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Peregrine Falcon & Wild Flowers
I wanted to give something to the sport in Brian's memory and also to pay back some of all they gave him in enjoyment and me in support since he passed.
So l settled on 2 very different plans, one will be ongoing for many years. Every year in September l do a seeding of wildflowers around the peritrack at Langar it covers about 3.5miles. l also seed along the runways. I figure that it will add life for insects, birds and improve the area.
When we used to go for drives we always got excited to see wild flowers like poppies and a couple of fields we would drive past off the beaten track were always full of colour and we used to get all excited at how lovely they looked.
I get the seeds from the wild flower farm next door to Langar and the owner also Brian has been great, if l dont have tools handy l am able to borrow them from him and he is full of advice Nature Scape This will be a slow ongoing project for a few years while they slowly take hold.
The second idea l asked the British parachute Association if l could donate a trophy but this was turned down so l approached Langar and asked them if l could donate one. They agreed and so l hunted round for an acceptable one.
I finally found Andrew Glasby and amazing bronze artist. He had many bronzes l fell in love with but l settled on one l loved but also more importantly l could afford Andrew Glasby Bronzes
It is a Peregrine Falcon's head, Brian always loved watching Birds of Prey Andrew mounted it on a block of wood for me and l then had that mounted on a specially commissioned Oak plinth. It looks amazing and is now used for the 6 Way annual competition. The words Dream, Believe, Achieve are also on as it has become his mantra.
So l settled on 2 very different plans, one will be ongoing for many years. Every year in September l do a seeding of wildflowers around the peritrack at Langar it covers about 3.5miles. l also seed along the runways. I figure that it will add life for insects, birds and improve the area.
When we used to go for drives we always got excited to see wild flowers like poppies and a couple of fields we would drive past off the beaten track were always full of colour and we used to get all excited at how lovely they looked.
I get the seeds from the wild flower farm next door to Langar and the owner also Brian has been great, if l dont have tools handy l am able to borrow them from him and he is full of advice Nature Scape This will be a slow ongoing project for a few years while they slowly take hold.
The second idea l asked the British parachute Association if l could donate a trophy but this was turned down so l approached Langar and asked them if l could donate one. They agreed and so l hunted round for an acceptable one.
I finally found Andrew Glasby and amazing bronze artist. He had many bronzes l fell in love with but l settled on one l loved but also more importantly l could afford Andrew Glasby Bronzes
It is a Peregrine Falcon's head, Brian always loved watching Birds of Prey Andrew mounted it on a block of wood for me and l then had that mounted on a specially commissioned Oak plinth. It looks amazing and is now used for the 6 Way annual competition. The words Dream, Believe, Achieve are also on as it has become his mantra.
Sunday, 11 November 2012
The story of "The Unknown Soldier"
On September 7th 1920, in strictest secrecy four unidentified British
bodies were exhumed from temporary battlefield cemeteries at Ypres,
Arras, the Asine and the Somme. None of the soldiers involved were told
why. The bodies were taken by field ambulance to GHQ at
St-Pol-sur-Ternoise, where their bodies were draped wi
th
the Union Flag and sentries were posted. Brigadier-General Wyatt and a
Colonel Gell selected one body at random and a French honour guard stood
by the coffin overnight.
On the morning of the 8th the body was laid in a specially designed coffin made of oak from the grounds of Hampton Court. On top was placed a Crusaders Sword and a shield on which was inscribed 'A British Warrior who fell in the Great War 1914-1918 For King and Country'.
On the 9th of November the Unknown Warrior was taken by horse drawn carriage through Guards of Honour, with the sound of tolling bells and bugle calls, to the Quayside. There it was saluted by Marechal Foche and loaded onto HMS Verdun bound for Dover. The coffin stood on the deck covered in wreaths and surrounded by the French Honour Guard.
On arrival at Dover the the Unknown Warrior was greeted with a 19 gun salute, normally only reserved for field marshals. He then traveled by special train to Victoria Station, London. He stayed there overnight and on the morning of the 11th of November was taken to Westminster Abbey.
The Idea of the Unknown Soldier was thought of by Padre, David Railton who had served at the front during the Great War and it was the Union Flag he had used as an altar cloth at the front, that had been draped over the coffin. The intention was that all relatives of the 517,773 combatants whose bodies had not been identified could believe that the Unknown Warrior could very well be their lost Husband, Father, Brother or Son.
On the morning of 11 November 1920, being the second anniversary of the armistice that ended World War One, the body of the Unknown Warrior was drawn in a procession to the Cenotaph. The new war memorial on Whitehall, designed by Edwin Lutyens, was then unveiled by George V.
At 11 o'clock there was a two-minute silence, and the body was then taken to Westminster Abbey where it was buried at the west end of the nave. To the surprise of the organisers, in the week after the burial an estimated 1,250,000 people visited the abbey, and the site is now one of the most visited war graves in the world.
The text inscribed on the tomb is taken from the bible (2 Chronicles 24:16):
'They buried him among the kings, because he had done good toward God and toward his house'.
Today whilst we remember those who have given their lives for Queen and Country, please also spare a thought for those whose battle never ends, those suffering from both lifelong mental and physical trauma.
Hounds for Heroes thanks all those who have given their life or part of their life so that we may be free.
"At the going down of the sun, and in the morning. We Will Remember Them..."
On the morning of the 8th the body was laid in a specially designed coffin made of oak from the grounds of Hampton Court. On top was placed a Crusaders Sword and a shield on which was inscribed 'A British Warrior who fell in the Great War 1914-1918 For King and Country'.
On the 9th of November the Unknown Warrior was taken by horse drawn carriage through Guards of Honour, with the sound of tolling bells and bugle calls, to the Quayside. There it was saluted by Marechal Foche and loaded onto HMS Verdun bound for Dover. The coffin stood on the deck covered in wreaths and surrounded by the French Honour Guard.
On arrival at Dover the the Unknown Warrior was greeted with a 19 gun salute, normally only reserved for field marshals. He then traveled by special train to Victoria Station, London. He stayed there overnight and on the morning of the 11th of November was taken to Westminster Abbey.
The Idea of the Unknown Soldier was thought of by Padre, David Railton who had served at the front during the Great War and it was the Union Flag he had used as an altar cloth at the front, that had been draped over the coffin. The intention was that all relatives of the 517,773 combatants whose bodies had not been identified could believe that the Unknown Warrior could very well be their lost Husband, Father, Brother or Son.
On the morning of 11 November 1920, being the second anniversary of the armistice that ended World War One, the body of the Unknown Warrior was drawn in a procession to the Cenotaph. The new war memorial on Whitehall, designed by Edwin Lutyens, was then unveiled by George V.
At 11 o'clock there was a two-minute silence, and the body was then taken to Westminster Abbey where it was buried at the west end of the nave. To the surprise of the organisers, in the week after the burial an estimated 1,250,000 people visited the abbey, and the site is now one of the most visited war graves in the world.
The text inscribed on the tomb is taken from the bible (2 Chronicles 24:16):
'They buried him among the kings, because he had done good toward God and toward his house'.
Today whilst we remember those who have given their lives for Queen and Country, please also spare a thought for those whose battle never ends, those suffering from both lifelong mental and physical trauma.
Hounds for Heroes thanks all those who have given their life or part of their life so that we may be free.
"At the going down of the sun, and in the morning. We Will Remember Them..."
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Motorhome & Mint Update
I just realised l hadn't updated anyone about the motorhome saga.
Since the motor home was collected by l assumed barclays -clydesdale barclays partner finance l have had 2 late evening phone calls when l caught them driving (yes l was on bluetooth) saying sorry we haven't been in touch. I told them l wasn't interested in sorry l wanted in writing confirmed it was barclays collected the motor home & all debts were wiped out. I was promised but nothing arrived.
Finally l blew my stack & for the first time called in my MP, never used one of these strange creatures before but felt if they are any use l may as well test mine. I sent her an explanation of what had happened and that all l wanted was confirmation it was barclays that had collected the vehicle & all debts were wiped.
I got a letter back she had sent a letter off to barclays & would notify me as soon as she heard back. I was counting on the fact the banks are under a lot of heavy dodo and the behaviour towards a widow is not going to go down well in the media which was my next step. I avoided them though till last as after their behaviour to me when Brian and Emma passed l am not overly keen on them.
The week before l was due to go away about 18th May l contacted the mp again & spoke to l guess her secretary. He apologised about the time taken but was just sending me a letter on from barclays but not to worry all was sorted.
I wasn't so much worried but l was fed up & pissed off & angry never a good combination for me as l then turn to instinct & someone gets hurt, l may get hurt as well but l never mind about that to much l make sure the target is though.
The letter arrived the next day have to say l was impressed my MP had well delivered the goods. This is a first given my normal feelings of loathing towards them.
It was from the MD of clydesdale -barclays partner finance my MP had contacted bob diamond as you know the boss tosser at barclays who had contacted him (MD) to get it sorted fast. All was cleared, they were at fault sincerest apoliges (l dismissed sincere as we are talking bankers of great & lofty heights not local bank folks) but the matter was now closed & he hoped l could feel that l was able to move on from a bad chapter in my life.
This left me one more mountain to climb. Mint & the creature from the black lagoon there aka bitch from hell who made it her life's work to be unpleasant despite or because of the circumstances.
I got untold numbers of letters threatening bailiffs & court for non payment, despite my letters & phone calls in return saying Brian was dead no more deceased and gone. Death certificates were sent 2 of them the initial & official post coroners inquest one & finally the estates department (who had been very helpful & pleasant) managed to get it into the bitches head & l was told by her that they would accept my letters but check up with me in 6 months to see if l had any money come in they could get their greasy hands on.
As 6 months were now up l rang up to speak to whoever l could as the woman who signed the letters was a ghost. The lady l spoke to was very pleasant but confused. She read out everything on the computer to me & said the account had been closed 6 months before they had no reason to contact me. She could find no record of the letter sent threatening me with a check up "in 6 months" & apologised for whatever had gone on & said they didn't usually check up like l was saying.
So result is as far as l am concerned the will is now closed all companies dealt with & l can get on with my happy little life which l feel no happiness for & people keep telling me l will. Yes l get small pleasures with some things but there is no everlasting joy.
I know Brian is with me & that does help a lot, l can not feel or see him although so many strange things have happened l have no doubt he is with me.
What hurts is l can't throw my arms round him, smell his stinky jerseys or t-shirts too sweaty to use that needs a wash but he doesn't want to dirty other things till he has ended doing whatever.
I don't hear his cheerful greeting to me when l amble up to give him a hug after he has been jumping or whatever & l have a coffee prepared for him or drop the hint l am hungry is he going to come & cook for me.
I deal with my mum thinking l would love a hug from him l can feel not just imagine as she gets up to ever more stupid things l have to deal with. To check letters l send off to make sure l am not overly honest about incompetent psychiatrists .
All the mirryiad of things that 2 people who still loved each other deeply feel & do have changed & l have a lot to learn about how to adjust which given the state of my mum it will be a long time before l have my own time to do that.
So life goes on but not with the joy l used to feel so l will see what the future brings & although l will do nothing stupid l carry a do not resuscitate card only give pain relief & sedation & have a "living will" drawn up on tight parameters by a lawyer & state it & who has copies of it is on the wallet card.
I have vague plans as in sorting work, wanting to buy a hardshell canoe & wanting to do a skydive & jump Brian's kit, the ring with Brian's ashes in is on the cards for the week after next but l have no big plans.
My 50th birthday next year l used to look forward to as l would have lived half a century it seemed a good reason to celebrate but not now.
On a positive when note when l do get positives l promise to post them not just the negatives in life. In the mean time life..............................
Since the motor home was collected by l assumed barclays -clydesdale barclays partner finance l have had 2 late evening phone calls when l caught them driving (yes l was on bluetooth) saying sorry we haven't been in touch. I told them l wasn't interested in sorry l wanted in writing confirmed it was barclays collected the motor home & all debts were wiped out. I was promised but nothing arrived.
Finally l blew my stack & for the first time called in my MP, never used one of these strange creatures before but felt if they are any use l may as well test mine. I sent her an explanation of what had happened and that all l wanted was confirmation it was barclays that had collected the vehicle & all debts were wiped.
I got a letter back she had sent a letter off to barclays & would notify me as soon as she heard back. I was counting on the fact the banks are under a lot of heavy dodo and the behaviour towards a widow is not going to go down well in the media which was my next step. I avoided them though till last as after their behaviour to me when Brian and Emma passed l am not overly keen on them.
The week before l was due to go away about 18th May l contacted the mp again & spoke to l guess her secretary. He apologised about the time taken but was just sending me a letter on from barclays but not to worry all was sorted.
I wasn't so much worried but l was fed up & pissed off & angry never a good combination for me as l then turn to instinct & someone gets hurt, l may get hurt as well but l never mind about that to much l make sure the target is though.
The letter arrived the next day have to say l was impressed my MP had well delivered the goods. This is a first given my normal feelings of loathing towards them.
It was from the MD of clydesdale -barclays partner finance my MP had contacted bob diamond as you know the boss tosser at barclays who had contacted him (MD) to get it sorted fast. All was cleared, they were at fault sincerest apoliges (l dismissed sincere as we are talking bankers of great & lofty heights not local bank folks) but the matter was now closed & he hoped l could feel that l was able to move on from a bad chapter in my life.
This left me one more mountain to climb. Mint & the creature from the black lagoon there aka bitch from hell who made it her life's work to be unpleasant despite or because of the circumstances.
I got untold numbers of letters threatening bailiffs & court for non payment, despite my letters & phone calls in return saying Brian was dead no more deceased and gone. Death certificates were sent 2 of them the initial & official post coroners inquest one & finally the estates department (who had been very helpful & pleasant) managed to get it into the bitches head & l was told by her that they would accept my letters but check up with me in 6 months to see if l had any money come in they could get their greasy hands on.
As 6 months were now up l rang up to speak to whoever l could as the woman who signed the letters was a ghost. The lady l spoke to was very pleasant but confused. She read out everything on the computer to me & said the account had been closed 6 months before they had no reason to contact me. She could find no record of the letter sent threatening me with a check up "in 6 months" & apologised for whatever had gone on & said they didn't usually check up like l was saying.
So result is as far as l am concerned the will is now closed all companies dealt with & l can get on with my happy little life which l feel no happiness for & people keep telling me l will. Yes l get small pleasures with some things but there is no everlasting joy.
I know Brian is with me & that does help a lot, l can not feel or see him although so many strange things have happened l have no doubt he is with me.
What hurts is l can't throw my arms round him, smell his stinky jerseys or t-shirts too sweaty to use that needs a wash but he doesn't want to dirty other things till he has ended doing whatever.
I don't hear his cheerful greeting to me when l amble up to give him a hug after he has been jumping or whatever & l have a coffee prepared for him or drop the hint l am hungry is he going to come & cook for me.
I deal with my mum thinking l would love a hug from him l can feel not just imagine as she gets up to ever more stupid things l have to deal with. To check letters l send off to make sure l am not overly honest about incompetent psychiatrists .
All the mirryiad of things that 2 people who still loved each other deeply feel & do have changed & l have a lot to learn about how to adjust which given the state of my mum it will be a long time before l have my own time to do that.
So life goes on but not with the joy l used to feel so l will see what the future brings & although l will do nothing stupid l carry a do not resuscitate card only give pain relief & sedation & have a "living will" drawn up on tight parameters by a lawyer & state it & who has copies of it is on the wallet card.
I have vague plans as in sorting work, wanting to buy a hardshell canoe & wanting to do a skydive & jump Brian's kit, the ring with Brian's ashes in is on the cards for the week after next but l have no big plans.
My 50th birthday next year l used to look forward to as l would have lived half a century it seemed a good reason to celebrate but not now.
On a positive when note when l do get positives l promise to post them not just the negatives in life. In the mean time life..............................
Monday, 19 September 2011
Gods Candles
I wrote this to explain to a special friend David C who has been a tower of spiritual strength how l feel about the night, it still needs tweaking but with me that can take years, it explains a bit how l feel about the night & why l love walking & kayaking in the dark, a very special time when you have just your thoughts & not the distractions of daylight:
God’s Candles
They assume the night is black, as black as Satan’s darkest sin
Inside they huddle, curtains tight, across the cold clear glass
Inside the rooms all lights are lit, to bring back their precious day.
They miss the softness of ev’n blackest night, no sin in it but love so bright
They miss the stars that pierce points, through a blackened velvet cloth of sky
Like untouched jewels of Angels fair, no earthly diamond pure as they
No blood, no pain, no wealth from others can be used gain them.
Their beauty and their shimmer owned by creatures of the night
Soft light falls upon the world below, spilled from the many faces of the moon,
From wide tooth grin too tight lipped smile, depending on her feeling.
Moon light paints black spans of water, with silhouettes of trees & buildings striding ‘long the waters edge,
Trees fold back to jet black groves, strange noises scare the wary.
Leaves that tremble in the gentle breeze, while light reflects from dew touched tips.
Light from heaven, not Satan’s pits.
Dusting's of mist in low patches hover, across the glinting, black still water
Untouchable by reaching hands it wraps in skeins around the body
Caused by temperature flux ‘twix land and water so scientists would say
But we know the truth, it’s breath from hidden monsters
Clouds may hurry across the sky and cover up the light
But above that cloud the light still shines, even if we can’t see it
Just watch the tides they know it too and allow the pull to guide them.
So pull back those curtains, turn off your lights and go walk in the garden.
No monsters there, just the place you know
Lit by Gods candles from heaven.
© CL VN 8/2011
God’s Candles
They assume the night is black, as black as Satan’s darkest sin
Inside they huddle, curtains tight, across the cold clear glass
Inside the rooms all lights are lit, to bring back their precious day.
They miss the softness of ev’n blackest night, no sin in it but love so bright
They miss the stars that pierce points, through a blackened velvet cloth of sky
Like untouched jewels of Angels fair, no earthly diamond pure as they
No blood, no pain, no wealth from others can be used gain them.
Their beauty and their shimmer owned by creatures of the night
Soft light falls upon the world below, spilled from the many faces of the moon,
From wide tooth grin too tight lipped smile, depending on her feeling.
Moon light paints black spans of water, with silhouettes of trees & buildings striding ‘long the waters edge,
Trees fold back to jet black groves, strange noises scare the wary.
Leaves that tremble in the gentle breeze, while light reflects from dew touched tips.
Light from heaven, not Satan’s pits.
Dusting's of mist in low patches hover, across the glinting, black still water
Untouchable by reaching hands it wraps in skeins around the body
Caused by temperature flux ‘twix land and water so scientists would say
But we know the truth, it’s breath from hidden monsters
Clouds may hurry across the sky and cover up the light
But above that cloud the light still shines, even if we can’t see it
Just watch the tides they know it too and allow the pull to guide them.
So pull back those curtains, turn off your lights and go walk in the garden.
No monsters there, just the place you know
Lit by Gods candles from heaven.
© CL VN 8/2011
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
New V Old
I remember the days you only had one or two. One tv channel, two types of loo roll soft or wax paper one type of washing up liquid, green a huge wow factor when l found a yellow opps sorry lemon flavour bottle.
Now there is a profusion of tv channels catering as they say to every taste, and trying to get you into things you never even realised existed. History to news, soap to humour, true crime to adverts, betting to health, cooking to diy so many others l am not going to even attempt to name them all. A lot are a waste of time others are brilliant and some not quite sure what side of the fence they have landed hopping between appalling and brilliant.
We have lost, l am sure it's loosing wasn't lamented the "cheap wax" paper on a roll. That stuff was deadly l don't know if anyone ever found a use for it be interesting if there was a use found as it was useless as loo roll.
Now there is thick soft, quilted soft, single skin soft, double quilted soft, recycled soft recycled quilted soft, uggs sorry the thought of recycled loo paper doesn't appeal.
Colours can match with any bathroom you care to put in, and there is some pretty awful bathrooms out there.
Washing up liquid l thought we had reached the zenith of these a couple of years ago with flavours like Lavender. Yet again l was wrong marketing men have gone positively nuts. Ginger and nutmeg, green tea, strawberry & peach, cucumber, apple blossom, summers day to name and along with the new names are new colours. Some very pretty purples or vivid blue they alternate with pale washy creams that look like badly curdled milk.
Every time l go somewhere new to work l find a different flavour and marvel at the mind that can come up with such garbage.
I am surprised they haven't brought out a "meaty flavour" to wash pet food bowls based on the myriad of pet food "flavours" for sale. Those would go off the shelf so fast the head would spin. Common sense has not been a strong point with UK pet owners in the past and it isn't looking like starting any time soon.
People seem to think that each fragrance and or colour must wash up even better than the old one they used as it has a fancy name. The fact it is just suds in a bottle seems to escape them. I just go for the cheap green at least this flurry of flavours has done us dinosaurs a favour, the "old" green has dropped down in price.
So while you wander down those long meandering isles choosing colours and flavours that some nameless suit has come up with, that will do just as good a job as the "old & discarded" think of those who have nothing in life, be it food or hope and just be thankful that you can still choose the banal and wasted even if you don't have much else.
Now there is a profusion of tv channels catering as they say to every taste, and trying to get you into things you never even realised existed. History to news, soap to humour, true crime to adverts, betting to health, cooking to diy so many others l am not going to even attempt to name them all. A lot are a waste of time others are brilliant and some not quite sure what side of the fence they have landed hopping between appalling and brilliant.
We have lost, l am sure it's loosing wasn't lamented the "cheap wax" paper on a roll. That stuff was deadly l don't know if anyone ever found a use for it be interesting if there was a use found as it was useless as loo roll.
Now there is thick soft, quilted soft, single skin soft, double quilted soft, recycled soft recycled quilted soft, uggs sorry the thought of recycled loo paper doesn't appeal.
Colours can match with any bathroom you care to put in, and there is some pretty awful bathrooms out there.
Washing up liquid l thought we had reached the zenith of these a couple of years ago with flavours like Lavender. Yet again l was wrong marketing men have gone positively nuts. Ginger and nutmeg, green tea, strawberry & peach, cucumber, apple blossom, summers day to name and along with the new names are new colours. Some very pretty purples or vivid blue they alternate with pale washy creams that look like badly curdled milk.
Every time l go somewhere new to work l find a different flavour and marvel at the mind that can come up with such garbage.
I am surprised they haven't brought out a "meaty flavour" to wash pet food bowls based on the myriad of pet food "flavours" for sale. Those would go off the shelf so fast the head would spin. Common sense has not been a strong point with UK pet owners in the past and it isn't looking like starting any time soon.
People seem to think that each fragrance and or colour must wash up even better than the old one they used as it has a fancy name. The fact it is just suds in a bottle seems to escape them. I just go for the cheap green at least this flurry of flavours has done us dinosaurs a favour, the "old" green has dropped down in price.
So while you wander down those long meandering isles choosing colours and flavours that some nameless suit has come up with, that will do just as good a job as the "old & discarded" think of those who have nothing in life, be it food or hope and just be thankful that you can still choose the banal and wasted even if you don't have much else.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Dog & Cat Law
1. If I like it, it’s mine.
2. If it’s in my mouth, it’s mine.
3. If it looks like mine, it’s mine.
4. If I can take it from you, it’s mine.
5. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.
6. If I saw it first, it’s mine.
7. If you have something and put it down, it’s mine.
8. If I chew something up, all of the pieces are mine.
9. If it used to be your’s, get over it.
10. If it’s broken, it’s your’s.
2. If it’s in my mouth, it’s mine.
3. If it looks like mine, it’s mine.
4. If I can take it from you, it’s mine.
5. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.
6. If I saw it first, it’s mine.
7. If you have something and put it down, it’s mine.
8. If I chew something up, all of the pieces are mine.
9. If it used to be your’s, get over it.
10. If it’s broken, it’s your’s.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Hardshell
Just warming up after an evening of club kayaking. Loved it and learnt a lot. Went with the Irish student vet who said earlier in the day she was "proudly non sporting" after tonight, her first time she said she is hooked and wants to do more. The Italian vet who is seeing practice and has problems going straight on the water, it was her 2nd time. She improved a bit (maybe?)
Was great was in a hardshell not been in one of those since l was a kid. I have my eyes on one will need to go down to cornwall though to confirm so later in the year.
As l was only there for 1 session l was given choice of capsize drill or not...of course l stayed which ended up with me being first over. B-L-O-O-D-Y H-E-C-K! the water was cold.
When l got to the side l had a sever attack of giggles and couldn't get out so someone tried to haul me out, l was laughing so much he dropped me back in the water and made me go awaayyyyy to the ladder and climb out :-))
2hrs of fun, all equipment hire, excellent BCU tutoring and only £5 can not beat that.
Was great was in a hardshell not been in one of those since l was a kid. I have my eyes on one will need to go down to cornwall though to confirm so later in the year.
As l was only there for 1 session l was given choice of capsize drill or not...of course l stayed which ended up with me being first over. B-L-O-O-D-Y H-E-C-K! the water was cold.
When l got to the side l had a sever attack of giggles and couldn't get out so someone tried to haul me out, l was laughing so much he dropped me back in the water and made me go awaayyyyy to the ladder and climb out :-))
2hrs of fun, all equipment hire, excellent BCU tutoring and only £5 can not beat that.
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Kayaking
Watching the people enjoying the river made me wish l could be out on the water as well but l didn't see how. I had kayaked when l was a youngster back home at a holiday camp l used to go to, l spent hours out on the water & loved it. I hadn't allowed for the fact that Brian was at work behind the scenes.
I had been at a fairly local practice, only 60mile round trip/day for about 4 weeks and had a couple weeks more to go on return l got speaking to one of the vet's vet as he had mentioned his "new boat". It turned out this was an inflatable kayak, my thoughts were the plastic play things you see on the beach, boy was l wrong. Reading up it turns out one make (one of the cheapest ones) has done the Amazon River 2xs in the 60s, they are no toy.
He bought his off Amazon so l looked into it. There was problems with the one he had, it was on for messing about in l wanted a multi use more serious kayak. Finally l found one that l liked & decided to save up for, not cheap at just over £300.
talking to him after he had his first outing he agreed with my assessment & said he was looking for a better one for himself the other was great for using with his young kids.
With saving up in mind l met up with some friends by chance a couple of weeks later and told them what l was doing. I was told a friend of a friend was selling a brand new, unused canoe for £500 and it cost £1500. I contacted J and arranged to buy & collect it. The canoe was to big & heavy for me, it took 3 of us to lift it on & off the car roof for a start so l took it the next day to Brookbank who put it up for sale for me and we did a deal on the one l wanted blue not red & bits: paddle, buoyancy aid, dry bag, pump, dry holder for phone, wet suit bottoms, neoprene socks & gloves. I want to canoe year round and felt l may as well get the items up front.
It took about 4 weeks for the sale to get sorted, to get my
British Canoe Union membership through so l could access inland waterways, rivers & canals plus problems with mum before l could get out on the water.
My first trip was 3 weeks ago l went out on the Leeds Liverpool canal but miss read google and the ended up at a lock with a 10ft drop to high to get out of or down to. It was chucking it down with rain and even the ducks & fish had looked for shelter. So l tootled around on the top end of the canal between locks getting the feel of handling in the wind that blasted across the water and the rain that drenched me, a good intro.
One narrow boater that went past well wrapped laughed and said l was crazier than he was. I know l was certainly wetter & colder than him so l guess he was right about crazy, but l was having fun.
The following week was clear blue skies, l found a new easier launch place and set out. After about 3.5hrs paddling l had this sudden thought..."l got here l now have to get back!" by the end of about 6hrs my back and arms knew it.
Was a fantastic day though and people were surprised to see a canoe so had lots of chats as l went past and hellos.
Thankfully l read up on paddles and got a good one that l can tour with. Warnings said distance with the cheap ones don't work as you get rubbing as the paddle connecting bar twists.
The kayak is very light l want to try with the skeg think that will help. As it isn't ridged the canoe twists enough that you may not notice but your muscles can feel the strain after a long day l love it though.
Fired up by this & liking the dark l decided to do a night tour & chose the opposite way as there was less homes. I set out at 19:00 got back at 23:00. I played the music saved on my phone and as the sun set played Brian's favourite song, which l had also played at his funeral "Wind Beneath My Wings" the music faded as the sun dipped & with tears pouring down my face l turned the music off & paddled in the silence with the dark descending, everyone home & the silence of the canal with glinting water to myself.
It was very spiritual & l have decided that as l like walking in the dark so kayaking in the dark is also my favourite time.
I had been at a fairly local practice, only 60mile round trip/day for about 4 weeks and had a couple weeks more to go on return l got speaking to one of the vet's vet as he had mentioned his "new boat". It turned out this was an inflatable kayak, my thoughts were the plastic play things you see on the beach, boy was l wrong. Reading up it turns out one make (one of the cheapest ones) has done the Amazon River 2xs in the 60s, they are no toy.
He bought his off Amazon so l looked into it. There was problems with the one he had, it was on for messing about in l wanted a multi use more serious kayak. Finally l found one that l liked & decided to save up for, not cheap at just over £300.
talking to him after he had his first outing he agreed with my assessment & said he was looking for a better one for himself the other was great for using with his young kids.
With saving up in mind l met up with some friends by chance a couple of weeks later and told them what l was doing. I was told a friend of a friend was selling a brand new, unused canoe for £500 and it cost £1500. I contacted J and arranged to buy & collect it. The canoe was to big & heavy for me, it took 3 of us to lift it on & off the car roof for a start so l took it the next day to Brookbank who put it up for sale for me and we did a deal on the one l wanted blue not red & bits: paddle, buoyancy aid, dry bag, pump, dry holder for phone, wet suit bottoms, neoprene socks & gloves. I want to canoe year round and felt l may as well get the items up front.
It took about 4 weeks for the sale to get sorted, to get my
British Canoe Union membership through so l could access inland waterways, rivers & canals plus problems with mum before l could get out on the water.
My first trip was 3 weeks ago l went out on the Leeds Liverpool canal but miss read google and the ended up at a lock with a 10ft drop to high to get out of or down to. It was chucking it down with rain and even the ducks & fish had looked for shelter. So l tootled around on the top end of the canal between locks getting the feel of handling in the wind that blasted across the water and the rain that drenched me, a good intro.
One narrow boater that went past well wrapped laughed and said l was crazier than he was. I know l was certainly wetter & colder than him so l guess he was right about crazy, but l was having fun.
The following week was clear blue skies, l found a new easier launch place and set out. After about 3.5hrs paddling l had this sudden thought..."l got here l now have to get back!" by the end of about 6hrs my back and arms knew it.
Was a fantastic day though and people were surprised to see a canoe so had lots of chats as l went past and hellos.
Thankfully l read up on paddles and got a good one that l can tour with. Warnings said distance with the cheap ones don't work as you get rubbing as the paddle connecting bar twists.
The kayak is very light l want to try with the skeg think that will help. As it isn't ridged the canoe twists enough that you may not notice but your muscles can feel the strain after a long day l love it though.
Fired up by this & liking the dark l decided to do a night tour & chose the opposite way as there was less homes. I set out at 19:00 got back at 23:00. I played the music saved on my phone and as the sun set played Brian's favourite song, which l had also played at his funeral "Wind Beneath My Wings" the music faded as the sun dipped & with tears pouring down my face l turned the music off & paddled in the silence with the dark descending, everyone home & the silence of the canal with glinting water to myself.
It was very spiritual & l have decided that as l like walking in the dark so kayaking in the dark is also my favourite time.
Scenes from Leeds Liverpool Canal
Night Descends
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
New pet ideas
I have been requested by my neighbour to think what breed he could get for a new dog as he has given in to requests. They had a lab who passed a few years back. l am a mongrel person and they may yet go for that but want to do the best from the start.
There is always kids 3 & 8 and various friends of theirs around the house. So must be child friendly,
Will be walked but not miles a day,
As few known genetic problems as possible,
Will be petplan insured
Calm
Easy to train
Easy to keep clean/groomed
My suggestion of a flat dog fitting in well was looked on with eagerness it fitted all the boxes bar training and even that is possible to a degree... it always knows when food is about. I said they would need to get a licence which may be a bit more difficult but hey it is an excellent breed and crocodiles can be very pretty.
So far though l am either mongrel or Border Terrier biased as my initial suggestion has been declined.
Feel free to add any but so far l have discounted pretty much the whole breeds book of suggestions on the vetnurse site. From genetic problems, thick/long coat, dodgy on temperament, excitable, to much exercise, to big/small and to.....
Once the choice is made l will update you on it.
There is always kids 3 & 8 and various friends of theirs around the house. So must be child friendly,
Will be walked but not miles a day,
As few known genetic problems as possible,
Will be petplan insured
Calm
Easy to train
Easy to keep clean/groomed
My suggestion of a flat dog fitting in well was looked on with eagerness it fitted all the boxes bar training and even that is possible to a degree... it always knows when food is about. I said they would need to get a licence which may be a bit more difficult but hey it is an excellent breed and crocodiles can be very pretty.
So far though l am either mongrel or Border Terrier biased as my initial suggestion has been declined.
Feel free to add any but so far l have discounted pretty much the whole breeds book of suggestions on the vetnurse site. From genetic problems, thick/long coat, dodgy on temperament, excitable, to much exercise, to big/small and to.....
Once the choice is made l will update you on it.
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Life Continues Part 2 "The Break"
The first anniversary of Brian's passing was a time l was not looking forward to but it was as inevitable as the tides. We had always talked about going to the Hay on Wye book festival but in the way of things kept missing it. Around September he gave me a poke and l looked it up. It was to be held for 9 days ending on the 5th June the day after Brian's passing.
Looking up accommodation there was a camp site just next to it so l mailed them, crossed fingers knowing l would get in as it was so early and as l had such a strong push l knew l was booked whatever happened.
A couple of weeks before the event l asked a friend if she wanted to come with me, she lost her husband about 14years ago and would be a support if l needed, and she cooked, a major consideration.
I decided to contact the site organisers and see if l could fit on a smaller site, again all went well and they changed me to a cheaper site so £107/7nights as opposed to £140/7nights. They were excellent with their organising and the loos etc were all kept spotless. The rest of the year the field is full of sheep and not a camp field.
It was my first proper away in CB and the drive thanks to Tom was clear and well directed. We found the site and went to our slot, l turned on the gas and we celebrated with a coffee.
The "over the hedge" to the festival was a bit of a cheat yes it was but you had to walk about 1/2 mile around the field & houses as there was no way through the hedge, not that that mattered the exercise did me good.
The festival was not at all what either of us had been expecting. It was full of all sorts of talks which l had known about & not booked due to cost, coffee places, a few charity stands and odds and ends and very few books.
Being a book lover this was a bit weird calling it a "Book Festival" however Hay on Wye more than made up for that they are full with second hand book shops about 40 of them. I found 8 books from an author l was looking for. If you love books then get over to the town sometime they are amazing.
Getting talking to Celine & her Husband who had a stall in the town Mara Sculptures with sculptures from Zimbabwe we found that the small stand a gallery from town took at the actual festival cost 30K. We were more than a tad taken aback until speaking to the people who supplied the coffee at the camp site and were parked next to us we found that a coffee stall at the festival was 130k that was just a gobstopper.No wonder the costs of things were so high.
A big bug with me and l am sure many others was that 02 doesn't work in the area, in fact l never got 02 back until we were well out of Wales. I contacted them afterwards and got a weeks refund for it. Luckily Ann has 2 phones and l put credit on one and managed to stay in touch with Mum.
I could get intermittent use after midnight with the odd text in or out. On the last full day l found if l went down through the camp field (huge area) down the road about 30yards, over the style, through the field of sheep, over the next style, past the thicket of trees, up the hillock full of nettles l could get a signal.
All other suppliers worked, according to 02 they are in the process of sorting out signals but if you are on 02 & not been to Wales be aware the signal is either patchy or impossible. I lump in all Wales as after talking to people apparently it is like that all over at least North Wales. When we have been in the past l am not sure if we noticed as it was just quick day trips.
On the 4th of June l went on my own down to the river, found rather a dangerous path that was vertical and slippery and spent the day hidden from view by those on the river and people from above.
I was found by a loopy border collie who threw himself down the slope at high speed slurped at me with a big grin and hurtled back up the slope when he was called.
I wished the many canoes going past had quieter occupants and would have loved to be out there on the water but as l don't own a boat or anything this was impossible.
There was a rainstorm at one point, l scrambled under a tipped over oak with a thick roof of leaves and stayed nice and dry.
After about 7hours l went back to the camp site and spent a quiet night before we set off home on the 5th.
As we drove home on the 5th l decided to side track and go via Langar to spend a short time there. It was nice seeing friends again and l went for a quiet walk round the airfield with Brian, and memories.
Looking up accommodation there was a camp site just next to it so l mailed them, crossed fingers knowing l would get in as it was so early and as l had such a strong push l knew l was booked whatever happened.
A couple of weeks before the event l asked a friend if she wanted to come with me, she lost her husband about 14years ago and would be a support if l needed, and she cooked, a major consideration.
I decided to contact the site organisers and see if l could fit on a smaller site, again all went well and they changed me to a cheaper site so £107/7nights as opposed to £140/7nights. They were excellent with their organising and the loos etc were all kept spotless. The rest of the year the field is full of sheep and not a camp field.
It was my first proper away in CB and the drive thanks to Tom was clear and well directed. We found the site and went to our slot, l turned on the gas and we celebrated with a coffee.
The "over the hedge" to the festival was a bit of a cheat yes it was but you had to walk about 1/2 mile around the field & houses as there was no way through the hedge, not that that mattered the exercise did me good.
The festival was not at all what either of us had been expecting. It was full of all sorts of talks which l had known about & not booked due to cost, coffee places, a few charity stands and odds and ends and very few books.
Being a book lover this was a bit weird calling it a "Book Festival" however Hay on Wye more than made up for that they are full with second hand book shops about 40 of them. I found 8 books from an author l was looking for. If you love books then get over to the town sometime they are amazing.
Getting talking to Celine & her Husband who had a stall in the town Mara Sculptures with sculptures from Zimbabwe we found that the small stand a gallery from town took at the actual festival cost 30K. We were more than a tad taken aback until speaking to the people who supplied the coffee at the camp site and were parked next to us we found that a coffee stall at the festival was 130k that was just a gobstopper.No wonder the costs of things were so high.
A big bug with me and l am sure many others was that 02 doesn't work in the area, in fact l never got 02 back until we were well out of Wales. I contacted them afterwards and got a weeks refund for it. Luckily Ann has 2 phones and l put credit on one and managed to stay in touch with Mum.
I could get intermittent use after midnight with the odd text in or out. On the last full day l found if l went down through the camp field (huge area) down the road about 30yards, over the style, through the field of sheep, over the next style, past the thicket of trees, up the hillock full of nettles l could get a signal.
All other suppliers worked, according to 02 they are in the process of sorting out signals but if you are on 02 & not been to Wales be aware the signal is either patchy or impossible. I lump in all Wales as after talking to people apparently it is like that all over at least North Wales. When we have been in the past l am not sure if we noticed as it was just quick day trips.
On the 4th of June l went on my own down to the river, found rather a dangerous path that was vertical and slippery and spent the day hidden from view by those on the river and people from above.
I was found by a loopy border collie who threw himself down the slope at high speed slurped at me with a big grin and hurtled back up the slope when he was called.
I wished the many canoes going past had quieter occupants and would have loved to be out there on the water but as l don't own a boat or anything this was impossible.
There was a rainstorm at one point, l scrambled under a tipped over oak with a thick roof of leaves and stayed nice and dry.
After about 7hours l went back to the camp site and spent a quiet night before we set off home on the 5th.
As we drove home on the 5th l decided to side track and go via Langar to spend a short time there. It was nice seeing friends again and l went for a quiet walk round the airfield with Brian, and memories.
Life Continues Part 1
About time l got my finger out, l enjoyed blogging but it has gone so far into the background it has become defunct after speaking to a good friend of mine David who has been a very strong support to me l think it is about time l came back and stated to make it a part of my life again. I enjoy writing and it may not be grammatically or spelling correct but it makes me feel better and l think some folks enjoy it.
So much has gone on in life it is hard to know where to start but will give it a go and do it over several postings so l do not turn out one overly long tome that no one, including myself will read:
Work has gone on apace but not much at the night place they are owned by a major group who are going nuts about wages paid so they make the staff swap or do without help, as staff leave or go on maternity (a common thing for some reason in veterinary work) they are not replaced.
Most of my work has been in the day time and l have been all over the country. Apart from Wales or Scotland, pity l like both those areas.
Latest trip was to Malmsbury and staying in Tetbury at their flat there, what lovely towns they are especially Tetbury, full of flower baskets and an annual Tetbury in bloom contest that most of the town enters. Add that to the Cotswold stone and old style means, nightmare to park, pretty to visit probably nightmare to live bet they are full of listed buildings.
My best job was about 2.5miles from home. I was able to leave a few minutes before opening up in the morning, few minutes to get home and slept in my own bed.
My accounts are the bain of my life. When l say l am about to do my accounts there is 3 whhooshes of air as Brian His guardian Angel and Mine head to the corner of the room and the table and chairs there. While muttering about who let her loose on paperwork & oh no there goes a quiet night.
"No dont touch that figure nooonoo, oh good grief, finally you got that sorted, we told you it was wrong column"
"Now change that decimal point it isnt 9000 it is 90 no no LOOK there THAT decimal, would you please stop looking over there and stressing and sort that decimal point out?"
They carry on like this during the 4hrs or so it takes me to do about 2 lines of accounts
The presentation for the Royal Aero Club Awards was amazing, 2 of my friends went along to support me Craig & Kev.
I ended up buying a dress from Asda and have to say l did look smart for once and even had shoes on, very "not me" my usual garb being barefoot and casual.
It was a long day l drove to near London left home 2am caught the tube into London, met Craig and spent the day with him. he was fine that l was barefoot all day. We went into hard Rock Cafe next to the RAF club had a coffee and l changed into night smarts & we met Kev & his girlfriend.
What a night it was lovely to see so many people l knew getting awards, Stuart, Al & Pixie, not to mention those l didn't know or knew by sight who got awards other skydivers or for other disciplines in the air.
Afterwards l retraced route and got back about 2am after no sleep for 24hrs and living on adrenaline. While driving down l discovered a new website they were discussing on radio4 l use the site quite a bit now called Moodscope
Brian's will is finally sorted. It took a letter to my MP who contacted bob diamond big boss at barclays who contacted the managing director at clydesdale, barclays partner finance to get them to sort it and send me a letter of apology.
Unreal how they have behaved l am not interested in their apology just wanted it sorted. That was finally closed about 10 days before the first anniversary of Brian's passing.
So much has gone on in life it is hard to know where to start but will give it a go and do it over several postings so l do not turn out one overly long tome that no one, including myself will read:
Work has gone on apace but not much at the night place they are owned by a major group who are going nuts about wages paid so they make the staff swap or do without help, as staff leave or go on maternity (a common thing for some reason in veterinary work) they are not replaced.
Most of my work has been in the day time and l have been all over the country. Apart from Wales or Scotland, pity l like both those areas.
Latest trip was to Malmsbury and staying in Tetbury at their flat there, what lovely towns they are especially Tetbury, full of flower baskets and an annual Tetbury in bloom contest that most of the town enters. Add that to the Cotswold stone and old style means, nightmare to park, pretty to visit probably nightmare to live bet they are full of listed buildings.
My best job was about 2.5miles from home. I was able to leave a few minutes before opening up in the morning, few minutes to get home and slept in my own bed.
My accounts are the bain of my life. When l say l am about to do my accounts there is 3 whhooshes of air as Brian His guardian Angel and Mine head to the corner of the room and the table and chairs there. While muttering about who let her loose on paperwork & oh no there goes a quiet night.
"No dont touch that figure nooonoo, oh good grief, finally you got that sorted, we told you it was wrong column"
"Now change that decimal point it isnt 9000 it is 90 no no LOOK there THAT decimal, would you please stop looking over there and stressing and sort that decimal point out?"
They carry on like this during the 4hrs or so it takes me to do about 2 lines of accounts
The presentation for the Royal Aero Club Awards was amazing, 2 of my friends went along to support me Craig & Kev.
I ended up buying a dress from Asda and have to say l did look smart for once and even had shoes on, very "not me" my usual garb being barefoot and casual.
It was a long day l drove to near London left home 2am caught the tube into London, met Craig and spent the day with him. he was fine that l was barefoot all day. We went into hard Rock Cafe next to the RAF club had a coffee and l changed into night smarts & we met Kev & his girlfriend.
What a night it was lovely to see so many people l knew getting awards, Stuart, Al & Pixie, not to mention those l didn't know or knew by sight who got awards other skydivers or for other disciplines in the air.
Afterwards l retraced route and got back about 2am after no sleep for 24hrs and living on adrenaline. While driving down l discovered a new website they were discussing on radio4 l use the site quite a bit now called Moodscope
Brian's will is finally sorted. It took a letter to my MP who contacted bob diamond big boss at barclays who contacted the managing director at clydesdale, barclays partner finance to get them to sort it and send me a letter of apology.
Unreal how they have behaved l am not interested in their apology just wanted it sorted. That was finally closed about 10 days before the first anniversary of Brian's passing.
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Brian's Presentation
I am sorry l have slowed down again, l am still working as much as possible and on the positive side it was the presentation for Brian at the British Parachute Association AGM in January. I gave a very short thank you speech on Brian's behalf. I had coppied and practised with a short poem but got an urge to read back on Brian's facebook. By about 5 days before it was so strong l had to get up in the middle of the night and do so. It wasn't easy scrolling back through the messages when he passed but l finally found the reason. He had posted 2 short paragraphs and they were his words l knew what l was meant to read out so l did.
"Brian is over the moon and very humbled with your amazing way of thanking him for his contribution to the sport he loved.
On behalf of Brian l would like to thank his friends, fledglings & everyone in the BPA for this wonderful honour.
Brian said in 09:
Skydiving is not just a sport or pastime, it can become a way of life, like a curse with consequences but can also have a very positive outcome. Personally it keeps old people young.
Just enjoying our sport more than l have for a long time, still some miles left in this old git, Take care"
It was a long emotionally hard day but everyone was fantastic. Until l saw the video l was completely blank about what had happened like the funeral it was all in still strobe flashes of various bits.
I was asked how l was able not to cry? if l had cried l couldn't have spoken and it was to important to thank everyone on Brian's behalf.
For me, Brian is still with me, it isn't something l believe, it is something l know and l draw strength from that.
I decided late last year to take up skydiving again after a 19yr lay off will see how it goes. The date of my training is secret until after l have done my first AFF jump, needless to say it will be at Langar.
Things at home are not going to good here my Mum has had a breakdown and is back on the psych ward. She spent 7 weeks there over the Xmas period bullied there by the psychiatrist and yes l do mean bullied.
She came out for 2 weeks and her meds which l had said from the start were not working proved how badly. The last 3 days he (psych) insisted she had new meds despite the fact they caused very bad hallucinations.
On the 2nd Sunday (3rd day of the meds) l got a call from the home check they found mum collapsed. I shot round she was up but rubber legged so l removed the meds being a Sunday no one to get help from. She was fine by mid afternoon.
Next day she was going again and l realised it was the main tablet. She was in a state and the psych nurse a nice lass called round and agreed she had to go back in. The psych and l had a HUGE row on the phone l blame him totally for things getting so out of hand no matter how often he is told about what's happening all he wants to do is up the same bloody meds.
Mum went in and finally lost it when the ****** psych went and told her l was rude and needed to be more polite to him and others (others means his sidekick who l like as much as ****** psych). The words were the same as those he used to me amongst others in our argument. This was the tipping point my mum has been pretty much crying since and he STILL hasn't sorted her meds.
I will give him this week (3rd back in) to sort meds then l bite the bullet and tell them to get mum a new psych but the problem is other one "offered" is his friend so is it frying pan and fire?
I am having trouble getting enthusiastic over things at the moment, l want to but but not actually getting a grip on happy. Brian and my Angels have been working overtime today a small switch inside was flicked in dealing with my mum, l didn't get stressed not sure the reason but it was like knowing you are almost at the top of Everest. There may be another bloody great mountain in front but l know l am able to get over this one and so the next will have to be aware l will climb it as well.
"Brian is over the moon and very humbled with your amazing way of thanking him for his contribution to the sport he loved.
On behalf of Brian l would like to thank his friends, fledglings & everyone in the BPA for this wonderful honour.
Brian said in 09:
Skydiving is not just a sport or pastime, it can become a way of life, like a curse with consequences but can also have a very positive outcome. Personally it keeps old people young.
Just enjoying our sport more than l have for a long time, still some miles left in this old git, Take care"
It was a long emotionally hard day but everyone was fantastic. Until l saw the video l was completely blank about what had happened like the funeral it was all in still strobe flashes of various bits.
I was asked how l was able not to cry? if l had cried l couldn't have spoken and it was to important to thank everyone on Brian's behalf.
For me, Brian is still with me, it isn't something l believe, it is something l know and l draw strength from that.
I decided late last year to take up skydiving again after a 19yr lay off will see how it goes. The date of my training is secret until after l have done my first AFF jump, needless to say it will be at Langar.
Things at home are not going to good here my Mum has had a breakdown and is back on the psych ward. She spent 7 weeks there over the Xmas period bullied there by the psychiatrist and yes l do mean bullied.
She came out for 2 weeks and her meds which l had said from the start were not working proved how badly. The last 3 days he (psych) insisted she had new meds despite the fact they caused very bad hallucinations.
On the 2nd Sunday (3rd day of the meds) l got a call from the home check they found mum collapsed. I shot round she was up but rubber legged so l removed the meds being a Sunday no one to get help from. She was fine by mid afternoon.
Next day she was going again and l realised it was the main tablet. She was in a state and the psych nurse a nice lass called round and agreed she had to go back in. The psych and l had a HUGE row on the phone l blame him totally for things getting so out of hand no matter how often he is told about what's happening all he wants to do is up the same bloody meds.
Mum went in and finally lost it when the ****** psych went and told her l was rude and needed to be more polite to him and others (others means his sidekick who l like as much as ****** psych). The words were the same as those he used to me amongst others in our argument. This was the tipping point my mum has been pretty much crying since and he STILL hasn't sorted her meds.
I will give him this week (3rd back in) to sort meds then l bite the bullet and tell them to get mum a new psych but the problem is other one "offered" is his friend so is it frying pan and fire?
I am having trouble getting enthusiastic over things at the moment, l want to but but not actually getting a grip on happy. Brian and my Angels have been working overtime today a small switch inside was flicked in dealing with my mum, l didn't get stressed not sure the reason but it was like knowing you are almost at the top of Everest. There may be another bloody great mountain in front but l know l am able to get over this one and so the next will have to be aware l will climb it as well.
Monday, 17 January 2011
Collected at Last!
The motorhome went a few minutes ago. The battery was dead and they had to jump start it. The reverse which was difficult has totally gone they had to push it backwards to get it out.
An acquaintance said back in July time the gears needed to be synced and it was a common problem on fiat easy to sort. He was a mechanic and had he realised there was a problem before we packed up the and were leaving the braai he would have sorted it for me.
The people who collected it are apparently going straight to the auction with it. Now remains to be seen how much they get for it l have been told by the main dealer (Brownhills of Newark) who have been very helpful that it will be about 23 to 25k.
I just want to get things closed so l can move on having company's hassling me gets tedious when l am doing my best and they seem to lack the competency to deal with their side properly.
No matter what they have hassled over it has never actually been my fault it has come down as theirs. From Mint threatening legal action and bailiffs for non payment despite my phone calls, letters, death cert.nothing actually seemed to register on their tiny minds.
To barclays who didn't "do" anything that was the problem l was sitting with what felt like a time bomb on my hands.
I feel like the mine field is not quite so active and things may settle down at last. My advice to anyone dealing with wills and estates. Check your legal standing then grab on like a pitbull with a bone, don't let go.
Don't be afraid to call in help or advice when it is needed & write down names, times and dates who you dealt with and check calls are recorded keep copies of all correspondence. So long as you do things right, send what's needed when asked for paperwork wise, they look the idiots and will continue to do so if it ends up in court. Thankfully so far avoided but l was & am willing to do so especially over the motorhome.
Thankfully we both have wills but above all else:
MAKE SURE YOU WRITE OUT A WILL. IT WON'T AFFECT YOU BUT IT WILL AFFECT YOUR FAMILY & IF YOU LOVE THEM YOU NEED TO SORT IT.
Because whatever you think you know about dying & whatever you believe about your goods and family & inheritance you don't know until it has affected you & when emotionally ripped apart that is not a good time to learn you were totally wrong in damm near every one of your assumptions.
An acquaintance said back in July time the gears needed to be synced and it was a common problem on fiat easy to sort. He was a mechanic and had he realised there was a problem before we packed up the and were leaving the braai he would have sorted it for me.
The people who collected it are apparently going straight to the auction with it. Now remains to be seen how much they get for it l have been told by the main dealer (Brownhills of Newark) who have been very helpful that it will be about 23 to 25k.
I just want to get things closed so l can move on having company's hassling me gets tedious when l am doing my best and they seem to lack the competency to deal with their side properly.
No matter what they have hassled over it has never actually been my fault it has come down as theirs. From Mint threatening legal action and bailiffs for non payment despite my phone calls, letters, death cert.nothing actually seemed to register on their tiny minds.
To barclays who didn't "do" anything that was the problem l was sitting with what felt like a time bomb on my hands.
I feel like the mine field is not quite so active and things may settle down at last. My advice to anyone dealing with wills and estates. Check your legal standing then grab on like a pitbull with a bone, don't let go.
Don't be afraid to call in help or advice when it is needed & write down names, times and dates who you dealt with and check calls are recorded keep copies of all correspondence. So long as you do things right, send what's needed when asked for paperwork wise, they look the idiots and will continue to do so if it ends up in court. Thankfully so far avoided but l was & am willing to do so especially over the motorhome.
Thankfully we both have wills but above all else:
MAKE SURE YOU WRITE OUT A WILL. IT WON'T AFFECT YOU BUT IT WILL AFFECT YOUR FAMILY & IF YOU LOVE THEM YOU NEED TO SORT IT.
Because whatever you think you know about dying & whatever you believe about your goods and family & inheritance you don't know until it has affected you & when emotionally ripped apart that is not a good time to learn you were totally wrong in damm near every one of your assumptions.
Waves
It has been a damaged penis wave with animals in the last 2 shifts we have had 3 dogs with badly damaged penis 2 were sewn back on as not totally ripped off. The last was put down due to damage, it was totally ripped off and age of the patient.
The other thing we are having is the "diabetic" month. Last shift we had 2 unstable diabetics in last night was 5 unstable diabetics. Not sure why we seem to have these plateaus of certain cases. In the diabetic cases it isn't Christmas indulgence, all the owners are used to dealing with diabetic pets and very strict.
It seems to happen in waves, we will have a mass kidney failure wave or a liver problem wave or ....something wave.
Works been really slow coming in lately. Usually l am at the emergency clinic so don't notice but at the moment not many folks taking time off so no work.
The locum agency's say this dead patch at this time of the year is normal. There is a lot of long term maternity cover out there but 1)It is far away and 2)I only like short term it means you are not tied in and end up having to ask for time off or mess the practice about when you take pre arranged time off.
I was offered a couple of jobs at places l had been and while said l may consider them they thankfully came to nothing, l doubt l could have stomached the places.
Still l am ok for now and taking advantage of the break. I worked last night and by the time 23:00 came l was so exhausted l could barely make it to the car and drive home. For the first time in ages l got 6hrs uninterrupted sleep as opposed to a couple of hours 4 max and very interrupted.
The other thing we are having is the "diabetic" month. Last shift we had 2 unstable diabetics in last night was 5 unstable diabetics. Not sure why we seem to have these plateaus of certain cases. In the diabetic cases it isn't Christmas indulgence, all the owners are used to dealing with diabetic pets and very strict.
It seems to happen in waves, we will have a mass kidney failure wave or a liver problem wave or ....something wave.
Works been really slow coming in lately. Usually l am at the emergency clinic so don't notice but at the moment not many folks taking time off so no work.
The locum agency's say this dead patch at this time of the year is normal. There is a lot of long term maternity cover out there but 1)It is far away and 2)I only like short term it means you are not tied in and end up having to ask for time off or mess the practice about when you take pre arranged time off.
I was offered a couple of jobs at places l had been and while said l may consider them they thankfully came to nothing, l doubt l could have stomached the places.
Still l am ok for now and taking advantage of the break. I worked last night and by the time 23:00 came l was so exhausted l could barely make it to the car and drive home. For the first time in ages l got 6hrs uninterrupted sleep as opposed to a couple of hours 4 max and very interrupted.
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