Amazon exiles discussion
Don't Kill Snails with Salt ... Creme Eggs & Toasted Teacakes ... Biscuits & Bench Stories, Life, the Universe, & Everything!
message 8601:
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Val
(new)
Jun 27, 2023 02:13PM
Well done Anita! I hope it's close to home and that everything works out well for you.
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Val, thanks it's only 15 minutes away,in the middle of Sevenoaks . 2 and 4 year olds.Boys.
That sounds ideal and you should have no problems with all your experience.
Congratulations Anita. xI couldn't get on to Goodreads this morning. Kept saying unknown error.
oh thanks Isabella,it was the first one I went for but I had to wait while they saw other people.Its more money and a BMW so I'm happy.
Checking in briefly to see how many snail names I still recognise on here as it's been a little while.A big 'hi' to you all, old and new.
Finally retired, now, and aim to spend more time writing. The days of Amazon forums seems such a distant memory, now.
Well done for keeping "Snails" ticking over, all.
It’s a very slow tick, and some people seem to have disappeared. Other things to do, I suppose but there are little bursts of activity, every so often!
No staying power, unlike our bustling forums😉.
After a month of job hunting,the first job if accepted was then offered a job in Abu Dhabi,the next I went for I just didn't like so many things about them,apparently the other nannies felt the same.The next one the dad was made redundant while arranging my interview.I went for one last week In chiddingstone which a tiny village near Sevenoaks ,unusual hours but I may take it ,they're out in the wilds .I have an interview tomorrow which is a very good job so I shall hope for the best , I'll report back.
Good luck Anita! Hope you are able to make the best decision for yourself.
Anita wrote: "After a month of job hunting,the first job if accepted was then offered a job in Abu Dhabi,the next I went for I just didn't like so many things about them,apparently the other nannies felt the sam..."Hope you find something suitable soon, Anita.
Thanks ladies,today should be fine as I already have an offer there's not too much hanging on it.Todays interview is with a 1 and 5 year old so nice ages.
Happy Birthday Blastro wherever you are. Hope all is well with you and the family.
Happy Birthday Blastro. 🎂 Hope you're ok. x
happy birthday Blastro,have a great day.
Yes, Happy Blastro Day. Hope you're ok.
Blastro has asked me to post the following:‘Many thanks for the birthday wishes you lovely lot! I’ve still been with yours in spirit. Looks like I’ll have to start another account to see…err hear…read…let’s settle for BE IN CONTACT WITH yous all soon. Just have sympathy for nc here for having to grit her teeth and post my clueless BS 😃’
Good to hear from you, Blastro and thanks, nocheese.
Looking forward to having you back with us Blastro. Thanks nc!
message 8622:
by
Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Blastronaut Rocks..
(last edited Sep 19, 2023 07:21PM)
(new)
From outta the ashes.Thanks for the lovely birthday wishes. Really nice to be remembered. Gonna take me a while to set up a half-right profile but this'll do for now.
Not happy with being locked outta my original one. Only gave me three or four guesses at the password then threw a tantrum accusing me of sinister intentions!
Will be brief visits for a while as I got so much on here at this end. Not to mention being quite ill of late. Damn tattoo got infected. Yeah I know I ask for all I get. Some things never change eh?
Nice to climb back aboard anyways. And really cool to see the same core group of posters keeping the old boat afloat. Good going yous lot. Respect.
Any changes since my last shift? Anyone jumped overboard or any newcomers? Has Neph returned?? Obviously that last one was rhetorical.
Errr... it's Blastro by the way. Bloody hell has the turnover got even worse since I was last here? Didn't think it could go much slower back then! Reckon I might just fade away back into the shadows and remain. : )
Give folks a chance “Benny”! Glad you got your tech probs sorted and welcome back from one who is even more of a stranger these days!
Good morning and welcome back! It has been quiet of late, not much going on. Our internet connection has been temperamental, out of use all last evening. I wonder just how interesting my posts are, they seem a bit bound up with gardening. It’s my therapy and hobby but may not interest everyone. Anyway, I hope the tattoo problem is sorted and don’t fade away!
Evenin' all, but especially Benny Blanco - so good to have you back! Yes it is rather quiet around the threads as real life catches up with so many people. We miss Gordon, Suzy, Huck Finn, Brass Neck, nc, tech and many more. Fingers crossed that they have better things to do and aren't dealing with some crisis. The Premier League and Aussie Rules tipping continue apace and the music voting threads are still quite active. But we're all getting just that bit older and gardening, knitting/craft, reading and TV tend to occupy our leisure hours. Feel free to shoot rockets off under our collective arses - we will respond!
Just sent a friend request - do you know how many Benny Blancos there are on Goodreads!!!
This isn't a cheerful subject, so I won't be surprised to be ignored but I'd like to draw attention to it, anyway.Benny/Blastro had me thinking of it (though it's never far from my mind) with his dodgy tattoo. This month is sepsis awareness month, and sepsis is a subject sadly close to my heart. Not many people are familiar with it or its symptoms but it's a killer that affects literally thousands daily, with no respect for age, gender, social position, national identity or anything else. Once it's diagnosed, treatment has to be intensive and immediate for any chance of survival and that's part of the problem. The symptoms are subtle and, often, no-one knows what's happening until too late. Please, check it out and remember, just in case. Sepsis is inclusive, in the very worst possible way.
Sorry to be so downbeat but it may just matter to you one day, although I desperately hope this is the last reminder you ever get ...
message 8629:
by
Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Blastronaut Rocks..
(last edited Sep 20, 2023 02:50AM)
(new)
Cheers ladiesNC - Really would be cool fi ya popped in and posted here sometimes. I'd like that and I'm sure this lot miss ya too. I know, I know... ya get enough of me and my ramblings on FB Messenger but I'm sure you have the strength to endure. : )
Isabella - You post stuff about gardening till cows come home if you wish! Ya have as much right to talk about flowers/hedges etc as rest of us do whatever tickles our fancy. I'm certain your gardening posts will be more appreciated than me usual nonsense.... grumbling about the latest thud to the head that life's size 9s have laid on me..... or asking really dumb questions and advice about stuff I really should already know.
Tattoo? I had three done. A basic star on side of my hand. The letters 'ZERO' on my fingers... and some Latin writing on inside of me forearm. It was the 'R' in ZERO where infection started. When I tell you that we (One of me lads also had one done) ha a mobile tattooist come and do us..... you'd certainly be forgiven for thinking said infection was due to unclean equipment. The the tattooist was a bit of a cowboy in technique... she did seem to keep everything clean. And son didn't get any infection. Reckon I aggravated it cos I kept catching it on me jeans front pocket when taking out bank card or vape pen or whatever. Anyways.... damn thing hasn't half made me ill. Knocked me about a bit. Finished course of antibiotics,, just not sure if I need another lot or not. When I mentioned he 'technique'... she really seemed to be going too deep or at the wrong angle. It was way more a sore experience than it shoulda been. It possibly proves my theory re her going too deep because.... now the swelling and seeping have subsided... ya can see where the infection has eaten away at half the 'R'. It had a feast on it! Things is... the ink is STILL THERE underneath!!! She must've tattooed me right to the bone! : )
Good grief we got gales here! Way wind's slamming into house, something somewhere's gonna get broken.
Val - thanks so much for the card m'dear it really means a lot. Bless you. Will message ya soon and do a little catching up. Has Brass left for good then? Did he leave unannounced?? And whatever happened to Suze. At one time, ya couldn't keep her away from this place then gone! Nothing. Nada. Hope I didn't do owt to offend her (of course I'd never dream of doing but perhaps I said something wrong without realizing it?) second-to-last message I sent her, she answered but very vague message only a couple of lines. Last message I sent went completely unanswered!
I assumed you were jesting but.... just to be sure.... is there really another Benny Blanco around?
In other news...... you can all get ready now! NC has already had me bothering her but there's plenty to go around; I shall be asking advice as to which washing cycle and temp etc, certain types of clothes go on. Was only a short while ago that we got the money from Mother's house so took till just a week or two ago to get us a washing machine. Naturally... it's all bloody Greek to me!! Be prepared for barrages of questions. Especially because I got quite a few T-shirts with logos and such printed on em. While we've not had a washing machine, me closest mate's mother's been doing our stuff for us. I gave her my Primal Scream T-shirt with the 'Screamadelica' print on front. It returned with the print terribly faded. I was an unhappy bunny. Obviously I wasn't gonna make a song n dance about it when she's been so good in helping us out all this time. She'll never know....If she ever realized she'd buggered up one of me T-shirts, she'd be horrified! So yeah.... once bitten.....
There are 15 Benny Blancos!!! Mostly in U.S.A., but also Mexico, Belgium, Canada, Tbilisi in Georgia and 2 in Nigeria!I don't think you've offended Suzy. I rather think she just has a lot on her plate with her own health issues plus her Mum and Dad's. It's easy to get out of the habit of posting here.
Re washing. I wash all clothes in cold water with half a cap of liquid detergent. I only use warm water for towels and sheets. If a print on a t-shirt has meaning for you, be sure to turn it inside out and don't use any soaker like Nappisan or Vanish (don't know what brands you have over there but they're usually a granular powder). if you're not into ironing, be sure to hang your washing up as soon as it's finished and gently pull things into shape before hanging up. I like to hang jeans from the ankles so the weight of them straightens the material (fewer creases).
Thanks for the sepsis warning Isabella. It's a serious problem and easy to fall into it. I'm just over my 5th bout of cellulitis in 13 months. I now know the first signs and I always have a full course of antibiotics ready to hand. If left untreated for long it can develop into sepsis, so I keep close guard.
Val wrote: "There are 15 Benny Blancos!!! Mostly in U.S.A., but also Mexico, Belgium, Canada, Tbilisi in Georgia and 2 in Nigeria!I don't think you've offended Suzy. I rather think she just has a lot on her ..."
Good washing advice, Val. I also use those mesh bags for anything with hooks that might catch on other things in the machine, pull out of shape in the spin or get lost, like socks, tights, bras, woollies etc.
Pleased to hear you're well armed against the cellulitis, these things are sneaky. Sadly, we just heard that our friends' son has been diagnosed with leukaemia, so we're holding our breath that the treatment will be a success. He's not the first of our friends to be affected but T seems to be doing well after five years. It's not the untreatable illness it was when we were young, so there's hope.
message 8632:
by
Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Blastronaut Rocks..
(last edited Sep 20, 2023 01:04PM)
(new)
Isabella wrote: "This isn't a cheerful subject, so I won't be surprised to be ignored but I'd like to draw attention to it, anyway.Benny/Blastro had me thinking of it (though it's never far from my mind) with his..."
My apologies Isabella, I didn't realize you'd put in a post before mine.... I was steadily plodding typing away at my post for what felt an eternity!
Yes, I know of Sepsis m'dear. I don't know the ins and outs of it but with the ex being a nurse.... she sometimes came back with some horrific and some really sad stories of it coming like a thief in the night but it wasn't just someone's belongings it came for. If I remember correctly, some poor souls were gone within a few hours of the damn thing getting discovered. When my tat was bad - raging red, swollen and seeping - the S Word was near the front of my mind for a few days.... like 'Ah crap, I know what's coming next'
Sorry to hear you've had experience of it close to you.
Val wrote: "There are 15 Benny Blancos!!! Mostly in U.S.A., but also Mexico, Belgium, Canada, Tbilisi in Georgia and 2 in Nigeria!I don't think you've offended Suzy. I rather think she just has a lot on her ..."
Some excellent tips there Val. Obviously I've been given advice beforehand (and ya can count on me to be on Messenger bothering NC or someone else as to what goes in which cycle) but a couple of things there are cool additions to my 'How To' list. Nice one.
15 Benny Blancos????? Damn!! Well that's just urinated all over my parade. I absolutely will not share usernames. Possibly wouldn't have been permanent I suppose. I was just expressing my love for one of the greatest gangster films - in fact one of the greatest films regardless of genre - of all time. Have you seen Carlito's Way, Val? I'd guess that you have but if somehow it got by you.... I can't recommend it enough. I shall resist the temptation to write a few hundred words of praise about it and the living legend who is Al Pacino.
15 Benny Blancos indeed! Bah!! : )
message 8634:
by
Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Blastronaut Rocks..
(last edited Sep 20, 2023 01:57PM)
(new)
Isabella wrote: "Val wrote: "There are 15 Benny Blancos!!! Mostly in U.S.A., but also Mexico, Belgium, Canada, Tbilisi in Georgia and 2 in Nigeria!I don't think you've offended Suzy. I rather think she just has a..."
That 'L-word'. It's haunted me since primary school. A girl, Lucy, stopped coming to school and then further down the line we were told she was gone and what it was that she was ill with. At seven or so years old... we'd never heard that word before. All I know is it scared the hell outta me. I remember Lucy so clearly God bless her. I can see her right now in flowery dress and bright yellow rain mac. So vivid. Always brings a tear or two when I think about her.
Benny Blanco From The Bronx wrote: "Isabella wrote: "This isn't a cheerful subject, so I won't be surprised to be ignored but I'd like to draw attention to it, anyway.Benny/Blastro had me thinking of it (though it's never far from ..."
‘Like a thief in the night’ is a perfect way of describing it. Our daughter took a rare day off from work, thinking she had picked up one of those twenty four hour bugs we’re all familiar with. It was a rampant infection and she died that afternoon. Neither she nor her husband had any inkling of what was going on when she collapsed. R tried CPR but there was no chance it could work by then. The shock and sorrow are indescribable. Nearly five years on, we’ve just about learned to live with it. That’s why I raised the subject, because people don’t know about it. We didn’t. If it raises awareness, it might just save someone.
Benny Blanco From The Bronx wrote: "15 Benny Blancos????? Damn!! Well that's just urinated all over my parade. I absolutely will not share usernames. Possibly wouldn't have been permanent I suppose. I was just expressing my love for one of the greatest gangster films - in fact one of the greatest films regardless of genre - of all time. Have you seen Carlito's Way, Val? I'd guess that you have but if somehow it got by you.... I can't recommend it enough. I shall resist the temptation to write a few hundred words of praise about it and the living legend who is Al Pacino.)..."If it's any consolation, you're the only "Benny Blanco From The Bronx". I probably have seen Carlito's Way but it would be many years ago and it's not stuck in my memory. I do like Al Pacino - Scent of a Woman, Angels in America, Sea of Love, Frankie & Johnny, and many more. I've set the machine to record Paterno this week.
Isabella wrote: "‘Like a thief in the night’ is a perfect way of describing it. Our daughter took a rare day off from work, thinking she had picked up one of those twenty four hour bugs we’re all familiar with. It was a rampant infection and she died that afternoon...."You always think these things happen to other people and then it happens to you. No words can console, no logic can prevail. We are all more fragile than we realise and we can't expect fairness. Luck! - what a capricious thing to rely on! I wish you strength Isabella.
Thank you, Val. I haven’t mentioned anything before, it’s a hard thing to talk about and not easy to impose it on others. Suzy knows, she asked outright, in a pm, what was wrong not long after we lost Helen. Amazingly perceptive, is Suzy, and supportive. I’ve also noticed how wise and helpful your posts are, as well. One thing that helps to keep us going is the knowledge that there are so many people who understand and care about life’s disasters. Helen is an irreparable loss, not just to us, but as you say, there’s no fairness, no accounting for these things. She was brilliant. I would say that, wouldn’t I? But she was loving, kind, clever and hardworking, exactly the kind of person the world needs, just gone, to all our detriment. Such a waste …
Take care, Val x
Isabella,just thinking of you,it's an awful thing and appears so quickly.Helen sounds like a lovely girl,x
Thank you, Anita. We miss her so much but it’s not a unique situation, sadly. Life is precarious and all any of us can do is try …
Isabella wrote: "Benny Blanco From The Bronx wrote: "Isabella wrote: "This isn't a cheerful subject, so I won't be surprised to be ignored but I'd like to draw attention to it, anyway.Benny/Blastro had me thinkin..."
Ah no... so sorry to hear that Isabella. I feel really sad for you... and I never met ya! I've lost many loved ones but the one thing that's frightened me above all else.... losing one the kids. My very worst nightmare. I can only imagine those depths of despair. I know what it's like to go all the way to the bottom - and I don't use that term loosely... but mine was in different circumstances. So quickly too. Absolutely heartbreaking! How old was Helen if you don't mind me asking?
I realize you find it hard to talk about..... but it goes without saying that, if you ever do... then I'm just a message away.
Helen had just had her forty second birthday a fortnight earlier. She was involved in medical research. I don’t want to make her out as some sort of saint, she had her moments, as we all do, but she was making a difference. That’s how life goes, random targets and no appeal. Sorry, that’s enough. I’m going to plant some stuff that’s just come and then maybe sort out the hanging basket while the sun’s out.
Enjoy the weekend!
message 8643:
by
Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Blastronaut Rocks..
(last edited Sep 28, 2023 07:50PM)
(new)
And to avoid (or indeed create) any confusion..... yous lot call me what ya wish. Blastro or Blastronaut is still fine with me. I mean after all these years, I'm still me... and my old username. Probably will assume said old identity sooner rather than later and if I can't have it cos the other profile displays same name... I'll hang a couple of bells n whistles on it. You all know how I childishly like to play with names (says 'Gonad'). So.... refer to me as Blastro or Gonad... or any number of rude names anyone thinks applicable.
Now that one's cleared up.. I'm sure a massive weight has been lifted from your minds and you'll all sleep much better! : )
For the record.... what is the number of regulars now dwindled to? We went from a thriving mass of music - and other - fans aboard a cruise ship..... to a handful in a dinghy. That's not to rob yous of the respect y'all rightly deserve for keeping afloat while I've unhelpfully been away. Just a shame innit?
Catch up with yous in a month when someone posts something. : )
On a good day we might get 11 posters on the music themes thread but that's the absolute max!
Three to five on the daily chat and you know about the Snails. There are a few more on the sf and fantasy general chat but I fear that some absences, like that of our lovely Lez, are not from loss of interest. I think I’ll stick with Blastro, thanks! Easier on the memory.
Ooh that's just reminded me, I best rejoin the Goodreads Horror forum. Reckon I've been clear in the past about my feelings for Facebook in the general sense - regular public posting on your 'wall' or 'timeline' or whatever one calls it, telling folk about your latest pint of beer and even taking a pic of it. Never had owt down for that. I have however, found some of the groups interesting. Forgot how many I joined but subjects include my usual suspects - Pugilism, The Jam, Manic Street Preachers and some for fans of Stephen King. Many FB groups mostly contain threads with folk putting up single posts agreeing or disagreeing with the OP but.... the odd conversation is there to be had if one makes enough effort. In one such conversation, I suggested a King fan joined Goodreads Horror and just realized.... I'm no longer a member meself!! That was the old profile. Didn't really get around to posting much or anything on it before but will have another peep. Are yous two members of other groups on here then? Looks like Isabella is. How bout you Val? I never really thought to look around to see if there's owt else that may be of interest to me. Not had much inclination this last 12 months tbf but that has to change now.
And is anyone else getting the whole amount of posts - y'know, the little red number - for each thread rather than just any new posts? That usually only happens when I'm signed out. What mischief is this??
Damnit this is really getting my goat now because I can't tell if there's been any new posts! I know the likelihood is low but all the same.....
Hey Blastro. Nice to have you back again. Yep. Been happening to me since last night. Bloody nuisance. 🤬
Cheers Collette, been a while hasn't it? Not just this end it's happening then?? It might be ok for those with photographic memories who can file the number of posts away in their head and summon em up whenever needed.... but for rest of us it's just not cricket!Still blasting out that US West Coast hair metal? Or have ya.... God forbid, gone all prog rock on us? - "To the Court Of The Crimson King, ah, ah...... AAAAAAAAAGHHHHHH!
I can get away with that now as the proggers are all elsewhere. : )
Amazon exiles
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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