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Craig White
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Oct 28, 2018 11:04AM
hope you're keeping better today, les.
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Hi, all, back after/during a busy spell. Currently doing my annual trudge around the streets of Brum door knocking for Brum Council to 'encourage' those who don't wish to be encouraged to enter their names onto the electoral list. A high vis vest, lanyard and bald head seems to convince some, but is definitely a challenge to others. If you get told where to go by people, the paltry amount they pay per property certainly does not encourage you to argue otherwise!My current ward round has a mix of lovely roads (done first!) mixed with unpleasant ones (always left until last). I have been dumped with the worst estate I have had in my several years of doing this task once again. Outwardly, it is quiet and well landscaped. Currently in its Autumnal hue it looks lovely. However, it has received very little attention since its creation in 60s, and it is its tenants that make it what it is. Around 25-30 maisonette blocks tackled over the weekend - up stairs to 2nd floor, down stairs - then upstairs to 2nd floor in next one, and repeat. My knees are shot. Most entry phone systems are broken, 90% of security doors are broken or propped open. The estate reeks of cannabis, aggressive dogs lurk behind many flat doors - against tenancy aggreements (but who is to argue with them?) The reason they have dogs is apparent when you see the no of doors that have been kicked in, are secured with padlocks, have over iron grilles or are simply secured with steel doors. Paint poured down stair wells for amusement sake, rubbish, buggies and bikes stored on stair wells or landings - I so feel sympathy for the few residents that actually answered their doors and were most polite to me for having to live there. The majority peer through a spyhole, don't like what they see or are suspicious and refuse to open. Not much longer left; the Elections Dept even asked if I fancied doing another round. At least I haven't witnessed a dead body from a hit and run on a motor cyclist this year!
What does it have going for it? You are your own boss, no supervisor this year. We are trialing responses on Samsung tablets this time with no accompanying paperwork whatsoever, so some longstanding canvassers were no longer interested. And, whilst rain is unpleasant if trudging around, the exercise is most welcome. However, they always choose this time of year encompassing clocks going back, so we lose an hour of daylight, and we are obliged to visit evenings during midweek.
Can I recruit anybody? :0)
And Lez, Brum Council appear to pay last Thurs in the month following the month in which you do the work/submit a timesheet.
Just before I started the annual trudge, took wifey away for a few days as a birthday treat. We based ourselves at a hotel in Crawley, nr Gatwick (actually a decent room, comfy bed, breakfast included and massive shower cubicle). Convenient to drive down to Worthing, Brighton (visited the Pavilion), Beachy Head and Eastbourne. Great time. On day we left, we headed across the South Downs National Park and found the pre-Norman church of St Botolph, set back off road in village called Hardham, nr Pulborough. It has ancient frescoes of celebrated religious themes that were painted in 1100s using red, brown and blue pigments. They are fascinating in their own right, but what I found of interest is that the artist(s) chose not to use (or didn't know about) long robes as in use in the Holy Land at the time of Christ, but instead chose to represent people wearing shorter Norman tunics of the period! The church is so secluded it is left open, but is still in use.From there we drove across the Downs to the picturesque village of Chawton, nr Alton. This has Jane Austen's last home which has been renovated and open as a museum. Another delightful visit with some actual artefacts from her time there, and others 'of the period'.
Both places recommended if you are that way.
Finally, the next evening, took wifey for a birthday outing to see the stage production of War Horse. Fabulous, and (IMHO) second only to The Lion King. No scenery, as is the way with many current productions, but they use a screen to project stuff onto to help portray the scene, be it farm or battlefield. And they do use props. The star is undoubtedly Joey, the horse, who is operated by 3 talented puppeteers. At times it is easy to forget you are watching a puppet, so realistic are the movements. For puppets to raise emotions ranging from tears of laughter to ones of sorrow is quite an achievement. A strong production and I would recommend it if you get the chance to go.
Happy Halloween folks! :)
For Lux and CoClassic FM has joined forces with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to broadcast its first ever programme dedicated to pets – and their owners.
On Saturday 3 November, to coincide with the busiest night for firework displays across the UK, Classic FM presenter and dog-lover Bill Turnbull will host a special programme to help keep pets calm and relaxed during the noise and bright lights.
Classic FM’s Pet Sounds, presented in association with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, will offer a perfect selection of the most soothing classical music to calm pets’ nerves and ease their anxiety throughout the evening.
The programme follows a recent study by the Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow, which revealed that “music has a calming effect on dogs and that their stress levels decreased significantly after listening to music.”
Classic FM is at 99.9 - 101.9
why thanks, les, but actually.........https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wild...
she's never actually heard any 'soft rock', but..........:)
Well, Halloween passed quietly here (unless you include my snoring) and after a cold week, it's starting to get warmer again, warm enough to chance putting the laundry on the line rather than in the tumble dryer.
I had swapped from shorts to trousers and long sleeved tops as the overnight temperatures dropped to freezing, though the shorts may well be back next week if it's going to be as warm as predicted :)
The heating has gone on as well, though only on a low setting for now, just enough to keep the chill out of the house.
I had swapped from shorts to trousers and long sleeved tops as the overnight temperatures dropped to freezing, though the shorts may well be back next week if it's going to be as warm as predicted :)
The heating has gone on as well, though only on a low setting for now, just enough to keep the chill out of the house.
On my drive back from elections canvassing, there appeared to be a sizeable number of trick or treaters about this year.Last night was a particularly noisy one due to firework celebrations. Had to venture out and was treated to spectacular displays as I drove along. Heard people discussing the effects on their pooches, with tv turned up louder to try disguising the explosions.
Not just the pooches, P, don't forget the moggies too.
Our Phoebe is scared of her own shadow at the best of times, so Bonfire Night can be stressful for her. We have been quite fortunate where we are - the only fireworks we have heard so far were last night and were all done with by half past nine.
Phoebe spent the whole time firmly planted on my lap and refused to move for anything, most scared by the fireworks that went screaming off into the night rather than the loud explosions.
She is back to her normal self now, having found one of her favourite spots to have a catnap :)
Our Phoebe is scared of her own shadow at the best of times, so Bonfire Night can be stressful for her. We have been quite fortunate where we are - the only fireworks we have heard so far were last night and were all done with by half past nine.
Phoebe spent the whole time firmly planted on my lap and refused to move for anything, most scared by the fireworks that went screaming off into the night rather than the loud explosions.
She is back to her normal self now, having found one of her favourite spots to have a catnap :)
why fireworks are not completely banned is a mystery to me! if a person frightened your dog in the street causing it to run away, that would be a criminal offence - how many people own pets? millions! have we just to smile and put up with our pets in highly distressed states in the name of some ancient (and importantly, failed) attempt to blow something up? no, we just get to celebrate some 17th century act of terrorism!!!! if someone tried to blow up the queen (gawd bless 'er), would we set up an annual celebration?
Tech: if someone tried to blow up the queen (gawd bless 'er), would we set up an annual celebration? In a few hundred years, who knows? :0(
I heartily concur with the banning of fireworks having had pets that have suffered severe stress at this time of year though thankfully our current two dogs don't have any problems. Not so much as a raised eyebrow! It amazes me every year that people spend exorbitant amounts of money on an antiquated custom that spreads over a week or two, I thought we were all supposed to be skint. It's insane, why not just fill a wheelbarrow with fivers and take it up the garden path and ignite them? Not forgetting Christmas and New Year and umpteen other events through the year that warrant the same response for some reason.
Hiyah Everyone ... x x xI'm sorry I haven't been around but we've been having rather a shocking and distressing time here - and so this is only just a bob in and bob out visit from me to say 'Hiyah' and to see how you all are ... and to hope that you are all managing to keep healthy and happy in yourselves ... x x x
Very long story short - and hopefully as tear-free as is possible for myself right now - our darling little Tia was completely and unexpectedly diagnosed with Tongue Cancer and has had to immediately have very specialist Surgery to remove what was a large Tumour that was almost entirely blocking the back of her Throat.
This was what was causing the weird drooling episodes that had just started up only days before we took her to the Vets thinking that it was probably just a dodgy Tooth that was to blame.
Without Surgery she had barely around a fortnight left to live at the most - and we were warned that it was very possible that she might not even survive Surgery due to the huge risk of heavy haemorrhaging involved with this kind of Op and the possibility too that the Tumour would turn out to already be too far beyond any surgical intervention.
And all this while, for the most part, she has continued to be her usual self and brightly bouncing around and racing all over the House as a devoted and constant Sister to Mitzi - totally oblivious of having any terrible and terminal diagnosis hanging over her.
The Surgery on Thursday was thankfully and remarkably successful in removing what we hope was all of the Tumour with only minimum bleeding involved and she has excelled herself in recovering well ever since then. But we are awaiting the results of Tests on the Tumour and are bracing ourselves in trying to come to terms with knowing that this kind of Cancer is almost always terminal and that Surgery is only considered to be the first part of Palliative Care rather than being a Cure.
The current and very sad Prognosis for little hairy woofers with Tongue Cancer, until we get to know more about Tia, is generally estimated at only having around just 5 to 7 months more of life - so we are all desperately upset here right now but determined to make the very best of everything and to try to take it all just one day at a time.
I'm so very sorry not to be sharing in good news - but hey? - we have at least got this far and she is still very well indeed and is still very much with us. And for that alone I feel truly blessed and am so grateful beyond mere words ;o>
Sending all my love x and my very best wishes to you all ... x x x Suzy x x x
One of the few negatives to having pets Suzy, the dreaded "C" bomb especially. Over the years we have had our fair share of old age and sickness with the inevitable heartwrenching decision to give them a peaceful release, at least the tears are distilled with happy memories of a shared life. Each time I say "That's the last time,no more pets!" but my resolve always weakens within a few months and I succumb once more.
I'm very sorry to hear of Tia's health problems Suzy. I know how distressing it can be when a much-loved pet falls ill. I hope for your sakes and hers that she defies the odds and stays pain-free and happy for as long as she can.
Val wrote: "I'm very sorry to hear of Tia's health problems Suzy. I know how distressing it can be when a much-loved pet falls ill. I hope for your sakes and hers that she defies the odds and stays pain-free a..."Here, here. I echo this. May she be with you longer than expected, and pain free in that time.
Awww, thank you and Bless you all ... x x x
I’m so sorry about your lovely little Tia, Suzy. You know you’ve done your very best for her and given her a great life.
Thanks Lez ... xAnd to our tech too who has been so very kind ... x
Tia has had a wearisome week but the Tumour removal clearly has brought her great relief and she finished off the Antibiotics yesterday that she was given to help to protect the surgical wound from being infected.
She woke up on full bounce this Morning and, as I type this, is stood over Mitzi who is lying on her back in submissive position after being chased Hell for Leather all round the Back Garden and then through the House (including up and down the Stairs as well) before being dragged into the Lounge and onto their Duvet in a Headlock!!! ;o>
I shall have to step in to calm Tia down and rescue poor Mitz if Tia gets any more forcibly playful with her - but for now it looks like Mitz is more than giving back as good as she is getting - by kicking Tia's Tummy with both her Back Legs and hanging onto and play-biting Tia's Ears! ... just the usual midday fun-time here whilst getting impatient with waiting on their special Snack-time!
... ;o> ... ;o> ... ;o>
A bit late now, I know - but still ... we couldn't get through any Fireworks that are common around here at almost any time in the year without these ...
... We have tried pretty much almost everything over the years and they are the only things that really do work and work well for Mitzi - in keeping her so much calmer and quiet enough that she can try to doze off and sleep through the worst of it all ;o>
Where IS everyone?!! ... "HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOO?!!" ;oOA haphazard and pretty crappy week here of rather odd meals and Takeaways and all at quite random times too - so I've just finished on making up the basics for a Cottage Pie, a Spag Bol, and a Chilli ... and I'm waiting on a pan of Lamb Hearts being almost done and a Chicken that's in the Oven with about 10 more minutes to go before it's ready.
That's a good head-start on a few Teatimes - and some little hairy woofer meals all sorted out for now.
November is passing in such sad blur and yet the weather has been good to us here - mild for the most part and not too much of a chill yet or any real Rain during the day, only odd light showers.
Those following the Falcon Cam will know that 'Fluffy' very sadly didn't make it. I'm too much of a huge-hearted and over-sensitive soul and so I ended up sat crying bucketfuls for such a brave and sweet little fluffy Pom Pom perched on a tiny Building Ledge several thousands of miles away ... and if the last one to fledge doesn't make it now then I'm never going to watch a Live Cam ever again! ;oO
Come on Flappy! - the whole wide World is out there and all willing you on!
actually a lovely autumnal morning here, with a definite hint of STRANGE! taking lux out for her walk i cut through the jakey quarter, and there on the ground near the shops was something brown and pleasant (as opposed to the usual brown and unpleasant!). yup, a crisp ten buck sheet - i'll have that, they're obviously overpaying the jakeyversal credit this week! so, very pleased with myself i continued my walk for another mile and a half or so, and what do i find? another one!! so £20 richer when home i related this to mrs tech, who said we should hand it in, what if it belongs to some little old lady? 'whit? a dealer?' says i. anyhoo, it was agreed that we attach it to the pin board in the kitchen, and if we hear of any genuine sob story on any of the local social media (not likely), we'll return it to the individual(s) concerned. it's been there for 5 minutes now and no-one's claimed it yet.
don't even think about it!!!
Oooh?!! - but was there also a rather strange-looking Gingerbread House just beyond this enticing trail of money ... with a malevolent pair of Eyes peeking out from behind a Net Curtain in the Window?!! ;oOTechnically ... if Lady Lux was slightly ahead of you on her Lead? ... then the money could possibly be said to be hers and it will certainly buy her a couple of weeks worth of seriously yummy treats!
She might even be generous and treat you to a Twin Peaks Bar as well! ;o>
Tech wrote: "it was agreed that we attach it to the pin board in the kitchen, and if we hear of any genuine sob story on any of the local social media (not likely), we'll return it to the individual(s) concerned. it's been there for 5 minutes now and no-one's claimed it yet.
don't even think about it!!!"
You and Lady Lux are both just sat there staring at that Pin Board now, aren't you?!! ;o>
Hi Suzy - what news on your new laptop? Is it everything you were hoping for?Yes, it was sad that Fluffy didn't live but the other two have had good starts in life.
And in more news, I now have a second grandson, born on Tuesday. C got to the doors of the hospital at 5.31am and Baby 2.0 was born at 5.34am. 8lb 3oz in the old scale. Parents and baby doing well.
To be absolutely honest with you, Val, I've unwrapped the outer Box of the Laptop and taken out the inner Sony Box and took everything out and had a good look at it and it all looks brand new and unused as was hoped for ... then put everything back again and put it in the corner of my Bedroom and not even put the Battery Pack in it or switched it on yet!My Heart simply just hasn't been in it to care ... but I really MUST make an effort to get it set up ... if only to see if it actually does work?!! ... (* ! GULP ! *) ... ;o>
Ohhh, and WoW?!! ... what wonderful news!!! ... X ! X x x
Whew?!! - it's a good job he didn't end up being a Car Park Delivery!!! ;o>
On one of our walks on North Uist (Western Isles) we found a rubber-banded bundle of 4 £10 notes. It was a rough track about 2 miles from the road and we hadn’t passed anyone. We carried on to the end of our walk but still didn’t see anyone. There’s only a small part-time police office about 10 miles from where we were so there wasn’t anything we could do. Felt really guilty as £40 is quite a lot to lose on your hols.
congratulations, val, that's a big boy, and in a hurry 'n aw!2.0 is a poor choice for a name tho'! :)
Great news Val! Do they live within baby-sitting distance?
Tech wrote: "congratulations, val, that's a big boy, and in a hurry 'n aw!2.0 is a poor choice for a name tho'! :)"
'Twosie' isn't that bad a name, but I'm not keen on the middle name of 'Zero'. Congratulations. Our no 1.0 is on the way. :0)
Tech wrote: "congratulations, val, that's a big boy, and in a hurry 'n aw!2.0 is a poor choice for a name tho'! :)"
Don't forget though that we apparently have a lot of 2.4's in the UK ;o>
HO! HO! HO! ... Gordon, it's time to get your Grumblepants Badge out again ;o>https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasJum...
P wrote: "... 'Twosie' isn't that bad a name, but I'm not keen on the middle name of 'Zero'. Congratulations. Our no 1.0 is on the way. :0)"Ohhh WoW?!! - there's new life springing up all over the place on here today! ... YAYYY!!! ;o>
Suzie: nice autumnal piks - I was waiting for the snailie shot. Yesterday evening as we went out, a sizeable froggie was sat on the pavement in the rain and dark. It seemed to be weighing up whether to try crossing the road or to return to the damp shelter of one of the front gardens. It's been ages since I last saw one of them.Think I might go out later and hunt for some loose change. It's usually 1p at a time for me, though, when people can't be arsed to bent down and pick them up once dropped.
We have got THREE of these now! - and they always have residents ;o> ...
suzysunshine7 wrote: "We have got THREE of these now! - and they always have residents ;o> ..."
I bought one this year but nowt’s happened yet. I think the grass has been too long for them to struggle through. I’ve also had a pottery bee-hive for 3 years. Plenty of bees and it’s by the lavender and wild strawbs which they love but no interested queen!
We have epic Frog swarms across our Back Garden every few years, Lez Lee ... and I'm talking about thousands of them and all just about only slightly larger than the size of your Thumbnail. With regular 'traffic' like this going back and forwards from Pond to Pond we have no shortage of Tenants that are always in need of somewhere to stop over and even stay for some months at a time. We have them tucked away in our Flowerbeds and very carefully and lightly drizzle water all around them in Summer to make sure the ground beneath each Frogitat always stays moist and comfortable ;o>
My sis hasn’t got a pond, just a solar fountain thingy but she has a regular frog which sits on the back doorstep around 10.00pm most nights! She’s no idea what he wants.
A Frogitat perhaps? ;o>... it sounds like it is looking for somewhere to rest up and hide out overnight?
Tech is STILL sat there staring at that Pin Board ... HA HA HA HA HA!!! ;o>
Don't take your Eyes off it, tech!!! ;o> ...
don't worry, it's still there! as lux is a savage and malevolent dog i have put her on guard, so heaven help the jakey comes near my 20 brick!
... a savage and malevolent dog that can easily be bought with a tummy tickle and a couple of Markies? ... ! ...;o>
true! although she could give an intruder a severe and malicious licking! :)
Better get your Sleeping Bag and Blunderbuss out! ;o>
nah! just put some jakey repellent on the doorstep........................bar of soap! :)
Amazon exiles
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