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Wednesday 24 February 2016
Guided busway to St Ives
Today my wife and I took the guided busway up to St Ives, Cambridgeshire. With our bus passes the trip was free. The sun shone and we ate out inexpensively in the cafe at the URC church
which is in the heart of the town. Food, service and prices were
excellent. St Ives is on the River Great Ouse and has some fine buildings.
Tuesday 23 February 2016
Friends Day
We had friends visit us this morning and this afternoon we called on local friends for afternoon tea to help celebrate a birthday. Altogether a lovely day in the winter sunshine.
Tomorrow, we may venture further afield. The weather forecast looks good.
Tomorrow, we may venture further afield. The weather forecast looks good.
Monday 22 February 2016
Cambridge U3AC day
On Mondays I go into Cambridge on the bus for my University of the Third
Age course. As I have an hour to kill after the course, I usually grab a
bite to eat choosing different places most weeks. This week, I tried
one place, which was busy, and ended up getting the £3 lunch deal (filled
roll and drink) which was very good value at Subway. Sadly, because of
my poor voice, the assistant treated me as if I was simple-minded: she
spoke very slowly as if I was stupid. I found this very frustrating, but for many it must be far worse. Never, ever, assume someone is stupid just because they have a disability.
Sunday 21 February 2016
Long weekend in Canterbury
My wife and I were
down in Kent, just outside Canterbury, visiting our son and his family
including 2 of our young grandchildren. So I have not blogged for a
few days. Sorry, but family comes first. The photo shows my wife and
grandson. Canterbury Cathedral, where he was Christened, is in the
background.
Friday 19 February 2016
Winter so far
Apart from a brief snow shower a few days ago when we had a little snow on the ground, we have had a very mild winter so far. Most spring flowers, and blossom, are out early. We even saw a few daffodils out in late November, which is very early for here.
It would not surprise me if some of the bird migrants arrive back earlier than usual unless we suddenly get a very cold spell. As they say, "n'er cast a clout 'til the May is out". March could be extremely cold.
It would not surprise me if some of the bird migrants arrive back earlier than usual unless we suddenly get a very cold spell. As they say, "n'er cast a clout 'til the May is out". March could be extremely cold.
Thursday 18 February 2016
FTSE 100 - sliding?
At lunchtime, the FTSE 100 UK share index is down 0.38%. It was higher,
but still negative on the day.
We should expect it to gradually slide in the months ahead as investors are still nervous about Greece, the EU, China and the world economy at large. It always bounces back, although this could take years. My expectations this year? I think it will fall to around 5000 then bounce back to 6500. Of course I am only guessing and it could end up between 4000 and 7000.
We should expect it to gradually slide in the months ahead as investors are still nervous about Greece, the EU, China and the world economy at large. It always bounces back, although this could take years. My expectations this year? I think it will fall to around 5000 then bounce back to 6500. Of course I am only guessing and it could end up between 4000 and 7000.
Wednesday 17 February 2016
Kia diesel issues?
Just (a few days ago) received this from EMG in Cambridge. I wonder if Kia also needs to quietly update its software? This is the first time I heard about this. Suspicious or a genuine product enhancement?
Dear Mr xxxxx
Service Action notice
We have been advised that a product enhancement is available for your car, xxyyyzzz.
It is important that these improvements are applied and we
have been requested by Kia Motors to do so.
As
your Kia dealer we like to take care of our customer’s cars.
We believe in Family-Like Care, and that extends from our
service to you and to the care we give your car.
While
your car is in our care we will complete a comprehensive
Vehicle Health Check to make sure that it is in the best
condition possible and will advise you of any actions
required.
We
can provide collection and delivery at your home or workplace
and we can also arrange alternative transport if required. You
are also welcome to wait in our customer area; we’ll make sure
we don’t keep you waiting any longer than we need to. Just let
us know what suits you best.
Remember
that if repairs are needed we will always use genuine parts
from Kia, which are covered by a 2-year warranty and the
correct specifications of the latest lubricants. Our
technicians are trained by the Kia Academy and use Kia
specialist tools. At the same time we will use the Kia Global
Diagnostic System to make sure the latest updates from Kia are
applied to your car.
Please get in touch with us on 01223 478478 to arrange a convenient appointment.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Yours sincerely
Grandchildren in Paris
This afternoon both sets of grandchildren are in Paris. The "Kent" ones
are just there for a few days holiday and the "London" ones are there
visiting their grandparents. Both sets went by Eurostar train. The
picture shows the "London" ones on the train with their mum.
Centre of London to centre of Paris by direct train in about 2.5 hours. Wonderful.
Centre of London to centre of Paris by direct train in about 2.5 hours. Wonderful.
Monday 15 February 2016
Snow
We had our first real snow of the winter briefly this morning. It was on the ground, but soon went. Our "London" grandchildren thought it was magical and enjoyed eating the snow, having a snowball fight and making a very small snowman. Like childhood itself, the snow was soon gone.
Sunday 14 February 2016
Walk in the cold
At this time of year we go for a walk at nearby Landwade to see the
daffodils, snowdrops and aconites. This year, everything is early. It
was a cold and dry day with a strong east wind. The temperature was 3
degrees C, though it felt much colder. We went with our "London"
grandchildren.
Friday 12 February 2016
Gravitational Waves
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35553549 .
It amazes me how some astronomical experiments are done. Some work require mS timing and staggering distances. Often, the co-operation of researchers scattered across the planet is needed. The hunt for gravitational waves is no exception.
It amazes me how some astronomical experiments are done. Some work require mS timing and staggering distances. Often, the co-operation of researchers scattered across the planet is needed. The hunt for gravitational waves is no exception.
Thursday 11 February 2016
Skyscape
This afternoon we enjoyed a walk at Ickworth, a lovely National Trust property near Bury St Edmunds. It is about 20 miles from home. The sky was mostly sunny, but it occasionally popped behind the clouds. It was about 7 deg C. We saw some tree creepers (birds).
Wednesday 10 February 2016
USA Presidental Elections
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-35538361
The people of the USA continue to trouble me.
If it was just the USA that mattered, then I could not care less, but the leader of the USA has his hands on the nuclear trigger and will be key to so much in the world. Is a rich billionaire really who many in the USA want as their leader?
I have no wish to get embroiled in a debate over the US presidential elections, but if a large number of Americans think their best interests are served by a rich billionaire then this says a lot about American society as a whole.
I am not advocating any candidate or any party, but this vote matters for the whole fragile planet we share. All I ask is that every single person in the USA thinks very carefully.
The people of the USA continue to trouble me.
If it was just the USA that mattered, then I could not care less, but the leader of the USA has his hands on the nuclear trigger and will be key to so much in the world. Is a rich billionaire really who many in the USA want as their leader?
I have no wish to get embroiled in a debate over the US presidential elections, but if a large number of Americans think their best interests are served by a rich billionaire then this says a lot about American society as a whole.
I am not advocating any candidate or any party, but this vote matters for the whole fragile planet we share. All I ask is that every single person in the USA thinks very carefully.
Tuesday 9 February 2016
FTSE 100 and Sepura Shares
Share prices, certainly in London, are falling on the continuing
uncertainties over China, Greece and the World. The FTSE 100 index has
fallen from a peak of over 7100 last year to about 5630 as I write.
Things do recover but this can take years.
At such times people look for a safe haven. Many have chosen my old company, Sepura. Sepura make radios for (mainly) public safety. They recently bought a Spanish rival and now do DMR as well as TETRA.
See http://www.lse.co.uk/ShareChart.asp?chart=intraday&sharechart=SEPU&share=sepura .
At such times people look for a safe haven. Many have chosen my old company, Sepura. Sepura make radios for (mainly) public safety. They recently bought a Spanish rival and now do DMR as well as TETRA.
See http://www.lse.co.uk/ShareChart.asp?chart=intraday&sharechart=SEPU&share=sepura .
The EC and the UK
When it comes to our UK national referendum on whether we should stay
in or leave the EC, I am undecided. In many ways the EC is a good
thing. On the other hand it is a creaking bureaucracy in great need of reform. I
like that Europe has been (largely) at peace in my lifetime. I like
free trade in Europe. However, we are a small island running out of room, with creaking services
and the UK should have the final say over who lives and works here. I am in favour of a common market. Why do we need more?
I really feel for the genuine migrants fleeing conflict. Having had a nasty tummy bug in the comfort of my own home, I cannot help thinking how much worse this would have been if I was also cold,wet and hungry and thousands of miles from home. Even worse if you are a child who does not understand. Personally I think we should take more real refugees but not economic migrants.
No, there is still a great deal that needs fixing. Mr Cameron has NOT basically changed anything his recent negotiations. We are being asked to stay, when really very very little has changed.
So, in summary, I am undecided which way to vote. At the moment I am voting to leave, but I may well change my mind.
I really feel for the genuine migrants fleeing conflict. Having had a nasty tummy bug in the comfort of my own home, I cannot help thinking how much worse this would have been if I was also cold,wet and hungry and thousands of miles from home. Even worse if you are a child who does not understand. Personally I think we should take more real refugees but not economic migrants.
No, there is still a great deal that needs fixing. Mr Cameron has NOT basically changed anything his recent negotiations. We are being asked to stay, when really very very little has changed.
So, in summary, I am undecided which way to vote. At the moment I am voting to leave, but I may well change my mind.
Monday 8 February 2016
Stroke or old age?
When driving the car I seem to drive less fast than I did. To me,
50mph seems more like 60mph or faster. It is as if the world seems
faster to me, at least on the roads. Also, I seem much slower doing
things these days. I put these down to my stroke 2.5 years ago, but I
guess I am getting older and slower. At 67 I don't think of myself as
very old though.
When our children were little we had a family joke about drivers with hats. There seemed a high correlation between drivers with hats and slow, doddery drivers. We put this down to age (most hat wearers were old) and maybe they started driving before the driving test became compulsory?
Anyway, I guess I am looked at as "a hat" these days, even though I don't wear a hat to drive! Ho hum!
When our children were little we had a family joke about drivers with hats. There seemed a high correlation between drivers with hats and slow, doddery drivers. We put this down to age (most hat wearers were old) and maybe they started driving before the driving test became compulsory?
Anyway, I guess I am looked at as "a hat" these days, even though I don't wear a hat to drive! Ho hum!
Friday 5 February 2016
Kaifeng Scroll
There has been a fascinating TV programme narrated by Michael Wood about
the history of China. I was particularly interested in the Kaifeng
scroll of the Sung dynasty. Nearly 1000 years ago a Chinese artist
created a massive scroll showing the capital city (of 1 million people
even then) in immense detail. The scroll has been recreated with moving
people and animals in a museum in Shanghai.
See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kRA9it9bKk .
Whatever your views on China today, it certainly has a rich history, much if it unknown in the West.
See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kRA9it9bKk .
Whatever your views on China today, it certainly has a rich history, much if it unknown in the West.
Cambridge
Today we visited the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge and had a very nice
meal at a cafe at the URC church just down the road. Cafe prices were
very good, as was the food. All the cafe staff are volunteers and many
have mental disabilities.
The Fitzwilliam has some famous exhibits. It is funny how one takes this wonderful city for granted. People travel half way around the world to see sites we can see every day if we want, for nothing. I am sure a visitor would love Cambridge.
The Fitzwilliam has some famous exhibits. It is funny how one takes this wonderful city for granted. People travel half way around the world to see sites we can see every day if we want, for nothing. I am sure a visitor would love Cambridge.
Thursday 4 February 2016
East Anglian weather
Our village green in winter |
Wednesday 3 February 2016
Stroke and poor voice
Today and in December I had appointments with probably the 2 best speech
consultants in the UK. Sadly, both said the same - there is little
wrong with my voicebox (both put cameras down my throat through my nose)
and, as I have a neurological problem, there is nothing they can do for
me. I hope my voice does improve, albeit slowly, but I guess I have to
come to terms with the possibility that my voice might be poor for ever.
There are things I can do to improve the situation - I cannot tell when my
diction is poor or I am speaking too quietly (to me it sounds loud
enough!) - so I need to work on these! Not long ago I was told I might
never eat again and I proved them wrong. Let us hope I prove them wrong
about my voice too.
Amaryllis
Our son and daughter-in-law gave us an amaryllis for Christmas, which we potted in early January. After a slow start, it has shot up and will probably be in flower in the next week. There are 2 flower heads, one looks ahead of the other. The smaller flower head is around the other side. We turn the plant every day so it grows as straight as possible. It is on our kitchen table.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaryllis .
Tuesday 2 February 2016
"Like"
On Mondays I travel into and out of Cambridge on the bus for my U3AC course. As a boring old f**t (BOF) I have a new hobby - "like" spotting. A teenage girl got on the bus and she said "like" 52 times in 2 miles. As a BOF I said nothing, you know what I mean like.
Saturday 30 January 2016
Stroke - a bad week
Some days are like this. This week has been a bad week and I have felt particularly giddy and very tired. Hopefully next week will be better.
Unlike "pre-stroke" days, things exhaust me far more and I seem to stress more easily. Despite this, we have still managed to get out and about. Maybe I am pushing myself too hard and my body is screaming "slow down"?
Oh, how I wish I was well again. For most of the last 2 years I have been living a hell interspersed with better days. I have felt giddy now for more than 2 years. Will it never get better?
Unlike "pre-stroke" days, things exhaust me far more and I seem to stress more easily. Despite this, we have still managed to get out and about. Maybe I am pushing myself too hard and my body is screaming "slow down"?
Oh, how I wish I was well again. For most of the last 2 years I have been living a hell interspersed with better days. I have felt giddy now for more than 2 years. Will it never get better?
Friday 29 January 2016
Walk at Wicken Fen this afternoon
We did a walk along the boardwalk at Wicken Fen this afternoon. As I am still wobbly from my stroke, this was much
harder than usual. It took all my energy (in the wind) to stay upright
and walking in the right direction, so little time to enjoy the views.
Still, the walk did us good and the light was amazing. At one time this windmill helped to pump water.
Thursday 28 January 2016
Stroke and driving
Although I have been allowed to drive again for well over a year and I
drive quite a long way if need be, I reckon driving now requires about
3-4 times the energy and concentration it did in pre-stroke days. I
drive more slowly than I did and after a period of driving I feel very
exhausted. My furthermost drive at a stretch is about 135 miles, with
one short break on the way.
East Anglian Churches Blog
Today we visited Flatford Mill (made famous by John Constable's
paintings) and called in at East Bergholt on our way back. We visited
the church and I have updated the blog accordingly.
See http://eachurches.blogspot.co.uk/ .
Will Lott's Cottage at Flatford Mill |
Wednesday 27 January 2016
Cambridge
Bikes outside Sydney-Sussex College |
Tuesday 26 January 2016
CCS concert in Cambridge
A reminder that my wife is taking part in a Cambridge concert in April. Tickets are available by post or on the door. If you are local, you may want to come. Tickets for children are very inexpensive.
Monday 25 January 2016
Like
If you see a group of young people, it seems every other word is
"like". Is this the new "um" or "ah"? I am definitely becoming a
grumpy old man as I find this very annoying. It grates on me so
much. I want to go up and say,"do you realise you said "like" 12 times
in the last 2 minutes?". Then I think, what is the point? No some things
are best not said.
Sunday 24 January 2016
What happens when we die?
As one gets older - I am now 67 - I suppose thoughts naturally turn to
the end of life. It comes to us all, but we prefer not to think about
it.
I honestly have no idea and the most likely is we'll not be aware, as we were before we were born, so it may not matter. MAN has a real problem with finality, and nearly every religion has talk of life after death. It bothers me that some are so certain about this. At the moment I have an open mind. Like so much in this universe, or even multiverses, we really have no idea.
I honestly have no idea and the most likely is we'll not be aware, as we were before we were born, so it may not matter. MAN has a real problem with finality, and nearly every religion has talk of life after death. It bothers me that some are so certain about this. At the moment I have an open mind. Like so much in this universe, or even multiverses, we really have no idea.
Saturday 23 January 2016
Wisbech
Afterwards we went to the market and bought some sprouts. At one time this must have been a fine town with merchant's houses lining the river. These days it looks a bit drab and run-down. It is a hub for immigrants from Eastern Europe who work in the agricultural business. Good luck to them.
By the way, these sprouts cost us £1. Pheasants were £2.99 each.
Friday 22 January 2016
Old friends
Today, we had a couple of old friends around for lunch. We have known this couple since the 1970s although we went over a year since we last saw them. It's funny how we soon "connect" again. This is often a good indication of real friends - one just picks up where one last left off.
FTSE 100
At the moment the FTSE 100 share index has recovered about 2%, although
some think a fall to 5200-5300 could happen. It certainly feels
"wobbly". If I was a betting man, I would expect heavy falls, but I am not a
betting man. The markets don't like the slowdown in China, the general
gloom around prospects in the world economy, and the rapidly falling oil
price.
At some point, not too far away, the whole economy of the world has to change with a realisation that fairness is important and that resources are limited. Growth as a mantra for years will no longer be the watchword. You wait.
At some point, not too far away, the whole economy of the world has to change with a realisation that fairness is important and that resources are limited. Growth as a mantra for years will no longer be the watchword. You wait.
Wednesday 20 January 2016
Weather better
After an overnight frost and a cold, dull morning, we are now bathed in winter sunshine. It is still very cold - much colder than it has been - but there is a blue sky and sunshine this afternoon.
Tuesday 19 January 2016
Some good advice
I found this on Facebook earlier. Personally, I think it is good advice for a happy and stress-free life. If all of us tried to follow this, then the world would be a better place. I think it originated in the USA judging by the writing style.
RSPB Garden Bird Count
The annual UK RSPB garden bird count is any hour in the last weekend of
January. I have been doing this for years. You just choose a spot and
count the maximum number of each species seen in the hour. It can be
surprising. When done, I submit results to the RSPB online. It is always
a great pleasure and you do not need to be an expert birder to
do this. Each year, the RSPB get a great deal of data. Some years I see
very little. Some years I have seen up to 11 different species.
Most times you will see quite common birds, but occasionally you may see something unusual. It is the number of the ordinary birds seen that tells the real story. If you can, grab a coffee and sit down, look out the window, and count the birds in your garden or park. I am sure, like me, you will enjoy it.
See https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdwatch .
Most times you will see quite common birds, but occasionally you may see something unusual. It is the number of the ordinary birds seen that tells the real story. If you can, grab a coffee and sit down, look out the window, and count the birds in your garden or park. I am sure, like me, you will enjoy it.
See https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdwatch .
Sunday 17 January 2016
Stroke
A nurse who worked in neurology at Addenbrookes hospital today described
me as, "a walking miracle", but I'd settle for my old self please! Although I still
feel I'm living "on the edge" each day, I am thankful to be here, but I
wish I had no problems with my voice, swallow, felt less giddy, and got
less tired. My fine motor skills are still far from right. In many ways I am lucky and I could have been left much worse. Today I have to adapt to the new "me" and hope things still improve, albeit slowly. Everyone says that I look so well. This, in many ways, makes it worse as they all assume I am well, when I really am not at all well inside. I have mentioned this before, but in some ways a visible form of disability might be easier. At least people would know one is not well.
Hawkedon added to East Anglian Churches blog
The East Anglian Churches blog has been updated to include Hawkedon, Suffolk. This is a fine old church now in a very rural setting. It once was in the centre of the village, but nowadays all that remains are scattered farms and cottages. See http://eachurches.blogspot.co.uk/ .
Saturday 16 January 2016
Milky Way time bombed by Aurora
See https://www.facebook.com/greenpeace.canada/videos/10153577012364961/ .
If you have a Facebook account you may be very impressed by this time-lapse photo. It certainly impressed me!
If you have a Facebook account you may be very impressed by this time-lapse photo. It certainly impressed me!
Friday 15 January 2016
Sun shining - visit to Ickworth NT
After what seems like ages, the sun shone, we had a real winter day (cold and frosty) and we visited the National Trust grounds at Ickworth near Bury St Edmunds and did a walk down to the bridge. Unlike at Anglesey Abbey, there were no signs yet of spring flowers. It was muddy off the main paths. There were even signs of snow.
Thursday 14 January 2016
After-effects of my stroke
The after-effects of my stroke 2.5 years ago are still being felt with a very poor voice and still feeling giddy when walking. I also still
tire easily and my fine-motor skills are not good. Although others tell
me I am still improving, improvements are now very slow coming, so it
is a case of coming to terms with "me" as I am now. Things upset me more
easily and I seem more emotional. I also wonder about some aspects of my
memory. It seems harder than it was to spot errors in spelling and writing: words that shouted out at me as being wrongly spelt no longer do so. Of course, I am putting all this down to my stroke, but it may be old age creeping up on me!
Wednesday 13 January 2016
Snow here?
Although the possibility of snow was in the weather forecasts earlier in the week, it looks now as if we'll get rain. It is much colder though by the weekend. Already we have bushes in blossom - far too early. I pruned the front roses today - they always look good when they flower.
Sunday 10 January 2016
East Anglia Churches blog updated
Today we visited a couple of Suffolk churches and I have updated the East Anglian Churches Blog with one of them.
Saturday 9 January 2016
Some grandchildren here
Our son Tim came up from London for a few hours this afternoon with our two "London" grandchildren. They all went home again at teatime. It was good to see them, albeit briefly.
Friday 8 January 2016
Anglesey Abbey in winter
We visit the extensive grounds at nearby Anglesey Abbey, owned by the
National Trust, most months. There is always something to see whatever
the season. Everything is early this year because it has been so mild
down here. Many snowdrops are out, some daffodils are already dying and
lots of other flowers are in bloom. The photo shows one of the lawns in
winter with bare trees. The weather is expected to be much colder next
week. I wonder what happens if we get a really cold snap?
Thursday 7 January 2016
Cambridge
As it was dry this afternoon, we went into Cambridge for a walk around the Backs. There were aconites and snowdrops out, but we only saw one daffodil out.
Cambridge is famous for its bikes!
Cambridge is famous for its bikes!
Tuesday 5 January 2016
Tax return completed today
I finished my tax return today, but suspect there may be an error in the calculation of tax due because of an error at the IRC with the calculation algorithm. I need to check first, but will write if I am correct. I only found this by accident.
There was also (yet again) a problem writing in the section for you to add any other comments. One is very restricted in the characters one can use. Why, oh why, is this form so stupid in this day and age? Surely it should be possible to create a form which would allow you to simply write or at the very least tell you what the error is if you make one?
After nearly 2 days I was not impressed.
There was also (yet again) a problem writing in the section for you to add any other comments. One is very restricted in the characters one can use. Why, oh why, is this form so stupid in this day and age? Surely it should be possible to create a form which would allow you to simply write or at the very least tell you what the error is if you make one?
After nearly 2 days I was not impressed.
Monday 4 January 2016
Tax return
I am doing my tax return online. It has to be done by the end of January. Apparently I owe the Inland Revenue much more than I thought although I am sure
I must have made a mistake. My wife says look at the form again tomorrow when my head is clearer. She is right.
Sunday 3 January 2016
Relatives
This weekend we drove up to Barnsley, Yorkshire, staying one night away to help one of the relatives of Lis celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary. It was my furtherest drive since my stroke. It was a good chance for Lis to see relatives she has not seen for many years and to revisit old haunts in Barnsley.
Friday 1 January 2016
2016 is here
So, the new year is with us. A time for new beginnings and new hopes.
May I wish every reader of this blog, where ever you live on this
small, shared, planet of ours, a very happy and peaceful 2016. I hope we
can all enjoy 2016 in peace and goodwill.
My main ambition is to make the most of life: it is a precious gift.
So I really hope you have a great 2016 whatever your situation. We must grab life with both hands.
My main ambition is to make the most of life: it is a precious gift.
So I really hope you have a great 2016 whatever your situation. We must grab life with both hands.
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