The news this week has been full of the latest school shooting in Florida, the U.S. 17 more lives lost and a large number of injured, some critically. While I could dwell on how I don’t understand the reason why they won’t adopt sensible gun control laws and lessen the chances of this happening, I won’t. While reading about these sad and unnecessary deaths I read of two teachers who had placed themselves between the gunman and their pupils. I think both of these teachers died as a result of their bravery. People who have families of their own to return home to, voluntarily put their life on the line for other people’s children. I’m sure the school will erect something to the memory of all those that were killed on this Valentine’s day but I hope they will record something that mentions the teachers who laid down their lives so pupils could live.
OK, I can’t resist having a pop. Also in the news was a list of donations made by the NRA to some candidates for election help that ran into the millions. Notably most of the recipients were Republicans, surprisingly there were Democrats there too, but way down the lists. That must mean a large part of the legislative body owes something to the NRA. Why is it still allowed that your lawmakers are open to this kind of manipulation? No one pays out this kind of money every year with expecting and getting something in return. The figures they’re talking would seem very high from just the subscriptions from a few gun nuts so where could they possible be getting that money from? Go on, I’m sure you can work it out if you try.
I had a quiet week last week from when my broadband was finally back up. I don’t know if someone is still getting my phone calls but if so I’m in no hurry for that to be repaired. It obviously too quite a while catching up with the backlog with further stuff coming in all the time. I almost didn’t do a blog last week for that reason but I thought as I’d had such a bad few days why not make you lot suffer too. ❤ . By Thursday when Sharon came, I could speak to another human without spitting fire and anyway, I’d just had bangers and mash for lunch (with sweet potato mash). When Mike arrived Thursday evening I would almost pass for normal until he asked how many times I’d had chips during the week, then I backed into the doorjamb trying to prevaricate and just spluttering instead. “Sorry, almost swallowed my tongue” I told him as I ran to the loo and locked the door. I had a horrible feeling Mike may not be sitting on the carpet outside until I came out but the question would. I managed to avoid a straight answer during the evening by diverting his attention. Friday I went to the chippy anyway.
Saturday we had a good shop in the morning but we were both tired. I was OK and could go to sleep in the car but I wasn’t too keen on him trying it so after a quick lunch we went home. I did some work and tried to stay awake until I’d caught up. Mike tried to get some football on his phone. Fortunately they won and so it was possible to speak to him after the game. Sunday it was about 1.00 am before I got to sleep this morning but it was only 3.40 am when I was up and about. I had my breakfast and my meds then came through to start work. By the time 8.00 am came round I was clear and snoring away on the keyboard gripping the mouse. Something must have warned me to wake up about 8.50 am and I thought I’d put the kettle on. While I was waiting for it I got dressed. As the kettle finished I heard the rustle from Mike’s room and as I finished making his coffee, he appeared. I went outside to read the electric meter while he settled down in his chair. Later on as the morning grew late I reminded him he was going to help read the gas meter which is in the worst place possible. Poor man had to contort into all kinds of positions before it was finally done. As he dusted the webs and baby tarantulas off I went to enter the readings on the website of my supplier. We went for lunch, tried to do a little shopping without success and came home where I fell asleep in my chair. When I woke it was time for him to leave so I waved goodbye and went to work for a couple of hours. I watched The Hobbit- The 5 Armies then at 9.00 pm came through for the night and to clear my work.
Back to the 50’s in the USA.
Lobster
I wish you all a wonderful new week full of hugs and laughter. I’m truly sorry for all the bad things that happen in America but I think the people need to want change to make it better. I hope it happens soon.
barsetshirediaries 
David, I hope you are getting along and getting better. Huge hugs!
I’m doing fine thanks Hollie. I hope you are too.
Have a Lovely week
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
xxxx
Yes the events in these past days is horrifying. Hope you are feeling better David.
Much better thank you. I hope you’re well.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Reuben looks adorable in Pops’ glasses 🙂 Great pics of both him and Amelie.
Some of us ARE trying to bring about change. The deck is stacked against us, but still, we fight the good fight.
xxx Cwtch Mawr xxx
Maybe if this next election is fought partly on these grounds and on promises received change can be forced.
xxx Cwtch mawr xxx
Lovely photos, David. I had so much fun with your description of avoiding the chip confession. I also liked the fact that you keep a family to tarantulas near your gas meter. Such a humane thing to do especially when it gets cold and damp. Have a great week.
Thanks so much John, I try and avoid the chip confession every week but it’s his fault anyway, he drives me to the shop to get them. I’m nothing if not humane, I happily watch them nest in his hair.
Hoping you also have a great week.
Hugs
LOL. Thanks, David.
I love reading your posts! Your grandchildren are delightful!
Thank you, that’s very kind.
xxx Mega Hugs xxx
Gorgeous pics, David. And lovely sentiments as always. Surely the world is a terrible place but as you say, people have to want to change. I have hope yet. Bonne semaine! xo
Thanks so much Mel, I liked those pics too. I’m hoping with the American mid-term elections in November where the sitting majority usually lose seats that any chance of a Democrat majority might just bow to the majority will and not just reinstate the ban on automatic weapons but go further and stop election funding by the NRA and other pressure groups.
xxx Enormous Hugs xxx
Enjoyed the update, David! Continue to take care of yourself! *Waves to Mike!* 😁
The Hobbit – The 5 Armies is one of my favorite movies! 😉👍
💜💜
Thank you Felicia. I promise to take care. I’m sure Mike would wave back but he went home yesterday so I’m waving for him.
I enjoyed it but think that the last LOTR was my favourite.
xxx Ginormous Hugs xxx
Oh, nothing beats Return of the King! Nothing! 😉💜
An editorial from the Sydney Morning Herald:
“It is incomprehensible to us, as Australians, that a country so proud and great can allow itself to be savaged again and again by its own citizens. We cannot understand how the long years of senseless murder, the Sandy Hooks and Orlandos and Columbines, have not proved to Americans that the gun is not a precious symbol of freedom, but a deadly cancer on their society.
We point over and over to our own success with gun control in the wake of the Port Arthur massacre, that Australia has not seen a mass shooting since and that we are still a free and open society. We have not bought our security at the price of liberty; we have instead consented to a social contract that states lives are precious, and not to be casually ended by lone madmen. But it is a message that means nothing to those whose ideology is impervious to evidence.”
• Demand background checks
• Demand a ban on assault weapons
• Demand a ban on all modifications to convert weapons to semi or fully automatic
• Demand accountability by the Senators and Representatives on the NRA payroll.”
I couldn’t agree more Ina. The UK has managed without guns and without losing our liberties.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
You’re both so right! What is always beyond me is the inability of USA citizens to understand and to act. What is this urge to “‘own a gun; to protect our rights” all about. I despair.
Most US citizens think it’s enshrined in the Constitution that they have a gun so they do nut the Second Amendment is open to different interpretations. However the NRA say the Government are always trying to erode that right so they buy the politicians to vote against it.Clever marketing since if they own the politicians they know no=one can change the right.First they need to remove the stranglehold of the NRA and let the politicians vote for amendments to the law according to what the majority of Americans now say they need, better gun control. The NRA will go down fighting.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
i like the lobster correction pot; do they do one for annoying 28 year old sons?
Mmm, does that me he is annoying or that you want to annoy him. Both I’ll bet. Answer yes, I think it might be possible to occupy Amelie’s once she comes out of there. He needs that as she wriggles so much.
Hugs
He’s ok… mostly! But good to know if I ever need it
I also think the same, David. The constitution made sense at the time it was written, but I doubt any of the people who wrote expected it to be taken at face value hundred of years later when things would have changed beyond their wildest imaginings. Of course criminals have always been able to get access to guns (everywhere), but why make it easier for everybody else? A big part of preventing crime is making it more difficult. Do take care and I love the pics…:)
Thanks so much Olga.. You’re quite right that a big part of preventing crime is to keep guns off the streets. It will never happen when most houses that you enter have them. It may mean access to weapons by every burglar. The latest deregulation over there that makes it easier for the mentally ill to have access is just plain ridiculous and so greedy of the NRA to want no restrictions at all.
Glad you liked the photographs.
Be Happy
xxx Ginormous Hugs xxx
So, you’ve started keeping the grandkids in a basket – that seems very tidy and environmentally friendly.
I can’t say anything about guns – it is just beyond my comprehension.
I liked the basket idea so much I put Reuben in one too. Out in the fresh air but you always know where to find them at mealtimes. Guns and all other purpose built forms of killing are beyond my comprehension too. I eve think wars should be decided by a bare knuckle fight between champions.
xxx Hugs Galore Jan xxx
The mass shootings of children by other children in the US just doesn’t make the main headlines here any more. No European country would allow the gun lobby (and we all have one) to have so much influence and it’s incomprehensible that there aren’t millions and millions out on the streets demanding change. I think compassion fatigue is setting in.
I know a majority favour change of the gun laws, tighter restrictions though of course very few would give up their second amendment rights altogether, Maybe the millions will be out in force at the half-term elections making sure the politicians will press for change. They have to stop accepting huge sums from the NRA first though. I’m grateful Europe doesn’t allow that kind of pressure group to own their politicians.
xxx Humongous Hugs xxx
It would be massive street protests here, I’m sure. Elections just mean voting for the same lot as before, the ones who accept money from organizations of dubious morals.
Glad to see you’re back in business,and lovely pics of the kids. 🙂
Funny you should say that, I keep wondering what my business is. I’m glad you like the pics. I really liked the 1950’s style one.
xxx Mega Hugs xxx
Hah! :p
Let us hope that millions do protest after this latest horrifying crime. Have a great week David and enjoy your chips. x
I really hope so Brigid. I shall have a great week and enjoy my chips but perhaps rather fewer of them so I can give an honest answer (Ha, like that’s ever going to happen).
Have a wonderful week,
xxx Mega Hugs xxx
Great pictures as always, David. I feel your pain as my Google India server was down about seven days. As far as I know, we get it by satellite so expect glitches now and again. I especially hate it when the Skype or Google Hangouts messes up here when I’m talking to my kids. I’m a martyr to the satellite. Have a great new week. xxx Hugh Hugs xxx 🙂 — Suzanne
Thanks Suzanne, I really liked the pictures too. It’s awful for you when the satellite messes up because it messes so much. At least the Skype has returned here again. Have a Wonderful week.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Love your photos David and as for the ‘right to bear arms’ I have no words, just heartache. Hugs and much ❤ flowing to you across The Dee. ❤ xXx
Thank you Jane,, the photos were fun this week. I understand your heartache. The rebellion in the U.S. is lasting longer than we expected.
xxx Mammoth Hugs from my side to your side xxx ❤ ❤ ❤
I missed you. I can’t cope without you. Just so as to make you feel guilty (not) 🙂
Go on, be honest. I bet you never noted I was missing. After years I expect one person might hay, I wonder what happened to the fella who used to post pictures of his grandchildren, I bet they’re married now.
xxx Massive Hugs Jemima xxx
Oops
XXXX forgetful hugs XXXX
There are many of us in the U.S. who want strong gun laws, but the NRA is powerful. The survivors at the high school might finally start a movement.
Fun photos of the grandkids. 🙂
Hugs!
Hi Merril, I understand there’s to be a big march in Washington on this issue so the Politicians will know it’s not going to go away. The NRA have to be dealt with and that means getting Democratic politicians onside to change the law about election donors.
So glad you like the photos.
xxx Gigantic Hugs xxx
I agree with you Dave. At times it feels as if the U.S. is in the grip of some kind of collective narcissism: how is it not obvious to a nation of adults that our first priority as adults is the protection of children. It’s always nice to stop by and catch up with you, Dave.
It’s always nice to see you here Robert. Keep well
Hugs
David
Hi David. Nice to meet you. Thanks for liking my interview with Lucinda E Clark. Next up is Rhonda Hopkins (sounds Welsh but is actually from Texas), day after tomorrow. I don’t know where she stands on the gun question – I ddin’t ask.
Thanks Frank (one of my names also) nice to meet you too. You had a good interview with Lucinda and I’m sure the one with Rhonda (I keep wanting to stick a second D in there) will be just as good. Texan she may be, but surely with a name like that there must be a Welsh heritage?
I don’t specifically ask anyone what their stance is on the gun question, I make mine perfectly clear and they have the option of agreeing or not.. I’m sure there must be plenty of Texan mothers who are scared of sending their children to school some days..
Hugs
The situation in the US is so awful, David. The NRA owns many of our politicians, and they will choose money over the lives of our children. Same thing with healthcare. “Let them die,” a Republican shouted at their convention. I love the photos of the kids, especially Ruben’s shades. 🙂 Thanks for that smile. Massive Hugs. ❤
I feel so sorry for you Diana, no country should be governed by politicians bought and owned by someone else. They should be working for the US as that’s who pays their salary. Of course with the money some of them have suspect the salary is inconsequential but they’re certainly not working because of a civic conscience.
At the half term elections the people must make their will known, that politicians must work for the people if they expect your vote and there must be no NRA monies given to help with elections and none taken. The people must take their Government back.
I’m sorry, you know all this of course but I get so cross when I hear the NRA saying just after a shooting that it’s the wrong time to talk of gun control. They have no right to dictate when is or isn’t a good time. They are just salesmen of death.
xxx Humongous Hugs xxx
I’m holding on and hoping for November. We’ve had 18 school shootings so far this year, that’s about 3 a week. It’s insane, David.
Totally insane and unacceptable. Your children are precious and should be a priority. Every politician must accept that.
xxx Much Love and Hugs xxx ❤
As an American, I want to speak out against the violence our nation’s schools have sustained. A ground-swell of students is rising up in protect, and our president has timidly promised tighter background checks. What you may not know is that the school where the shootings took place last week will be demolished and I am sure a memorial erected.
I see this deplorable event as a turning point toward badly needed CHANGE!
I think the young of America are brave under the constant criticism from the right and the NRA minions. I applaud them and hope they go on without releasing the pressure on the disgusting politicians who swear an oath to the U.S.and accept pay at the same time as being bought by the NRA to fight against the interests of the U.S. Man cannot serve two masters and they must decide where their duty lies. How many lives might have been saved if proper Gun Control had been brought in sooner? How many more lives will be lost before there are enough honest politicians to win a vote.?
The United States has suffered enough, it’s time for the NRA and the far right to be reasonable.
I hope any memorial mentions all the other schools where there has been a massacre and becomes a beacon to the memory of all lives lost.
xxx Massive Hugs Marian xxx
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
David Prosser who is always generous with both hugs and support, shares the horror and sorrow that all of us felt at the Florida school shootings and the heroism of the teachers and others in the line of fire.
Thanks so much for your kindness Sally.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
I think you’re right David, the people have to want change and I think it’s that brave younger generation who will initiate it! Warm huge hugs xxxxxxxx
Thanks a lot Debby. The politicians might be laughing at the age of some of these children but they’re reaching voting age all the time and will be able to catch them where it hurts, in the ballot box. Sometime politicians will have to decide which master they serve as they can’t be paid by two separate groups and expect to always act against the people.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Bang on David! November this year will turn the tides on their backsides!!! ❤
Horrific state of affairs. Thanks for drawing more attention to this mess. Hope you’re doing wonderful by now. 🙂
I’m doing great thanks Tess. This little stint in hospital reminded me how much I dislike hospital food. I’ll try not to forget now.
xxx Gigantic Hugs xxx
I just wish the bad world would go away. Together in goodness we can let love live..💕💕💕💕
I’ll echo those sentiments
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
I really don’t know how our policymakers sleep at night. Choosing money over life is wrong on so many levels and I think so many of us just feel helpless. And each time we have one of the horrific events it’s the same old conversation. We talk, talk, talk but don’t act and I can’t help but wonder what is to become of us because our priorities are all screwed up. Hugs to you David<3
It’s a very screwed up system where the payment from a gun club take priority over the safety of the people and the vows taken to serve the USA. i have my fingers crossed that these young people can force the issue or vote out anyone who takes the NRA money.
I made mention of your style on this weeks blog going out Sunday night.
xxx Massive Hugs back to you Steph xxx
Yes, it is and like you, I hold out great hope for our young people. As long as they stay the course and refuse to take no for an answer eventually people will wake up.
Oooh I can hardly wait to check out your blog Sunday night although it will probably be more like Monday morning but will see how I’m feeling tomorrow. On the weekends I try to limit how much time I spend on this computer. xoxoxo
❤ ❤ ❤
I share your views on the NRA and weak-willed politicians, David.
I wish money didn’t talk so loudly… but it certainly does. America appears to be n the verge f real change, though.
I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
I want to see what the future holds too Robert and I’m hoping it’s all positive. I want the youngsters to stick at what they’re doing and succeed. Then I want every politician bought by the NRA out of office.Hope overcomes naivete.
Hugs
Same here, David. It should be fairly simple, shouldn’t it? Just remind these money mongers that the mid-term elections are coming soon, and if they are in the pocket of the NRA they won’t get elected. I’m sure the Republicans would produce some fresh candidates if they thought they were going to lose representation. Hugs, and blessings upon your broadband
I wonder how people get guns so easily in the U.S..
Yes the laws have to be changed completely.
I too feel sorry for the school’s gun story.
David have nice week.
Shiva
Unfortunately they have shops you can just walk into and buy a gun easily.The laws have to be changed to protect people, especially the young. I am also sorry for this latest school incident.
Have a nice week Shiva
Hugs
Yes I had heard that you can buy a Gun like you buy a bath Soap.
This is ridiculous.
You can kill anybody with ease..
Unfortunately true Shiva.The politicians won’t create gun safety laws because the National Rifle Association pays huge sums to help them get elected.After that they own them.The problem a\also is that if the Democrats get in and create some safety rules they can’t/won’t touch the weaapons already in private hands, only future purchases.In some States there are more guns than people they collect so many.Many people, especially the Republican voters are not willing to give up weapons they say they need in case the Government turn on them. The don’t want a ban onthe weapons that can fire large magazines which is what’s been used in most of the school massacres. It’s wrong.
Hugs
Yeah soon your grand children will be teens in the school system. Scary!!❤❤❤❤❤
Yes, I’m trying hard not to blink and make it happen.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx