Real Heroism.

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.

Starting the week right.

Monday.

Once I finished breakfast at 3.45 am ( 2 Weetabix) I took a coffee back to the office in my dressing gown. No I don’t have an office in my dressing gown but I just love the way some things read occasionally. Bureau for sale by Lady with big drawers. Marble top table for sale by man with wooden legs. I’d always picture a long John Silver type. The English language can be such fun though it wasn’t this morning as I struggled to get up to date before I got dressed and went out. In the end I decided to get ready at 6.00 am complete with shoes in case I had to leave quickly as time gets away from me sometimes. Well, time didn’t get away, I was on the ball and left at 7.00 am to catch the 7.15 am bus. Poor Joey was still in his cage as it was too dark to risk opening it without a light.               I caught my bus and had a good journey with my eyes closed to discourage conversation though not many people were aboard at that time. A few more by the time we pulled into Chester about 8.40 am.                                                                                                                           I was too late to catch Reuben before he went into school but I saw Yvonne and Amelie coming towards me across the playground. I got big smiles from both of them. We stopped for coffee and Ami came out of her buggy to give me a big hug. We did the usual round of a few shops to get Halloween stuff for the kids and just spent the morning nattering on. Ami helped me walk a few times by holding one of my crutches. It’s fun trying to keep the pace she wanted to set.                                                                                    Soon enough it was time to walk to the bus stop ready to come home. Big kisses all round and then waves as the bus drew out. My next hard job was not to fall asleep past the the bus stop at home. I managed fine, got in and let Joey out amidst a terrible telling off, had a quick lunch and started work. I nodded off between 8.00 and 9.00 pm when my favourite programme was on.

Halloween preparations

Tuesday.

Up at 2.22 am this morning and spent what felt like the next hour standing over the loo having one of the stop-start wee’s that come with age. It was probably no more than 5 minutes really but just feels like a huge waste of time, though to be fair, it does keep the floors dry. I went back to my room and powered up the computer to start the mail. I worked till just gone 3.00 am then went for my meds and my breakfast. Toast and jam for a change. I came back to work and was clear by about 6.10 am so I skived off and sat in my chair in the lounge. I woke at 7.20 am and it being still just before dawn Joey was not awake to disturb me. I gave him fresh water and seed then came through to start again.   There was not too much but one was along message I’d hoped to see. It took me until gone 9.00 am to finish that one and then longer to finish the others that had come. Because of that, and finally getting dressed I did not get to see the start of Homes Under the Hammer but I did get to see two of the three.                                                                       At 11.00 am I went back through and did what I could with the mail until almost midday. At that point I slammed my shoes on (no socks- I live on the edge) and went to the chippy arriving back just in time to eat with Bargain Hunt. When that ended I shut my eyes for two minutes that turned out to be 95 minutes and woke refreshed. Back to work. As usual I worked till 4.30 pm and then didn’t go near the computer again until 9.00 pm. There was plenty of work waiting when I did which took me until 11.00 pm when it was time to wrap up and go for a read.

Wednesday.

2.10 am this morning and I got up willingly enough, I thought I’d wet the bed. It appeared I’d had my knees bent so my feet were up around by bum. My big toe had been leaking quite a lot and I hadn’t had a dressing on so I didn’t make it sweat. It makes it look like I’ve been in a bath too long, all white and wrinkled. I struggled into my slippers and made my way to the loo. Coming  back I loaded the email and started work until 3.00 am when I went for breakfast. Jam on toast today but I got a little carried away so I ended up with jam on three quarters instead of just two. I brought coffee back and worked until 4.15 am. I placed a bid on some plasters due to finish today then went to my chair in the lounge. I nodded until about 6.40 am then went back to my room stubbing my toe on the way. Joey told me to stop screaming and let him get back to sleep.                                              There were a couple of times I ran out of work for a short period so I went to ebay and tried to get ideas for Christmas presents. Not easy this year I’m finding. The work kept filling up again and it was 11.45 am when I decided to go make my lunch and take a proper break. I sat down to watch Bargain Hunt and enjoy my food. I had chance to wash my pots before the goods went to auction so that when the programme was over I just turned the box off and snuggled down in my chair. I was away for an hour and a half. At 3.45 pm I’d reached the end so went through ready for Dil arriving around 4.30 pm. He was there in time to watch The Antique Road Trip which we both enjoy. We gamed afterwards and for a change it was my night two games to one, I must remember to swap the dice back again. Dil left at 9.00 pm so I wished Joey a goodnight and came through to work.

Thursday.

1.56 am and I’m pretty sure I didn’t want to get up but needs must and my eyes are wide open. My big toe is throbbing. I dressed it before getting into bed last night and the dressing has stayed on. It’s a little damp though. A visit to the loo and then an hour on emails until breakfast time. Back to look at my bank to see if I’m putting Christmas on hold this year or not then back to emails until 3.45 am and the last one is done. I went to Ancestry.com and added my new great nephew, his Pops (Dil) said he’s a beautiful baby. Another search on Ebay for birthday and Christmas ideas took me until 5.00 am and a break in my chair. Back to work at 6.20 am and somehow there was enough to keep me in business until 9.10 am when I hobbled to Pauline’s for my lottery and some bread. She told me she’s sold me the winning tickets this week. Hard luck the rest of you. At 10.00 am I watched Homes Under the Hammer before a last pre-lunch attack on the mail. After a very uncomfortable walk this morning my toe is still throbbing. Yvonne has arranged for the district nurse to come and re-dress it later. I had a bing meal for speed (any excuse) and though I longed for an hour in my chair, I couldn’t because Sharon was due to titillate me with her dusters. She arrived at 1.00 pm and left at 3.00 pm.                           It was a big shock to have the doctor turn up instead of the nurse but I wasn’t told off today. She’s put me back on strong antibiotics. She didn’t dress the foot though and said the nurse will be here tomorrow? Help me, my foot’s leaking.                                                   I saw my antique programme but some time after 5.00 pm I must have nodded off in my chair. When I woke it was 7.15 am and what was on screen was not what I’d have expected. I wonder if Joey’s making his own choices now. I took my meds at 9.00 pm, said goodnight to the gang and came through to work. 11.05 pm and it was time to have a read.

Friday 13th.

It’s been blowing a gale out there since I got up. That was 1.50 am today. I went through a little early to take my meds about 2.45 am so that once done I could immediately start doing my tablet trays for the next week as that takes a while. It was about 4.00 am when I went for breakfast knowing more than an hour had passed since the antibiotic. Hobbling back with my toe stuck to the inside of my slipper I cleared my regular mail and started on one very long one I receive. It takes forever but is well worth it in snark alone. By 7.45 am I’d dealt with that and cleared the rest of the incoming. I got dressed not knowing  when the nurse will be arriving and went to wait in the lounge surrounded by all the wildlife. By 8.30 am I was bored and went back to work. The nurses arrived at about 11.15 am. I felt like Royalty as my foot was given a little wash then stinging iodine dressings were applied and then no less than three bandages to pad it and ensure it stays clean. It cost me a box of chocolates to get her to stop below the knee. I was part mummified. After they’d gone it was getting on for midday so I struggled into my slipper and did myself some beans on toast. After lunch I came back to work until 3.00 pm then gave myself a break to see Escape to the Country. Not only did I not see the end of it but I didn’t wake until 4.10 pm.                                                                                                                  At 4.30 pm I got a message from Mike to say he was on his way so I guessed it would be about 6.00 pm before he arrived if the traffic was OK. At 7.00 pm I went for a shower with a plastic bag over the offending foot. I sat with Mike until 9.00 pm then carried on working until I was clear to have a read.

Saturday.

Up at 1.50 am so I cheated and had the antibiotic at 2.00 am so I could have my normal breakfast with my main meds as usual at 3.00am.  Mike’s alarm went off at 6.00 am and we left the house at 7.00 am. It seemed to take an hour to reach the car and then at least that to get into it. At the Supermarket I had to use an electric wheelchair to get round though Mike whinged it wasn’t the electric chair he had in mind. We delivered my present to my new great nephew and his Mum brought him out to the car to meet me. He’s beautiful. Apart from the difficulty of getting in and out I was a little afraid of going into the house where his brother can be a bit boisterous ( but lovely).                                  Back on the road again we went to collect something for lunch and went home. The nurses came this afternoon and no joke, the leg is now wrapped fully to the knee. One of them didn’t know her own strength or didn’t have her caring hat on because she really hurt me. ( sob). A lot of work to catch up on with my left leg up on the bed while I work next to the bed. Than a bit of TV with Mike and that’s another day over. Nice day for sunshine.

Sunday.

2.50 am this morning which for some reason left me in a panic. I went through and took my meds including the antibiotic then for some reason took the first two diabetic tabs even though I hadn’t eaten. I managed to stop myself from taking the other two until  4.00 am when I went back to eat. In the meantime a wraith in Red Dragon pyjamas passed beneath the gaslit lamp whose light pooled in the courtyard and delivered a birthday card to my neighbour. I then worked on mail until it was time to eat my Weetabix. Mumford and Sons were striking up merry tunes in my earhole while I worked. I know I saw 6.00 am come and go but the next thing I know it’s 7.30 am and Mike’s waking me up asking me if I want to stay asleep (he’s perverted). I told him no, I’ll get up.He left and the next thing it was 7.45 am and a case of deja vu. I got dressed but could only put one shoe on and then a slipper on my most recent bad foot. At 8.15 am he helped me out and we drove to the car boot. It was terrible and I was so glad it was small. The pain was bad and my crutches were being caught by the grass, I even had a man with a trolley run over my foot. I had to keep stopping  and then making myself go a little further. When it was time to stop to take my antibiotic we gave up. At least I had a few books.                                                                                                                                              We drove to Prestatyn and sat in the car for a while before going into The Cookhouse and grabbing a table (quite a surprise to the couple sitting there I think). We had our usual carvery and the beef was lovely. Normality returned. After lunch we came home as my leg was tired and sore and it needed elevating. Mike left early and I came through to my room to work before the nurse came. That was about 4.30 pm and she kept asking about me elevating the leg, I kept crossing my fingers and saying “Of course, all the time.” It’s even worse than it was yesterday and the dressings got thicker. I can’t even get the slipper on now. I guess I won’t be going out anywhere this week. I worked a while longer when she left then returned to the lounge to sit with Joey at about 6.15 am. I kept nodding off, waking and nodding off again. I couldn’t tell you the storyline of anything that was on TV. 9.00 pm it was tablet time plus the antibiotic, a quick goodnight to Joey and then time to work again.

Have a grand week. Share the smiles and hugs with anyone in need in case that anyone is you someday. Love you all.

 

Manawydan, son of Llŷr.

 

Pryderi of Dyfed returns from the Irish War as one of its few survivors, to reunite with his mother Rhiannon, and his wife Cigfa. He brings with him his beloved war comrade, Manawydan, the heir to the kingship of all Britain. But Manawydan’s rights as heir to Britain have been usurped by Caswallon, and he does not want more war. Pryderi establishes him as the lord of Dyfed, including marriage to Rhiannon, a union which both partners welcome. The four of them, Pryderi, his wife Cigfa, Rhiannon and her new husband Manawydan, become very good friends indeed, and travel the land of Dyfed admiring how bountiful it is.

Together they sit the Gorsedd Arberth, as Pwyll once did. A clap of thunder, a bright light, and magical mist descend. Afterwards the land is devastated of all other life except wild animals. The four live by hunting, but after two years they want more, so they travel to England. In three towns in turn they craft saddles, shields and shoes of such quality that the local craftsmen cannot compete, so their envy becomes dangerous. Pryderi dislikes the lower class way of life, and Manawydan stops him from fighting their enemies. Instead Manawydan insists on moving away. After three attempts like this, they return to Dyfed.

Once more living as hunters Pryderi and Manawydan follow a shining white boar to a strange castle. Pryderi, against Manawydan’s advice, follows his hounds inside to become trapped there by a golden bowl. Manawydan waits, then reports to Rhiannon who rebukes his failure to rescue his friend. But when she follows her son she too becomes trapped. Alone with Cigfa, Manawydan reassures her he will respect her virtue. After another attempt in England as shoemakers, the pair return to Dyfed, and Manawydan farms three fields of wheat next to Gorsedd Arberth. But his first field’s harvest is cut down by thieves, and his second. He sits vigil at night, and sees a horde of mice eating the ripe corn. He catches a slow, fat one. Against Cigfa’s protest he sets up a miniature gibbet to hang it as a thief.

A scholar, a priest and a bishop in turn offer him money if he will spare the mouse which he refuses. When asked what he wants for the mouse’s life he first demands an explanation. The bishop tells him he is Llwyd, friend of the wronged Gwawl, the mouse is Llwyd’s shapeshifted wife, and the devastation of Dyfed is to avenge Gwawl. Manawydan bargains to release of Pryderi and Rhiannon, and the lifting of the curse on Dyfed.

A Study in Biscuit

Radiance

Masterclass in Upper Foot Painting.

Have a wonderful week. Keep sparing a smile for those faces that don’t bear one and if a hug is welcome, make sure you hug. Don’t forget to ask for plenty yourself too.

My apologies but I will be off the radar for a while so you’ll have to get someone else to bore you but I will be checking up on those smiles. Though I will get to individual emails I won’t be commenting on blogs or tweeting  anything. No promotions I’m afraid but it doesn’t mean I don’t care for you all. I just need some time.

Hugs Galore

 

An Open Letter to the Disunited UK.

I’m depressed. There, the cat’s out of the bag. But depression isn’t the feeling of self pity many people will claim it is, and not something you can pull yourself together from as some will tell you to do. The days of the father in a working class home telling you to get on with it are far in the past as these days those fathers have tasted it too.

Why am I depressed? Well I’m suddenly having to re-evaluate so much I thought I knew about my country and the people in it. Some are people I thought I knew, and others are those I thought I could trust.  When Brexit came about David Cameron left his post as Prime Minister because he had been a staunch Bremain supporter. The competition started for a replacement and I wasn’t too worried when a Bremain supporter won as she promised the people’s will would be done. I was glad of that. Friends have pointed out that the Brexit win was small and would not have been accepted abroad. I have said that since it’s within the law here it should stand. However, my condition has meant that I’ve cut myself off from much of what has happened since and it’s that which has made things so much worse.

I have not heard many of the speeches of our new Prime Minister but listening to friends it seems she has made remarks that are homophobic and some which are racist. Polish people that have lived in the UK for years are leaving in large numbers as they no longer feel welcome here yet they have greatly contributed to our society. Newspapers (gutter press) attack celebrities for their opinions, even if those opinions are mistaken attacks are not necessary. Errors of judgement can be pointed out nicely. In one instance Lily Allen was mocked because the boy she cried over was shown to be the son of an Afghanistan Warlord’s Officer. The fact that the father is resident in the UK and had been granted asylum then promptly went back home on holiday seemed to cause not the slightest worry. The child was just that, a child and not responsible for his father’s actions.

What’s sickening is the bile that people spew over twitter at people like Gary Linekar and Lily Allen for caring. That we as a country should be making life uncomfortable for those immigrants who have worked here for years is shameful, especially telling them if they don’t like it they can go home. They are home! That we should be fighting to avoid having genuine refugees  is also shameful even though I do believe that there is a limit as to the number we can take, or at least there was before we started making it difficult for hard working Poles, Germans and others to be here. Again, I feel we have to be able to set limits on immigration and free movement, as a Brexiteer that’s partly why I voted as I did. But, I know we need immigration as we have always done, and without it the hotel industry and others would collapse and our hospitals would be much worse off. Even though I feel a need to cap the numbers because we are after all a small island, I bear no hate  for anyone wanting to come here unless they wish my country harm. Another reason in my book to be vigilant as to who comes in.

I’m told that the Prime Minister is not showing support for minority groups and has in essence seemed to be xenophobic to incomers and unwelcoming to those already here. That has to stop. Now. Prime Minister she may be but she is still supposed to represent the people and I don’t for one minute feel she has the majority on her side. The people of the UK owe much to those that have settled here in the main and must start behaving in a civilised way and stop acting like a group of right wing Nazis. The hate must stop or we shall be back in Germany in the 1930’s. For the truly ignorant amongst us, and I know they are there let me say this, all those jobs the immigrants do that you don’t want to do will be yours if you force them to leave. Think about it. No more complaining at the job centre that there are no jobs, Johnny foreigner has taken them all. They’ll be waiting for you. PLAY NICE.

I want to be proud of my country again. Be kind to those without. Be nice to those in need. Welcome those that join us from places where we’ve destroyed their homes in wars we helped start. We’re going to leave the EU not leave Europe. We will still have the same neighbours and no doubt you’ll want to holiday on one of the Costas sooner or later. Don’t take a bad reputation with you, show we can still be friends. One day we might need each other again. Try not to make me ashamed as I have been in the past with football hooligans. Please learn to live and let live.

Hugs