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 welcome to erixlife - blog - August 2008...share Eric's story in words and pictures |
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 landmark
As August comes to an end (and Summer slips away) I am reminded of the fact that I have been blogging for almost one year, and just recently achieved 300 blogs. Yesterday I reached my 50th video blog, so I am congratulating myself !!! I would like to thank the many readers and viewers in 54 countries (according to Google Analytics), who have shown their interest and support during this time. Particularly my friend Colin, who has encouraged me on several occasions when I nearly abandoned the project. I came late to blogging, and have not copied any styles or formats - it has been self evolving. It is still developing, and will continue for as long as I am able. This has been a particularly good month with a daily entry, but this is not always possible. I have to be here more - to water my plants and now to feed the birds regularly. As I approach my 65th birthday - traditionally the "start" of old age, I feel better and more lively than for many years. Because I am open to learning and new experience, I have developed as a person greatly in the last few years, during my early retirement. In the beginning, when I said I was "...on a spiritual path" people smirked and chided me, but now they can see the change in me. They now recognise my peace and contentment. In spite of my lust for life, I feel ready for death (if it was to knock at my door today) but hope that I may continue to enjoy my life and still contribute to everyday happenings around me. I still need to "give" more than to receive. One amazing thing that has happened during this time, is my acceptance of my age. Until quite recently, I would lie about my age on personal profiles. People tell me that I could get away with this, because I look younger than my age ! So there we are, age as just a number really. Thank you everyone.  50th video changing the bedding
Time to change the sheet, duvet, and pillowcase. Watch me change the bedding... Technical note: Some clips "hang" because of file corruption, I believe. Taking the Disgo camcorder back to Currys (again) this time for a refund. So using my Panasonic SD (basic) camcorder. At least the editing software was easy to use, with this one it takes me a long time. more photos added Bletchley Park secrets
This is the most incredible place with a history to match. Now surrounded by town housing, the old Mansion and Park is giving up its wartime secrets to visitors. So many courageous men and women gave their time and expertise to cracking German communication codes, which meant the difference between success and failure. Younger people today living in this country have no concept of a country at war, and this place gives some insight into the life and times of the period. more photos added
A fascinating quick look at the wildlife on the Watford
pond, in the town centre. This well established feature includes two
variable fountains and is home to many creatures - mainly ducks. I see
a lone baby mallard on a water lily leaf, and two other babies at their
nest. This collection of stills is presented as a slide show WITH MUSIC
- my first real audio/visual production! Enjoy the pictures...
Saturday 23 August 2008 about being adopted
If there was just one thing about my life that had the greatest effect, it would be that I was adopted. I talk honestly about my feelings, and how it seemed that I "existed" without being born. The lack of knowledge, the absence of vital information, and how I thought of my birth mother - its all here, but don't worry, there are no tears! how jealousy has affected my life
In serious mode, I relate my innermost feelings about jealousy - how it has affected me, how I have learnt to overcome negative emotions, and how I have suffered... But also, how much I have learned about myself, and how I have reached the selfless state that I am now in. preparing the bird food
An essential part of the bird feeding and enjoyment process - even this can be fun, especially if you are as dizzy as me (who else could lose their lid?). Watch to see if I found it again. They sometimes seem to eat it quicker than it takes to prepare, but most "cooks" say this don't they? Now, if you have any food leftovers, let me know and I'll be round to pick them up...  badger What a thrill, when late last night at around 11.30pm, I peeped out through my curtains before going to bed, when to my delight I saw a furry visitor to the bird feeding area, right in front of my living room window. Yes, it was a youngish looking badger, who was busy finishing off the remnants of the bird seed from the previous day. At first I tried to take a flash photo through the double glazing, but because it was so dark outside that was (of course) a complete failure. Because he was unconcerned with the flash, I thought I may be able to open the front door and step out to take a photo from there. Whilst his eyesight may be poor, his hearing is mega, as he was immediately aware of the "sound" of the door opening, and when I got outside, I think I saw his nose twitching - he must have a keen sense of smell. Anyway, I managed one or two shots, and here is the best of them, although tweaked a bit on the computer, to make it viewable. Fantastic! Aylesbury
Visited here yesterday, and because the video limit is ten minutes, and I can only do six clip edits with my software, I am using a slide show of still images. This trip I explored places I had not seen before, including the canal basin. Some of the old buildings in the town centre are very interesting, and I had a sandwich and coffee at the parish church - sitting in the graveyard!!! The futuristic HBOS building is simply awesome. narrowboat trip
This is the same trip as the blog item for MONDAY this week, BUT this video is a slide show of the best 60 still images that I took on the day. I think you will like it, and the memory of the day is still fresh in my mind. Next time I do a slide show, I will try to add some music (legally). It only lasts four minutes or so, and I promise if you love canals you will be very interested. See in conjunction with the Monday video. Grand Union canal trip
Yesterday, enjoyed a narrowboat trip with friends and neighbours on the nearby Grand Union canal - from Hunton Bridge lock to beyond Cassiobury Park, and return. The weather was cloudy with sunny intervals, and a shower late afternoon, when we were negotiating the last lock before returning to the base, so the crew got drenched. We passed The Grove, and met rowdy behaviour at the main lock in Cassiobury Park, but the day was a great success, and we are looking forward to the next trip. Thanks to the South West Herts Narrowboat Project. washing up
Regular readers of my blog will know of my dislike of washing up, BUT here I am making a real effort to accept the challenge of life, and tackle the job of washing up - with lots of tips for making the exercise easy and effective. Half way through the filming I see a squirrel outside the kitchen window, and I think you will be amused at my reaction !!! Now, when is the butler back on duty? I don't use rubbergloves, but a homemade apron of PVC... B (Finland) cake etiquette
Today's video covers presenting, serving and eating CAKE. I feel there has been a drop in standards, so this is the first of my attempts to pass on tips for people who missed out the first time. There are always different ways of doing the same thing, so I am open to ideas. Like language the idea of etiquette changes rapidly BUT the basic routine remains, and is the basis for all behaviour today. Let's do it... Wendover Woods
Visited the local Forestry Commission site - Wendover Woods. Went with some friends for a picnic (although I bought a bacon sandwich and a coffee from the cafe). Very pleasant time, and the video glimpses briefly some of the aspects and beauty of the area. In the Woods is the highest point in the Chiltern Hills, and you will see a cairn marking the spot. Visit if you can. I've had Freefind on erixlife now for three weeks, and here is the list of top search queries: broadband
daf dongle erixlife gay gratitude hugo love mobile naturism nightmare net queen waitrose To search for anything on the erixlife site, just enter the word(s) or phrase in the search box on every page, and click "Find". Tuesday 5 August 2008 Bhaktivedanta Manor
What an amazing experience - my visit to the Hare Krishna Temple near Watford. The beautiful house set in nearly 30 acres of parkland was donated to the charity by George Harrison of the Beatles. With a great love for all things natural, an army of devotees maintain the Temple and grounds to a high standard. There is a lot of work in progress. We were greeted on arrival with a free vegetarian lunch, and able to wander the grounds and Temple. The most holy part of the temple was available to view, and as you will see from the video, this was something quite special. Thank you for posting this video. Lovely footage of the Manor. RP (NZ) If you have not been here you simply must make the trip to the home of Lord Krishna - It will be an unforgettable experience. S (UK)  railways at Legoland
Here are four video links to Legoland railways, that I visited last week. All videos hosted on YouTube. Thanks. Hill train - not one way as I suggested. That was because the park had only just opened, and therefore there were no passengers to return! Sky Rider - an aerial ride, but low enough to feel safe. Two seats together. Fabulous views over Miniland. Orient Expedition - good vegetation, and lots of Lego animal and other creations. Annoying jets of water shot over passengers. Dino Safari - very short ride, and suitable for children of all ages. visit to Legoland
First of a short series of videos about my recent visit to Legoland near Windsor. This is typical view of the Park, and features Miniland - the amazing Lego models of major buildings around the world, plus a host of amusing items. It is very European in design, and a well run attraction, which opened in 1996. Well worth a visit - for children of all ages, but rather expensive. The ticket price admits you to most rides, but some things are extra, and the cost of food is rather high. |
 every completed monthly blog page, has a linked alphabetical index of entries - by title this month May 2009 (1) April 2009 (1) March 2009 (26) February 2009 (22) January 2009 (21) December 2008 (9) November 2008 (10) October 2008 (12) September 2008 (12) July 2008 (20) June 2008 (17) May 2008 (16) April 2008 (19) March 2008 (28) February 2008 (29) January 2008 (33) December 2007 (48) November 2007 (28) archived from Blogger (41)  see whose linked please link to erixlife <!--start erixlife link--> <a href="http://www.erixlife.net/blog.html"><img src="http://www.erixlife.net/erixlife-blog80x15.gif" border="0" height="15" width="80" alt="erixlife - blog - photos and more"></a> <!--end--> I don't normally do messages of any kind but after watching your videos I felt compelled enough to do so. I absolutely love your videos, there's something I find genuinely calming and interesting about them. Its the everyday tasks videos I adore so much, putting the shopping away, washing the dishes, etc etc. Please do as many more as you can on day to day tasks such as these! MT (UK) LUV THA VIDEOS LB (UK) I am so impressed by how you have improved with your video blogs - they are great! GM (UK) INDEX OF ENTRIES (31) August 2008 alphabetical order about being adopted after the shopping Aylesbury badger Bhaktivedanta Manor Bletchley Park secrets Brighton Marina cake etiquette changing the bedding cutlery confidence depression giving up smoking permanently Grand Union canal trip how jealousy has affected my life ironing my shirt landmark meet Hugo my wig narrowboat trip new hoover on Watford pond preparing the bird food putting out the recycling railways at Legoland top searches trains through Kings Langley station visit to Legoland washing the towels washing up Watford retail parks Wendover Woods |