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 welcome to erixlife - blog - February 2009...share Eric's story in words and pictures |
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(two with 2000+ hits)  Friday 27 February 2009  snowman
Recent pic of me, taken by an expert photographic neighbour on the Monday of that week, earlier this month when the south east of England had the worst snow for many years. Schools and workplaces were shut, transport was badly affected and everyone stayed indoors trying to keep warm. Its been milder since, but I hear rumours of another cold snap - hope not, because there is sign of Spring in the garden with many winter flowering bulbs bursting into life. The birds don't like the snow either. Lets hope for the best.  St Ives Bay scenic railway
Back in Cornwall with this video - from September 2005 (my earliest surviving...) but so worthwhile watching. The branch line from St Erth passes Hayle and Carbis Bay before terminating in St Ives (station now a car park). This has to be the best way to arrive in the picturesque fishing port, although it resembles a summer playground for the rich of Chelsea. The town is full of ice cream and chips, rowdy drinkers and worse - second homers. The locals have no chance. Cornwall is not what it was - see it quickly... thoughts about dying My recent diagnosis of Angina Pectoris has got me thinking about things - in a realistic way, and how I should prepare for the inevitable in a positive way. Although just now I am rather upset about the news, it will get easier and I will try to get on with my life in case I do have years to go. I must not waste time, and must spend my remaining time in a good and useful way. It is perhaps a blessing that I have an insight into the future, and can hope to live my life in a better way.  jigsaw puzzle
I've started the thatched cottage jigsaw puzzle, as part of my new relaxation therapy. I bought it at a charity shop, and hope that it is complete. In time honoured tradition I am starting with the outside pieces, and not because I am that methodical, but have almost completed the top edge - simply because I discovered a previous puzzler has written a consecutive number on the back of each outside piece. Although this means a frequent turning of the pieces and then trying to remember where the next or last number is, I am taking full advantage of this introductory luck. Only the outside pieces are numbered. Its been a long while since I even touched a jigsaw puzzle, but it is something I can do every time I pass. It is on the breakfast bar, so when I am waiting for the kettle to boil (did you see that video?) I can pop a few in. Life is like a jigsaw puzzle? Which piece goes next. CK (UK)  follow me on twitter
I was a twitter sceptic, when last year I looked at the site, and decided not to join, but now after so much publicity I have decided to follow the millions already there, including the President of the United States (and Stephen Fry). I have been aware of micro blogging for some time, but couldn't really see the point. Now I think I am convinced it is a good, useful (and fun) activity, so am trying it, and if you care to join me, you are welcome. Just click on the image link above. I'll be pleased to hear what you are up to.  St Pancras
Had a day in London with a friend yesterday, which included a visit to St Pancras International - home of the Eurostar. Here I am standing with gay hero Sir John Betjeman - one of the 20th century greats. What an incredible place it is now, and soon to be home to a mega luxury hotel as well. A real contrast to the impressive modern British Library next door. From a distance the towers of St Pancras suggest a Disney castle! The area of Kings Cross is much improved, and many buildings stand proud again after much neglect. We meandered back towards Tottenham Court Road avoiding main streets. The imposing "green giant" (University College Hospital) is a new landmark, and the Telecom Tower doesn't seem so tall any more. London is just such a great city - love it. washing my hair So, I'm in the shower this morning, washing my hair. The video shows my simple technique, but as I have just trimmed my hair, it is very easy to shampoo it. You may be amused at the face pulling antics caused by the soap in eyes syndrome, but for those who would like to see more, I am afraid only the "head and shoulders" are visible. Was that a pun? ironing hankies Now - the ultimate video guide to steam ironing your handkerchiefs! Well, the "ironing a shirt" video went down a storm, and is the top viewed item on my list, so here's the hanky version. Really, I hate ironing actually, so I save up the hankies to do, and when I run out I set to and do them all at once. I must say I much prefer an ironed hanky, and once I get started the time goes fairly quickly. Today I am being watched by ever hungry squirrels stealing the bird food from outside my window.  mind the gap
Normally used in connection with train travel... but how I am feeling right now! Without structure and balance, my life feels as if there is a missing link - a gap. This is temporary and I am using accelerated self therapy to come to terms with the situation, then adapt to it - rather than trying to change it. I am giving myself permission to feel down or anxious if I want to be, AND to sleep if I feel the need. As I am permitting unusual untidiness in my bedroom, I am also allowing my feelings to dominate. In the "luxury" of retirement I can plan my days (and nights). I can be in control of my time. So what, if I am being introvert this month... However I am also seeking change (for the better?) and many friends have offered advice and support, books, tapes and videos. Even machines, but I am wary of too much change, too quickly. In my own time I will discover the meaning of change, and do something different. Today a friend suggested I get up when I wake at an early hour, dress warmly, take a deck chair and flask, and sit in the garden to experience the dawn chorus. What an absolutely brilliant idea, and I will try this at the earliest opportunity (weather permitting). asleep Here I am, fast asleep! This segment is taken from the original video lasting several hours. The unusual colour is from the room light - not white because it would have kept me awake. I actually slept better than I imagined, and was quite surprised how many times I turned during the night. I always thought I could never sleep with the light on.  wasp
An incident while travelling on a local bus has prompted me to write this item, as it has puzzled me ever since. It was late last Summer and I was sitting near the rear of the bus, when an insect was flying around inside the moving bus. Lets say it was a wasp, and the bus was travelling at 25mph. Now if the wasp was flying towards the front of the bus, is it travelling at the same speed as the bus or faster? When the bus was stationery (at a bus stop) and the wasp was crawling up the glass, how did it reach the speed of the bus in order to fly "faster"? Do you hear what I am saying? If the wasp was flying towards the rear of the bus, whilst the bus was travelling at 25 mph, is the wasp travelling at the same speed (in reverse) or slower? Any answers will be published here - thanks. First, define "speed" in the context of time and space. AB (US) Q: Where is the bus going? RG (UK)  love yourself
Here again, the day I, and millions like me try to ignore! Another commercial exploitation day... but this year lets "love ourselves". If we haven't got a partner or lover or intended, we should still be positive and happy about it - not regretful. Start with loving number one. that's the beginning of everything, and without it you're sunk. You'll be a much better lover of others if you do. Love is described as many things, probably right. It is an easy and convenient label for many other desires or wants. "I love you" often masquerades as "I fancy you" and want you physically (irrespective of what you want). A label for deceit, and camouflage for other emotions and acts. Who can say they are completely faithful to a partner... thought, word AND deed? Some say it is the strongest human emotion, but I would link that with natural sexual need. We can be "faithful" to ourselves though, knowing who we are, what we want and what we would like to be. So that's it, the first day of the rest of our lives - a chance to reflect, and a day to take stock of our situation. Be grateful for who you are, believe in yourself, and who knows, next year you might feel quite differently about today. one of my favourite things My tin model of the Flying Scotsman is one of my favourite things. The video shows how simple yet effective the design is, and how much pleasure it has given me for years. It is interesting how cheaper items can give as much or more satisfaction than expensive ones. I'm easily pleased!    bed
After all the poorly feeling and not sleeping, had the idea of moving my bed to a different position in the bedroom. Previously I had been lying north - south, but now it is more or less west - east. Last night was the first time, and it had a remarkable effect. Instead of being in the centre of the room I am now in the corner, and under a window. I have always been interested in Fung Shei, but never taken it seriously. This is not an attempt to do that, as I just followed my feelings. Instead of the room being perfectly tidy, with everything in its place, I have left things about - on the floor, in tidy piles, and I think it feels better for that? I slept longer, didn't have to get up, and also the duvet stayed in place much better. I have the radio nearby, so can listen to music and news before getting up. Sometimes in the past, I had to get up to check the time, because during these dark mornings, it is so difficult to tell. All part of the new relaxed me, well I hope so!  winning ticket
Here it is, my lotto ticket that won - well £10 for three matching numbers on Saturday night - 03, 24, 26. I often purchase a lucky dip lotto ticket, but rarely win anything. This week I was lucky. Its all about luck isn't it. As tempting as gambling is I have never been drawn into the dark world of horse racing, betting shops or even fruit machines. On holiday in Las Vegas many years ago, I did invest a fixed amount of coins into some gaming machines, but didn't enjoy the experience. The noise, people and bright lights were not appealing to me, and well gambling basically is greed (I think). If you can treat it as fun, OK, but so many people are prone to an addiction in this field. Now that the UK laws have changed with higher pay outs from machines, and the advent of super casinos, I feel the problem will get worse, and cause more hardship to deprived families. I am not saying all this from a religious context, but simply a human one. Gambling (like stocks and shares) should only be performed by those who can afford it. Can you?  Jaden Mack
I don't often comment on national news items, but I was so moved by the story of baby Jaden, mauled to death by two dogs according to the TV, that I had to share my thoughts and feelings. This little baby boy of three months was allegedly killed by two family pets, while alone. It seems madness to me this could happen. Dogs will always be "dogs" so children need to be supervised. It is of course a tragedy for the family, and they may never forgive themselves. In my mind I can see the wild dogs, foaming at the mouth, biting, shaking and flinging this little child like a rag doll. I cried when I first saw this story reported, and I just hope it was over very quickly for Jaden. Both dogs were put down. I send my condolences to the family, and pray they are able to forgive themselves. Lets learn from this bad experience, so his life was not lost in vain... Where is your baby - right now?  anti depressant
The first experience has been dreadful. As directed I took the pill before retiring (not the one above) and certainly got off to sleep very quickly - this was one of better side effects I had been guaranteed, but I was not prepared for the zombie effect. I think I might have got up once during the night, and really staggered with the sleepy feeling - back to bed as soon as possible. In the morning I lay awake for a while, realising it was light and time to get up, but I couldn't make my body move. I wanted to get up, but couldn't. Eventually I managed it, had some late breakfast, but still felt so sleepy I had to return to bed. Hours later, I was up again, and this time dressed as it was early afternoon. I sat around, not able to do anything. This was really scary, and not what I had hoped for, to combat my anxiety - but then I wasn't actually feeling anxious about anything. It was just like taking Valium years ago. I had become a "zombie" unable to control my body or mind. I think I had a bit of a headache, but as my head seemed detached from the rest of my body I am not sure it mattered too much? Just awful, and I don't think I want to repeat the experience? squirrel determination Admire the acrobatics required to reach and eat the bird seed from the window container.  these boots are made...
My old faithful (walking) boots have come into their own this week, yet they are over twenty years old. Even more comfortable than slippers they have never been repaired, and the only thing I have done is to purchase some new laces. They were made by Clarks which says a lot, and have done many miles in all weathers. They never seem to wear out. At one stage I "replaced" them with a swanky new make, but they were really uncomfortable, so eventually discarded, but the old originals were still there for me! I clean them when they are completely dry, after a period of use, and a good thick unpolished wax - especially rubbed into the seams and stitching (with the laces removed), does the trick. The grooves in the soles need to be cleaned out too, but I am not obsessive about it. If they were black I might wear them more often, but in this weather I am not bothered. I have worn extra thick socks with them, or two pairs of regular socks, but now I wear my ankle supports under a pair of regular socks and they are fine. Highly recommended. Don't always buy the cheapest make! robin feeding Filmed on Monday this week, at the height of the rare blizzard in south east England. I am looking through the glass of my front room. See him struggling with a unit of cereal, which is too big for him to swallow and difficult for him to bite. Silly, there is a lot of seed about. He must fancy the Honey Nut thingy ? Although it is viewed through the double glazing, the picture is reasonable, but my heavy breathing is not audible - I must check this out. Been in
hospital for two days with this condition (severe nose bleed) caused by
high blood pressure and daily intake of aspirin. It lasted for seven
hours and naturally I felt pretty awful. However I was impressed with
all aspects of the NHS, and have written to everyone to thank them for
their excellent service. The two ambulance crew members were on the
scene very quickly and soon got me organised. Firstly it was head up -
not back, because blood running down the throat collects in the stomach
and cannot be digested, so causing vomiting later! I had a few minutes
to gather up my things (so forgot most things). A friendly neighbour
was with me, and helped turn the lights off etc, but with me dripping
blood everywhere it was a difficult scenario.
Time seems to stand still in hospital. Lots of things seem to be happening - but always to other people! While you lie there listening for footsteps coming towards you and hoping they are coming TO you. Meals and refreshments are a welcome interruption to the "nothingness" of boredom and frustration. This is magnified at night time, when heat, light and noise become oppressive, and you pray for the 0500 blood pressure checks and the beginning of another day of mindless routine. Freedom is being able to go to the toilet, and the ultimate trip is the one to the shop at reception - even if you don't want anything. Just to taste normality, just to feel the familiarity of real life... I am resting back at home now. My nose hurts, and I have aches and pains but I am so grateful to be able to enjoy that soak in the bath, and of course the joy of my own bed - and the peace and quiet. |
 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) January 2009 (21) December 2008 (9) November 2008 (10) October 2008 (12) September 2008 (12) August 2008 (31) 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 me here... 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 - pictures and more"></a> <!--end-->  see whose linked INDEX OF ENTRIES (22) February 2009 alphabetical order about not coping anti depressant asleep bed epistaxis follow me on twitter ironing hankies Jaden Mack jigsaw puzzle love yourself mind the gap one of my favourite things robin feeding snowman squirrel determination St Ives Bay scenic railway St Pancras these boots are made... thoughts about dying washing my hair wasp winning ticket |
