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 welcome to erixlife - blog - July 2008...share Eric's story in words and pictures |
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Thursday 31 July 2008 Chiltern Open Air Museum
Very hot yesterday, but visited this nearby attraction with some friends who had transport. Highlight of the visit was the horse "Sovereign" who pulled the cart for our ride. Most of the video is about him. A lovely creature. The most amazing collection of rescued buildings, now preserved for ever, in 45 acres. So much to see, including the woodland walk which was magical, because of the peace (and shade). In spite of the time of year, not too many people there, but a big site, so they were scattered I suppose. Will certainly go again, perhaps next Spring when it should be cooler.  trimming my beard
See how I trim my beard, with tips if you are a beginner. Well its better than shaving every day! I trim the beard every other week, and although it only takes a few minutes, as always it is the preparation and clear up that takes the time. I always know when it is time, as I am conscious of it. I have had a full beard since I was 21. I was away at College in Leicester, and wanted to achieve the "continental" look, complete with bow tie! The only time I had to shave it off was when I had all my wisdom teeth extracted in Edgware General Hospital. They said it was to cut down infection - this was long before the madness of hospital infections. They only had "free" disposable razors, so it was a painful task, and I got through a few of their razors. It is something I like about my appearance, and I am so pleased it is a full growth, even if it is grey going to white! As always with age, the hair on top doesn't grow as well as the beard... as long as there is some? Pops, I think you need to buy a new beard trimmer. Buy the philips QT4045 vacuum trimmer, your hair won't fly all over the place, and especially on your precious black t-shirt. All the hair will vaccum into the trimmer and you can just empty the thing. Then please post another video comparing the new one to your old one. FT (UK)  who needs a search engine?
Not, when you can use CTRL+F (meaning you press and hold down the CTRL key, normally bottom left on the keyboard, and at the same time press the letter 'F' key). Well at least to search page by page. This often neglected Microsoft facility has been available on all Operating Systems, and is perhaps the most convenient free tool there is. It is always up to date, and instantly ready for your use. My FreeFind search aid updates weekly, but inspite of its slightly odd way of returning search queries is accurate and easy to use. It only searches erixlife.net of course. I used to provide links at the foot of every, but these needing updating regularly as I expanded the site. Now I have a constant link on every page: sitemap . To keep it current, I adjust the links on that page only. There is the traditional logo link to the start page, on every web page (top left hand corner). Try CTRL+F and see if you like it. It will work for email, and documents as well. You have the option to search forward or back, and to enter a word or a phrase. In some programs there may be a "Find and Replace" service. CTRL+F available in Open Office, and probably all other word processing software.  Here's
a pic of me in Canterbury Cathedral, when I went at the beginning of
the month to meet my friend from Worthing (who went by coach). She gave
me the photo on Wednesday when we met again in Brighton. Yes, I know
its dark, but it seems quite evocative, so I have included it on the photos page.
It wasn't that I was alone in the cathedral, but I could have been. I become easily moved by spiritual feelings in quiet and holy places. I used to long to visit places like Lourdes, but as I have become older I find the peace and contentment more easily - simply by being quiet myself. In a garden or any natural place it is easier, but I find I can meditate at a bus stop, or in a queue. Brief as it may be, that moment of calm can be overwhelming and all consuming. It can be like a supercharge, or a surge of pure positive energy. I can't say how long it lasts, but it seems to top up my levels that enable me to enjoy my day to the utmost. Try getting in tune with yourself. Listen and feel. Open up. Be grateful and all things are possible. I have entered the Silver Surfer of the Year competition, and written to Richard and Judy in case they would like to include my video of a young peacock eating out of my hand. I know its not "funny" but it is interesting and I think will qualify for consideration. I'll let you know the outcome... Volk's Electric Railway
Visited Brighton yesterday, to meet a friend from Worthing. Amongst other things we rode the world famous Volk's Electric Railway. This was started by Magnus Volk (1851-1937) in 1883. He was an inventor and electrician. His house in the town was the first to have electricity and a telephone! I imagine this was Victorian enterprise at its best, and visitors would have been enchanted by this unique experience. Today the railway connects the Pier and the Marina. The track runs along the beach alongside Madeira Drive, and seems well supported by visitors. It was a short but very enjoyable ride, and I will travel again next time I am there.  born again virgin
That's what I am, I have decided! Can you imagine - me, old enough to be a grand father, but young enough to be a "virgin". That's what everyone wants isn't it? I could be an experienced "virgin" surely there would be a great demand for that? I could advertise on the internet - ebay perhaps. Who would bid for me? How would I start the ad - Old Queen? Maybe, born again queen, "it gets better each time" - well that could be my slogan... I'd be on the Richard and Judy show, interviewed on Breakfast TV, written about in the News of the World. What would they say though... I can see the headlines now: PM encourages recycling (think about it), Richard Branson telephones queen, Queen invites queen... I could forget all the misdemeanors of the bedroom, plane, train, field and cottage etc. Start again... On Tuesdays I could be a silver surfer queen, Wednesdays, just an old queen, Thursdays, a vice queen, Fridays, a rent queen, and the rest of the week I could be a blog queen. If I started this late in life, I have a lot of catching up to do. I don't think I could stand the pace? I remember John Betjeman (1906-1984) saying the one thing he wished for in his life would have been more sex. Well, I can't complain of the lack of it, but was it quantity or quality? And, in the end does it really matter? Now that I am on a spiritual path, I think of other things, so being a born again virgin is just academic... Chenies Manor
Visited this fabulous house and garden for the annual Plant Fair earlier today, but mainly just to have a look round the property. It was their 10th year, and it seemed well organised. What a lot to do for just a day though. Went with some neighbours and we all had a "2 for 1" voucher from the local newspaper, so we were delighted with that. Just an amazing place, and the video will show you just a little of what it is like. The perfect place for a rich queen - just imagine those parties? Me, well I'd be living like a hermit wouldn't I. Walking around barefoot and maybe naked as well? You couldn't do that today though - far too chilly! A very pleasant afternoon, and so civilised. We shared the place with every middle class couple from the county.  gratitude
Have started my Gratitude Diary, a dedicated diary to record daily thanks for everything in my life. There are often many items to record, but I try to write about just one a day. Today there were several as well... connected with my bus journey to High Wycombe. The person behind me at the Hemel Hempstead bus stop introduced herself as J, a friend of D (with whom I have broken off contact). I quickly remembered her. She talked all the way to her stop at Chesham. It was very friendly, and of course we spoke of our mutual friend, D, and I told her why I was not in touch with her - her controlling ways, her failure to "listen" and her desire to be all powerful (always right) and god-like mistress. Well, she understood perfectly and agreed with everything I said. She could only cope with D in very small doses, and sympathised. I told her she could tell D of our conversation, and said she would filter the subject. I am so grateful to have been able to talk to her about D, and maybe in the distant future we may restart a limited friendship? There were two other incidents worth mentioning. The bus driver took time to explain to an inquiring potential passenger about some aspect of the route, and handed her a bus timetable. So helpful I thought. Later, while at a bus stop on the return home, a car pulled up to pick up a disabled passenger from our bus stop. She was elderly, had a stick and and shopping bag. A young man leapt forward to open the car door for her, but the driver had forgotten to unlock it! This was soon rectified, and then the embarrassed driver got out, came round to the side of the car to collect her shopping to place in the boot. he smiled sweetly at the young samaritan. When the car drove off, the woman waived to the young man, who returned her greeting. How nice...  dongle
I've given up waitrose.com as my broadband internet provider (to reduce fixed costs) and bought a reduced price dongle from Three (3G) which fits into my laptop via USB, as above, and although the speed is less, it seems pretty reliable. I am surprised how "little" data I am exchanging. I thought it would be massive, after waitrose.com was always on and available without "limit". With Three you buy an upgrade voucher fro £10, which lasts a month, and so far I have not used up all my allowance. So virtually half the cost of Waitrose, and the doubtful ability to surf anywhere, but that's over rated as far as I am concerned. If laptop batteries lasted as long as mobile phones do nowadays, I might be more inclined to go "mobile" but in reality I always do it in the same place... like "missionary position" isn't it? This is almost the end of my second month, so I am still evaluating the performance. There is no contract tie-in, it is completely PAYG, and I prefer that. It is pretty amazing as far as I am concerned - how does the signal (just for me) arrive so incredibly on my screen. But, then I am still wondering if the world is flat... Welcome to my new search partner - FreeFind. I have added their link on every page of the site to enable you to search for anything throughout the 26 erixlife pages. This replaces the Google search box! Please use the FreeFind box as often as possible to maximise your enjoyment of my web site. You'll be amazed just how much material there is. It is an excellent free service, and I recommend them to you all. Ten years ago I used them on earlier sites I was running at the time - before Google! Thank you FreeFind, and enjoy the site. Monday 14 July 2008  when technology fails
Don't you just hate it when something you use regularly, suddenly stops working for no apparent reason. My DAB radio refuses to switch ON. Nothing happens. I've tried a power re-set, and swearing at it, but still nothing! The electric kettle won't switch OFF automatically, and also I dropped the Brita filter jug which cracked - spilling the just topped up water, all over the floor. Not a good day. I'll certainly have to get a new filter jug, and probably another kettle and a new radio. Can you believe it? What a waste of money. I hate having to replace perfectly "good" items, but dislike it when things don't work, and these are items I use every day. The money I'll need for these things would have paid for something much more fun, like a trip out, with a meal... Isn't it is always the case when you have some spare cash for something, an unexpected expenditure crops up putting paid to the original plan. Frugal friends tell me they have a "rainy day" fund for these sorts of occasions, but I don't seem to be be able to manage that. From my meagre resources, I just about manage to get by, but there is rarely any surplus. Trouble is, if there is, I will get some newly announced gadget, which captivates me for a few days, but later becomes redundant. This is usually followed by a price reduction of the item, so if I had waited a bit? If not that, a mark two version of the product is released with so much more power or storage... I often think they could have released that one in the first place. Is it a ploy to get people to buy another one? Some people say Microsoft behave like this with operating systems, but at least they are continuing to support XP for another year or two, which is quite amazing considering how long Vista has been out. Well done them this time, for listening to their public. Of course I have Vista, just imagine me - Gadget Queen, with anything that is not the latest and the best. I think the version I have is "professional" not that I consider myself to be a pro - well not that sort of pro! A tart yes... Now, don't you dare say a word. Watford Miniature Railway
Also in Cassiobury Park, this delightful small passenger railway is a delight for kids and their parents - for only 80p a ride. Fantastic bargain, and I will travel again, whenever I can. Through woodland it runs, a smooth and fascinating journey. Why do people always wave to trains - I will not wave back, how ridiculous. It is NOT The Railway Children film is it? Anyway, enjoy the journey... through the lock
See the narrowboat travelling through the lock in Cassiobury Park, Watford. It is a pleasant summer day, yet there are not too many people about. The Park is an oasis in the urban jungle of Watford, and contains many features which locals can enjoy. More over the next few days. This is fun isn't it... Will I ever get an Oscar? hand feeding a peacock
One of the house sitting highlights was the arrival of a hungry young male peacock at the back door. I never imagined that he would end up feeding from my hand, but he did. It was only dry bread, but he seemed to enjoy it. Please forgive the inane "baby" talk to the bird... Also my voice sounds a bit strange because being at the house on my own, I wasn't talking to anyone. The video shows him arriving, feeding and then walking off. Enjoy. Sussex house sitting
It started with a weekend, and became a stay for ten days, but staying at a property with 20 acres in deepest Sussex is quite an experience. Rather lonely, apart for some weekdays when the gardener came in, so we could chat and eat. I loved the days but disliked the nights. After dark it was a bit spooky, and I stayed up really late watching the 900 channel HD TV. When I was really sleepy I would go to bed quickly and hide under the duvet, then wish that sleep would overtake me quickly. With the light early mornings, my shortage of sleep could be made up during the day. What a coward, but I didn't enjoy the experience for that reason, and would not do it again (on my own). I was not allowed internet access unfortunately, and although I had my pc with me, the mobile internet dongle did not connect - too rural I suppose. The attached video shows some of the garden, and gives an impression of the grandeur of the estate. Even if I had the cash, I wouldn't swap it for my bungalow!  B P monitoring
Although just back from house sitting in Sussex (more later about this) I have suffered the discomfort of a 24 hour blood pressure monitoring device. My BP fluctuates quite a lot, so my GP said lets get the full picture. I was wired up for a day and a night, with automatic readings every 30 minutes during the day, and every hour overnight. This probably would have increased the readings, because like a torture device, one is waiting for the "pressure" and at first I jumped when the noise of the motor started... What a queen! Naturally my sleep last night was virtually non-existent, so today I am shagged out, as they say. Of course, I've forgotten what that was like, haven't I? I returned from Sussex late on Saturday afternoon, and encountered the Gay Pride queens on the underground, with banners and colourful costumes. I pretended not to notice, as befits a British Queen, and just pouted my lips! That is one thing I have never done, dragged in public, but the young are SO outrageous nowadays, aren't they? I've got to make an appointment for the result of the monitoring, so that will be another trauma. One is only permitted to apply for an appointment 2 days in advance. Can you believe this nonsense. Are they there for us or themselves. The NHS is always in the news for one thing or the other, but if they can't get things right at the grassroots, what chance is there for better things higher up? I am sure a lot of people don't bother. Its like trying to get a dentist isn't it. Hopeless. Let's emigrate ... |
 every completed monthly blog page, has a linked alphabetical index of entries - by title this month
October 2008 (12) September 2008 (12) August 2008 (31) 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
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<!--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've just now stumbled across your website INDEX OF ENTRIES (20) July 2008 alphabetical order born again virgin B P monitoring Canterbury Chenies Manor Chiltern Open Air Museum dongle FreeFind gratitude hand feeding a peacock my hats neck shaving - front and rear St Albans and the Abbey Sussex house sitting swans and cygnets through the lock trimming my beard Volk's Electric Railway Watford Miniature Railway when technology fails who needs a search engine? |