Ok guys, you will if you visit here regularly be aware of the TP situation. For those of you not familiar TP stands for 'The Patient' and is my father, the history can be found here.
Well, a few weeks ago TP had his one year follow up oncology appointment and all appeared to be going remarkably well.
Unfortunately, as per the law of sod, yesterday, quite suddenly, we learned after a long day at hospital that is far from the case.
I won't bore you with details and TP is anyway a very private individual and wouldn't want his medical history 'out there' but suffice to say, things are not good and treatment is very unlikely to be possible.
That's it then, you know what's going on in the background but I won't be saying much about it here, for a while at least it's 'chin up and shoulders back' but you will understand if I am a little more peculiar on occasion than usual!
F*ck!
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
Simon Toefields latest - 'Fly Guy'
For cat lovers everywhere, a new Simon Toefield treat, this guy really knows cats, hilarious!
Previous Toefield treats can be found HERE.
Previous Toefield treats can be found HERE.
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
One small step!
Ok, so those of you who have loyally visited here over the years will already know my dire financial situation, for those who are new, I was declared bankrupt a few years ago thanks to an ex in the main, ooops did I say that out loud? and discharged early at about eight months, for 'conducting my affairs suitably'.
Bankruptcy, for those who might think it is the easy way out, is not, far from it, in fact it has caused me more difficulties on a practical level than most other things I have come up against and on an emotional level it's not a great boost to one's self esteem!
Being discharged makes precious little difference in real terms, my credit rating is shot for at least six years and my ability to rent or buy a property is almost zero via legitimate channels but today I had a small breakthrough, well for me it felt pretty big I have to admit!
Today, ta da, my bank finally reinstated my debit card, at last I don't have to carry piles of cash everywhere, I can shop online, I can shop in Tesco (or wherever) without having to add every damn item up and I no longer have panic that if I lose concentration at the petrol pumps and squirt too much gas in the tank I'm not going to have enough cash to pay with!
Believe me, in my little world this is a significant step forward and I almost feel like a normal human being again! Well, for now anyways, before you say it!
Oh...and it's not often I have had cause to thank a banking institution in my life but a big thank you to Barclays, who were the only bank that would entertain me when the going got really tough!
You rock guys!
Bankruptcy, for those who might think it is the easy way out, is not, far from it, in fact it has caused me more difficulties on a practical level than most other things I have come up against and on an emotional level it's not a great boost to one's self esteem!
Being discharged makes precious little difference in real terms, my credit rating is shot for at least six years and my ability to rent or buy a property is almost zero via legitimate channels but today I had a small breakthrough, well for me it felt pretty big I have to admit!
Today, ta da, my bank finally reinstated my debit card, at last I don't have to carry piles of cash everywhere, I can shop online, I can shop in Tesco (or wherever) without having to add every damn item up and I no longer have panic that if I lose concentration at the petrol pumps and squirt too much gas in the tank I'm not going to have enough cash to pay with!
Believe me, in my little world this is a significant step forward and I almost feel like a normal human being again! Well, for now anyways, before you say it!
Oh...and it's not often I have had cause to thank a banking institution in my life but a big thank you to Barclays, who were the only bank that would entertain me when the going got really tough!
You rock guys!
Monday, 27 July 2009
'The best marriage proposal....
...in world history'! Not.
Is this for real?? Please someone tell me it isn't!
Is this for real?? Please someone tell me it isn't!
Friday, 24 July 2009
Interview #2....
...took place this morning, involved some pretty arduous testing and more of the traditional interview stuff and appeared to go very well.
So bloody 'well' in fact that the end result was my being told me I am way over qualified and hence probably not suitable for the job!! Fab!
The parting shot was that I would be contacted sometime next week with the final outcome but I suspect we can probably guess what it's going to be.
Hey ho....next! On the positive side the whole rigmarole was good experience and if I have to be turned down better for that reason than the alternative!
So bloody 'well' in fact that the end result was my being told me I am way over qualified and hence probably not suitable for the job!! Fab!
The parting shot was that I would be contacted sometime next week with the final outcome but I suspect we can probably guess what it's going to be.
Hey ho....next! On the positive side the whole rigmarole was good experience and if I have to be turned down better for that reason than the alternative!
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
The interview....
.....appeared to go well is the best I can say, but who knows!
As ever it seems it was pretty much of a grilling but I survived it intact and there was talk of 'getting me back' to meet some of the hierarchy in a few days.
Whether it was just talk remains to be seen but I should know in a day or two.
Amusingly, she says with some large degree of sarcasm, I had to 'sign on' immediately after the interview, when I asked the woman who is supposed to be 'helping me back to work' if she was interested in the fact that I had arrived hot foot from an interview she said no! When I asked her if she had any jobs on her system for me today she said....no, without as much as a glance at her screen and that she didn't have time.
I will add here that there were five staff members visible, three of whom were chatting and I was the sole 'client' in the building!
Ppffttt......each time I go there I get more incensed!
As ever it seems it was pretty much of a grilling but I survived it intact and there was talk of 'getting me back' to meet some of the hierarchy in a few days.
Whether it was just talk remains to be seen but I should know in a day or two.
Amusingly, she says with some large degree of sarcasm, I had to 'sign on' immediately after the interview, when I asked the woman who is supposed to be 'helping me back to work' if she was interested in the fact that I had arrived hot foot from an interview she said no! When I asked her if she had any jobs on her system for me today she said....no, without as much as a glance at her screen and that she didn't have time.
I will add here that there were five staff members visible, three of whom were chatting and I was the sole 'client' in the building!
Ppffttt......each time I go there I get more incensed!
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Monday, 20 July 2009
Red sky at night
Yesterday's sunset...... it appears the Midlands does sunsets as impressively as it does rain!
(Clickable)
(Clickable)
Sunday, 19 July 2009
Would you credit it....
....I have a job interview next week, the first for some time!!!
Most applications don't even warrant the basic etiquette of a reply these days let alone an interview but this one has, so who knows, it's just nice in the current climatethank you Mr Brown to merely have my C.V. make the grade!
No details yet, other than it's only part-time but that's better than no-time. I'll regale you with more details should I secure the position, chickens and eggs and all that......
Most applications don't even warrant the basic etiquette of a reply these days let alone an interview but this one has, so who knows, it's just nice in the current climate
No details yet, other than it's only part-time but that's better than no-time. I'll regale you with more details should I secure the position, chickens and eggs and all that......
Saturday, 18 July 2009
Thunder!
Yesterday afternoon we had here in this little patch of the Midlands, one of the most impressive summer storms I have seen in the UK for a long time! Save for the fact that it knocked out the power and caused the rabbit some consternation it was incredible, it just went on......and on......and on.
Absolutely torrential rain, stunning fork lightening and house shaking claps of thunder directly overhead for something approaching two hours and all accompanied by an unusually strong wind for even a summer storm here.
By the time it passed, the roads were flooded and littered with vehicles that weren't enamoured of that level of engine/moisture content and my walk into town would have been better served had I used a small boat!
The video does it absolutely no justice but it's the best I could do without rendering my camera subsequently useless!
Absolutely torrential rain, stunning fork lightening and house shaking claps of thunder directly overhead for something approaching two hours and all accompanied by an unusually strong wind for even a summer storm here.
By the time it passed, the roads were flooded and littered with vehicles that weren't enamoured of that level of engine/moisture content and my walk into town would have been better served had I used a small boat!
The video does it absolutely no justice but it's the best I could do without rendering my camera subsequently useless!
Friday, 17 July 2009
Talking to the wall!
Well, my house/rabbit sitting excursion is about half way through and I have to admit I won't be particularly sorry when it's over!
I'm sure there are those who imagine that ten days alone, no kids, no partner, no responsibilities save for a small rabbit and only themselves to please would be think it heaven but I promise you....it wears thin, very thin.
I'm beginning to feel like I'm the only person left on the planet and it seems so long since I actually spoke face to face to another human being I am starting to wonder that when I do open my mouth any sound if any sound will actually emit from it....yeah, I know, those of you who know me personally might find that an amusing possibility! Really, save for one or two shop assistants I haven't actually spoken to anyone since Monday and I don't much like it. I have tried the rabbit but his conversation is somewhat limited! I'm pretty used to being alone but this is a little extreme.
Then there's the house. Please, remind me, if the option ever presents itself, that I don't ever want to live alone in a big house, give me a small flat any day. Ok, this may not be very big but four bedrooms, too many bathrooms too choose from and a number of relatively palatial reception rooms (isn't that what estate agents grandly call them?) is way too much space for just one person and necessitates that I attend to much too much in the way of cleaning!
Oh....and late at night and bleary eyed I can live without having so many points of entry to secure!
Yup, give me a small flat any time....and thank heavens for Twitter. ;o)
I'm sure there are those who imagine that ten days alone, no kids, no partner, no responsibilities save for a small rabbit and only themselves to please would be think it heaven but I promise you....it wears thin, very thin.
I'm beginning to feel like I'm the only person left on the planet and it seems so long since I actually spoke face to face to another human being I am starting to wonder that when I do open my mouth any sound if any sound will actually emit from it....yeah, I know, those of you who know me personally might find that an amusing possibility! Really, save for one or two shop assistants I haven't actually spoken to anyone since Monday and I don't much like it. I have tried the rabbit but his conversation is somewhat limited! I'm pretty used to being alone but this is a little extreme.
Then there's the house. Please, remind me, if the option ever presents itself, that I don't ever want to live alone in a big house, give me a small flat any day. Ok, this may not be very big but four bedrooms, too many bathrooms too choose from and a number of relatively palatial reception rooms (isn't that what estate agents grandly call them?) is way too much space for just one person and necessitates that I attend to much too much in the way of cleaning!
Oh....and late at night and bleary eyed I can live without having so many points of entry to secure!
Yup, give me a small flat any time....and thank heavens for Twitter. ;o)
Thursday, 16 July 2009
The song in my head
When you're weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;
I'm on your side. when times get rough
And friends just cant be found,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
When you're down and out,
When you're on the street,
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you.
Ill take your part.
When darkness comes
And pains is all around,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Sail on silver girl,
Sail on by.
Your time has come to shine.
All your dreams are on their way.
See how they shine.
If you need a friend
Im sailing right behind.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Breakfast time!
So, I'm ensconced in my 'holiday home', four bedrooms to choose from, no-one to please but myself, a lovely garden to sit in should the sun decide to shine, which at night boasts foxes and badgers, horses and chickens next door, one small and very culinarliy (is that a word?) fussy but cute rabbit to take care of, meet 'Gonzo', there's no accounting for the choices of kids is there!
and an OMG, what am I supposed to do with this?? allotment in 'full growth spurt' about the size of a small football pitch to deal with!
Gonzo is suppose to be a Netherland dwarf rabbit but some 'accidental' breeding is suspected given that he is in reality approximately the size of two Netherlands and lives in a palatial home that in emergency I could probably share with him!
Said rabbit requires that I adopt a new early morning routine. He would prefer that I attended to his menu before I have partaken of my first coffee but he has no chance, though kale and apple has to be cut and treats found very soon after the first mouthful of caffeine is enjoyed, or one risks much Leporidae displeasure!
He is though a pretty cute rabbit and does permit cuddles without too much performance... though I have yet to have the courage to attempt to transport him into the house for fear he will do the 'wriggly wabbit' thing, escape my grasp and and on day one does a disappearing act never to be seen again!
and an
Gonzo is suppose to be a Netherland dwarf rabbit but some 'accidental' breeding is suspected given that he is in reality approximately the size of two Netherlands and lives in a palatial home that in emergency I could probably share with him!
Said rabbit requires that I adopt a new early morning routine. He would prefer that I attended to his menu before I have partaken of my first coffee but he has no chance, though kale and apple has to be cut and treats found very soon after the first mouthful of caffeine is enjoyed, or one risks much Leporidae displeasure!He is though a pretty cute rabbit and does permit cuddles without too much performance... though I have yet to have the courage to attempt to transport him into the house for fear he will do the 'wriggly wabbit' thing, escape my grasp and and on day one does a disappearing act never to be seen again!
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