My family and friends across the pond will apreciate more than their ex colonial leaders that I have been thinking a lot this week about being thankful. For this Thursday, tomorrow or yesterday if you are in Australia, is Thanksgiving. The time, designated in 1941 as a national holiday, to give thanks, collectively as a nation. Although, today, not only do family and friends give thanks and remember the Pilgrims of 1621, it is also a day of food, floats and football. It is also the start of the Christmas shopping bonanza - 'Black Friday'.
I give thanks for Lauren, my friends and family. For memories made, for every time I see, hear, feel and am in my Cumbrian fells. For times that I have forgotten. For the support and love I am receiving now. For what I have learnt, what I can do. And, hopefully, what I will do. No, will do.
Make it a good Thanksgiving, try not to squabble. Remember you dont have to dig to deep to find something to be thankful for.
And finally
There was a person who entered a pun contest. Ten different puns were entered in the hope that at least one of the puns would win. Unfortunately, no pun in ten did.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
The day after the day before
Good Morning all,
Singularly and collectively waiting for the latest posting full of witticism and wisdom must have been a torment worthy of Dante, and then to have those hopes dashed greater than those of an English Rugby fan must have been more dire than you could handle. I would like to apologies for the somewhat disappointing e-mail I sent out last night (GMT), however I have been told to stop apologizing – so I will not.
A new series started on BBC 1 here in the UK on Sunday night. It was an impressive new drama depicting a post apocalyptic world. (For all my colonial cousins – I know it is not the norm, but TV can actually broadcast quality and entertainment). Anyway before you all go there, I am not mentioning this because of some ‘day of reckoning’ psychological state I may be in, but rather, about fifteen minutes after I sent the missive, my computer crashed. Panic gripped. How could I maintain sanity without my laptop? How could I receive that instant communication with the outside world? How could I continue up the ‘Scramble’ ladder on Facebook? How could I disappoint by burgeoning readership? What was I going to do?
Immediately, well almost, I re-started, ‘system repair’ will fix your life, the sleek, shiny portable friend informed me. It did not. Hours of torment, well why don’t I contact my manufacturer, (who I cannot name because of any possible future endorsements and publication contracts), no problem I thought – ‘beggar – the number is on the laptop in my contacts. Ok – use the internet …. Cannot. What do I do? Finally I retire to my boudoir, leaving my technological appendage ‘fixing itself”.
For some reason, sleep was fitful. I awoke - I wont describe the whole morning routine again, (apparently some of you new I was playing a jolly jape within a few words), however, I did delay my morning breathing in and out exercises – to check on my laptop. Still not working.
Now some of you may know where my thoughts next went? What time does computer shop open? What is the best and cheapest I can get? Where is the nearest shop? I know – I’ check on the internet? Duuh.
My point being.. sorry I took I break to make a coffee and I have forgotten my point ….. O yes… our world, well my world, would not be the same without the technological marvels we surround and immerse ourselves, well myself in. Luxuries become comforts, comforts become necessities.
Recently I was making a list, no surprise to some, for hospital. It included cell phone, laptop, PDA, portable DVD player, Nintendo DS lite (I doubt they will want me to endorse them so no worries there) IPod (same) and a radio, with their associated cables. I even added a multiple adaptor. I was watching an interview with Stephen Fry recently (he would be on my dinner party list), and he commented that right now we are at the pinnacle of human technological achievement. At no moment in time, has there been a more high tech period in history. I, and I am sure many of you might agree with me that there are some quite negative aspects to this, not least of which is a mind set dependency upon these digital appendages. And we need to put them all into context.
I think this is the end of this particular comment and you have probably worked out that my silver friend fixed itself – well almost – it managed to re-start, but it seems to have ‘hidden’ my previous ‘user’ and its associated ‘favorites’, documents and photos – beggar!
As with all good things – diamonds, frois gras, Monaco and my blog, small is beautiful.
Speak soon
And
Two parrots were sat on a perch, and one says to the other – “Do you smell fish?”
Singularly and collectively waiting for the latest posting full of witticism and wisdom must have been a torment worthy of Dante, and then to have those hopes dashed greater than those of an English Rugby fan must have been more dire than you could handle. I would like to apologies for the somewhat disappointing e-mail I sent out last night (GMT), however I have been told to stop apologizing – so I will not.
A new series started on BBC 1 here in the UK on Sunday night. It was an impressive new drama depicting a post apocalyptic world. (For all my colonial cousins – I know it is not the norm, but TV can actually broadcast quality and entertainment). Anyway before you all go there, I am not mentioning this because of some ‘day of reckoning’ psychological state I may be in, but rather, about fifteen minutes after I sent the missive, my computer crashed. Panic gripped. How could I maintain sanity without my laptop? How could I receive that instant communication with the outside world? How could I continue up the ‘Scramble’ ladder on Facebook? How could I disappoint by burgeoning readership? What was I going to do?
Immediately, well almost, I re-started, ‘system repair’ will fix your life, the sleek, shiny portable friend informed me. It did not. Hours of torment, well why don’t I contact my manufacturer, (who I cannot name because of any possible future endorsements and publication contracts), no problem I thought – ‘beggar – the number is on the laptop in my contacts. Ok – use the internet …. Cannot. What do I do? Finally I retire to my boudoir, leaving my technological appendage ‘fixing itself”.
For some reason, sleep was fitful. I awoke - I wont describe the whole morning routine again, (apparently some of you new I was playing a jolly jape within a few words), however, I did delay my morning breathing in and out exercises – to check on my laptop. Still not working.
Now some of you may know where my thoughts next went? What time does computer shop open? What is the best and cheapest I can get? Where is the nearest shop? I know – I’ check on the internet? Duuh.
My point being.. sorry I took I break to make a coffee and I have forgotten my point ….. O yes… our world, well my world, would not be the same without the technological marvels we surround and immerse ourselves, well myself in. Luxuries become comforts, comforts become necessities.
Recently I was making a list, no surprise to some, for hospital. It included cell phone, laptop, PDA, portable DVD player, Nintendo DS lite (I doubt they will want me to endorse them so no worries there) IPod (same) and a radio, with their associated cables. I even added a multiple adaptor. I was watching an interview with Stephen Fry recently (he would be on my dinner party list), and he commented that right now we are at the pinnacle of human technological achievement. At no moment in time, has there been a more high tech period in history. I, and I am sure many of you might agree with me that there are some quite negative aspects to this, not least of which is a mind set dependency upon these digital appendages. And we need to put them all into context.
I think this is the end of this particular comment and you have probably worked out that my silver friend fixed itself – well almost – it managed to re-start, but it seems to have ‘hidden’ my previous ‘user’ and its associated ‘favorites’, documents and photos – beggar!
As with all good things – diamonds, frois gras, Monaco and my blog, small is beautiful.
Speak soon
And
Two parrots were sat on a perch, and one says to the other – “Do you smell fish?”
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Good Evemorning,
Today was PET Scan Tuesday.
I woke at 6 to mys usual routine, 20 minutes of Raja Yoga (for those who don't know its an holistic approach to healing which synchronizes the physiological system as a whole as well as transforming all spheres (physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, occupational, social and spiritual) of human existence), followed by 15 minutes of weight training, an invigorating cold shower and then a bowl of home made breakfast muesli (recipe later) and a cup of Japaneses Sencha (obviously not using boiling water so as not to burn the delicate anti-oxidants) whilst listening to .......... bollox - no-one believes this - I got up emptied my bursting bladder, put the kettle on to make a cup of instant coffee and sparked up a fag.
For today was PET Scan Tuesday.
This meant that I could not eat or drink until 15:30 - when the process would be finished. I could have nothing food water and pain pills from 6 hours before 13.30. Later, but not much, the sizzling senstaion of fried black pudding, eggs, bacon and bread seeped through the house as Dad cooked his breakfast - just shy of 77 and fried breakfast every day - now there is a ponder. I escaped upstairs to Flashman - yet another novel I bought for hospital which I am devouring.
A few hours later - off to the Churchill, Oxford because today is PET Scan Tuesday.
Arrival at the Churchill for my 13.30 appointment are shown to the state of thart NHS trailer which contains the PET Scan machine - told to wait 30 minutes and then off we go. Am injected with some radioactive subsatnce told to keep away from pregnaant women and small children for at least 8 hours and to lay back, think of England and relax. I asked if I could read, or listen to music or play nintendo killing WWII enemies - "oh no sir - we just want you to relax" - My response was less than sympathetic - "So rather than distract myself with a good book - I should sit hear pondering wether or not the reason why I am laying here for 50 minutes is to find out if my body is riddled with cancer - very relaxing." That went down well and funnilty enough the answer was rather bland.
Ever tried nopt to move for 40 minute - not even a bit - - bloody difficult. Good job I am not claustrophobic - anybody who has undergone similar wil understand.
Anyway - obvioulsy at home now and will be waiting for results next Monday - have some friends visiting after Dad and Coral leave on Thursday. Looking forward to Rugby on Saturday.
Take care all.
And remember
Length multiplied by width mutiplide by height speaks volumes
Today was PET Scan Tuesday.
I woke at 6 to mys usual routine, 20 minutes of Raja Yoga (for those who don't know its an holistic approach to healing which synchronizes the physiological system as a whole as well as transforming all spheres (physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, occupational, social and spiritual) of human existence), followed by 15 minutes of weight training, an invigorating cold shower and then a bowl of home made breakfast muesli (recipe later) and a cup of Japaneses Sencha (obviously not using boiling water so as not to burn the delicate anti-oxidants) whilst listening to .......... bollox - no-one believes this - I got up emptied my bursting bladder, put the kettle on to make a cup of instant coffee and sparked up a fag.
For today was PET Scan Tuesday.
This meant that I could not eat or drink until 15:30 - when the process would be finished. I could have nothing food water and pain pills from 6 hours before 13.30. Later, but not much, the sizzling senstaion of fried black pudding, eggs, bacon and bread seeped through the house as Dad cooked his breakfast - just shy of 77 and fried breakfast every day - now there is a ponder. I escaped upstairs to Flashman - yet another novel I bought for hospital which I am devouring.
A few hours later - off to the Churchill, Oxford because today is PET Scan Tuesday.
Arrival at the Churchill for my 13.30 appointment are shown to the state of thart NHS trailer which contains the PET Scan machine - told to wait 30 minutes and then off we go. Am injected with some radioactive subsatnce told to keep away from pregnaant women and small children for at least 8 hours and to lay back, think of England and relax. I asked if I could read, or listen to music or play nintendo killing WWII enemies - "oh no sir - we just want you to relax" - My response was less than sympathetic - "So rather than distract myself with a good book - I should sit hear pondering wether or not the reason why I am laying here for 50 minutes is to find out if my body is riddled with cancer - very relaxing." That went down well and funnilty enough the answer was rather bland.
Ever tried nopt to move for 40 minute - not even a bit - - bloody difficult. Good job I am not claustrophobic - anybody who has undergone similar wil understand.
Anyway - obvioulsy at home now and will be waiting for results next Monday - have some friends visiting after Dad and Coral leave on Thursday. Looking forward to Rugby on Saturday.
Take care all.
And remember
Length multiplied by width mutiplide by height speaks volumes
Monday, November 17, 2008
Felicitations
It seems that now that I have gone global – well at least to the continental united states I have to translate :-
M&S – cannot be translated - it is like having Whole Foods selling only their own brand of food, clothing, furniture, handkerchiefs and the retail price and kudos just being enough to make Saturday night special.
Cumbrian Way – the walk of the gods – well at least the gods of Wainwright
Rambling - official definition :- sprawling: spreading out in different directions; "sprawling handwriting"; "straggling branches"; "straggly hair"
· digressive: (of e.g. speech and writing) tending to depart from the main point or cover a wide range of subjects; "amusingly digressive with satirical thrusts at women's fashions among other things"; "a rambling discursive book"; "his excursive remarks"; "a rambling speech about this and that"
(“not sure about ‘amusingly’ but there could be a link with the whole women’s thing )
Anyway
“Turned out nice again” George Formby 1941
Just seen an advertisement for a Wii – want one
Anyway
Went to Nuffield today with my two Minders – Nigel and Dave, met early, coordinated our pre written questions, ready to rumble and waited. And waited – appointment time 11:30 seen at 13:15 – whilst waiting, discussed family and friends, more importantly England v Australia last Saturday – did not agree – did agree – planned the next time we could watch it and drink Boddingtons (that’s for you Sean).
Then called in..
In a nutshell – it is possible that the docs can remove the tumor without removing the leg – not certain - and it is a possibility that I will still be semi legless – but 1st time mentioned. As for the link between the tumor in my foot and my lymph nodes – well one step or at least one lymph node removed at a time – if more than ‘several’ need to be removed – at the moment – all of them are “not right” - therefore, there is a possibility that a systematic approach to healing i.e. radio or chemo will happen – which will obviously necessitate a new haircut (sorry Liza et al ) and lots of new hats.
I feel much more confident than I did last week. It hall hangs on the PET Scan tomorrow.
Which is another story.
Those of you who know me, and I was going to say well, then I thought that was silly, because the biggest problem I have tomorrow is not that I cannot eat or drink for 6 hours before the test @ 13.30 – it’s the fact that I cannot wear clothing that contains metal. No corduroys or chinos for me – just a pair of leggings I bought in TK Max – TJMax for the colonists. So here I go.
The bad news – I may be riddled – the good news – they can top slice and I amcured – for now – here goes ……
Love
A
Words and music by Eric Idle
Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best...
And...
always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...
If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing.
And...always look on the bright side of life...
It seems that now that I have gone global – well at least to the continental united states I have to translate :-
M&S – cannot be translated - it is like having Whole Foods selling only their own brand of food, clothing, furniture, handkerchiefs and the retail price and kudos just being enough to make Saturday night special.
Cumbrian Way – the walk of the gods – well at least the gods of Wainwright
Rambling - official definition :- sprawling: spreading out in different directions; "sprawling handwriting"; "straggling branches"; "straggly hair"
· digressive: (of e.g. speech and writing) tending to depart from the main point or cover a wide range of subjects; "amusingly digressive with satirical thrusts at women's fashions among other things"; "a rambling discursive book"; "his excursive remarks"; "a rambling speech about this and that"
(“not sure about ‘amusingly’ but there could be a link with the whole women’s thing )
Anyway
“Turned out nice again” George Formby 1941
Just seen an advertisement for a Wii – want one
Anyway
Went to Nuffield today with my two Minders – Nigel and Dave, met early, coordinated our pre written questions, ready to rumble and waited. And waited – appointment time 11:30 seen at 13:15 – whilst waiting, discussed family and friends, more importantly England v Australia last Saturday – did not agree – did agree – planned the next time we could watch it and drink Boddingtons (that’s for you Sean).
Then called in..
In a nutshell – it is possible that the docs can remove the tumor without removing the leg – not certain - and it is a possibility that I will still be semi legless – but 1st time mentioned. As for the link between the tumor in my foot and my lymph nodes – well one step or at least one lymph node removed at a time – if more than ‘several’ need to be removed – at the moment – all of them are “not right” - therefore, there is a possibility that a systematic approach to healing i.e. radio or chemo will happen – which will obviously necessitate a new haircut (sorry Liza et al ) and lots of new hats.
I feel much more confident than I did last week. It hall hangs on the PET Scan tomorrow.
Which is another story.
Those of you who know me, and I was going to say well, then I thought that was silly, because the biggest problem I have tomorrow is not that I cannot eat or drink for 6 hours before the test @ 13.30 – it’s the fact that I cannot wear clothing that contains metal. No corduroys or chinos for me – just a pair of leggings I bought in TK Max – TJMax for the colonists. So here I go.
The bad news – I may be riddled – the good news – they can top slice and I amcured – for now – here goes ……
Love
A
Words and music by Eric Idle
Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best...
And...
always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...
If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing.
And...always look on the bright side of life...
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Part 2
Hello again,
Not the content I was hoping to write today. In a different world I would be able to update you all on the marvellous, efficient and swift treatment I am receiving in hospital. Unfortunately more tests are being done - including a PET scan and biopsy - but it is taking time. The way it works - I have a test - the results are in and then no-one looks at the results until my appointment with the MDT (multi disciplinary team) the following Monday. E.G. appointment time 11.30 - 'they' look at the results, leaving me and those with me (thanks Dave) waiting for over an hour - we meet - they say I need more tests - I go and book them - and we start the process all over again. No booking a series of tests in advance - even though there seems to be a method in the madness for treatment protocol - its rather - to paraphrase 'Big X' (Great Escape fans) a 'madness in their method'.
Anyway
Good results - Lauren scored 101% in her science test - I know. England won last week but the number of penalties they gave away does not bode well for Saturday against Australia.
This made me laugh though
"I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger - then it hit me"
Not the content I was hoping to write today. In a different world I would be able to update you all on the marvellous, efficient and swift treatment I am receiving in hospital. Unfortunately more tests are being done - including a PET scan and biopsy - but it is taking time. The way it works - I have a test - the results are in and then no-one looks at the results until my appointment with the MDT (multi disciplinary team) the following Monday. E.G. appointment time 11.30 - 'they' look at the results, leaving me and those with me (thanks Dave) waiting for over an hour - we meet - they say I need more tests - I go and book them - and we start the process all over again. No booking a series of tests in advance - even though there seems to be a method in the madness for treatment protocol - its rather - to paraphrase 'Big X' (Great Escape fans) a 'madness in their method'.
Anyway
Good results - Lauren scored 101% in her science test - I know. England won last week but the number of penalties they gave away does not bode well for Saturday against Australia.
This made me laugh though
"I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger - then it hit me"
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Hello, good evening or even good morning depending upon which side of the Atlantic you choose to reside upon. Welcome to my blog – a new an exciting venture in my new and exciting chapter of life. Please bear with me whilst I blither on about some housekeeping before I get to the meat and two veg of the blog. Not sure if that is the correct phrase but as I am cooking meat and two veg for my brother who is staying with me tonight it does seem appropriate. Not that it is real cooking – seemed to have lost all interest in that particular area of my excellence and so I say thank you, the first of several this evening to M&S. Boy, or for that matter girl or even those of transsexual gender did I miss M&S for those years spent in exile from its deliciousness across the pond. Where was I, oh yes, I am not sure how regular I will post on my ‘blog’ however I can promise it will be frequent – well I say promise – it is more like a hope. As for the ‘blog’ itself I must thank my good friend Vincenzo Stravinski who with the support and encouragement of his dear lady wife facilitated this expedition in to the unknown. The idea is that it will be a portal to all to view me and hopefully my responses to your responses during the next few months and maybe even beyond.
I am not sure how this 'blogging' works - should it be carefully crafted exposition of thought, word and deed or as in this case a relatively incoherent rambling or should it be a bit of both - what do you think? A thought just occurred to me - is this an American site - it is an an American computer and therefore spelling is somewhat dubious - lets try - color - colour - it does not seem to worry the spell checker - but I digress. Another thought - how do I tell you all that this 'blog' exists or that I have posted another piece of erudite ramblings - if there can be such a thing - I am going to take a break and e-mail Vincenzo - I will be back. I am back - so I will carry on.
Other housekeeping - I am sure there is but I cannot think of them right now.
There is no news as yet as to what or when surgery will take place to alleviate me temple like body of the "Big C" in my right leg - I go for the test results on Monday 10th of November and I will inform you all of any decisions of which I hope there are many and decisive as soon as I can.
I am tired of the wait - it means that I cannot get on with getting on with me. I need a date by which I can see an end. I am not that concerned, though I am sure that will change in time, about getting on with getting on with me after the main medical bit has finished. I just do not want to go through the medical bit - the four months it took to get over a little toe was a nightmare, only made bearable by the diamond care and support that Lauren and Liza provided and the support and friendship from those who I became close with in such a short time in CT. I need to start now. I feel so bad about not doing what I do, love doing and am good at at School - I feel fine in myself, whatever that means - I just cannot stand up for very long - plus I am pretty stoked up on some pretty stoked up medicines. I need to stop repeating myself in the same sentence repeating myself in the same sentence.
Surprisingly, I am actually enjoying this. Hope you are? It is an enjoyable experience,this 'blogging' thing, typing as I think, (rather loose term), listening to Radio 4, enjoying a small pre-dinner libation.
I have just returned from Wales, staying with Dad and Coral, very enjoyable and then met up with an old college friend, not old, same age as me, but a dear friend, in Chester - lovely city - will be on my list for doing 'after'. That and the Cumbrian Way. This is my dream.
It starts in Ulverston and ends in Carlisle and will take about five leisurely days. Am looking for companions - Dad and Coral will provide the support vehicle - carrying the load and meeting me at the end of the day and my Nigel and Steven will be accompanying me - they had better anyway. Will be doing this in the Summer of 2009 - all being equal.
Seemed to have stalled. There is a new comedy show on Radio 4 taht has just started and it is slightly distracting, So I am going to 'post' this or 'publish this post'- whatever.
Take care all and remember
Rosa sat
So Martin could walk
So Obama could run
So we can fly.
I am not sure how this 'blogging' works - should it be carefully crafted exposition of thought, word and deed or as in this case a relatively incoherent rambling or should it be a bit of both - what do you think? A thought just occurred to me - is this an American site - it is an an American computer and therefore spelling is somewhat dubious - lets try - color - colour - it does not seem to worry the spell checker - but I digress. Another thought - how do I tell you all that this 'blog' exists or that I have posted another piece of erudite ramblings - if there can be such a thing - I am going to take a break and e-mail Vincenzo - I will be back. I am back - so I will carry on.
Other housekeeping - I am sure there is but I cannot think of them right now.
There is no news as yet as to what or when surgery will take place to alleviate me temple like body of the "Big C" in my right leg - I go for the test results on Monday 10th of November and I will inform you all of any decisions of which I hope there are many and decisive as soon as I can.
I am tired of the wait - it means that I cannot get on with getting on with me. I need a date by which I can see an end. I am not that concerned, though I am sure that will change in time, about getting on with getting on with me after the main medical bit has finished. I just do not want to go through the medical bit - the four months it took to get over a little toe was a nightmare, only made bearable by the diamond care and support that Lauren and Liza provided and the support and friendship from those who I became close with in such a short time in CT. I need to start now. I feel so bad about not doing what I do, love doing and am good at at School - I feel fine in myself, whatever that means - I just cannot stand up for very long - plus I am pretty stoked up on some pretty stoked up medicines. I need to stop repeating myself in the same sentence repeating myself in the same sentence.
Surprisingly, I am actually enjoying this. Hope you are? It is an enjoyable experience,this 'blogging' thing, typing as I think, (rather loose term), listening to Radio 4, enjoying a small pre-dinner libation.
I have just returned from Wales, staying with Dad and Coral, very enjoyable and then met up with an old college friend, not old, same age as me, but a dear friend, in Chester - lovely city - will be on my list for doing 'after'. That and the Cumbrian Way. This is my dream.
It starts in Ulverston and ends in Carlisle and will take about five leisurely days. Am looking for companions - Dad and Coral will provide the support vehicle - carrying the load and meeting me at the end of the day and my Nigel and Steven will be accompanying me - they had better anyway. Will be doing this in the Summer of 2009 - all being equal.
Seemed to have stalled. There is a new comedy show on Radio 4 taht has just started and it is slightly distracting, So I am going to 'post' this or 'publish this post'- whatever.
Take care all and remember
Rosa sat
So Martin could walk
So Obama could run
So we can fly.
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