“Welcome to my home on the internet!”
Now that sounds good.
Well I like the sound of this, seems there is a London dentist now using Laser instead of the dreaded drill in the preparation for filling teeth. No more drilling and no pain from injections. Wow! now that seems the way to go. It appears that the laser is capable of killing bacteria located deep in a cavity which leads to better long term restorations, so it works well if you have a very small amount of tooth left and need restorative crowns. It does have limitations as it cannot it seems, remove silver amalgam fillings and most of us over fifty have those. Still anything that helps with a trip to the dentist gets my seal of approval.
A Helping Hand
Hamada had a wonderful time and yes he managed to dip his toes in the Med once more. Many thanks go to Ian who helped Hamada every step of the way. Could not have made this journey without him and Jenny, bless you both xx Many thanks also to the wonderful support received from the services at both Doncaster/Sheffield and Mahon Airports who sped us though baggage and passport controls and who treated Hamada gently and with the utmost care. It just shows you minor miracles do happen. Best wishes to you all.:Poem Sea Dreams shown below.
Sea Dreams – by Susie Hemingway
Sea Dreams.
In dreams that free the tangled man
you walk on beach of fine white sand,
it’s in your soul to yearn this so,
a struggle yes! but we shall go
I know you dream to smell the sea
to fill those lungs with ozone free
to feel warm breezes brush your skin
taking pain from deep within
the sea a vivid colbert blue
on crest of waves a dream or two,
your slim brown feet will curl and flex
as salty ripples flow and ebb
dream dear man for it will be,
to walk the sands again with me,
to feel the sun on tortured skin
to ease all damage held within
for if I have to carry thee,
among the palms your limbs will free,
your eyes will see, your heart will soar,
the pain no longer at your door.
“Sea Dreams” that deep become,
a wish for thee, that will be done…
All Rights Reserved July 2008
Francesco da Mosto
I am really enjoying Italian architect Francesco’s da Mosto Mediterranean Voyage, now showing on BBC2 on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 8.30. Sailing from Venice to Istanbul in the fabulously beautiful ” Black Swan” schooner, we follow the historical Venetian trading route, stopping at some of the most beautiful Mediterranean cities on the way. This program is delightful, it brings together the threads of history and culture. Da Mosta has a very attractive calming voice and is so passionate about the places he visits, that you find yourself caught up in his adventure. We have seen the enchanting church at Skriljinch and this week we stopped at the historic Mostar Bridge in Split and then between the Croatian islands of Hvar ad Korcula which were surprisingly beautiful. Then onto the historic city of Dubrovnik. A stop in Tirana the capital of Albania was interesting if not, a rather strange city. Francesco da Mosto unadulterated enthusiasm and wanderlust is truly appealing and I cannot wait until next week to continue this journey with this wonderful Venetian.
It’s Not Enough Jacqi Smith!
It’s not enough, it’s just not enough! how disappointing when the chance was there or so I thought, to bring into play, the very much stronger laws needed to fight against the carrying of ‘weapon’ knives. What a “half-baked” piecemeal idea Jacqi Smith talks about! To even consider taking these hooligans around our hospitals to see the damage done after the wielding of these knives. Could this ever make these perfectly ignorant people see the pain and damage inflicted, I really don’t think so. Tell me, do they care? Taking them to the morgues could possible be better!
The intensification and severity of the increased knife crime over this past weekend is showing a trend that will continue if our government do not get a grip on this appalling situation. It will for sure, escalate even more. This wonderfully ‘clobbered together’ plan, our government has managed to come up with. To try to involve the parents of these young people, is too similar to a plan put in place in the states that didn’t work. So it’s hardly likely that it will succeed here. This latest government scheme is a waste of money and in no way severe enough. How these criminals must be laughing at the mindless thought that went into this latest ingenious idea! For they know this will not stop them in their pursuit of gang glory.
Build a ‘camp’ in a deserted part of the UK and incarcerate anyone found carrying a knife, no television , no MP3 players, no computer games and basic food only, take away their freedom, as they are taking from others. Now, that will stop the problem and if they manage to take their precious knives with them! – the ones that make them feel so brave – they can stab each other! Make them think, before leaving home, that the penalties are so severe and then, and only then, will they stop carrying knives. Take away their liberty, it is the only way for the rest of the young people to walk our streets freely and safely. Only then Jacqi Smith, will these most appalling crimes stop.
When Will It Stop ? – This Knife Culture.
Perhaps a too emotive subject for me to tackle but how can any of us standby watching this terrible affliction take over the lives of our young people. How can we stand back and not demand that something be done, to curb this need to kill and maim your fellow man. How sad to think in our beloved London and so many of our cities it is no longer safe to walk. How can it be allowed to continue? when on every news program and in every newspaper, we hear or read of yet another young man or woman who has been stabbed to death! How ever hard the groups of distressed parents and friends – of these daily tragedies – try to make these stupid and moronic people see some sense, nothing seems to change. Why should these criminals be allowed to do what ever they feel like in a country that belongs to us all and to the rest of us who hold it so dear. It seems they will go on slaying each other, while we all standby watching! Why will our government not bring in a five year mandatory sentence for anyone found carrying a knife that is not ‘tools of their trade’ How many more young people will die before, it is realised that our laws are inofficious and therefore without moral duty, these idiots will not stop, until our laws become punitive. I would no longer walk alone at night in my own country for fear of being attacked and there are many who feel the same, how sad is that? How dare they spoil this beautiful country! The time is now, to make this small minority of ruthless criminals understand that it must stop. This is the time to bring in much stronger laws. Without these laws I believe it will not end.
What the rest of the world must think of us and the uncivilised way we live I cannot bear to dwell on, it is beyond my imagination. There are times I feel ashamed to be British.
A Summer Party
On Saturday we were invited to a wonderful 50th birthday party for a friend who lives in the same village. It was so beautifully planned, I believe there was upwards of one hundred and thirty persons present, yet the organization was amazing. A fantastic live band which always sets the scene for me, was ensconced under a canopy, and arriving to the gentle sounds of a saxophone was very pleasing. It was held in the extremely large rear garden of a village house and there was something for everyone, the children had loads to do as there was a wonderful ‘Sumo ‘ wrestling’ game among many others. The food was scrumptious, with a wonderful ‘hog-roast’ and some amazing desserts. We chatted and danced to some wonderful old tunes and what a perfect evening it all was.
Is There Ever A Right Time ?
Is there ever a right time when you are severely ill to take a holiday? Some would say that’s a risk too far! Maybe because we have been so shocked at the invasion into our lives of this ‘Myeloma beast’ and also Hamada had so many serious complications during the past two and half years, that we have never felt it possible that he should leave his home, even for a short time. Still after consultation with Hamada’s doctor and obtaining the consultants letter to aid the travel insurance, we have decided the time is right, to take a Mediterranean trip. Hamada is doing well right now. Yes, he is incredibly weak and certainly not in brilliant shape, but nearly all the medical stats show a small improvement and so, if we are to keep on keeping on… we have decided the time is now. Hamada grew up by the sea in Alexandria and although we are not returning ‘this time’, his passion is still for the ‘Med’ and I know this beckons him. So we have found a little island to visit.
Having always believed strongly, that to give power to the Multiple Myeloma, when it is our power, that should dominate it, is the only way forward. Hamada is a brave man, and he is a fighter, and a warrior, and yes, this is the right time… ok, it’s a gamble, let’s hope we make it and that it will be a very special holiday for him. I shall endeavor to make it so.
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every
experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.
You are able to say to yourself,
“I have lived through this horror,
I can take the next thing that comes along”…
You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt 1884 – 1962
I Will Not Be Broken by Jerry White.
It was with great interest that I read “White’s” inspirational book after it had been brought to my attention. This book with it’s clear steps on how to overcome life’s diversities in the face of tragedy felt to me, like it had a place here on this ‘blog’. Jerry White talks with great clarity of the unavoidable moment that divides our lives into the “before” and “after” at the point of tragedy or change. About what helps us to emerge stronger and perhaps wiser to reshape our lives in yes a different way, but while we search to recover we emerge even stronger. Many people have sent me mails and comments about my poetry on this ‘blog’. About how they have helped in some way. “I Will Not Be Broken” appeals to me greatly and I think it will to some of my readers to.
“This is a compassionate book in ” I Will Not Be Broken” Jerry White brings his insight and experience to bear expertly for those facing life’s unexpected challenges”
I Will Not Be Broken is on sale @ http://www.amazon.co.uk.
A Village Fete
Towards the end of June, seems to be the most popular time for the Village Fete, it really is such a wonderful English Tradition. Our small village had theirs yesterday, as usual on the last Saturday in June. The large Marquees were erected in the centre of the village, and with all the bustle and preparation an excitement seems to take over.
The ladies of the village start their wonderful baking in the days before, and the cakes are duly assembled, some are selected for selling and the rest are displayed in the refreshment tent ready to serve our visitors a wonderful tea. Wines and gifts are packed onto tables for tombola and raffles, and all manner of stands, and games, filled the meadow. The ‘Honey’ man was there with his wonderful little pots of goodness and his special sheets of bees-wax, which can be rolled and made into candles. Delicious homemade Jams and Marmalades filled the tables. Local ‘very tasty ‘ Eggs were gathered up very quickly. With the Ice Cream Man and Bouncy Castle doing a roaring trade, a festive air took place. Great plants for sale, and an impressive display of vintage cars filled more spaces.
The local school Band played wonderfully and with such great accomplishment and aplomb, and later with the catchy tunes of our village group, I found my toes tapping as some great music filled the meadow.
The weather was kind to us and seeing all the cheery faces and the happy smiles and laughter of the children, it was a most pleasant afternoon. Long may this splendid tradition continue.
