the medics, opticians, dentists and various hospitals become part of everyday lie.
Today at the opticians it was almost easier to list what's working properly than to list various difficulties.
Hip-replacement op will be required probably age over 70 as the penny-pinching NHS opine that it ought not to be done before that age.
Cataracts have appeared and are developing in not one, but both eyes. Otherwise both eyes are healthy and sight remains appropriate to allow me to drive. Still on two-year callback but with the caveat to come back earlier if I notice significant worsening.
Post-herpetic neuralgia will be with me until the end of days.
Tomorrow's appointment at a different major hospital is to investigate shoulder probs. The 'Jury' is out as to whether there are any fractures, whereabouts and how many are to be determined. However, in due time as in a two and a half week wait for the appt.
Himself is not a 'happy bunny' having had a long wait this morning before I came out of the opticians to be taken back home.
How long the wait might be tomorrow is another unknown factor; as too are the charges for parking at the hospital. Two other hospitals let you have the first half-hour 'free'. Scuse the pun, bit time will tell.
This month also entailed a check-up at the dentists - come back in six months...
Tuesday, 9 October 2018
Sunday, 26 August 2018
Karma or...
Quote Longfellow
The 'doomed' property after some 80+ years of careful maintenance is typical of a 1930s dwelling.
In the 1930s linear development became a common settlement pattern. The dwelling under new ownership was the latest to be built 1932 and it was not until 1934 that the settlement was extended. Behind the dwellings was a farmer's fields. Services to and from the properties were typical of the times.
Hence each property has its own Rodding Eye
A rodding eye is a vertical pipe that has a curved junction which sits below ground with a drain or sewer system. There is access to these pipes via a small, oval-shaped cover which is provided at ground level, allowing them to be reached in the event of a blockage within the pipe.
The paranoid pair have more problems as we found out just now. Drainage or rather sewage problems of their own making.
We found this out as the utilities workmen called round here to ask if we had any drainage problems.
Conversation led to them learning from us that the properties still have rodding eyes. Gratitude abounds as they would never have discovered the problem for themselves. Being thanked by the engineers was graciously accepted.
Addendum
Monday
Of course the vexatious incomers were nowhere to be found when the utilities engineers arrived. All they'd done was leave a garden gate open for the engineers to do what they would.
Twas solely because those engineers came across D when going from door-to-door to see if any other properties had similar problems that they learnt how to fix that particular problem.
“Though the mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small; Though with patience He stands waiting, with exactness grinds He all.”We have persisting down rain which is brilliant for water supply purposes and hopefully will prevent the utility company from implementing such controls as a hosepipe ban which was mooted at the start of August.
The 'doomed' property after some 80+ years of careful maintenance is typical of a 1930s dwelling.
In the 1930s linear development became a common settlement pattern. The dwelling under new ownership was the latest to be built 1932 and it was not until 1934 that the settlement was extended. Behind the dwellings was a farmer's fields. Services to and from the properties were typical of the times.
Hence each property has its own Rodding Eye
A rodding eye is a vertical pipe that has a curved junction which sits below ground with a drain or sewer system. There is access to these pipes via a small, oval-shaped cover which is provided at ground level, allowing them to be reached in the event of a blockage within the pipe.
The paranoid pair have more problems as we found out just now. Drainage or rather sewage problems of their own making.
We found this out as the utilities workmen called round here to ask if we had any drainage problems.
Conversation led to them learning from us that the properties still have rodding eyes. Gratitude abounds as they would never have discovered the problem for themselves. Being thanked by the engineers was graciously accepted.
Addendum
Monday
Of course the vexatious incomers were nowhere to be found when the utilities engineers arrived. All they'd done was leave a garden gate open for the engineers to do what they would.
Twas solely because those engineers came across D when going from door-to-door to see if any other properties had similar problems that they learnt how to fix that particular problem.
Saturday, 25 August 2018
Paranoia par excellance
40 years of peace, neighbourliness and harmony.
Then property was sold and took some 6-8 weeks of builders let run riot with the property.
Person objected to photographs being taken from the street. 'Do not photograph my house, please'.
That led to closed curtains front and side. Paranoid woman decided people were staring too much.
Obviously strapped for cash, having taken on a property they could never afford solely because it was sold in a hurry. Next they decided to waste money they do not have on a fence they do not need.
Latest person today was quoting fro a 6-foot high fence! Laughable in the extreme. Paranoid pair have decided they need a 6-foot high fence...but there is already a suitable fence in place. Yet, they have made no attempt to put in fencing on the two sides of 'their' fencing which is in need of repair / replacement. Instead they are determined to put up a fence on the boundary that does not belong to them.
Now, dear readers do you understand the ludicrous situation. People who are in such penury that they have kept furniture from the previous owner. They also are using curtains some of which a over 10 years old.
The dwelling has been turned into a money-pit. Load-bearing walls have been demolished and the backdoor blocked-up.
How to ruin a property in a couple of months!
Pity the dwelling was put on the market for such a low price. The paranoid pair would have been far better off in Wimpey-wonderland.
Then property was sold and took some 6-8 weeks of builders let run riot with the property.
Person objected to photographs being taken from the street. 'Do not photograph my house, please'.
That led to closed curtains front and side. Paranoid woman decided people were staring too much.
Obviously strapped for cash, having taken on a property they could never afford solely because it was sold in a hurry. Next they decided to waste money they do not have on a fence they do not need.
Latest person today was quoting fro a 6-foot high fence! Laughable in the extreme. Paranoid pair have decided they need a 6-foot high fence...but there is already a suitable fence in place. Yet, they have made no attempt to put in fencing on the two sides of 'their' fencing which is in need of repair / replacement. Instead they are determined to put up a fence on the boundary that does not belong to them.
Now, dear readers do you understand the ludicrous situation. People who are in such penury that they have kept furniture from the previous owner. They also are using curtains some of which a over 10 years old.
The dwelling has been turned into a money-pit. Load-bearing walls have been demolished and the backdoor blocked-up.
How to ruin a property in a couple of months!
Pity the dwelling was put on the market for such a low price. The paranoid pair would have been far better off in Wimpey-wonderland.
From 2000 to 2018
With Marie now one of the dear departed, the property fell to her four sons. Son number one didn't need / want any money so he enabled the youngest son to buy out the other shares in the property. Thar left youngest son in sole charge of the property.
He now had two bungalows, one in the N.W. and the other in the East Midlands. For over a decade he happily moved to and for to live in both properties as and when he wanted.
Unfortunately, youngest son went on to develop Parkinson's disease.
Nephew (son of richest brother) sold up to release equity.
Neighbours had enjoyed 40 years of friendship and true neighbourliness.
It has become obvious that they are unable to cope with the necessary refurbishment of the property. Guess they over-extended themselves. However, anther problem is their lack of experience, knowledge of the necessities, lacking the gumption to organise themselves.
Only the terminally inept employ a firm of builders only to leave them to their own devices. In the 2-3 months the builders had complete freedom to do what they would, no-one ever visited to check what was being done.
Similarly the plumber and electrician were left to their own devices. Plumber ended up being called back some dozen times because of difficulties.
Ignorance and malice-aforethought personified.
One of the first events was total destruction of a decades-old wisteria.
Next, both front and back gardens had well-maintained lawns.
When we looked after the gardens, it used to take a day to mow, edge, trim the lawns.
New inhabitants haven't even bothered to acquire a proper lawn mower. The lawn mower they attempted to use was an old push mower! needless to say, all it did was make a mess.
They have shown themselves to be paranoid, disruptive, vexatious and mentally unstable.
Today they caused a nuisance by making a false claim.
Nuisance call / report #1
Time to create an incidence log.
Nuisance claim 26/01/2018
Cadent
(Cadent manages the national gas emergency service)
Report - Parts per million - Meter reading ZERO
Since we recently had a Smart Meter installed, it has already been proven that our property and utilities conform to modern Gas Safe Standards.
Cadent - What we don't do
Their petty vindictiveness becomes more and more apparent.
17-08-2018 some time round about 2300 hours 'blues and twos' accompanied by flashing lights. Seemingly another false alarm instigated by the trouble-makers.
He now had two bungalows, one in the N.W. and the other in the East Midlands. For over a decade he happily moved to and for to live in both properties as and when he wanted.
Unfortunately, youngest son went on to develop Parkinson's disease.
Nephew (son of richest brother) sold up to release equity.
Neighbours had enjoyed 40 years of friendship and true neighbourliness.
2018
In only two-three months those that bought the property for a pittance have proved themselves to be the type that have a high nuisance value.It has become obvious that they are unable to cope with the necessary refurbishment of the property. Guess they over-extended themselves. However, anther problem is their lack of experience, knowledge of the necessities, lacking the gumption to organise themselves.
Only the terminally inept employ a firm of builders only to leave them to their own devices. In the 2-3 months the builders had complete freedom to do what they would, no-one ever visited to check what was being done.
Similarly the plumber and electrician were left to their own devices. Plumber ended up being called back some dozen times because of difficulties.
Ignorance and malice-aforethought personified.
One of the first events was total destruction of a decades-old wisteria.
Next, both front and back gardens had well-maintained lawns.
When we looked after the gardens, it used to take a day to mow, edge, trim the lawns.
New inhabitants haven't even bothered to acquire a proper lawn mower. The lawn mower they attempted to use was an old push mower! needless to say, all it did was make a mess.
They have shown themselves to be paranoid, disruptive, vexatious and mentally unstable.
Today they caused a nuisance by making a false claim.
Nuisance call / report #1
Time to create an incidence log.
Nuisance claim 26/01/2018
Cadent
(Cadent manages the national gas emergency service)
Report - Parts per million - Meter reading ZERO
Since we recently had a Smart Meter installed, it has already been proven that our property and utilities conform to modern Gas Safe Standards.
Cadent - What we don't do
- We don’t produce gas.
- We don’t own the gas that flows through our pipes. We only transport the gas through our pipeline networks.
- We don’t repair gas appliances.
- We don’t send out gas bills.
- You do not pay your gas bill to us
Their petty vindictiveness becomes more and more apparent.
17-08-2018 some time round about 2300 hours 'blues and twos' accompanied by flashing lights. Seemingly another false alarm instigated by the trouble-makers.
Thursday, 16 August 2018
From 1932 until 2018
The bungalow was home to one family who bought it from new. When Marie moved in the dwelling was the last one, there were no others. The bungalow housed Marie and her growing family throughout the 20th century. When she looked out of her kitchen window, all was rural with a clear view across to the Pennines.
Suffice it to say that when you have a neighbour like Marie, there was mutual respect and friendship was in abundance.
Time rolled on and Marie brought up her family. She and her husband raised 4 boys. Two married and one made a success of everything he did. He's become the sort of person for whom 'money is no object'. He passed on success to his son, who seems to have inherited the golden business touch.
One made and lost money several times eventually his business in Cornwall led him to being declared bankrupt. He went on to live in South Africa. He and his bosom male buddy run a successful accommodation business in Cape Town.
One married twice and both marriages failed. Marie had liked wife #1 and they became friends. Marie altered her will when she had had enough of wife #2 and excluded her.
Marie lived alone after her husband died (1984) and all the lads had moved out. She died towards the end of 2000. Her funeral was well-attended; I took the afternoon off to go to the church service. The church was full.
One of her sons died in 2002.
She might have lived on her own, but she was hardly ever lonely as so many people visited her, cared for her and looked after her.
The eldest (richest) son always sent her a hamper from Harrods for Christmas.
Every Tuesday she passed across her shopping list and told us of any little jobs she'd like doing.
She is as the saying goes sadly missed.
Suffice it to say that when you have a neighbour like Marie, there was mutual respect and friendship was in abundance.
Time rolled on and Marie brought up her family. She and her husband raised 4 boys. Two married and one made a success of everything he did. He's become the sort of person for whom 'money is no object'. He passed on success to his son, who seems to have inherited the golden business touch.
One made and lost money several times eventually his business in Cornwall led him to being declared bankrupt. He went on to live in South Africa. He and his bosom male buddy run a successful accommodation business in Cape Town.
One married twice and both marriages failed. Marie had liked wife #1 and they became friends. Marie altered her will when she had had enough of wife #2 and excluded her.
Marie lived alone after her husband died (1984) and all the lads had moved out. She died towards the end of 2000. Her funeral was well-attended; I took the afternoon off to go to the church service. The church was full.
One of her sons died in 2002.
She might have lived on her own, but she was hardly ever lonely as so many people visited her, cared for her and looked after her.
The eldest (richest) son always sent her a hamper from Harrods for Christmas.
Every Tuesday she passed across her shopping list and told us of any little jobs she'd like doing.
She is as the saying goes sadly missed.
Wednesday, 18 July 2018
Six months on or thereabouts
Finally got appt. for the osteology dept. at the hospital.
Left early and it was good thing we did because of road closures, diversions, and rush hour.
The signposting for the diversion was worse than useless. Only useful sign said 'Road Closed'. Thinking back, it must be some 40+ years since I regularly drove the highways and by-ways of that part of the city. Even went past the detached house where I was in digs for a couple of years.
Surgeon was busy, some 45 mins late, but so long as I know I need to wait, that is no problem.
The idea of injections was floated and discounted, They would be most uncomfortable and unlikely to have even the slightest positive effect.
I now have to tackle the idea of weight-loss more seriously.
Left early and it was good thing we did because of road closures, diversions, and rush hour.
The signposting for the diversion was worse than useless. Only useful sign said 'Road Closed'. Thinking back, it must be some 40+ years since I regularly drove the highways and by-ways of that part of the city. Even went past the detached house where I was in digs for a couple of years.
Surgeon was busy, some 45 mins late, but so long as I know I need to wait, that is no problem.
The idea of injections was floated and discounted, They would be most uncomfortable and unlikely to have even the slightest positive effect.
I now have to tackle the idea of weight-loss more seriously.
Sunday, 15 July 2018
West Riding, Derbyshire, Hants and Middlesex
Take a family of textile workers in the West Riding. One son rather than follow into the textile trade becomes a joiner. Cyrus became a skilled wood-worker craftsman. For no apparent reason he moves to and settles in Derbyshire where he sets up in business and employs several workers. His younger brother joins him from the W. Riding.
Typically, families had a set of names that were passed down through the generations. In this family those names are
Cyrus - this name stands out as being a more unusual one.
I have traced the various people christened Cyrus from the West Riding via Derbyshire to Portsea and thence to London, Middx.
Cyrus Alfred born Portsea, Hampshire to Frederick (son of Cyrus from W. Riding) and his third, yes third wife Mary.
Wife #1 Sarah Ann - died
Wife #2 Rebecca - married Frdk 1880
By 1891 Frdk has moved to Portsea, Hants.
Wife #3 Mary - widow already had 3 children from first marriage (Arthur, Ernest and Lionel)
Fred son of Frederick and Mary (Portsea)
Brother Walter, draughtsman worked at H. M. Portsmouth Dockyard.
When their father dies in 1925, Walter and Frederick inherit £1009 18s 10d.
Walter and Fred's brother Cyrus Alfred b. 1897 becomes well-known baritone and works in the theatre industry. Moves up to London to become theatre manager. Marries Bertha - a theatrical wig dresser.
Frederick - Cyrus' brother leaves W. Riding to follow Cyrus to Derbyshire. Leaves Derbyshire for America in 1857 only to perish a few years later in an accident.
Cyrus' son Frederick has family in Derbyshire and the 1881 census proves he is working in the family business.
However, by 1891 he's in Southsea where he lives until the end of his days. How or why he ended up leaving Derbyshire and creating his third family remains a mystery.
Typically, families had a set of names that were passed down through the generations. In this family those names are
Cyrus - this name stands out as being a more unusual one.
I have traced the various people christened Cyrus from the West Riding via Derbyshire to Portsea and thence to London, Middx.
Cyrus Alfred born Portsea, Hampshire to Frederick (son of Cyrus from W. Riding) and his third, yes third wife Mary.
Wife #1 Sarah Ann - died
Wife #2 Rebecca - married Frdk 1880
By 1891 Frdk has moved to Portsea, Hants.
Wife #3 Mary - widow already had 3 children from first marriage (Arthur, Ernest and Lionel)
Fred son of Frederick and Mary (Portsea)
Brother Walter, draughtsman worked at H. M. Portsmouth Dockyard.
When their father dies in 1925, Walter and Frederick inherit £1009 18s 10d.
Walter and Fred's brother Cyrus Alfred b. 1897 becomes well-known baritone and works in the theatre industry. Moves up to London to become theatre manager. Marries Bertha - a theatrical wig dresser.
Frederick - Cyrus' brother leaves W. Riding to follow Cyrus to Derbyshire. Leaves Derbyshire for America in 1857 only to perish a few years later in an accident.
Cyrus' son Frederick has family in Derbyshire and the 1881 census proves he is working in the family business.
However, by 1891 he's in Southsea where he lives until the end of his days. How or why he ended up leaving Derbyshire and creating his third family remains a mystery.
Change, change, change
Recently peeps in an online forum have been posting about P.G.C.E. which nowadays bears no resemblance to way back when.
Some of the daft ideas would be priceless if they were joking; but sadly daft ideas prevail.
Took me back to times long past.
Spending time on observation in primary school. The staff worked in a challenging area (inner city). One school inspection comes readily to mind. The Nurse sent lots of children home because if various infestations.
Then there was a C of E school in a borough that had Middle School and Primary schools only had children up to the age of 9. Then they went to Middle School and finished off at secondary. The junior school was across a busy road from the church which had grassland behind it. They had a special visitor one day as the Bishop of Wigan toured the school.
Previously, there were school in Cumbria and Rose Lane Liverpool. the former was experimenting with open classrooms, a specially built school where all classrooms were open, no doors! Rose Lane primary, the expectation was to teach the Headteacher's class (gulp). Typical of urban schools several pupils did not have English as first lang.
Some of the daft ideas would be priceless if they were joking; but sadly daft ideas prevail.
Took me back to times long past.
Spending time on observation in primary school. The staff worked in a challenging area (inner city). One school inspection comes readily to mind. The Nurse sent lots of children home because if various infestations.
Then there was a C of E school in a borough that had Middle School and Primary schools only had children up to the age of 9. Then they went to Middle School and finished off at secondary. The junior school was across a busy road from the church which had grassland behind it. They had a special visitor one day as the Bishop of Wigan toured the school.
Previously, there were school in Cumbria and Rose Lane Liverpool. the former was experimenting with open classrooms, a specially built school where all classrooms were open, no doors! Rose Lane primary, the expectation was to teach the Headteacher's class (gulp). Typical of urban schools several pupils did not have English as first lang.
Sunday, 1 July 2018
Unused as we are to fine weather
for several weeks there was rain, rain and yet more rain. This has been replaced by unforgiving, relentless sunshine.
Looking at the Cornwallive website, there have been numerous reports of fires. Although the charitable might opine that the fires had natural causes; it is becoming more apparent that some are the result of carelessness whilst others are apparently arson. Carn Marth, Redruth has according to police been set alight deliberately.
Cheap, portable throwaway barbecues have been the culprit on several occasions. Divers people failing to ensure they have been dowsed, and improper disposal have led to more fires.
In Lancashire, high up on the Pennines large areas of moorland have been set ablaze. To say we are in the 21st century...the outbreak is being dealt with using 'beaters' hardly a 21st century solution. In particular Saddleworth Moor has large areas where the fires have set alight layers of peat moorland making it almost impossible to control. Peat can remain smouldering for a long time.
Other areas that have caught fire include Bidston, Cheshire and Formby (Ainsdale) areas much frequented by tourists.
Looking at the Cornwallive website, there have been numerous reports of fires. Although the charitable might opine that the fires had natural causes; it is becoming more apparent that some are the result of carelessness whilst others are apparently arson. Carn Marth, Redruth has according to police been set alight deliberately.
Crews from Tolvaddon, Falmouth and Perranporth all tackled the blaze with hose reels and beaters, and had it fully extinguished by 3.30 a.m. on Sunday, and passed the incident to Devon and Cornwall Police to investigate.
Cheap, portable throwaway barbecues have been the culprit on several occasions. Divers people failing to ensure they have been dowsed, and improper disposal have led to more fires.
In Lancashire, high up on the Pennines large areas of moorland have been set ablaze. To say we are in the 21st century...the outbreak is being dealt with using 'beaters' hardly a 21st century solution. In particular Saddleworth Moor has large areas where the fires have set alight layers of peat moorland making it almost impossible to control. Peat can remain smouldering for a long time.
Other areas that have caught fire include Bidston, Cheshire and Formby (Ainsdale) areas much frequented by tourists.
Long time no posts but
Osteoarthritis is the dominant theme all day everyday.
Last December on meeting 'specialist' for assessment...it was agreed that:-
Last December on meeting 'specialist' for assessment...it was agreed that:-
- am too young for them to operate
- need to lose weight
- carry on carrying on
- by the way 'we' prefer not to operate more than once
- and in my words to self 'carry on suffering'
- agreed condition is serious enough to operate but remember the age barrier
- no steroid injections as there's little chance of any positive effect
- yes, the hip joint is now misaligned due to osteoarthritis
However, on seeing G.P. one of my shoulders is now also showing signs of...you've guessed it...osteoarthritis.
As I have been finishing off a course with the O.U. that has dominated most of my time.
I chose EA300 Children's Literature which turned out to be intensive, time-consuming and most enjoyable.
Wednesday, 3 January 2018
Traditional
Side gate with uneven path
Double gateway
Someone else can care for all that grass!
Wondering what new owners or developers will do?
Photo designed to make rooms appear larger.
Time for a clear out.
1932 bungalow part of linear suburban development.
One family owned the property until 2018. Four sons raised there, each went their separate ways.
One moved to South Africa
Eldest now lives in the S.E. having moved nearer to grandchildren.
Another was in the police force and died in the 20th century.
Finally, the youngest brother, the one that could not bear to part with this dwelling...has had decision-making taken out of his hands.
Eldest brother, probably egged on by domineering wife, sent nephew up north to get rid of the place.
Saturday, 30 December 2017
Down memory lane
Social media has a group
Clitheroe Past and Present
there folk share old pix and many a reminiscence.
Getting nearer to year's end seems a good enough time for musings and borrowings.
When folks' lives stem from places rich in history, some areas are more conspicuous than others.
Take an old Norman Keep and its surroundings then delve into the past as it resonates into the future.
Formerly part of Lord Montague's estates the Keep and its surroundings were purchased for posterity as the town's War Memorial soon after World War I.
Typically in that area much of the funding was collected door to door from local inhabitants and topped up by donations from local worthies.
Some 50+ year's later the town decided on a swimming baths.
Once again local folk went door to door making collections in their part of town. Each area had their local collector who arrived weekly and each household dibbed in what they could.
Then the swimming baths were built and are still there to this day. Previously, we swam in the river and some still swim in the river today.
Clitheroe Past and Present
there folk share old pix and many a reminiscence.
Getting nearer to year's end seems a good enough time for musings and borrowings.
Formerly part of Lord Montague's estates the Keep and its surroundings were purchased for posterity as the town's War Memorial soon after World War I.
Typically in that area much of the funding was collected door to door from local inhabitants and topped up by donations from local worthies.
Some 50+ year's later the town decided on a swimming baths.
Once again local folk went door to door making collections in their part of town. Each area had their local collector who arrived weekly and each household dibbed in what they could.
Then the swimming baths were built and are still there to this day. Previously, we swam in the river and some still swim in the river today.
Thursday, 8 June 2017
Cultural appropriation or not...
Yesterday saw the appointment of the bookseller Waterstones 10th 'children's laureate'. Good publicity for them and monies for the person selected.
There were some unintentional errors, or I'd like to think the winner was not that ignorant.
Earlier on BBC Breakfast interviewed the winner, followed later by a more well-known
author Anthony Horowitz.
Since studying Worlds of English, I've done l lot more transcribing especially anything that interests me about English Language and Literature.
There were some unintentional errors, or I'd like to think the winner was not that ignorant.
She said, "Children need to remember they are real people".
Next she opined
"We are all born literate".
"Children can read expressions from the minute they are born".
Tell that to the educationalists, and the scientists if you dare.
Wednesday, 24 May 2017
Tuesday, 16 May 2017
Oops
as a result of world-wide ransom-ware proliferation this weekend...the poor old NHS is in it good and proper.
Typically, although reputable news reports (I.T. mags) noted weaknesses in NHS systems, the government have been at pains to say 'not my problem'.
When large parts of the NHS have continued to use an out-dated unsupported operating system Windows XP, this weekend's problems were an accident waiting to happen.
I've been following events as reported by 'The A Register'.
"Proud website boasts that the "NHS is totally protected with Sophos" became "Sophos understands the security needs of the NHS" after the weekend scrub-up.
El Reg asked Sophos to comment on what seemingly went wrong with its security defences but we're yet to hear back beyond an acknowledgement of our query."
As they might say...
The plot thickens...
Typically, although reputable news reports (I.T. mags) noted weaknesses in NHS systems, the government have been at pains to say 'not my problem'.
When large parts of the NHS have continued to use an out-dated unsupported operating system Windows XP, this weekend's problems were an accident waiting to happen.
I've been following events as reported by 'The A Register'.
"Proud website boasts that the "NHS is totally protected with Sophos" became "Sophos understands the security needs of the NHS" after the weekend scrub-up.
El Reg asked Sophos to comment on what seemingly went wrong with its security defences but we're yet to hear back beyond an acknowledgement of our query."
As they might say...
The plot thickens...
Friday, 12 May 2017
MCAS quandry
I recently wrote about MCAS aka the physiotherapy 'service'.
Apparently they'vs been having problems with illness and some folk have moved on to jobs elsewhere.
I must admit to a preference for morning appts. Otherwise the appt. seems to ruin the day making it awkward when the appt. is in an afternoon/
There's been another phone-call this time from them to me.
Mon. appt #1 cancelled
Rearranged by them for afternoon.
Rearranged by me for same time, different 'local' venue appt. #2
Today's phone-call to cancel appt. #2
Next appt. #3 back to venue #1 and same 9.10 appt time. Now with a.n.other person and on a Thursday instead of Monday.
Makes one feel that they could not organize the proverbial booze-up in an open brewery.
Time will tell...
Update
This morning's post (Sat.) bought an appt. (first class post)
Theoretically, it is the go-ahead for appt. this Thurs.
Thurs. appt has been and gone. New physio complete with student. So it was all about assessing him and allowing him to practise his physio-patient skills.
He did well, convincing me which routine of movements might be of more use. Much better than just handing out booklets. He won;t be there next time. Yes, am going to co-operate and see Sarah again. Now, to attempt to makes an appt. Wonder how many attempts it might take this time?
Apparently they'vs been having problems with illness and some folk have moved on to jobs elsewhere.
I must admit to a preference for morning appts. Otherwise the appt. seems to ruin the day making it awkward when the appt. is in an afternoon/
There's been another phone-call this time from them to me.
Mon. appt #1 cancelled
Rearranged by them for afternoon.
Rearranged by me for same time, different 'local' venue appt. #2
Today's phone-call to cancel appt. #2
Next appt. #3 back to venue #1 and same 9.10 appt time. Now with a.n.other person and on a Thursday instead of Monday.
Makes one feel that they could not organize the proverbial booze-up in an open brewery.
Time will tell...
Update
This morning's post (Sat.) bought an appt. (first class post)
Theoretically, it is the go-ahead for appt. this Thurs.
Thurs. appt has been and gone. New physio complete with student. So it was all about assessing him and allowing him to practise his physio-patient skills.
He did well, convincing me which routine of movements might be of more use. Much better than just handing out booklets. He won;t be there next time. Yes, am going to co-operate and see Sarah again. Now, to attempt to makes an appt. Wonder how many attempts it might take this time?
Sunday, 7 May 2017
May she will stay as in Simon and Garfunkel
Unusual weather seems to have become the norm. North-South airstreams more typical of Winter than of Spring. They continue because of high pressure systems lining up one after another.
This fine but chilly weather has brought on an outbreak of gardening. The grass has had several haircuts already. I say grass as one area is lawn, but the other round the fruit trees could nay would never be a lawn.
Then there's the venerable greenhouse, transported having been disassembled long ago from the garden in N.E. Lancs and reassembled here.
With Spring comes growth and there's the remnants of a privet hedge in a back corner that needed attention. Out came the extension leads and hedge-trimmer. Large garden collection bin filled brim-full and beyond. Not forgetting to give the berberis canadesis shrub a short back and sides.
Next came a visit to the local Garden Centre. We came back with tomato plants, Vermiculite and two new azaleas, a white and a rich purplish one.
Gardening has broken out in force. Wild garlic had invaded part of a flower bed. It was hard work, but it has been cleared.
Gardening has broken out in force. Wild garlic had invaded part of a flower bed. It was hard work, but it has been cleared.
Friday, 5 May 2017
Outrageous fortune
Distance learning is not as easy as it sounds. even when conducted thro' the auspices of a long-time provider.
It pays to 'Remember the human'.
This is especially true of email. It's oh so easy to misinterpret what's been written.
As the warning goes...never write and send when you are in a bad mood or upset. That way you lesson the chance of making a fool of yourself.
Similarly, electronic communication is not a level playing-field. Because computers have been around for such a long time it's easy to be lulled into a false sense of security.
It's also easy to assume that others have similar computing skills.
Unfortunately, having traditional writing skills may be fine but add a computer into the mix and stand back to see what happens.
Documents have the facility of commenting (part of word processing). I've had it happen before and now it has happened again.
What, you might ask?
One tutor was a whizzkid at tutoring but not word processing. His documents always had comments with his wife's name. When it's a regular occurrence, it's irksome but I can cope.
However, when for the last assignment the comments suddenly have the wrong name and seem by the wording to be from someone else...that's more awkward.
Tutor had no idea when I mentioned it.
That's why I duly sent a reply with a png file (portable network graphics) showing some of the problem comments.
Here's hoping she understands...
It pays to 'Remember the human'.
This is especially true of email. It's oh so easy to misinterpret what's been written.
As the warning goes...never write and send when you are in a bad mood or upset. That way you lesson the chance of making a fool of yourself.
Similarly, electronic communication is not a level playing-field. Because computers have been around for such a long time it's easy to be lulled into a false sense of security.
It's also easy to assume that others have similar computing skills.
Unfortunately, having traditional writing skills may be fine but add a computer into the mix and stand back to see what happens.
Documents have the facility of commenting (part of word processing). I've had it happen before and now it has happened again.
What, you might ask?
One tutor was a whizzkid at tutoring but not word processing. His documents always had comments with his wife's name. When it's a regular occurrence, it's irksome but I can cope.
However, when for the last assignment the comments suddenly have the wrong name and seem by the wording to be from someone else...that's more awkward.
Tutor had no idea when I mentioned it.
That's why I duly sent a reply with a png file (portable network graphics) showing some of the problem comments.
Here's hoping she understands...
Friday, 28 April 2017
MCAS
...that 'necessary' process when osteoarthritis has been declared.
Musculoskeletal Assessment ''Service'' which in old 'money' is physiotherapy.
Begins with GP referral which is both frustrating and laughable.
Form duly completed by me at the surgery and left for processing. Feb. 3rd
Nothing heard from MCAS until Feb. 28th
Letter informing / instructing me to phone up and make appt.
Then all went pear-shaped.
Person on other end said I'd been taken off the referral list because I had not replied within the fortnight!
Obviously MCAS have a different time-zone.
Letter dated 22nd Feb. received 28th Feb, post-marked 27th Feb - go figure!
Eventually after much argy-bargy I was given an appt April 10th which turned out to be 45 mins of 'grilling' going thro' a long drawn-out form on computer. Followed by another appt. on April 24th. The later was more ridiculous...trying to get someone the osteoarthritis to do moves as tho' there is no deformity of the hip and no pain.
Then she added insult to injury by talking thro' recommended exercises and providing me with booklets even tho' I already had downloaded them. Make another appt. for three weeks time? I offered to bow out, but she was insistent.
I am far from sanguine about the outcome...
Musculoskeletal Assessment ''Service'' which in old 'money' is physiotherapy.
Begins with GP referral which is both frustrating and laughable.
Form duly completed by me at the surgery and left for processing. Feb. 3rd
Nothing heard from MCAS until Feb. 28th
Letter informing / instructing me to phone up and make appt.
Then all went pear-shaped.
Person on other end said I'd been taken off the referral list because I had not replied within the fortnight!
Obviously MCAS have a different time-zone.
Letter dated 22nd Feb. received 28th Feb, post-marked 27th Feb - go figure!
Eventually after much argy-bargy I was given an appt April 10th which turned out to be 45 mins of 'grilling' going thro' a long drawn-out form on computer. Followed by another appt. on April 24th. The later was more ridiculous...trying to get someone the osteoarthritis to do moves as tho' there is no deformity of the hip and no pain.
Then she added insult to injury by talking thro' recommended exercises and providing me with booklets even tho' I already had downloaded them. Make another appt. for three weeks time? I offered to bow out, but she was insistent.
I am far from sanguine about the outcome...
Wednesday, 29 March 2017
It's history
When a conversation turns into an impromptu history lesson.
Chatting earlier today we both went back down memory lane with Andy who must be only late 20s at the most. We were talking car registrations, it being that time of year when the new 17 plates come out.
Both of use could remember our first car reg but nothing much after that. Mine was BFM which a friend suggested stood for Bl**dy fine motor. Fine it was not, but I learnt to drive with it and happily drove in the opposite direction to most of the rush hour traffic that was stop-go into the city as I drove out.
This led eventually to my Marina, not so much as vehicle but welding practice. With a rotten floor that we replaced with pieces of dexion shelving welded into place. A front wing that ended up more 'cocky' as in body-filler than metal. Then I remembered the Marina had drum breaks. we checked them by removal, placing in a large pan on the stove and heating to reveal any cracks.
Safer modern vehicles have disc brakes all round.
I was hankering after another Yaris until I found out that it still has drum breaks on the back. Also as himself remarked he'd feel happier with more metal to the 'box'.
Chatting earlier today we both went back down memory lane with Andy who must be only late 20s at the most. We were talking car registrations, it being that time of year when the new 17 plates come out.
Both of use could remember our first car reg but nothing much after that. Mine was BFM which a friend suggested stood for Bl**dy fine motor. Fine it was not, but I learnt to drive with it and happily drove in the opposite direction to most of the rush hour traffic that was stop-go into the city as I drove out.
This led eventually to my Marina, not so much as vehicle but welding practice. With a rotten floor that we replaced with pieces of dexion shelving welded into place. A front wing that ended up more 'cocky' as in body-filler than metal. Then I remembered the Marina had drum breaks. we checked them by removal, placing in a large pan on the stove and heating to reveal any cracks.
Safer modern vehicles have disc brakes all round.
I was hankering after another Yaris until I found out that it still has drum breaks on the back. Also as himself remarked he'd feel happier with more metal to the 'box'.
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