What a miserable day it is today. The wind is blowing in gusts, bringing with it intermittent snow flurries. The snow is not lying.
A delivery man told me that a lorry had been blown over on the northbound carriageway of the Forth Road Bridge. That will have caused traffic chaos. No doubt once the road is clear, high sided lorries will be have to travel in pairs, or even be banned altogether until the weather improves.
I am sitting indoors, snugly (and smugly) warm.
My wonderful cleaners have been, so the house is looking pristine once more. They changed my bed for me – it is so good to slip in between clean sheets.
I can’t make up my mind what to do this afternoon: I have a choice of reading, doing my jigsaw or watching my latest DVD.
The DVD is from Amazon and is called Hill Street Blues. For those of you too young to remember it, the catchphrase was “Hey, let’s be careful out there!” It was a series based loosely on the film “Fort Apache, The Bronx”.
The book I am reading is Belfast Confidential by Colin Bateman (the title referencing LA Confidential), which was a Christmas present from my daughter.
The jigsaw is a WASGIJ. These jigsaws usually required you to imagine the view from the opposite viewpoint to the picture on the box, however the ones now require you to work out happened next. Certain bits will remain constant, while others will have moved - great fun.
I think I must be very spoiled to have such a choice on a weekday afternoon.
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Veg Box and Exercise Class
Yesterday I resumed my organic vegetable box delivery, which I had cancelled for the Christmas and New Year season as I was away so much of the time.
Yesterday’s delivery brought potatoes, carrots and onions plus a cauliflower, a Savoy cabbage, 2 leeks and 3 beetroot. The fruit was 2 oranges, 2 apples, 2 bananas and a pear.
Fridge all sorted out and salad drawer cleaned and all put away.
I really ought to take the (somewhat full) bin bag along to the refuse room, but I am hoping to make it last till Thursday when my cleaners come.
Lazy, moi?
This morning was my third pulmonary exercise class. The programmes are individually tailored to our needs - in my case I need to concentrate on my legs as I cannot get up from a chair without using my arms to push up and I have difficulty on steps.
I am pleased to report that the exercise bike was increased to a resistance of 4 and I managed 5 minutes instead of the 4 minutes at resistance of 3.
It was quite cold when I left (1.5 deegrees), but fortunately the ice on the windscreen was almost melted and a quick flip of the wipers cleared it. On the way, the sun was very bright, but low in the sky - as I drove down the slip road to the motorway. it suddenly shone right onto my offside wing mirror, meaning I could not see the traffic coming up on the motorway. Fortunately at the last moment the angle changed and I had good visibility.
Yesterday’s delivery brought potatoes, carrots and onions plus a cauliflower, a Savoy cabbage, 2 leeks and 3 beetroot. The fruit was 2 oranges, 2 apples, 2 bananas and a pear.
Fridge all sorted out and salad drawer cleaned and all put away.
I really ought to take the (somewhat full) bin bag along to the refuse room, but I am hoping to make it last till Thursday when my cleaners come.
Lazy, moi?
This morning was my third pulmonary exercise class. The programmes are individually tailored to our needs - in my case I need to concentrate on my legs as I cannot get up from a chair without using my arms to push up and I have difficulty on steps.
I am pleased to report that the exercise bike was increased to a resistance of 4 and I managed 5 minutes instead of the 4 minutes at resistance of 3.
It was quite cold when I left (1.5 deegrees), but fortunately the ice on the windscreen was almost melted and a quick flip of the wipers cleared it. On the way, the sun was very bright, but low in the sky - as I drove down the slip road to the motorway. it suddenly shone right onto my offside wing mirror, meaning I could not see the traffic coming up on the motorway. Fortunately at the last moment the angle changed and I had good visibility.
Monday, 28 January 2008
Elder Son
Today elder son came to pay me a visit (probably the temptation of the menu I posted yesterday was too hard to resist). We had a grand blether and I asked him to check the water tap in the hall cupboard as I was afraid it was leaking - fortunately it is ok.
Then we sat down to lunch, and elder son did the washing up while I cleared the table.
After that we went for a couple of items of shopping (partly, at least, to show off his brand new car) and I returned the light bulbs I had got at the wrong wattage and replaced them with the correct wattage ones. Elder son noticed that you could get energy saving globe light bulbs, so I bought a few of them to try out - they would have to be significantly better to compensate for the additional price. He also found the bin bags I had been searching for.
After he left to return home, I joined the Scrabble crew and played one round before it was time for tea.
I won!
I don't think I can manage to eat anything tonight as I ate so much at lunchtime.
Then we sat down to lunch, and elder son did the washing up while I cleared the table.
After that we went for a couple of items of shopping (partly, at least, to show off his brand new car) and I returned the light bulbs I had got at the wrong wattage and replaced them with the correct wattage ones. Elder son noticed that you could get energy saving globe light bulbs, so I bought a few of them to try out - they would have to be significantly better to compensate for the additional price. He also found the bin bags I had been searching for.
After he left to return home, I joined the Scrabble crew and played one round before it was time for tea.
I won!
I don't think I can manage to eat anything tonight as I ate so much at lunchtime.
Sunday, 27 January 2008
A Cook-in (of a sort)
I am hoping that elder son will be visiting tomorrow, but the nature of his job means that he may have to cancel at the last minute.
However, in preparation, I have made my chicken liver pate cordon bleu and in the fridge are:
Melon and parma ham as starter,
Pate (see above), Port Salut, organic cheddar, and a brie that looks as though it is ready to glide gracefully off the table, on to the carpet, then out through the french windows.
These will be served with a choice of breads (one of which is in the breadmaker even as I type this), and oatcakes.
There is an accompaniment of a choice of beers.
To finish, strawberries and locally produced home made ice cream.
If he can't come, guess who is going to feast royally!
However, in preparation, I have made my chicken liver pate cordon bleu and in the fridge are:
Melon and parma ham as starter,
Pate (see above), Port Salut, organic cheddar, and a brie that looks as though it is ready to glide gracefully off the table, on to the carpet, then out through the french windows.
These will be served with a choice of breads (one of which is in the breadmaker even as I type this), and oatcakes.
There is an accompaniment of a choice of beers.
To finish, strawberries and locally produced home made ice cream.
If he can't come, guess who is going to feast royally!
Homelessness Sunday.
Today the weather is again dry, but there is quite a strong wind. I am so pleased that I managed to get to Church today.
Today is Homelessness Sunday and the early part of the service was led by the Bible Class, who had organised a project to collect clothes and so on for Open Door.
The prayer for today is:
Lord, your door is always open to us.
Your heart is always open, overflowing with love.
Help us, your church, to keep our doors open to all
who struggle with poverty or homelessness.
Give us open hearts to recognise our sister,
our brother, in need.
And fill us with the will to work in our community
and our country towards ending the pain and
waste that poverty and homelessness create.
In the name of the one who emptied himself of all
but love, our Saviour, Jesus.
Amen
On our way out of Church, there was a poster of a line drawing of a house on the rood screen. We were asked to place a pound coin on a part of the line. Such a little to give, but
"mony a mickle maks a muckle".
(if you are unfamiliar with this phrase, I think the context makes the meaning clear.)
Today is Homelessness Sunday and the early part of the service was led by the Bible Class, who had organised a project to collect clothes and so on for Open Door.
The prayer for today is:
Lord, your door is always open to us.
Your heart is always open, overflowing with love.
Help us, your church, to keep our doors open to all
who struggle with poverty or homelessness.
Give us open hearts to recognise our sister,
our brother, in need.
And fill us with the will to work in our community
and our country towards ending the pain and
waste that poverty and homelessness create.
In the name of the one who emptied himself of all
but love, our Saviour, Jesus.
Amen
On our way out of Church, there was a poster of a line drawing of a house on the rood screen. We were asked to place a pound coin on a part of the line. Such a little to give, but
"mony a mickle maks a muckle".
(if you are unfamiliar with this phrase, I think the context makes the meaning clear.)
Saturday, 26 January 2008
Weather and Washing
How about that for a touch of alliteration?
Today the skies are grey, but light. There is a bit of a breeze, but no strong wind. It is dry, and does not even look like rain.
In other words, a very nice day for the end of January.
Perhaps that is what spurred me on to do my least favourite chore, two loads of washing (but I think it might have had something to do with a severe lack of clean underwear).
However it is good exercise as the laundry room is down one flight of stairs and then along a long corridor, so you go there (and, hurrah there is a machine free!) and put on the first load, note the time and return to the flat. After an hour you go down again to put on the long spin and then to remove things that are not for the tumble dryer. You transfer the spun clothes to a tumble dryer and load the next wash into the vacated washing machine.
Back home and wait for about an hour at which time you put the second wash on to a long spin and remove the dry clothes from the dryer, fold them and put them into a carrier bag. At this point you empty the water container from the tumble dryer and clear the fluff.
By this time the second wash is ready to transfer to the newly vacated tumble dryer, so back home with the first wash and put it all away.
After about an hour you go down to the laundry room again and collect and fold your second wash, empty the water container and clear the fluff. Back home again with only the dried wash to put away.
Phew!
Today the skies are grey, but light. There is a bit of a breeze, but no strong wind. It is dry, and does not even look like rain.
In other words, a very nice day for the end of January.
Perhaps that is what spurred me on to do my least favourite chore, two loads of washing (but I think it might have had something to do with a severe lack of clean underwear).
However it is good exercise as the laundry room is down one flight of stairs and then along a long corridor, so you go there (and, hurrah there is a machine free!) and put on the first load, note the time and return to the flat. After an hour you go down again to put on the long spin and then to remove things that are not for the tumble dryer. You transfer the spun clothes to a tumble dryer and load the next wash into the vacated washing machine.
Back home and wait for about an hour at which time you put the second wash on to a long spin and remove the dry clothes from the dryer, fold them and put them into a carrier bag. At this point you empty the water container from the tumble dryer and clear the fluff.
By this time the second wash is ready to transfer to the newly vacated tumble dryer, so back home with the first wash and put it all away.
After about an hour you go down to the laundry room again and collect and fold your second wash, empty the water container and clear the fluff. Back home again with only the dried wash to put away.
Phew!
Friday, 25 January 2008
Endorphins
This morning saw my second time at the pulmonary rehabilitation classes. The physiotherapist has noted that my biggest problem is my leg, and more my left leg (probably a result of a stroke), so she is concentrating on that as well as the other respiratory exercises. I am managing to increase the time or the weight or the resistance (on the bike) for almost every exercise, which feels good.
The weather today is foul with wind and rain making what should be an almost balmy 7 degrees celsius feel really cold and horrible. Still, better than ice or snow for the sixteen mile round trip to my class. I should have done a small shop on my way home to return some light bulbs as I got the wrong ones. However they, and the receipt, are in the car so I can do it next time (hopefully).
Not long after I got home the man arrived from the security firm to install the base unit and give me my new pendant alarm.
After going through all the small print - by the way, how many people take the trouble to read the small print on-line rather than just tick the box that says you have read and agreed them - we tested the base unit and the pendant.
I then checked that my telephone worked for both incoming and outgoing calls and that the internet connection worked too.
I was glad to get a cup of tea in the lounge after all that.
The weather today is foul with wind and rain making what should be an almost balmy 7 degrees celsius feel really cold and horrible. Still, better than ice or snow for the sixteen mile round trip to my class. I should have done a small shop on my way home to return some light bulbs as I got the wrong ones. However they, and the receipt, are in the car so I can do it next time (hopefully).
Not long after I got home the man arrived from the security firm to install the base unit and give me my new pendant alarm.
After going through all the small print - by the way, how many people take the trouble to read the small print on-line rather than just tick the box that says you have read and agreed them - we tested the base unit and the pendant.
I then checked that my telephone worked for both incoming and outgoing calls and that the internet connection worked too.
I was glad to get a cup of tea in the lounge after all that.
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
Classes
This morning was the first of 16 respiratory rehabilitation classes (twice a week for 8 weeks), led by a Senior Physiotherapist helped by an Assistant. The classes are held in a near by small town, which I had, in fact, never visited before. However the directions were good.
Half an hour prior to the class I met with the Senior Physiotherapist to fill in a quick assessment form. This will be used to ascertain how much improvement has beeen achieved over the eight weeks.
There are ten of us in the group of varying ages and all shapes and sizes. I now feel as though I have been run over by a truck, so I must have done some good.
As I have recently bought a flat screen tv with built in DVD player, I came home to receive the usual threatening letter from TV licensing. Here we go again........
Half an hour prior to the class I met with the Senior Physiotherapist to fill in a quick assessment form. This will be used to ascertain how much improvement has beeen achieved over the eight weeks.
There are ten of us in the group of varying ages and all shapes and sizes. I now feel as though I have been run over by a truck, so I must have done some good.
As I have recently bought a flat screen tv with built in DVD player, I came home to receive the usual threatening letter from TV licensing. Here we go again........
Tuesday, 22 January 2008
St Bernards and Brandy
Elder son went skiing at Glenshee (Scotland) on Saturday, and since then I have heard nothing.
I am wondering if I should send out the mythical St Bernard dog with the barrel of brandy round its neck to seek him.
Seriously though...
Yesterday saw me back at the Bridge Club, where I thoroughly enjoyed my game. The company and the stimulus are just so good for me - not to mention keeping these little grey cells active for as long as I can.
Came back and joined the Scrabble group for a cup of tea. One of the group used to be an electrician in his earlier life, so I asked him if he would have a look at a light bulb which had partially shattered of its own accord. Very carefully, he managed to get a hold on enough of the bulb to unscrew it. He then put a new bulb in in its place.
I am wondering if I should send out the mythical St Bernard dog with the barrel of brandy round its neck to seek him.
Seriously though...
Yesterday saw me back at the Bridge Club, where I thoroughly enjoyed my game. The company and the stimulus are just so good for me - not to mention keeping these little grey cells active for as long as I can.
Came back and joined the Scrabble group for a cup of tea. One of the group used to be an electrician in his earlier life, so I asked him if he would have a look at a light bulb which had partially shattered of its own accord. Very carefully, he managed to get a hold on enough of the bulb to unscrew it. He then put a new bulb in in its place.
Monday, 21 January 2008
"Don't Panic! Don't Panic.....
...We're all doomed Mr Mainwairing".
This morning, after getting showered and dressed, I realised I had lost my stick.
I searched all round the flat, but it was not there.
I texted daughter and M in case I had left it in the back of M's car yesterday, but got the reply that it was the first thing I had asked for after getting out of the car (before even my handbag!) He suggested that I might have left it outside my door.
So I looked there.
No.
Went to front door of building in case I had propped it there as I opened the door.
No.
Some degree of panic started to set in.
Right. Lights on in every room and started looking logically (and illogically too) in all the usual places I might have left it, looking as far as possible for places where it might have fallen.
No.
Then I looked in the hall cupboard.
And there it was.
While retracing my steps of last night I forgot that I had hung my jacket in the hall cupboard as soon as I got home yesterday.
Should I start worrying about my mental status?
This morning, after getting showered and dressed, I realised I had lost my stick.
I searched all round the flat, but it was not there.
I texted daughter and M in case I had left it in the back of M's car yesterday, but got the reply that it was the first thing I had asked for after getting out of the car (before even my handbag!) He suggested that I might have left it outside my door.
So I looked there.
No.
Went to front door of building in case I had propped it there as I opened the door.
No.
Some degree of panic started to set in.
Right. Lights on in every room and started looking logically (and illogically too) in all the usual places I might have left it, looking as far as possible for places where it might have fallen.
No.
Then I looked in the hall cupboard.
And there it was.
While retracing my steps of last night I forgot that I had hung my jacket in the hall cupboard as soon as I got home yesterday.
Should I start worrying about my mental status?
Sunday, 20 January 2008
Le Weekend
Yesterday afternoon daughter, her partner and her younger son came to collect me and take me to their home. Before we left, her partner (hereafter known as M) fixed the water tank problem – after adding a small amount of water to the header tank he could see (and feel) that it was virtually full.
So he inspected things more closely.
Being both a man and a plumber, (and even though he had not come across this kind of water tank before), he looked at it more carefully.
And found a button labelled “Reset”.
So he pressed it.
And, lo, two green lights could then be seen.
I wonder how often this would have sufficed……..
After this, daughter put two cables into their respective USB ports on the front of my pc – they are too low for me to reach.
Then off we set.
While sipping on a glass of wine, I made a rainbow salad to start (shamelessly stolen from missbliss ) It really does look and taste good. This was followed by a rather good bolognaise with tagliatelli. I must get the recipe from her as it was different and really tasty. Had to pass up on the film after dinner and head off to bed, but it was a smashing evening. M has just driven me home by a new and very pretty route.
So here I am, on-line again, and glad to report that I am feeling well.
So he inspected things more closely.
Being both a man and a plumber, (and even though he had not come across this kind of water tank before), he looked at it more carefully.
And found a button labelled “Reset”.
So he pressed it.
And, lo, two green lights could then be seen.
I wonder how often this would have sufficed……..
After this, daughter put two cables into their respective USB ports on the front of my pc – they are too low for me to reach.
Then off we set.
While sipping on a glass of wine, I made a rainbow salad to start (shamelessly stolen from missbliss ) It really does look and taste good. This was followed by a rather good bolognaise with tagliatelli. I must get the recipe from her as it was different and really tasty. Had to pass up on the film after dinner and head off to bed, but it was a smashing evening. M has just driven me home by a new and very pretty route.
So here I am, on-line again, and glad to report that I am feeling well.
Friday, 18 January 2008
They don't know it yet, but.....
.....Daughter and partner are coming over tomorrow to collect me and take me there for a meal and a sleepover. Now, they might have helped with the "joiner work", but kind daughter-in-law did that. However, this morning I had a shower that can only be described as tepid. This means that I need to top up the header tank. Now, it is no time since I last topped it up, so, either something is wrong, or I did not top it up enough.
Although I am feeling much better, I don't really feel up to doing the top up (especially as it means unloading all the luggage and so on from the shelf over the tank.
So, guess who is going to be asked to do it for me..........
Although I am feeling much better, I don't really feel up to doing the top up (especially as it means unloading all the luggage and so on from the shelf over the tank.
So, guess who is going to be asked to do it for me..........
Wednesday, 16 January 2008
Wow, Who Is a Lucky Girl, Then?
Wife of elder son found herself in my area today and popped over at about 4pm to see what she could do to help.
First off I made her a cup of tea and biccies.
So I am now sitting on mybrand new super duper office chair in taupe faux suede, which matches very well with the blanket throw I keep on mybed in daytime. It was not easy (as elder son had reported), but she got it.
After that I thought she would have had enough, but no, she responded to the subtle hint of a large box by the fireplace, and made up my new television shelves - a much easier job.
I am now definitely on the mend.
First off I made her a cup of tea and biccies.
So I am now sitting on mybrand new super duper office chair in taupe faux suede, which matches very well with the blanket throw I keep on mybed in daytime. It was not easy (as elder son had reported), but she got it.
After that I thought she would have had enough, but no, she responded to the subtle hint of a large box by the fireplace, and made up my new television shelves - a much easier job.
I am now definitely on the mend.
Saturday, 12 January 2008
Joiner Wanted!
Yesterday arrived my new flat screen television (and smashing it is, as it has a built in DVD drive). Yesterday evening TBSITW undid the packaging and it became immediately clear that she was not going to manage the job. So parcel remains on the floor! To make matters worse, next Wednesday my new office chair arrives and IT will require putting together.
I hope this anguished plea will reach a certain wonderful elder son to see if he can come sometime and do both jobs = I will even give him lunch in return.
Still rather wobbly, but continuing to improve.
I hope this anguished plea will reach a certain wonderful elder son to see if he can come sometime and do both jobs = I will even give him lunch in return.
Still rather wobbly, but continuing to improve.
Friday, 11 January 2008
Things are looking a bit brighter now
and I should emphasise that this is the 4th attempt to get this post on the go! First thing, I got up at 11pm yesterday, showered washed my hair and dressed then realised I was 12 hours in advance. ok, went back to bed under the blanket and slept sound till (real) morning. Had another shower and got dressed. No signs of an appetite yet, but decided to join the ladies waiting for the fish van. Well the cup of tea not to forget the christmas cake , and of course the chat did me a power of good.
Still felt weak and wobbly, but the conversation flowed. Went home and then sat around brain dead.
Shortly after arrived the Best Sister in the World who sorted out my fridge removing things past their best or sell by date scrubbing three dirty carrots and removed the softer pieces. After that, she made and served up my evening meal of haddock poached in milk, new potatoes, carrot sices, Brussels Sprouts.
Just to put the icing on the cake, she bagged up my laundry and took it away.
You don't need to tell me I'm spoiled; I know
Still felt weak and wobbly, but the conversation flowed. Went home and then sat around brain dead.
Shortly after arrived the Best Sister in the World who sorted out my fridge removing things past their best or sell by date scrubbing three dirty carrots and removed the softer pieces. After that, she made and served up my evening meal of haddock poached in milk, new potatoes, carrot sices, Brussels Sprouts.
Just to put the icing on the cake, she bagged up my laundry and took it away.
You don't need to tell me I'm spoiled; I know
Confused Elderly Lady
Ummm, well I decided that as my bed had been changed for me, I really ought to get up and shower and change pyjamas. So, when I wakened up at 11am, I was quite horrified as I had two deliveries coming today. So I had a shower, put on my towelling dressing gown , then as soon as I was dry I got my clothes on.
Did I mention that all the while I was doing this I was staggering round like a drunk?
Then I opened the bedroom curtains and what did I find? Pitch dark.
In fact I had wakened at 11pm not 11am/ Not sure what to do now
Did I mention that all the while I was doing this I was staggering round like a drunk?
Then I opened the bedroom curtains and what did I find? Pitch dark.
In fact I had wakened at 11pm not 11am/ Not sure what to do now
Thursday, 10 January 2008
Friends and Fellow Cairters
Well,, Good morning friends and fellow cairters, yes, this is the first time I have been up really since Monday night, I just slept. The House Manager came in to see me yesterday and was quite insistent that I call the GP surgery (by this time I had also lost my voice), so I did and after a vetting by the Nurse Practitioner, my GP duly visited. So I have a chest infection and am on antibiotics.
Today, my lovely cleaners come and I am expecting two deliveries so when I wakened at 6.15 this morning I thought I had better get up and wear my super duper dressing gown , and see if I waken up a bit .
Today, my lovely cleaners come and I am expecting two deliveries so when I wakened at 6.15 this morning I thought I had better get up and wear my super duper dressing gown , and see if I waken up a bit .
Wednesday, 9 January 2008
The Good News..... and The Bad News
I went to the Bridge Club on Monday afternoon, where I was delighted to discover that my partner and I had come first in the last game before Christmas. I also came 5th (out of ten) at the Christmas Hat night.
I don't know if there was any connection, but that evening I turned to put a bowl in the fridge,
when SPLAT! I landed on my buttocks
I don't know if there was any connection, but that evening I turned to put a bowl in the fridge,
when SPLAT! I landed on my buttocks
Monday, 7 January 2008
7 Random Things
I have been tagged by Seaspray in a meme to give seven facts about me.
I don’t care for memes as they are like chain letters and only clog up computer networks, however seeing it is the lovely Seaspray I will happily give seven random facts about me.
I am heading towards my three score years and ten
I have very big feet.
I swear I am 5 foot six (and a half) but recently seem to have shrunk.
I have 2 sons and 1 daughter all of whom I love
I have 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter (who is an expert at doing “cute”), again all of whom I love.
I am nearly always to be found (when not on the internet) with my nose buried in a book.
I love cooking.
I don’t care for memes as they are like chain letters and only clog up computer networks, however seeing it is the lovely Seaspray I will happily give seven random facts about me.
I am heading towards my three score years and ten
I have very big feet.
I swear I am 5 foot six (and a half) but recently seem to have shrunk.
I have 2 sons and 1 daughter all of whom I love
I have 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter (who is an expert at doing “cute”), again all of whom I love.
I am nearly always to be found (when not on the internet) with my nose buried in a book.
I love cooking.
Sunday, 6 January 2008
A Voyage Remembered
Here is the fourth post from memories of residents here; the first two involved evacuees and the third a lady who was called up.
This one covers a slightly later period shortly after the War was over.
I was born in Belgium and grew up there in a loving family. Then in 1939 the Germans invaded Belgium and I lived through five years of Nazi occupation. That was hard. Thankfully the Allied troops fought for us, and liberated us; for us that meant that our town had British and Canadian soldiers living among us for some time.
My elder sister and I were invited to the officers’ ball and that is where I met a certain Captain. We were married in my home town in April 1946 when we knew that Jack’s demob was imminent. I was now not a single woman and a Belgian subject but a married woman, a British Scottish subject who was looking forward to starting life in Bonnie Scotland. It is that journey from Brussels to Scotland that I would like to remember for you.
I had never been beyond Belgium’s borders, never been on a boat journey. Here was I now in the station in Brussels, saying goodbye to my family to start my journey to Scotland. I was alone (my husband’s unit was in France) to get on this military night train to Calais. Only three other passengers were civilian Belgians, the rest were army personnel. Arrived in Calais I was guided to the officers’ mess for breakfast. I heard a call over the loudspeaker for someone to go to the office – yes it was me! At last Jack and I were now together for the rest of the journey.
After a calm sea crossing we landed in Dover. This was it; I was standing on British soil. I was very much aware that this was for me the beginning of a new life in a country with another language that I would have to learn. In Dover we took a train to York. It was late when we arrived there. Now, where to sleep? I was tired and apprehensive but happy. We tried the Station Hotel (very posh!) but no vacancies. It was the time of “The Races” and it would be difficult to get a room anywhere we were told. Jack phoned B&B addresses but no luck. A taxi took us to the police station; surely they would have a solution to our predicament. No they could not help.
This now was when my dear husband took things into his own hands. He phoned the military hospital in York, and thanks to him being an R.A.M.C. doctor got the OK for us, on condition that we were out by 8.00 am as inspection started then. So at last we had a room with two single beds to rest our weary heads. Yes, I spent my first night in Great Britain in a military hospital! After early breakfast we left to start the last leg of our journey.
I was taken to York station to wait there for Jack to return. He had to report to some military authorities to go through some formalities. I felt very strange, alone in that big, noisy station. I heard only English spoken around me. Even young children could speak it, how clever they were! When Jack turned up we got our train to Scotland. I was told to throw some coins out of the window going over that famous Forth Bridge for good luck.
What a mixture of events and situations, but especially of feelings I had experienced in those couple of days. I was dazed at times but I survived them without shedding a single tear. We were met by car by Jack’s sister. Here I was in Scotland, apprehensive but happy, and ready to be introduced to Jack’s family as their son’s wife!
And yes, I could say “It’s a braw, bricht moonlicht nicht the nicht”!
This one covers a slightly later period shortly after the War was over.
I was born in Belgium and grew up there in a loving family. Then in 1939 the Germans invaded Belgium and I lived through five years of Nazi occupation. That was hard. Thankfully the Allied troops fought for us, and liberated us; for us that meant that our town had British and Canadian soldiers living among us for some time.
My elder sister and I were invited to the officers’ ball and that is where I met a certain Captain. We were married in my home town in April 1946 when we knew that Jack’s demob was imminent. I was now not a single woman and a Belgian subject but a married woman, a British Scottish subject who was looking forward to starting life in Bonnie Scotland. It is that journey from Brussels to Scotland that I would like to remember for you.
I had never been beyond Belgium’s borders, never been on a boat journey. Here was I now in the station in Brussels, saying goodbye to my family to start my journey to Scotland. I was alone (my husband’s unit was in France) to get on this military night train to Calais. Only three other passengers were civilian Belgians, the rest were army personnel. Arrived in Calais I was guided to the officers’ mess for breakfast. I heard a call over the loudspeaker for someone to go to the office – yes it was me! At last Jack and I were now together for the rest of the journey.
After a calm sea crossing we landed in Dover. This was it; I was standing on British soil. I was very much aware that this was for me the beginning of a new life in a country with another language that I would have to learn. In Dover we took a train to York. It was late when we arrived there. Now, where to sleep? I was tired and apprehensive but happy. We tried the Station Hotel (very posh!) but no vacancies. It was the time of “The Races” and it would be difficult to get a room anywhere we were told. Jack phoned B&B addresses but no luck. A taxi took us to the police station; surely they would have a solution to our predicament. No they could not help.
This now was when my dear husband took things into his own hands. He phoned the military hospital in York, and thanks to him being an R.A.M.C. doctor got the OK for us, on condition that we were out by 8.00 am as inspection started then. So at last we had a room with two single beds to rest our weary heads. Yes, I spent my first night in Great Britain in a military hospital! After early breakfast we left to start the last leg of our journey.
I was taken to York station to wait there for Jack to return. He had to report to some military authorities to go through some formalities. I felt very strange, alone in that big, noisy station. I heard only English spoken around me. Even young children could speak it, how clever they were! When Jack turned up we got our train to Scotland. I was told to throw some coins out of the window going over that famous Forth Bridge for good luck.
What a mixture of events and situations, but especially of feelings I had experienced in those couple of days. I was dazed at times but I survived them without shedding a single tear. We were met by car by Jack’s sister. Here I was in Scotland, apprehensive but happy, and ready to be introduced to Jack’s family as their son’s wife!
And yes, I could say “It’s a braw, bricht moonlicht nicht the nicht”!
Saturday, 5 January 2008
Education, Actuarial
The Life Assurance Company for which my father worked had bought a big country house with the aim of storing documents to ensure their safety in the event of Edinburgh being bombed. I do not remember anything of this but what I do remember was that there were a number of cottages in the grounds which were available as holiday lets for staff. I certainly remember enjoying several holidays there at (I think) Easter time, probably for only a week and probably additional to the summer holiday. I also remember babysitting for one of the other families.
However, that is not the purpose of this post. Shortly before I was due to sit Part 1a of the exams for the Faculty of Actuaries, I was taken down to one of the cottages and had breakfast, walk, study; lunch, walk, study; evening meal, walk, study, quick walk.
This was very good for me and certainly proved to be a good way of studying hard. I think that the fact that my father worked in a ‘sister’ company to the one I worked for – and that the list of ‘passes’ was circulated round all the companies - was some part of my father’s motivation for organising this for me, but I am also very grateful because I PASSED! I believe there was a 33% pass rate, so it was great news.
My father took me out for dinner to a good restaurant to celebrate.
Made it all worthwhile.
And then (as predicted) I went and got married, left Edinburgh, got pregnant – and never went back.
However, that is not the purpose of this post. Shortly before I was due to sit Part 1a of the exams for the Faculty of Actuaries, I was taken down to one of the cottages and had breakfast, walk, study; lunch, walk, study; evening meal, walk, study, quick walk.
This was very good for me and certainly proved to be a good way of studying hard. I think that the fact that my father worked in a ‘sister’ company to the one I worked for – and that the list of ‘passes’ was circulated round all the companies - was some part of my father’s motivation for organising this for me, but I am also very grateful because I PASSED! I believe there was a 33% pass rate, so it was great news.
My father took me out for dinner to a good restaurant to celebrate.
Made it all worthwhile.
And then (as predicted) I went and got married, left Edinburgh, got pregnant – and never went back.
Friday, 4 January 2008
The White Tornado (s)
Yesterday evening I collected all the Christmas cards, and took down the holders, then went on to collect together almost all the rest of the decorations, some of which went back in their boxes and some of which went into a large green supermarket box which had lurked in my hall cupboard; some of the items in the box I wrapped in tissue paper to protect them, the rest I collected on the dining room table apart from two new purchases which I had put n the bottom of my wardrobe and the bridge of candles which I could not get down to unplug.
My two cleaning ladies arrived and I said I was not concerned about the housework, but I could really do with a hand puttting away the decorations.
Well, no sooner said than done.
Bridge of candles unplugged.
Bottom of wardrobe emptied and Hoovered, then ALL the Christmas stuff packed away including the green box; this was stuff that had previously taken up so much room all over the place.
Then she sorted out the hall cupboard, and as part of the process, Hoovered that too.
On top of all that, the other lady Hoovered round the house and dusted, while the first one washed the kitchen floor.
Then I went to join some of the ladies for a cup of tea.
Lady Muck, I think!
My two cleaning ladies arrived and I said I was not concerned about the housework, but I could really do with a hand puttting away the decorations.
Well, no sooner said than done.
Bridge of candles unplugged.
Bottom of wardrobe emptied and Hoovered, then ALL the Christmas stuff packed away including the green box; this was stuff that had previously taken up so much room all over the place.
Then she sorted out the hall cupboard, and as part of the process, Hoovered that too.
On top of all that, the other lady Hoovered round the house and dusted, while the first one washed the kitchen floor.
Then I went to join some of the ladies for a cup of tea.
Lady Muck, I think!
Medical Blogs........
........or the absence thereof.
It has been very disappointing to lose Dr Crippen (hopefully not forever, but he has been absent for rather a long time now), and then Hospital Phoenix, who shows no sign of returning; also the Angry Medic, although I think he is still lurking in the blogosphere, and posts occasionally.
Today I went to visit Dr Grumble's site as I do on a daily basis..
..and there he was...
gone.
Or at least changed to an invitation - only site, and once again I am a wallflower as I have not received an invitation.
It has been very disappointing to lose Dr Crippen (hopefully not forever, but he has been absent for rather a long time now), and then Hospital Phoenix, who shows no sign of returning; also the Angry Medic, although I think he is still lurking in the blogosphere, and posts occasionally.
Today I went to visit Dr Grumble's site as I do on a daily basis..
..and there he was...
gone.
Or at least changed to an invitation - only site, and once again I am a wallflower as I have not received an invitation.
Thursday, 3 January 2008
Weather .... and Memories
Today the snow has been falling and everything coated with a layer of white - it is not deep at all, but I am glad that I am tucked up warm at home. Thought I had amended my grocery order to include potatoes, but no. So a further order for tomorrow as I have none left (plus other useful things to make it worthwhile.)
Anyway, here follows the third of the memories from fellow residents. The first two were about being evacuees one as a child, one as an adult, so this time we have a tale from someone who was "called up". This is told by Betty and was titled:
You’re in the Air Force Now
I knew my life was about to change the day ‘that letter’ dropped through letter box; yes it was my ‘calling up’ papers with a date for an interview and a medical.Until then I had been a comptometer operator, the ‘computers’ of the day, with which you could add, subtract, multiply and divide, all done by decimals of a pound. I enjoyed the work and the company of the girls in the office who were fun to be with. Three of us were ‘called’ at the same time; one went to the A.T.S. (Army), one to the Wrens (Navy) and I chose the W.A.A.F (Air Force). Sounds more like the cue for a song!
Anyway, here follows the third of the memories from fellow residents. The first two were about being evacuees one as a child, one as an adult, so this time we have a tale from someone who was "called up". This is told by Betty and was titled:
You’re in the Air Force Now
I knew my life was about to change the day ‘that letter’ dropped through letter box; yes it was my ‘calling up’ papers with a date for an interview and a medical.Until then I had been a comptometer operator, the ‘computers’ of the day, with which you could add, subtract, multiply and divide, all done by decimals of a pound. I enjoyed the work and the company of the girls in the office who were fun to be with. Three of us were ‘called’ at the same time; one went to the A.T.S. (Army), one to the Wrens (Navy) and I chose the W.A.A.F (Air Force). Sounds more like the cue for a song!
I was first sent to Innsworth, Gloucester for ‘kitting out’, medicals, inoculations etc and was given my service number, pay books and timetables for lectures about the Air Force, its rules and regulations. Originally I was informed that I would be trained as a ‘plotter’, plotting aircraft on their ‘sorties’, but was told at the interview that there were only vacancies for cooks, general duties (for duties read ‘dogsbodies’, wireless operators and drivers. I decided to go for driving tuition and that is where it all changed!
We were posted to Morecambe for three weeks of ‘square bashing’ before being posted to Heathfield, Ayr to await our motor training. While there we did odd jobs such as dish washing, cookhouse duties, vegetable planting (there was a war on you know) and cleaning up!
Our posting eventually came and we were sent to Phwelli in North Wales for our driving instruction. We were billeted in Guest Houses and Boarding Houses that had been requisitioned for the duration, sleeping four or six to a room with meals on the premises.
The first week of our course began gently with learning to drive cars, second week we were upgraded to vans, third was the piece de resistance 30cwt and 3 ton lorries ending back at the beginning with Hillman Hawk, high powered cars which, compared to what we had just been driving, made you feel you would take flight!! Each day we went on long runs to places such as Llandudno, Anglesey, and Caernarvon to name but a few. This all took place long before motorways, so you can imagine the ‘fun’ of trying to negotiate a 3 ton lorry round some of the narrow twisting roads of Wales. Then it was D.D.T.Day, the dreaded driving test; thankfully I along with all but one girl passed. Next on the agenda was learning the mechanics of the car which meant lectures to hear all about engines, gear boxes, steering, tyres and general maintenance of the vehicles.
Next stop was back to Ayr as a driver delivering goods to the ‘flights’ round the aerodrome, driving the officers and sometimes the coal lorries round the living quarters! I remember having to take stuff to the piggery, yes we were self-sufficient in those days, don’t forget there was a war on!! It was a good posting for me as it enabled me to get home on my days off to see family and friends, we were also able to go the ‘flicks’ and the ‘dancin’ in Ayr when off duly!
During this time I had my first flying experience when one of the pilots I drove for invited me on a flight, and it certainly was quite an experience! When we got up in the air I thought it was wonderful to see all the countryside below us; that is until he decided to ‘loop the loop’ and threw in a few ‘rolls’ for good measure! Much to my chagrin I was violently sick. I did get my own back when he asked me to teach him to drive; he found it very much more different to flying as then he only had the joystick to think about compared to clutch, accelerator, brake, handbrake and steering wheel of the car, not forgetting the TRAFFIC!
Due to the great loss of life and aircraft at this time we had a Fleet Air Arm Squadron come to our base whilst awaiting a new intake of pilots and the repair of aircraft; it was also an opportunity for crews to go on leave. That is also when I met the man who was to become my husband, although not until after the war had ended. He was an artificer in charge of the guns on the planes and saw service in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Pacific escorting convoys of ships including Russian.
My next posting was to the Orkney Islands, to Kirkwall, which seemed to be at the ends of the earth as it took a train journey to Perth, a train called the ‘Jellico’ to Thurso, a boat to Stromness (an experience almost as bad as ‘that flight’) and finally the bus to Kirkwall. However, despite the journey I enjoyed it as it is a lovely island and I had some good times. I would like to go back and see it again some day. After my tour of duty there I was posted back to Turnhouse in Edinburgh where I stayed until I was demobbed.I have certainly seen a great deal of our country over the years as since my marriage I have lived in Tynemouth, Bearsden (Glasgow) twice, Dalgety Bay, Lincolnshire and now back to my roots in Bonny Scotland.
Wednesday, 2 January 2008
Pifflebunk......
......and any other sweary words you can think of that would not cause offense.
After elder son and grandson departed for home, I started unpacking, taking my time over it. Then I poured a G&T and r.e.l.a.x.e.d After that I peeled a potato , and was surprised to note that the water was only warm.
Had a look at the hot water tank and both green lights were out, which meant that the header tank was empty.
So I unloaded the shelf which sits above the tank (and holds 2 suitcases, a backpack, a large picnick bag and several shopping bags.
Then I filled the header tank using 10 refills of my smaller watering can.
Then I put everything back and sat down to what I felt was a well earned second G&T.
Now dinner is on the go.
At least the tank is working and I am getting hot water!
After elder son and grandson departed for home, I started unpacking, taking my time over it. Then I poured a G&T and r.e.l.a.x.e.d After that I peeled a potato , and was surprised to note that the water was only warm.
Had a look at the hot water tank and both green lights were out, which meant that the header tank was empty.
So I unloaded the shelf which sits above the tank (and holds 2 suitcases, a backpack, a large picnick bag and several shopping bags.
Then I filled the header tank using 10 refills of my smaller watering can.
Then I put everything back and sat down to what I felt was a well earned second G&T.
Now dinner is on the go.
At least the tank is working and I am getting hot water!
A Guid New Year to Ane and A'
Which translated means A Happy New Year.
After my last post, daughter and partner picked me up and took me to elder son’s. There we sat down to 5 adults and 2 children for a delicious meal before daughter and partner left to drive home.
Next day (Saturday) we went for a trip to a near by Farm Shop and I admit I succumbed to temptation…
Sunday was a late start for me (to my shame I slept in) and we had a fairly quiet day, with spaghetti bolognaise for dinner.
Monday We went to collect a very large ham from a really good butcher and I bought a new pair of shoes and slippers, to help my poor sore foot (of course – you would not accuse me of greed, would you? After all, a girl can’t have too many shoes.) After that we went to Dobbies for lunch (3 adults and 2 children) and then I managed to acquire quite a number of Christmas decorations at half price. I did manage to resist buying the next lot of Christmas cards.
Monday evening saw us with a chicken curry. It is the same recipe as one I make (in fact, I stole it from daughter-in-law). Amazingly I managed to stay up to see in the New Year, though I was in bed before my 2 grandchildren!
Tuesday saw all my daughter-in-law’s family arrive in the late afternoon when I was so pleased to catch up with them as I see them all too seldom. The arriving party was 6 adults and 3 children. We sat down to a magnificent spread of Scotch broth or prawn cocktail, followed by baked ham with a marmalade crust (delicious), boiled and roast potatoes, carrots, roast potato, parsnip and apple. Pudding was a choice of cheesecake or a mascarpone and white chocolate trifle.
Just arrived home, having been driven back by elder son. Still have my unpacking to do!
After my last post, daughter and partner picked me up and took me to elder son’s. There we sat down to 5 adults and 2 children for a delicious meal before daughter and partner left to drive home.
Next day (Saturday) we went for a trip to a near by Farm Shop and I admit I succumbed to temptation…
Sunday was a late start for me (to my shame I slept in) and we had a fairly quiet day, with spaghetti bolognaise for dinner.
Monday We went to collect a very large ham from a really good butcher and I bought a new pair of shoes and slippers, to help my poor sore foot (of course – you would not accuse me of greed, would you? After all, a girl can’t have too many shoes.) After that we went to Dobbies for lunch (3 adults and 2 children) and then I managed to acquire quite a number of Christmas decorations at half price. I did manage to resist buying the next lot of Christmas cards.
Monday evening saw us with a chicken curry. It is the same recipe as one I make (in fact, I stole it from daughter-in-law). Amazingly I managed to stay up to see in the New Year, though I was in bed before my 2 grandchildren!
Tuesday saw all my daughter-in-law’s family arrive in the late afternoon when I was so pleased to catch up with them as I see them all too seldom. The arriving party was 6 adults and 3 children. We sat down to a magnificent spread of Scotch broth or prawn cocktail, followed by baked ham with a marmalade crust (delicious), boiled and roast potatoes, carrots, roast potato, parsnip and apple. Pudding was a choice of cheesecake or a mascarpone and white chocolate trifle.
Just arrived home, having been driven back by elder son. Still have my unpacking to do!
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