Monday, 24 September 2012
A series of Poems 1
My Sons
I have three sons of whom I am proud
All standing tall within a crowd
They are alike and yet so different
But all equipped with charm sufficient
to make them company much desired
when all they meet are just inspired
Their own families now attach the name
to continue an enduring flame
of further futures to acclaim
When they become as proud as I
then their life has filled a purpose
With more than gold to fill the coffers
Those memories dear to hold forever
The joy of growing up together
Seeing sons and daughters grow strong in stature
making memories for another chapter
For my book of pride and pleasure
About the dynasty I am so proud
My family
My Girl
Complex beings right from birth
But when you have one ready made
Years gone past are readily displayed
It is a difficult path to tread
Made fearful and full of dread
That you will make the wrong decision
And cause hostility and derision
But some of us have luck and pleasure
To have a friend thrown in for measure
enjoying the years of painful growth
The traumas brought by passing time
Waiting for the flower and blossom
Into such a lovely person
My daughter I am proud
that I was there to witness all
Both ups and downs and peak and fall
To see you now in radiant glory
You to make your own true story
I have three sons of whom I am proud
All standing tall within a crowd
They are alike and yet so different
But all equipped with charm sufficient
to make them company much desired
when all they meet are just inspired
Their own families now attach the name
to continue an enduring flame
of further futures to acclaim
When they become as proud as I
then their life has filled a purpose
With more than gold to fill the coffers
Those memories dear to hold forever
The joy of growing up together
Seeing sons and daughters grow strong in stature
making memories for another chapter
For my book of pride and pleasure
About the dynasty I am so proud
My family
My Girl
Complex beings right from birth
But when you have one ready made
Years gone past are readily displayed
It is a difficult path to tread
Made fearful and full of dread
That you will make the wrong decision
And cause hostility and derision
But some of us have luck and pleasure
To have a friend thrown in for measure
enjoying the years of painful growth
The traumas brought by passing time
Waiting for the flower and blossom
Into such a lovely person
My daughter I am proud
that I was there to witness all
Both ups and downs and peak and fall
To see you now in radiant glory
You to make your own true story
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Another step on the way to maturity
This blog is really a follow on of the Bat saga.
You will recall that I finished up by nursing a twisted knee.
Here we are now almost a month on and I am still suffering.
But, as ever, for every bad thing there is an underlying brightness and I have certainly received mine.
I am now the proud user of a walking stick to aid my ability to walk and get up from a chair.
This is no ordinary walking stick. This is a branch from a really true English plant, The hazelnut.
It is a state of the art rough terrain instrument which will enable me to travel anywhere.
The handle is so nicely naturally shaped that it will hang on anything at a minutes notice where it will dangle in all it's beauty showing off a lovely old original coat of wizened hazelnut brown.
This in itself is a bonus as it does not show any signs of mud, blood
or beer staining and enables it to sustain an air of sophistication in any surrounding whether it be Pub, restaurant or church although I have not yet tried it in Church.
The grip capability of the stout rubber tip is equivalent to a Formula One wet tyre and most probably means a saving of about 0.003 seconds on a full circuit of the Pub.
On a cautious note however, I am a bit concerned as to what servicing is required to maintain it in first class condition.
I wonder whether I should carry a spare rubber tip in case of changing surfaces, temperature or competition. (Reminder- Must write to the Manufacturer to obtain information)
I am also thinking about pimping it up a bit and to this end I am looking on Ebay for some go-fast stripes and stick-on flies.
It is only the vertical part that needs the attachments as the handle looks fine when I am wearing my perforated back leather driving gloves which have laid idle for many years. It just goes to show, never throw anything away.
Another improvement I am thinking about is two brackets to hold my MP3 player and my Raspberry Pi computer.
These could be powered by either a solar cell or a dynamo at the tip which would revolve when I drag it along the ground whilst walking.
This requires a lot more thought because I do not want to completely lose the stick's natural appeal to people.
When you use a stick you make a lot more friends because they want to compare the walking aids.
One particularly interesting man was the one I met who had had his stick customized in his own colour scheme.
Actually it is not true that I actually met him. The truth is that he walked far too close to me and tripped over my stick whilst we were walking in opposite directions. I was alright but he did actually finished up on all fours trying to locate his stick. Someone should have told him that white does not show up very well on portland stone paving slabs.
The other situation is that when you have stick people do not invade your space so much and this was quite handy the other night when some young yobs wanted to use my mobile in the street. I raised the stick to tuck it under my arm and they were away in a flash.They must have remembered that there is a public phone box outside the Police Station.
That did save me having to pay for the phone call which they wanted to make.
Well, I am going to continue exploring life with my new helper and if I really enjoy it I may consider buying one of those ones which have four wheeled electric powered and a really comfortable armchair fitted on it.
I will keep you posted especially if I go on Safari.
P.S.
Does anyone know the correct headgear to wear when driving a walking stick
You will recall that I finished up by nursing a twisted knee.
Here we are now almost a month on and I am still suffering.
But, as ever, for every bad thing there is an underlying brightness and I have certainly received mine.
I am now the proud user of a walking stick to aid my ability to walk and get up from a chair.
This is no ordinary walking stick. This is a branch from a really true English plant, The hazelnut.
It is a state of the art rough terrain instrument which will enable me to travel anywhere.
The handle is so nicely naturally shaped that it will hang on anything at a minutes notice where it will dangle in all it's beauty showing off a lovely old original coat of wizened hazelnut brown.
This in itself is a bonus as it does not show any signs of mud, blood
or beer staining and enables it to sustain an air of sophistication in any surrounding whether it be Pub, restaurant or church although I have not yet tried it in Church.
The grip capability of the stout rubber tip is equivalent to a Formula One wet tyre and most probably means a saving of about 0.003 seconds on a full circuit of the Pub.
On a cautious note however, I am a bit concerned as to what servicing is required to maintain it in first class condition.
I wonder whether I should carry a spare rubber tip in case of changing surfaces, temperature or competition. (Reminder- Must write to the Manufacturer to obtain information)
I am also thinking about pimping it up a bit and to this end I am looking on Ebay for some go-fast stripes and stick-on flies.
It is only the vertical part that needs the attachments as the handle looks fine when I am wearing my perforated back leather driving gloves which have laid idle for many years. It just goes to show, never throw anything away.
Another improvement I am thinking about is two brackets to hold my MP3 player and my Raspberry Pi computer.
These could be powered by either a solar cell or a dynamo at the tip which would revolve when I drag it along the ground whilst walking.
This requires a lot more thought because I do not want to completely lose the stick's natural appeal to people.
When you use a stick you make a lot more friends because they want to compare the walking aids.
One particularly interesting man was the one I met who had had his stick customized in his own colour scheme.
Actually it is not true that I actually met him. The truth is that he walked far too close to me and tripped over my stick whilst we were walking in opposite directions. I was alright but he did actually finished up on all fours trying to locate his stick. Someone should have told him that white does not show up very well on portland stone paving slabs.
The other situation is that when you have stick people do not invade your space so much and this was quite handy the other night when some young yobs wanted to use my mobile in the street. I raised the stick to tuck it under my arm and they were away in a flash.They must have remembered that there is a public phone box outside the Police Station.
That did save me having to pay for the phone call which they wanted to make.
Well, I am going to continue exploring life with my new helper and if I really enjoy it I may consider buying one of those ones which have four wheeled electric powered and a really comfortable armchair fitted on it.
I will keep you posted especially if I go on Safari.
P.S.
Does anyone know the correct headgear to wear when driving a walking stick
Monday, 28 May 2012
Age brings out the batty side
Last week there was going to be a 'Bat Watch' in our local woods guided by our Local 'Batman'.
This sounded interesting so after a really hot day my neighbour and I proceeded to the appointed meeting place to await developments at 21.30 just as it was getting dark.
People of a certain age go fully equipped for expeditions. I was no exception and dressed in the shirt and trousers I had spent the day in and a pair of comfortable open sandals together with my trusty fast frame camera we waited fully expecting to go into the main woods which had clear paths and very little undergrowth. What could go wrong?
As the appointed time approached so the problems began to emerge. During the day the temperatures had reached 28 degrees and it was particularly pleasant to feel the cool breeze coming off the harbour and the sun coursing its way towards the horizon.
Only 5 minutes to go to the appointed hour. Boy, it was getting cold, I wish I had worn an anorak. Still only a few moments and we would be on the move into the shelter of the woods.
The appointed hour arrived and we were on the move after pleasantries had been exchanged. Wonderful. WRONG... we are going to the other woods.
Now this woods is the nearest we come to an Everglade in this country. Full of undergrowth, full of collapsed trees and founded on marshy ground which frequently floods after heavy rain.
Oh well nothing for it but I wish I had brought a torch like the rest had instead of a camera.
We enter the hinterland and things begin to squelch under foot. Still OK but getting darker by the minute.
After two encounters with unseen trees, brambles bamboos and course shoulder high grassy reeds we continued forward.
Now, I had done the gentlemanly thing and allowed the ladies to go first but gradually I was being left behind only accompanied by one gentleman who actually was being delayed by my slow progress.
Suddenly things got better. Someone had laid small logs on the pathway to provide a stable foothold.
You must bear in mind, in my defense, that it is now pitch black and that is why I did not see whatever being or thing which leapt out and attacked my ankle wrestling me to the ground in the process.
Fortunately, as I described before, the ground in wet and marshy. I forgot to say that it is black and smells of rotting vegetation. This shows up particularly well on a light brown and white shirt and cream trousers.
So picture the scene, I am now trying to swim to the bank in this goooy mess trying to hold the camera out of touch with the marsh and desperately trying to seem as if I was enjoying it instead of feeling very embarrassed about the whole thing in case the ladies came back to help rescue me.
With the help of my new friend, I eventually managed to locate in a sitting position and release my twisted leg from the beast below.
Back in the upright posture it was suggested that the best thing to do was for me to abandon the expedition as things could only get worse.I gratefully accepted this and I was guided to safety and civilization by my favorite guardian angel who then released me to squelch my way home.
What a good way to spend the rest of the weekend nursing a twisted knee and a damaged pride.
I MUST BE BATS
This sounded interesting so after a really hot day my neighbour and I proceeded to the appointed meeting place to await developments at 21.30 just as it was getting dark.
People of a certain age go fully equipped for expeditions. I was no exception and dressed in the shirt and trousers I had spent the day in and a pair of comfortable open sandals together with my trusty fast frame camera we waited fully expecting to go into the main woods which had clear paths and very little undergrowth. What could go wrong?
As the appointed time approached so the problems began to emerge. During the day the temperatures had reached 28 degrees and it was particularly pleasant to feel the cool breeze coming off the harbour and the sun coursing its way towards the horizon.
Only 5 minutes to go to the appointed hour. Boy, it was getting cold, I wish I had worn an anorak. Still only a few moments and we would be on the move into the shelter of the woods.
The appointed hour arrived and we were on the move after pleasantries had been exchanged. Wonderful. WRONG... we are going to the other woods.
Now this woods is the nearest we come to an Everglade in this country. Full of undergrowth, full of collapsed trees and founded on marshy ground which frequently floods after heavy rain.
Oh well nothing for it but I wish I had brought a torch like the rest had instead of a camera.
We enter the hinterland and things begin to squelch under foot. Still OK but getting darker by the minute.
After two encounters with unseen trees, brambles bamboos and course shoulder high grassy reeds we continued forward.
Now, I had done the gentlemanly thing and allowed the ladies to go first but gradually I was being left behind only accompanied by one gentleman who actually was being delayed by my slow progress.
Suddenly things got better. Someone had laid small logs on the pathway to provide a stable foothold.
You must bear in mind, in my defense, that it is now pitch black and that is why I did not see whatever being or thing which leapt out and attacked my ankle wrestling me to the ground in the process.
Fortunately, as I described before, the ground in wet and marshy. I forgot to say that it is black and smells of rotting vegetation. This shows up particularly well on a light brown and white shirt and cream trousers.
So picture the scene, I am now trying to swim to the bank in this goooy mess trying to hold the camera out of touch with the marsh and desperately trying to seem as if I was enjoying it instead of feeling very embarrassed about the whole thing in case the ladies came back to help rescue me.
With the help of my new friend, I eventually managed to locate in a sitting position and release my twisted leg from the beast below.
Back in the upright posture it was suggested that the best thing to do was for me to abandon the expedition as things could only get worse.I gratefully accepted this and I was guided to safety and civilization by my favorite guardian angel who then released me to squelch my way home.
What a good way to spend the rest of the weekend nursing a twisted knee and a damaged pride.
I MUST BE BATS
Sunday, 27 May 2012
The way of the changing world reaches our little haven
‘UNDER THE DEADWOOD TREE’
OR
‘THE PLIGHT OF THE HUMBLE TREE’
With apologies to Thomas Hardy and Nikcolai Rimsky-Korsakov
It beggars belief that in this day and age when we are urged to plant trees and protect our environment
and wildlife that people can object to this.
Over the years, Maisemore has become a placid and peaceful place for it’s inhabitants and the
wildlife and a haven away from the trials and tribulations, angers and frustrations that many people in
this fair land have to endure.
It seems that twenty first century living is now catching up on our peaceful enclave.
Maybe some of us have blinkered eyes regarding the future and others would rather live with the
mechanical age all around them.
Perhaps I am missing the point when I think that trees, birds and other wildlife are considerably
superior to watching upgraded Burger Vans making very occasional movements during a day but
returning back to their roost by the evening to sit gently rust away. Perhaps there is an advantage in
having a taxi rank on the estate. Perhaps, there may be a reason for two person families to have three
vehicles even though they can only drive one at a time.
Perhaps living away from the true centre of trees and wildlife of our peaceful little haven brings about
the nurturing of a demigod minority wishing to impose their own peculiar form of control on our
neighbourhood without thinking too much about the long term effect of their 'meaningful' proposals.
Seems like they find a power that they did not have in their previous lives.
Fortunately the eyesores of modern living do not affect everyone, probably protected by the planting
of trees and scrubs at an earlier time in the growth of Maisemore.
It is a wonderful time now in the year of the Queen’s Jubilee for us all to celebrate this occasion by
Maisemore’s own contribution in the form of a tree.
But, NO! This will go against the wishes of the ‘People who know’ and bring hell and damnation to
us all. But then again, some will be pleased about this especially the Republicans and Non-Royalists
amongst us.
I rant, I rave but in the end I have to make a decision!
Do I turn a blind eye?
Do I join the ranks and spend my money on a static caravan on the Green?
Do I do some midnight planting?
I don’t know. Perhaps you can help?
But, bear in mind I am not moving .....yet.
The Soarer
OR
‘THE PLIGHT OF THE HUMBLE TREE’
With apologies to Thomas Hardy and Nikcolai Rimsky-Korsakov
It beggars belief that in this day and age when we are urged to plant trees and protect our environment
and wildlife that people can object to this.
Over the years, Maisemore has become a placid and peaceful place for it’s inhabitants and the
wildlife and a haven away from the trials and tribulations, angers and frustrations that many people in
this fair land have to endure.
It seems that twenty first century living is now catching up on our peaceful enclave.
Maybe some of us have blinkered eyes regarding the future and others would rather live with the
mechanical age all around them.
Perhaps I am missing the point when I think that trees, birds and other wildlife are considerably
superior to watching upgraded Burger Vans making very occasional movements during a day but
returning back to their roost by the evening to sit gently rust away. Perhaps there is an advantage in
having a taxi rank on the estate. Perhaps, there may be a reason for two person families to have three
vehicles even though they can only drive one at a time.
Perhaps living away from the true centre of trees and wildlife of our peaceful little haven brings about
the nurturing of a demigod minority wishing to impose their own peculiar form of control on our
neighbourhood without thinking too much about the long term effect of their 'meaningful' proposals.
Seems like they find a power that they did not have in their previous lives.
Fortunately the eyesores of modern living do not affect everyone, probably protected by the planting
of trees and scrubs at an earlier time in the growth of Maisemore.
It is a wonderful time now in the year of the Queen’s Jubilee for us all to celebrate this occasion by
Maisemore’s own contribution in the form of a tree.
But, NO! This will go against the wishes of the ‘People who know’ and bring hell and damnation to
us all. But then again, some will be pleased about this especially the Republicans and Non-Royalists
amongst us.
I rant, I rave but in the end I have to make a decision!
Do I turn a blind eye?
Do I join the ranks and spend my money on a static caravan on the Green?
Do I do some midnight planting?
I don’t know. Perhaps you can help?
But, bear in mind I am not moving .....yet.
The Soarer
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
I am back in my Local Pub
I thought it would be wise to write a 'sorry' note about my visit to the 'Other Place' and ask for forgiveness from the Staff of my Local.
Here it is:-
Here it is:-
What do you have to do to change Pubs for a day
I had to make a request to go to another Pub for a special occasion the other day and being loyal to my Local I asked permission.
This is the reply
This is the reply
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