NaJoPoMo 2015 A Message in a bottle
Created | Updated Dec 1, 2015
1.11.2015
As a first timer, this is like a Message in a bottle. Why? well its tough to know where this will end up, as like as not it shall drift unread for centuries.
Ever wondered why nature played a joke on cats giving them the ability to climb up but not down. Cats stuck up trees are amusing to start but the novelty soon wears off. The plaintive howling was at first amusing, 16 ft up but not brave enough to jump down. After about an hour trying to get it down, a resorting to other means was necessary. Other more direct approaches considered were? high pressure water jet to knock him off his perch, perhaps not vets not open today. Ladder no! branch to thin and hospital not open so thats a no.
<eureka> in the garage were some empty cardboard boxes so if the ground level is raised sherpa catsing might jump for it.
Having put several boxes together took the first two out to the tree, now there are TWO little b*****s the second now up there had gone up to see what what problem was? now he had found out the hard way. One good thing the slender limb was bent a foot lower to the ground with two cats on it <laugh> (imagine two survivors clinging to an upturned boat).
Boxes distributed as a landing zone, come on then jump. Both cats look down with an expression that said, "Your kidding that's way too far to jump"!
Things do have a way of sorting things out however, suddenly heavy one of the pair slips and with a howl falls from the branch. The sudden weight reduction the branch shoots up and catapults the other into the air <laugh> the scream lasted all the way down. Both hit the boxes within three seconds thud thud. I left them in the boxes, arguing about whose fault it was <laugh>
NB: no injuries pride was a bit bent though.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
2.11.2015
Its strange how on some days things go right (more than others) I just wandered into an old antique workshop/yard with an attached shop. nothing out of the ordinary but moderately interesting.
The yard piled high with wrought iron garden furniture bunches, fence panels and tables, there was some lumber in a corner that was duly inspected.
The shop was packed with wardrobes tables old prints and the usual allsorts of varying degrees of interest. You never know what there is but normally it is little more than just interesting.
Today was a little different I noticed a box of VHS tapes of the Inspector Morse series "you can have those" said the owner, thanks mate.
Then I asked about a 2ft square of 2 inch thick rough sawn oak I need for a project "you can have that" excellent.
Then in curiosity I picked up a very dusty old pistol dusted it off it was a gem of a 9 inch octagonal barrel, percussion lock, gentleman's travelling pistol, in steel brass and mahogany and in probably good firing condition. How much "you can have that for £140" must admit it's VERY TEMPTING, keep telling myself its an investment.
<smiley>
NB: no injuries pride was a bit bent though.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
3.11.2015
Very slow day today even the cats were boring and were very well behaved. The problem is even when they are genuinely being good you can't quite believe it, and feel obliged to check.
Cats are quiet at the two extremes A.really serious evil deeds, some smaller animal becomes seriously and messy terminated, or ripping 7 bells out of some piece of furniture that had so far escaped claw sharpening duty
B. The problem is bother it,when they are content happily dozing, that is normally is a result of activity A.
Cat toys last just seconds I take more time tidying up than destruction, its amazing how far debris is discovered from the epicenter.
Kebabs for tea today that was a high spot and managed to finish before the cats turned up for tasters, that was tough <evilgrin>
So that was it just preparing for well overdue decorating to do, and better start to get ready for Christmas that will come sooner than I think.<erm>
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
4.11.2015
Star Gazing
Star gazing is not what I would call a passion but I have a north(ish) facing Velux type skylight in the loft, and thought I would try taking photographs of the night sky with the aid of a telescope.
The point is I am not sure if the skylight is facing in an appropriate direction for taking photos of the night sky. So its off to the WWW to trawl or information.
However it sure beats trudging around outside freezing and getting inevitably damp. And getting some very ordinary images
The council turn off the street lighting off at night so that will make things a lot better, but who knows what results can be expected. But the images are the main thing, the thing is a decent long lens or use a telescope attachment and what sort of scope to buy, some traders are not as reliable as the can be.
Still off to hunt down the information.
NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
getting cold
5.11.2015
Out on my walk today, I have noticed a distinct drop in temperature out on the open country lately, noticeably warmer in town. With all the talk of a foul winter in our corner of the world.
We make such a fuss about the extremes here but other countries suffer much worse.
I enjoy the cold more the hot weather a walk in the Autumn is much more enjoyable. And prior to the hunt ban following the hunt (not interested in the hunt but it was a spectacle, Drag hunting is to predictable) was a good excuse to get out and brave the weather.
The oak woods in the forest was wonderful today even though the weather kept other people at home (good).
The New Forest in the winter is probably the best of all but I don't get to visit much as its to far since my last move.
I did get a chance to walk through the Ardennes forest not long ago and that is magnificent, the wildlife is abundant and even though it is beautifully kept it has that unmanaged feel.
Depending on the weather off again to the forests again tomorrow Cannock Chase bring the closest.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Wet day for a change
6.11.2015
The planned walk is off the menu due to the weather paining again...
I have been meaning to sort through my books to get them into some order for some time.
The trouble is when a book is bought it goes into the first spare on the shelves. This means checking around to find the required book(s).
Happily I have a nice big bookcase in the sitting room this also houses the TV and the records, vinyl and 78's. This holds about 300 of various types. The lounge/dining room holds another 200, and a pile of CD films and Music.
The problem is I can never quite find a system that I am satisfied with.
Still there is always tomorrow its quite therapeutic and there is always a book open.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Wet day for a change
6.11.2015
The planned walk is off the menu due to the weather paining again...
I have been meaning to sort through my books to get them into some order for some time.
The trouble is when a book is bought it goes into the first spare on the shelves. This means checking around to find the required book(s).
Happily I have a nice big bookcase in the sitting room this also houses the TV and the records, vinyl and 78's. This holds about 300 of various types. The lounge/dining room holds another 200, and a pile of CD films and Music.
The problem is I can never quite find a system that I am satisfied with.
Still there is always tomorrow its quite therapeutic and there is always a book open.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Loft rummage (another wet day)
7.11.2015
I went up to get something in the loft today, and whilst up there I was joined by Willow our smallest cat. unable to evice the little c** I had to call for re enforcements. Having removed the trespasser I was informed that the loft needed a tidy (we had to shift things to dislodge her).
Set to tidying and during the tidy found an unopened box? we had packet it away over 2 years ago so in curiosity it was opened.There were books and papers mainly but the surprise find were 2 Fuji cameras.
Digital cameras and they still had their batteries in them, thinking them ruined they were turned on and they went into start up. Phew!
They both took flash photos and worked perfectly. The surprising thing was one had best quality major brand set of 4, AA batteries. The others were a leading supermarkets own brand at half the price, is there a point here somewhere.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Its Remembrance Day
8.11.2015
So it was Remembrance Day around here I had forgotten all about it it has become very low key it seems.
It might be more memorable but for the simple fact that the family contribution to the casualty lists of both World Wars was 0.
They all did their part in WWI grandfathers one in the trenches and another in the Horse Artillery, and in WWII the RASC and the Parachute Regiment, some of it quite busy but hardly a scratch.
So despite other actions it seems Remembrance Day is being discreetly overlooked by the media, which is the shame.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Immigrants are not a problem
9.11.2015
It Appears immigration is not a problem for the UK the exodus of the English has offset the the new arrivals. So say the press trouble is the arrivals need financing until they settle and the departing english take their benefits with them and spend that money in the country of their choice.
Ok so the numbers may balance but there must be a negative impact on the british economy. English ex pats take their pensions and health care benefits and spend the money elsewhere. So There must be a negative effect on the UK? how can it be otherwise?
This sounds like Whitehall spin.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
An important meeting
10.11.2015
Today in 1871 at Ujiji a village close to Lake Tanganyika, Central Africa Henry Morton Stanley meets David Livingstone and greets him with those now famous words "Dr Livingstone, I presume".
These are the sort of people who need to be better remembered for this was no easy feat. Africa was still largely unexplored and there was a good chance that the unwary traveller to become lion fodder.
So as its not possible now to buy them a pint, cheers to their memory.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Armistice Day
11.11.2015
Armistice Day, back to the beginning.
It all started with a series of unfortunate treaties, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the nephew of Austria's emperor and heir to the throne
It was a slow process as Austria-Hungary needed the support of Germany, with whom they had a mutual treaty. It took some time for Germany to confirm their support for war with Serbia
This gave Serbia in turn had a treaty with Russia the delay allowed time to get confirmation of Russia support.
Russia in turn called for the support of France and Britain.
with whom they also had a treaty with.
This diplomacy took just over 4 weeks from the time of the assassination to organise and allow Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.
And of course there were more countries to join in later.
The pen is mightier than the sword, well it certainly does have the power to start wars. Diplomacy is dangerous.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Absent friend
12.11.2015
After many years of his company we were forced to say goodbye to our faithful old dog, he had been living successfully with the aftereffects of a stroke for 4 years, but it had become to much for him lately and it was now sadly time for him to rest.
He was taken to the vet and she helped him to his final sleep. We had the chance to say good bye as he slipped away with no stress and pain, with the peace and dignity that old age had denied him.
Its very strange without him in his bed, so farewell Rockey, rest well, you will not be forgotten.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Preparing for house decoration
13.11.2015
We (thats the "Royal we") have decided to decorate the the hall and lounge. Ok it's not that bad could get away with a touch up here and there, but as there is nothing better to do this weekend, why not.
We prefer painted walls.
So out to buy paint spent about 2 hours "choosing" with no particular success so picked up a fistfull of paint charts. We (er she) had a favourite colour fair enough, so returning home it turned it is only a shade or 2 different from the current one (and we have enough left over from last redecoration to re do the paintwork). This debate will continue no doubt for some time, does everyone have this hassle I wonder?
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Cats
14.11.2015
Just had a cat raid the dinner table and make off with a chicken bone and eat about 2.5 inches of it. It is said chicken bones are dangerous to cats so posted the question on the WWW and had some advice from a vet and a diet sheet suggesting rice, dry cooked chicken and mashed pumpkin.
Surprisingly he ate it and seamed to love it, but now we have 3 days of waiting for things to pass and hope there is no stomach pain, fever or blockage.
A further joy is to keep an eye on the litter box to see if there are bits of bone in the poo. Thats a pass time to look forward to, still all part of the joy of living with cats. Lets hope it all turns out well (fingers crossed firmly) and vets on Monday just in case.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Bad Weather or not
15.11.2015
The many reports of awful winter weather appear to have stopped, all the prophecy of snow, cold, more snow, ice and mini ice age conditions have been empty, cold conditions have yet to appear.
Even the news media has stopped telling us how miserable damp, cold and unable to travel we are going to be.
Its in fact so far a very mild spell of weather here, not a sign of a snowman as yet, yes the usual rain but less of that than normal. The grass is still growing, in fact it looks set for a mild winter.
So whats going on a nice mild winter or a stinker?
What are the rest of you expecting where you are barbeque on the beach or struggling through deep snow and blizzards.
Still feeding the birds regardless though, hope everyone else is not forgetting.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Misplaced and unfair religious intolerance.
16.11.2015
It is understandable that there is some justifiable ill feeling towards IS in Europe now, and this had brought about some unjustified distrust of the Muslim community worldwide. But the feeling that all Muslims are to blame is growing.
Trust has been a casualty, there are now becoming openly hostile? a hairdresser who refuses Muslim clients, a frightened woman living in Wales now feels concerned by verbal abuse, in every example it is simply unfair individuals should not feel vulnerable. Is the good nature of the english being eroded by suspicion. Or is the media looking for stories, how can we stop this and where do we go from here.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Christmas is coming
17.11.2015
About this time of year with people preparing madly for Christmas, I tend to think of past Christmas holidays. The strongest memory is about the time of year we always visited Winchester as a family.
Wandering round the shops tea and cakes in ihe warm tea shops near the cathedral. The famous focal point of Winchester is the bronze statue of King Alfred in Winchester>. Alfred was introduced to me by my father so it is always a special memory. I can't think of Alfred without visualising him in the evening lit by street lamps, and in falling snow. Hords of christmas shoppers walking past.
Then a visit to the cathedral. It always seemed to snow it was always quite deep as we walked over the snow on the cathedral green, and there was always something going on. Music drifting from the shops and if you were lucky the cathedral choir would be singing.
It always has an Edwardian flavour, safe and pleasant, then and now it is unchanging a wonderful start for the Christmas season.
Hope that everyone has a special place like Winchester and everyone has happy christmas memories.
stop this and where do we go from here.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Birmingham CHRISTMAS Street market
18.11.2015
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words so to continue from yesterday's post my visit to Birmingham's Christmas street market was also an excellent day out.
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/100124210
The wonderful Lights and the Tower of the Christmas Bar from the crossroads. New Street Christmas Lights and the crowds, there are many stalls stuffed with seasonal goods, plenty to eat and drink, I enjoyed it immensely.
And for a quiet break the cathedral is nearby and worth a visit,. A realy nice day out.
Can anyone else share their favorites.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
19.11.2015 Lunar Larks
Do you know or remember the names Charles Conrad and Alan Bean well it was along time ago. Here is a clue Richard Gordon was with them most of the time.
If you remember well done (it helps if you are from the USA). If you dont remember well thats understandable it was 19 Nov 1969.
If you were around then you can be forgiven it is the anniversary of the Apollo 12 in a lunar landing. I found it surprising it was that long ago and the event only rated a few words in the trivia section of the news. 46 years ago yikes and almost forgotten, these 3 were brave chaps (Richard Gordon was the driver of the mother ship).
Not a word on the mainstream media all the TV channels we have stuffed full of repeats and trivial repeats and not a mention. The only one who seems to have any interest in space is Richard Branson, and he only gets coverage when something goes wrong.
Someone said (and I don't know who) "the future is in the stars". It looks like we forget things or give up to soon.
Th USA should be proud of Charles Conrad, Alan Bean and Richard Gordon
Well done chaps ok well done USA applause
Now heres a question what were the names of the first men to walk on the moon, it will take some time to remember and half of us will need to look it up.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle Once common old english words A Quiz.
20.11.2015
It has been a very uneventful day today just a big Spring clean (must get this calendar fixed) so nothing of any great interest to report.
So as it appears that a quiz is acceptable, I would try something along those lines.
So here is the "English words in use 1400 to 1700 quiz"
What was an - ABIGAIL
What is - ARMED WITH POINTS
What was an - ASKEW
What was - BEGGARS PLUSH
What was a - BEN COVE
What was - BOBAUNCE
What was a - CANVAS CLIMBER
What was - TO JERK THE CAT
What happened if you - MISS (or missed) THE CUSHION
The answers
ABIGAIL:- a name for a ladies maid.
ARMED WITH POINTS (**):-a company armed with spears and lances
ASKEW (+):-a small drinking vessel or cup.
BEGGARS PLUSH:-common name for cotton velvet (corduroy).
BEN COVE:-a good friend or companion.
BOBAUNCE:-pomp or ostentation
CANVAS CLIMBER:-a sailor.
CAT TO JERK THE/SHOOT THE:-to vomit.
CUSHION TO MISS THE:-to miss the target.
Its worth a guess
Good luck I will post the answers if anyone has a try.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle A Sudden change of weather
21. 11. 2015
That was a sudden change in the weather to put it mildly (except its not mild it's very cold)
Well I supposed we were warned and we can't complain but talk about sudden, and we are promised worse to come. It must be bad as Prof has reported his PC room to cold to use, and Prof is no wimp.
So its snow from the north! and strong winds! from the west What next?
Its just started so suppose we will have to wait and see if it gets as bad as they say it might.
How is everyone getting on out there I wonder nothing to extreme I hope towel
Cold and wet here with patches of sun so not much to complain about as yet but is there much worse yet to come.
Lets hope not we might not see the end of it until March.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle A Sunday sorting the loft
22. 11. 2015
When we last moved we packed our important papers into boxes. This was done so we could take our time and sort and file them again when we settled in.
That was years ago facepalm
erm so we decided it's about time we finally got round to it, you know those jobs you wish you never started, this was one of those run .
1999 was the date on the first file, what is the point Quick check and in the shredder, and that was not the first load.
The shredder kept overheating that slowed us up considerably. We found old christmas and birthday cards, vaccination records for pets that are now a cherished memory, old photos, 100's of slides, boxes of negatives what a blessing digital photography is biggrin .
No its not a quick or easy job, when the novelty wears off, we shall stop and we will start again soon, real soon, just as soon as we can spare the time, if there is nothing better to do ......... one day possibly, if we can spare the time, just after christmas, if we can decide which christmas run
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle Oldish PC games
23. 11 2015
Someone presented me with a pile of CD games Microsoft originals and others with a question, and asked will they work on a PC/Laptop today?
Well the short answer was No they are to old... 1997 to 2004 the dates I can find on all the original microsoft CD's.
The long answer is I don't know for sure "Age of Empires II" and "War and Peace" are just two of the titles.
So not wanting to be unhelpful I thought some Hootooer out there must surely know. I do not want to experiment and b#####r up my laptop, so what is the answer "will the work"?
Anyone out there know the answer and share their wisdom ok
Discuss this entry - 3 replies - Latest reply: 15 Hours Ago
Remove this Journal Entry from your Space
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle Christmas past.
24. 11 2015
So it's nearly Christmas, season of joy and goodwill, fair enough but how is that supposed to work. The pressure it puts on people makes it anything but that.
Christmas is measured by the amount you are prepared to spend/borrow, the TV is no help showing vast quantities of food huge ranges of expensive gifts, it has got out of hand, the pressure on people is enormous. Its not the same a lot of the love has gone for many people it has been reduced to duty.
My best Christmases as a child was when we stayed with my grandparents in Kent, they were lovely. Sleeping in the attic bedroom that my father used as a boy, I could hear the passing traffic something I could not heat at home another novelty .
Even in the early 1960's they had no electricity so I had a candle very exciting, the grown ups had lovely oil lamps polished brass and coloured glass shades.
Their house had an old cast iron range in the kitchen parlour, bright copper pans and no TV (as a youngster that was hard but I soon got used to it) grandad was very entertaining. On Boxingday the cousins came round more gifts, (I still have the Rupert the bear book). In the afternoon a walk to Aunt Tills (Matilda or Tilly) house, an old thatched cottage white walls inside and out and spotlessly clean. And snow Christmas always seemed to have snow. Then home by agreement even at that age I had a small present and had my big one when we returned home, one year it was a Hornby electric train set, excellent, an engine the "Princess Elizabeth" and 3 carriages.
The year before the big present was a bright red bike, and that was brilliant, the milk was still being delivered by one of the last independant milkman and he still used a horse drawn milk cart, and if I followed him on the bike I got to look after the horse as he delivered the milk. Every now and then one of the local women came out to sweep up the fresh manure for the roses.
One thing I do know is that I wish I could go back for a visit.
I do hope that there are many Hoo Tooers that had a good old fashioned family christmas like mine, when they were young. And can have a traditional Christmas and have a proper happy traditional holiday this year as I intend to with family.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle Interesting Ancestors
25. 11 2015
It appears that I have an ancestor who ran a pub in Kent. My father found out the history some years ago, my grandmother's maiden name was Ransley, she was regarded as being from a well known family.
Her family was originally from the Deal area and a close relation George Ransley ran a pub in the area called the Bourne Tap.
Like any good businessman he had grasped the principal buy cheap and sell high. this applied to wine and spirits as much as any commodity. Living on the kent coast the best source of a cheap supply was smuggling.
He was supplied by a large gang in the area and after a time became deeply involved, to such an extent that after a customs raid called "the battle of Brookland" he became the leader of the gang.
After a little matter when a customs officer was accidently on purpose shot through the head, and was arrested for murder. Owing it the efforts of a brilliant lawyer he avoided a hanging, but he won himself a trip to Tasmania (in chains). However he was pardoned and established a family and ended up owning a 500 acre farm, surrounded by a large and happy family.
Anyone else have stories from their family history
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle Its a Small World
26. 11 2015
It appears that not only did I have an ancestor who ran a pub in Kent, and broke the law by doing a tiny bit of smuggling. The interesting thing that came to light was that Icy replied "my ancestor was a customs officer from Kent".
Thats a small world, I like the connection, just need an Australian researcher to say that they are related to the old smuggler.
I find it interesting the way connections appear are there any coincidental connections on HooToo I wonder.
And of course the request for anyone else who has stories from their family history to join in.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle it is not as easy as it looks
27. 11 2015
I have been familiar with NaJoPoMo for a few years and had been tempted to join in for some time.
Well its harder than it looks as I am not a diary keeper never have been, I found a 1971 diary I was given that Christmas not a word well, perhaps a couple of birthdays noted and a few phone numbers and thats about it.
Samuel Pepys has nothing to be concerned about me spoiling his reputation. It's finding something to say or just plain laziness, as there was plenty going on.
That diary should have noted my first flight in a light aircraft, that was a brilliant experience, I married the other passenger so that was an important note that was not put to paper.
There was plenty going on so there were no excuse, a lot more than most people ever get to experience horses, hunting and teaching advanced equitation and other things<shhh>, all due to the jobs I was doing in the UK and Spain and back in the UK. All that and still single what were the words Blackadder used oh yes woof woof.
So what makes a diarist an interesting life helps, I suppose everyone has important events and interesting experiences, but what makes some people write it down and others commit their life to memory.
It did occur to me that is by some technological miracle this site survives it will eventually serve as some sort of diary, a record of a community that revered knowledge, community and companionship. Let us hope it has a long future.
I might even do it again next year if the rest of you can stand it.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle Just 2 more days to go
28. 11 2015
We are just two more posts away from the end of the NaJoPoMo it has been interesting to say the least.
Finding subjects to comment upon is an odd discipline to get used to, it came as a surprise that the Vietnam War was in full swing, concord was still undergoing wind tunnel tests and the new television/telephone is on display in Stuttgart the International Radio Exhibition, West Germany.
It just seems that period was more interesting than today, there was more happening.
I suppose it all looked more impressive as they were less frequent events. Now we get seem to get more advances in a week than we did in a year (50 years ago).
Mind you things have advanced but not always for the better, we have so many gadgets that we have to do less and think less is it to easy.
Car driving in a older car is somehow more exciting (if that's the right word) you had to be more skillful to drive them, todays cars do so much for you and are far safer. Mind you they were bloomin uncomfortable over a long distance, and cold and noisy the list goes on.
I suppose I am saying that things are more comfortable and safer now, in the past things were not as safe and comfortable, but more interesting though.
As an experiment once we joined a project living in the 1600's it was summer and the kit and furniture (and bedding was straw mattresses). It was very uncomfortable but interesting as after a month it started to feel normal, the bugs were a problem though.
If you get a chance do have a go... its an experience not soon forgotten.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle A question of pedigree
29. 11 2015
A question of pedigree
It is 2060 years ago that the first group of Roman tourists ended their vacation in southern Britain. But they were not the first the celtic tribes were the first invaders. The Celtic tribes invaded from Europe after 800 BC thats 750 years before the Roman invasions, so their claim to be the indigenous inhabitants of Britain appear unfounded less than 100 generations.
So who were the original inhabitants the true eastern europeans (were they also Celts it seems unlikely). The first peoples of the western isles who were there from the dawn of history have the best claim (If any).
The remnants of the pre Roman population who arrived circa 2860 BC who withdrew into west and north were fortunate as the Romans regard the areas to be of little worth, and did not bother to take invade it, and they had 375 years to make their minds up.
So the move to separate states within the UK appears to be built on some frail foundations, do we need is more politicians and the expense of layers of local government officials.
The question of ownership of the land is already established beyond dispute its on the property deeds, is it all political, just people wanting to replace Westminster, It makes you think.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle, As Alfred Lord Tennyson would say "That's Shalott"
30. 11 2015
"That's Shalott"
At the end of this my first NaJoPoMo at first after post 1, it stretched before me, it looked longer than a viking saga, thats a fine mess your in. At first it was hard work thinking about what to say in the journal should be. It took surprisingly little effort to write it but it has however been 30 days of experiment and hard thinking to think of what to say.
Its getting colder here now and the weather outlook in the press is gloomy the internet weather forecasts are more optimistic.
It will all be over this time next year and will be interesting to look back over the events of the year.
Subjects such as immigration, the potential war(s) and religious conflict, technological advances since today, how much difference will a year make?
If I do this again that will make the first entry, maybe it would be a good idea to compare notes of how the world has changed
personally,
locally,
nationally
and lastly world wide
Perhaps if you read this you could join me in the comparison.
I hope it worked and was of some interest even if it did not gather many comments. Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year.
Bob
As a first timer, this is like a Message in a bottle. Why? well its tough to know where this will end up, as like as not it shall drift unread for centuries.
Ever wondered why nature played a joke on cats giving them the ability to climb up but not down. Cats stuck up trees are amusing to start but the novelty soon wears off. The plaintive howling was at first amusing, 16 ft up but not brave enough to jump down. After about an hour trying to get it down, a resorting to other means was necessary. Other more direct approaches considered were? high pressure water jet to knock him off his perch, perhaps not vets not open today. Ladder no! branch to thin and hospital not open so thats a no.
<eureka> in the garage were some empty cardboard boxes so if the ground level is raised sherpa catsing might jump for it.
Having put several boxes together took the first two out to the tree, now there are TWO little b*****s the second now up there had gone up to see what what problem was? now he had found out the hard way. One good thing the slender limb was bent a foot lower to the ground with two cats on it <laugh> (imagine two survivors clinging to an upturned boat).
Boxes distributed as a landing zone, come on then jump. Both cats look down with an expression that said, "Your kidding that's way too far to jump"!
Things do have a way of sorting things out however, suddenly heavy one of the pair slips and with a howl falls from the branch. The sudden weight reduction the branch shoots up and catapults the other into the air <laugh> the scream lasted all the way down. Both hit the boxes within three seconds thud thud. I left them in the boxes, arguing about whose fault it was <laugh>
NB: no injuries pride was a bit bent though.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
2.11.2015
Its strange how on some days things go right (more than others) I just wandered into an old antique workshop/yard with an attached shop. nothing out of the ordinary but moderately interesting.
The yard piled high with wrought iron garden furniture bunches, fence panels and tables, there was some lumber in a corner that was duly inspected.
The shop was packed with wardrobes tables old prints and the usual allsorts of varying degrees of interest. You never know what there is but normally it is little more than just interesting.
Today was a little different I noticed a box of VHS tapes of the Inspector Morse series "you can have those" said the owner, thanks mate.
Then I asked about a 2ft square of 2 inch thick rough sawn oak I need for a project "you can have that" excellent.
Then in curiosity I picked up a very dusty old pistol dusted it off it was a gem of a 9 inch octagonal barrel, percussion lock, gentleman's travelling pistol, in steel brass and mahogany and in probably good firing condition. How much "you can have that for £140" must admit it's VERY TEMPTING, keep telling myself its an investment.
<smiley>
NB: no injuries pride was a bit bent though.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
3.11.2015
Very slow day today even the cats were boring and were very well behaved. The problem is even when they are genuinely being good you can't quite believe it, and feel obliged to check.
Cats are quiet at the two extremes A.really serious evil deeds, some smaller animal becomes seriously and messy terminated, or ripping 7 bells out of some piece of furniture that had so far escaped claw sharpening duty
B. The problem is bother it,when they are content happily dozing, that is normally is a result of activity A.
Cat toys last just seconds I take more time tidying up than destruction, its amazing how far debris is discovered from the epicenter.
Kebabs for tea today that was a high spot and managed to finish before the cats turned up for tasters, that was tough <evilgrin>
So that was it just preparing for well overdue decorating to do, and better start to get ready for Christmas that will come sooner than I think.<erm>
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
4.11.2015
Star Gazing
Star gazing is not what I would call a passion but I have a north(ish) facing Velux type skylight in the loft, and thought I would try taking photographs of the night sky with the aid of a telescope.
The point is I am not sure if the skylight is facing in an appropriate direction for taking photos of the night sky. So its off to the WWW to trawl or information.
However it sure beats trudging around outside freezing and getting inevitably damp. And getting some very ordinary images
The council turn off the street lighting off at night so that will make things a lot better, but who knows what results can be expected. But the images are the main thing, the thing is a decent long lens or use a telescope attachment and what sort of scope to buy, some traders are not as reliable as the can be.
Still off to hunt down the information.
NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
getting cold
5.11.2015
Out on my walk today, I have noticed a distinct drop in temperature out on the open country lately, noticeably warmer in town. With all the talk of a foul winter in our corner of the world.
We make such a fuss about the extremes here but other countries suffer much worse.
I enjoy the cold more the hot weather a walk in the Autumn is much more enjoyable. And prior to the hunt ban following the hunt (not interested in the hunt but it was a spectacle, Drag hunting is to predictable) was a good excuse to get out and brave the weather.
The oak woods in the forest was wonderful today even though the weather kept other people at home (good).
The New Forest in the winter is probably the best of all but I don't get to visit much as its to far since my last move.
I did get a chance to walk through the Ardennes forest not long ago and that is magnificent, the wildlife is abundant and even though it is beautifully kept it has that unmanaged feel.
Depending on the weather off again to the forests again tomorrow Cannock Chase bring the closest.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Wet day for a change
6.11.2015
The planned walk is off the menu due to the weather paining again...
I have been meaning to sort through my books to get them into some order for some time.
The trouble is when a book is bought it goes into the first spare on the shelves. This means checking around to find the required book(s).
Happily I have a nice big bookcase in the sitting room this also houses the TV and the records, vinyl and 78's. This holds about 300 of various types. The lounge/dining room holds another 200, and a pile of CD films and Music.
The problem is I can never quite find a system that I am satisfied with.
Still there is always tomorrow its quite therapeutic and there is always a book open.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Wet day for a change
6.11.2015
The planned walk is off the menu due to the weather paining again...
I have been meaning to sort through my books to get them into some order for some time.
The trouble is when a book is bought it goes into the first spare on the shelves. This means checking around to find the required book(s).
Happily I have a nice big bookcase in the sitting room this also houses the TV and the records, vinyl and 78's. This holds about 300 of various types. The lounge/dining room holds another 200, and a pile of CD films and Music.
The problem is I can never quite find a system that I am satisfied with.
Still there is always tomorrow its quite therapeutic and there is always a book open.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Loft rummage (another wet day)
7.11.2015
I went up to get something in the loft today, and whilst up there I was joined by Willow our smallest cat. unable to evice the little c** I had to call for re enforcements. Having removed the trespasser I was informed that the loft needed a tidy (we had to shift things to dislodge her).
Set to tidying and during the tidy found an unopened box? we had packet it away over 2 years ago so in curiosity it was opened.There were books and papers mainly but the surprise find were 2 Fuji cameras.
Digital cameras and they still had their batteries in them, thinking them ruined they were turned on and they went into start up. Phew!
They both took flash photos and worked perfectly. The surprising thing was one had best quality major brand set of 4, AA batteries. The others were a leading supermarkets own brand at half the price, is there a point here somewhere.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Its Remembrance Day
8.11.2015
So it was Remembrance Day around here I had forgotten all about it it has become very low key it seems.
It might be more memorable but for the simple fact that the family contribution to the casualty lists of both World Wars was 0.
They all did their part in WWI grandfathers one in the trenches and another in the Horse Artillery, and in WWII the RASC and the Parachute Regiment, some of it quite busy but hardly a scratch.
So despite other actions it seems Remembrance Day is being discreetly overlooked by the media, which is the shame.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Immigrants are not a problem
9.11.2015
It Appears immigration is not a problem for the UK the exodus of the English has offset the the new arrivals. So say the press trouble is the arrivals need financing until they settle and the departing english take their benefits with them and spend that money in the country of their choice.
Ok so the numbers may balance but there must be a negative impact on the british economy. English ex pats take their pensions and health care benefits and spend the money elsewhere. So There must be a negative effect on the UK? how can it be otherwise?
This sounds like Whitehall spin.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
An important meeting
10.11.2015
Today in 1871 at Ujiji a village close to Lake Tanganyika, Central Africa Henry Morton Stanley meets David Livingstone and greets him with those now famous words "Dr Livingstone, I presume".
These are the sort of people who need to be better remembered for this was no easy feat. Africa was still largely unexplored and there was a good chance that the unwary traveller to become lion fodder.
So as its not possible now to buy them a pint, cheers to their memory.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Armistice Day
11.11.2015
Armistice Day, back to the beginning.
It all started with a series of unfortunate treaties, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the nephew of Austria's emperor and heir to the throne
It was a slow process as Austria-Hungary needed the support of Germany, with whom they had a mutual treaty. It took some time for Germany to confirm their support for war with Serbia
This gave Serbia in turn had a treaty with Russia the delay allowed time to get confirmation of Russia support.
Russia in turn called for the support of France and Britain.
with whom they also had a treaty with.
This diplomacy took just over 4 weeks from the time of the assassination to organise and allow Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.
And of course there were more countries to join in later.
The pen is mightier than the sword, well it certainly does have the power to start wars. Diplomacy is dangerous.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Absent friend
12.11.2015
After many years of his company we were forced to say goodbye to our faithful old dog, he had been living successfully with the aftereffects of a stroke for 4 years, but it had become to much for him lately and it was now sadly time for him to rest.
He was taken to the vet and she helped him to his final sleep. We had the chance to say good bye as he slipped away with no stress and pain, with the peace and dignity that old age had denied him.
Its very strange without him in his bed, so farewell Rockey, rest well, you will not be forgotten.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Preparing for house decoration
13.11.2015
We (thats the "Royal we") have decided to decorate the the hall and lounge. Ok it's not that bad could get away with a touch up here and there, but as there is nothing better to do this weekend, why not.
We prefer painted walls.
So out to buy paint spent about 2 hours "choosing" with no particular success so picked up a fistfull of paint charts. We (er she) had a favourite colour fair enough, so returning home it turned it is only a shade or 2 different from the current one (and we have enough left over from last redecoration to re do the paintwork). This debate will continue no doubt for some time, does everyone have this hassle I wonder?
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Cats
14.11.2015
Just had a cat raid the dinner table and make off with a chicken bone and eat about 2.5 inches of it. It is said chicken bones are dangerous to cats so posted the question on the WWW and had some advice from a vet and a diet sheet suggesting rice, dry cooked chicken and mashed pumpkin.
Surprisingly he ate it and seamed to love it, but now we have 3 days of waiting for things to pass and hope there is no stomach pain, fever or blockage.
A further joy is to keep an eye on the litter box to see if there are bits of bone in the poo. Thats a pass time to look forward to, still all part of the joy of living with cats. Lets hope it all turns out well (fingers crossed firmly) and vets on Monday just in case.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Bad Weather or not
15.11.2015
The many reports of awful winter weather appear to have stopped, all the prophecy of snow, cold, more snow, ice and mini ice age conditions have been empty, cold conditions have yet to appear.
Even the news media has stopped telling us how miserable damp, cold and unable to travel we are going to be.
Its in fact so far a very mild spell of weather here, not a sign of a snowman as yet, yes the usual rain but less of that than normal. The grass is still growing, in fact it looks set for a mild winter.
So whats going on a nice mild winter or a stinker?
What are the rest of you expecting where you are barbeque on the beach or struggling through deep snow and blizzards.
Still feeding the birds regardless though, hope everyone else is not forgetting.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Misplaced and unfair religious intolerance.
16.11.2015
It is understandable that there is some justifiable ill feeling towards IS in Europe now, and this had brought about some unjustified distrust of the Muslim community worldwide. But the feeling that all Muslims are to blame is growing.
Trust has been a casualty, there are now becoming openly hostile? a hairdresser who refuses Muslim clients, a frightened woman living in Wales now feels concerned by verbal abuse, in every example it is simply unfair individuals should not feel vulnerable. Is the good nature of the english being eroded by suspicion. Or is the media looking for stories, how can we stop this and where do we go from here.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Christmas is coming
17.11.2015
About this time of year with people preparing madly for Christmas, I tend to think of past Christmas holidays. The strongest memory is about the time of year we always visited Winchester as a family.
Wandering round the shops tea and cakes in ihe warm tea shops near the cathedral. The famous focal point of Winchester is the bronze statue of King Alfred in Winchester>. Alfred was introduced to me by my father so it is always a special memory. I can't think of Alfred without visualising him in the evening lit by street lamps, and in falling snow. Hords of christmas shoppers walking past.
Then a visit to the cathedral. It always seemed to snow it was always quite deep as we walked over the snow on the cathedral green, and there was always something going on. Music drifting from the shops and if you were lucky the cathedral choir would be singing.
It always has an Edwardian flavour, safe and pleasant, then and now it is unchanging a wonderful start for the Christmas season.
Hope that everyone has a special place like Winchester and everyone has happy christmas memories.
stop this and where do we go from here.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
Birmingham CHRISTMAS Street market
18.11.2015
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words so to continue from yesterday's post my visit to Birmingham's Christmas street market was also an excellent day out.
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/100124210
The wonderful Lights and the Tower of the Christmas Bar from the crossroads. New Street Christmas Lights and the crowds, there are many stalls stuffed with seasonal goods, plenty to eat and drink, I enjoyed it immensely.
And for a quiet break the cathedral is nearby and worth a visit,. A realy nice day out.
Can anyone else share their favorites.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle
19.11.2015 Lunar Larks
Do you know or remember the names Charles Conrad and Alan Bean well it was along time ago. Here is a clue Richard Gordon was with them most of the time.
If you remember well done (it helps if you are from the USA). If you dont remember well thats understandable it was 19 Nov 1969.
If you were around then you can be forgiven it is the anniversary of the Apollo 12 in a lunar landing. I found it surprising it was that long ago and the event only rated a few words in the trivia section of the news. 46 years ago yikes and almost forgotten, these 3 were brave chaps (Richard Gordon was the driver of the mother ship).
Not a word on the mainstream media all the TV channels we have stuffed full of repeats and trivial repeats and not a mention. The only one who seems to have any interest in space is Richard Branson, and he only gets coverage when something goes wrong.
Someone said (and I don't know who) "the future is in the stars". It looks like we forget things or give up to soon.
Th USA should be proud of Charles Conrad, Alan Bean and Richard Gordon
Well done chaps ok well done USA applause
Now heres a question what were the names of the first men to walk on the moon, it will take some time to remember and half of us will need to look it up.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle Once common old english words A Quiz.
20.11.2015
It has been a very uneventful day today just a big Spring clean (must get this calendar fixed) so nothing of any great interest to report.
So as it appears that a quiz is acceptable, I would try something along those lines.
So here is the "English words in use 1400 to 1700 quiz"
What was an - ABIGAIL
What is - ARMED WITH POINTS
What was an - ASKEW
What was - BEGGARS PLUSH
What was a - BEN COVE
What was - BOBAUNCE
What was a - CANVAS CLIMBER
What was - TO JERK THE CAT
What happened if you - MISS (or missed) THE CUSHION
The answers
ABIGAIL:- a name for a ladies maid.
ARMED WITH POINTS (**):-a company armed with spears and lances
ASKEW (+):-a small drinking vessel or cup.
BEGGARS PLUSH:-common name for cotton velvet (corduroy).
BEN COVE:-a good friend or companion.
BOBAUNCE:-pomp or ostentation
CANVAS CLIMBER:-a sailor.
CAT TO JERK THE/SHOOT THE:-to vomit.
CUSHION TO MISS THE:-to miss the target.
Its worth a guess
Good luck I will post the answers if anyone has a try.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle A Sudden change of weather
21. 11. 2015
That was a sudden change in the weather to put it mildly (except its not mild it's very cold)
Well I supposed we were warned and we can't complain but talk about sudden, and we are promised worse to come. It must be bad as Prof has reported his PC room to cold to use, and Prof is no wimp.
So its snow from the north! and strong winds! from the west What next?
Its just started so suppose we will have to wait and see if it gets as bad as they say it might.
How is everyone getting on out there I wonder nothing to extreme I hope towel
Cold and wet here with patches of sun so not much to complain about as yet but is there much worse yet to come.
Lets hope not we might not see the end of it until March.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle A Sunday sorting the loft
22. 11. 2015
When we last moved we packed our important papers into boxes. This was done so we could take our time and sort and file them again when we settled in.
That was years ago facepalm
erm so we decided it's about time we finally got round to it, you know those jobs you wish you never started, this was one of those run .
1999 was the date on the first file, what is the point Quick check and in the shredder, and that was not the first load.
The shredder kept overheating that slowed us up considerably. We found old christmas and birthday cards, vaccination records for pets that are now a cherished memory, old photos, 100's of slides, boxes of negatives what a blessing digital photography is biggrin .
No its not a quick or easy job, when the novelty wears off, we shall stop and we will start again soon, real soon, just as soon as we can spare the time, if there is nothing better to do ......... one day possibly, if we can spare the time, just after christmas, if we can decide which christmas run
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle Oldish PC games
23. 11 2015
Someone presented me with a pile of CD games Microsoft originals and others with a question, and asked will they work on a PC/Laptop today?
Well the short answer was No they are to old... 1997 to 2004 the dates I can find on all the original microsoft CD's.
The long answer is I don't know for sure "Age of Empires II" and "War and Peace" are just two of the titles.
So not wanting to be unhelpful I thought some Hootooer out there must surely know. I do not want to experiment and b#####r up my laptop, so what is the answer "will the work"?
Anyone out there know the answer and share their wisdom ok
Discuss this entry - 3 replies - Latest reply: 15 Hours Ago
Remove this Journal Entry from your Space
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle Christmas past.
24. 11 2015
So it's nearly Christmas, season of joy and goodwill, fair enough but how is that supposed to work. The pressure it puts on people makes it anything but that.
Christmas is measured by the amount you are prepared to spend/borrow, the TV is no help showing vast quantities of food huge ranges of expensive gifts, it has got out of hand, the pressure on people is enormous. Its not the same a lot of the love has gone for many people it has been reduced to duty.
My best Christmases as a child was when we stayed with my grandparents in Kent, they were lovely. Sleeping in the attic bedroom that my father used as a boy, I could hear the passing traffic something I could not heat at home another novelty .
Even in the early 1960's they had no electricity so I had a candle very exciting, the grown ups had lovely oil lamps polished brass and coloured glass shades.
Their house had an old cast iron range in the kitchen parlour, bright copper pans and no TV (as a youngster that was hard but I soon got used to it) grandad was very entertaining. On Boxingday the cousins came round more gifts, (I still have the Rupert the bear book). In the afternoon a walk to Aunt Tills (Matilda or Tilly) house, an old thatched cottage white walls inside and out and spotlessly clean. And snow Christmas always seemed to have snow. Then home by agreement even at that age I had a small present and had my big one when we returned home, one year it was a Hornby electric train set, excellent, an engine the "Princess Elizabeth" and 3 carriages.
The year before the big present was a bright red bike, and that was brilliant, the milk was still being delivered by one of the last independant milkman and he still used a horse drawn milk cart, and if I followed him on the bike I got to look after the horse as he delivered the milk. Every now and then one of the local women came out to sweep up the fresh manure for the roses.
One thing I do know is that I wish I could go back for a visit.
I do hope that there are many Hoo Tooers that had a good old fashioned family christmas like mine, when they were young. And can have a traditional Christmas and have a proper happy traditional holiday this year as I intend to with family.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle Interesting Ancestors
25. 11 2015
It appears that I have an ancestor who ran a pub in Kent. My father found out the history some years ago, my grandmother's maiden name was Ransley, she was regarded as being from a well known family.
Her family was originally from the Deal area and a close relation George Ransley ran a pub in the area called the Bourne Tap.
Like any good businessman he had grasped the principal buy cheap and sell high. this applied to wine and spirits as much as any commodity. Living on the kent coast the best source of a cheap supply was smuggling.
He was supplied by a large gang in the area and after a time became deeply involved, to such an extent that after a customs raid called "the battle of Brookland" he became the leader of the gang.
After a little matter when a customs officer was accidently on purpose shot through the head, and was arrested for murder. Owing it the efforts of a brilliant lawyer he avoided a hanging, but he won himself a trip to Tasmania (in chains). However he was pardoned and established a family and ended up owning a 500 acre farm, surrounded by a large and happy family.
Anyone else have stories from their family history
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle Its a Small World
26. 11 2015
It appears that not only did I have an ancestor who ran a pub in Kent, and broke the law by doing a tiny bit of smuggling. The interesting thing that came to light was that Icy replied "my ancestor was a customs officer from Kent".
Thats a small world, I like the connection, just need an Australian researcher to say that they are related to the old smuggler.
I find it interesting the way connections appear are there any coincidental connections on HooToo I wonder.
And of course the request for anyone else who has stories from their family history to join in.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle it is not as easy as it looks
27. 11 2015
I have been familiar with NaJoPoMo for a few years and had been tempted to join in for some time.
Well its harder than it looks as I am not a diary keeper never have been, I found a 1971 diary I was given that Christmas not a word well, perhaps a couple of birthdays noted and a few phone numbers and thats about it.
Samuel Pepys has nothing to be concerned about me spoiling his reputation. It's finding something to say or just plain laziness, as there was plenty going on.
That diary should have noted my first flight in a light aircraft, that was a brilliant experience, I married the other passenger so that was an important note that was not put to paper.
There was plenty going on so there were no excuse, a lot more than most people ever get to experience horses, hunting and teaching advanced equitation and other things<shhh>, all due to the jobs I was doing in the UK and Spain and back in the UK. All that and still single what were the words Blackadder used oh yes woof woof.
So what makes a diarist an interesting life helps, I suppose everyone has important events and interesting experiences, but what makes some people write it down and others commit their life to memory.
It did occur to me that is by some technological miracle this site survives it will eventually serve as some sort of diary, a record of a community that revered knowledge, community and companionship. Let us hope it has a long future.
I might even do it again next year if the rest of you can stand it.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle Just 2 more days to go
28. 11 2015
We are just two more posts away from the end of the NaJoPoMo it has been interesting to say the least.
Finding subjects to comment upon is an odd discipline to get used to, it came as a surprise that the Vietnam War was in full swing, concord was still undergoing wind tunnel tests and the new television/telephone is on display in Stuttgart the International Radio Exhibition, West Germany.
It just seems that period was more interesting than today, there was more happening.
I suppose it all looked more impressive as they were less frequent events. Now we get seem to get more advances in a week than we did in a year (50 years ago).
Mind you things have advanced but not always for the better, we have so many gadgets that we have to do less and think less is it to easy.
Car driving in a older car is somehow more exciting (if that's the right word) you had to be more skillful to drive them, todays cars do so much for you and are far safer. Mind you they were bloomin uncomfortable over a long distance, and cold and noisy the list goes on.
I suppose I am saying that things are more comfortable and safer now, in the past things were not as safe and comfortable, but more interesting though.
As an experiment once we joined a project living in the 1600's it was summer and the kit and furniture (and bedding was straw mattresses). It was very uncomfortable but interesting as after a month it started to feel normal, the bugs were a problem though.
If you get a chance do have a go... its an experience not soon forgotten.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle A question of pedigree
29. 11 2015
A question of pedigree
It is 2060 years ago that the first group of Roman tourists ended their vacation in southern Britain. But they were not the first the celtic tribes were the first invaders. The Celtic tribes invaded from Europe after 800 BC thats 750 years before the Roman invasions, so their claim to be the indigenous inhabitants of Britain appear unfounded less than 100 generations.
So who were the original inhabitants the true eastern europeans (were they also Celts it seems unlikely). The first peoples of the western isles who were there from the dawn of history have the best claim (If any).
The remnants of the pre Roman population who arrived circa 2860 BC who withdrew into west and north were fortunate as the Romans regard the areas to be of little worth, and did not bother to take invade it, and they had 375 years to make their minds up.
So the move to separate states within the UK appears to be built on some frail foundations, do we need is more politicians and the expense of layers of local government officials.
The question of ownership of the land is already established beyond dispute its on the property deeds, is it all political, just people wanting to replace Westminster, It makes you think.
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NaJoPoMo 2015 Bobstafford A Message in a bottle, As Alfred Lord Tennyson would say "That's Shalott"
30. 11 2015
"That's Shalott"
At the end of this my first NaJoPoMo at first after post 1, it stretched before me, it looked longer than a viking saga, thats a fine mess your in. At first it was hard work thinking about what to say in the journal should be. It took surprisingly little effort to write it but it has however been 30 days of experiment and hard thinking to think of what to say.
Its getting colder here now and the weather outlook in the press is gloomy the internet weather forecasts are more optimistic.
It will all be over this time next year and will be interesting to look back over the events of the year.
Subjects such as immigration, the potential war(s) and religious conflict, technological advances since today, how much difference will a year make?
If I do this again that will make the first entry, maybe it would be a good idea to compare notes of how the world has changed
personally,
locally,
nationally
and lastly world wide
Perhaps if you read this you could join me in the comparison.
I hope it worked and was of some interest even if it did not gather many comments. Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year.
Bob
