h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hello Ham ,at last ,a minute for me !!! It's rarer than chickens teeth these days,I never get a minute. Well ,on the subject of tattoos ,our Zac had one done recently ,on his leg !! Like cave art he designed himself,soooo ,what do you say ? My son is wonderful artist OR ,my son is a complete idiot ,who disobeys my every word ? I did a mix ,wonderful original idea for a tattoo ,but wouldn't it have looked better in a picture frame on the wall ,for ALL to admire ? They give you this 'vacant ' look ,and say, my leg ,my choice !!! I'm over it now Ham .

So ,back up in our homeland eh ? I won't ask how the weather is hahaha I know ,has it snowed yet ? hahahaha I went to the garden centre ,spent a fortune on plants ,a beautiful hot day ,I was pleased to get home and find some shade in the garden,planted all the plants up ,watered furiously of course ...next day ,more rain than we've had all winter ,stronger gales ,than we've experienced this decade ,sooooooooo blame all the bad weather on me ok ? hahaha I just hope you are having a better time of it.

I will write soon ,I know I keep saying this ,then another lot arrives on holiday. Just got rid of some of my husbands relatives (first time I'd seen them since the funeral) I'm the busiest hotel in Blackpool hahaha

Ok sending this now so you know I am thinking of you.With Love always Pinky XXX

Pinky, yes I'm back in the land of heatwaves, our first week in Whitley Bay was a washout in terms of the weather as you know but we had lots to do catching up with family, second week was much better all in all we had a great time. Two weeks in a caravan, and it wasn't a little'un! Changes your perspective somewhat, came home to an overgrown garden that looked like it had never been touched by human hand! My daughter watered my tomatoes though so all survived. Quite emotional couple of weeks I told you about my re-discovered sis I think, her and her family never cease to amaze, I'm learning things about my early life I really never knew and it's quite a bumpy ride I can assure you. My granddaughter is at uni in Newcastle so we went down to see her a few times in the first week, we gave her her first trip to Tynemouth which knocked her out, students don't go in for exploring the area, apart from the Bigg Market and the Quayside! That was on our 51st anniversary so it was really pleasant. She's got a little job with my nephew who is the front of house manager at the Tyne Theatre. We went down there for his 50th birthday, a show time Karaoke would you believe, what amazed us is that the young kids love it, they belt out songs from Miss Saigon and Les Mis, wonderful. I managed a decent shot at On the Street Where You Live from My Fair Lady, my old dad's Go as You Please favourite, oh by the way when we were in Blyth I spotted a Funeral Directors called Go As You Please! Wonderful, I took a photo, Enough already if this sends it will be a miracle, Love, Ham.

Welcome home Ham ,it certainly sounds like a fabulous holiday ,lovely seeing the family ,as for the weather ,well ,we know what to expect up home eh ?

I had my PC cleaned and upgraded ,consequently ,email address ,this site and everything else ,I've had to try and track down passwords ,nightmare ...yet again I had to have the password changed for here,took an age ,but it works. Never do an upgrade Ham

The weather is much more 'comfortable' here today ,a breeze makes sleeping much easier ,the last few nights have been unbearable ..my house is positioned to get the sun in all rooms ,from sunrise to sunset , the best place was the back garden at 3 am

Right ,should get this posted Ham,don't want to push my luck on a new password hahaha Just lovely ,as always ,knowing the family are all well ,and hearing all about your exploits ,you keep me going XXX Love Pinks XXX

Knock three times and ask for Joe, it gets you in anywhere. I've just finished a great book I think you'd enjoy, it's called the Pitmen's Requiem by Peter Crookston, it's a sort of biography of Robert Saint a pitman and musician from Hebburn who composed the famous Brass Band hymn Gresford, remarkable man as well as that he founded a pit pony rescue organisation, busy fellow. It's also a solid history of the decline of the Durham pits, great book, I bought it at the market on Tynemouth Station, I think I might have mentioned going there but anyhows I really enjoyed it. We've got torrential rain forecast for this afternoon, I'll believe it when I see it. My missus is practically crippled with her knee now, we're waiting for an op date, it's awful watching her struggle around, she won't use a stick or anything, stubborn as a mule. I don't look at my computer much these days ironic as I've got three working well! This one, my desktop I bought refurbished off ebay for about £90, Dell it is, and it's never flickered, I bought a tablet but I got fed up with it, my missus is addicted to hers! Reet I'll get this off such as it is, Love Ham.

Hello Ham ,how incredible ,you reading about the Durham coalfield ,and I have been researching ,art ,from miners ,well some professional artists too . Art courses were encouraged up in our area in 1934, at Ashington and Spennymoor ,some of the art work is inspirational ,while some is very 'honest' and hits your heart. I'll see if I can find the book you've read Ham ,sounds right up my street. Though ,having said that ,my sister in law insists I read Fifty Shades of Grey hahahaha I prefer to keep my mind with the hope ,the human race still has some dignity hahaha I'll read your recommendation ,thank you Ham..

Hmmm 'knees' ...the doctor has 'upped' me Mams painkiller tablets for her knee,now I think I may have mentioned ,the other one hurts just as much. I too look on in anguish as she struggles to even get up off the chair. She is now using the walking stick ,after almost having to beat her with it first of course hahaha stubborn as a mule ..must be a North East 'thing' eh ? Hope your wife gets hers sorted out soon ,her knee I mean ,stubbornness , no cure Ham ,sorry

Back to books ,and this may amaze you ,I've never been a great fan of Jane Austin ,but recently I found a copy of 'Persuasion', must have been at the back of my wardrobe for years ,I thought I'd give it a try ,again ..Ham ,it was fantastic ,honestly ..I know ,I really do ,not me at all ,upper class ,snobs ,born with the silver spoon etc etc .but when you really get into it ..fascinating reading ,and a wonderful historical account ,of just how life was. I may read more ,watch this space.

Ok sending this now ,and I know and understand how you feel about getting online , I am the same ,so much to do and enjoy in the garden and just 'living' ..I'm here when you do need a friend ,always. Love Pinks XXX

You still got the flower shop Pinky? Just wondered you haven't mentioned it for a while, just wondered if I could send you that book there? but only if you feel comfortable, if you don't please forget I mentioned it, I really do understand. Its so bloody miserable for your mum, They fixed my knee great but it's never the same but at least I'm free of pain till the gout rears up but my Doc is asking for extra blood tests to get it sorted I've been lucky the bloke across the road had his done same time as me and he has to have it redone, torture, but I must say nearly everyone I know whose had knees fixed are really positive. The thing is you have a long and productive life and the number of elderly people whose life is completely messed up by knee and other joint problems is astounding. My sis up North can't get up a flight of stairs and she's an otherwise totally active fit sociable woman, a real shame My Wimbledon widowhood has started, I've been in the garden all day trying to hide my irritability, crikey that took some spelling. I always grow lots of annuals, Dahlias, Nicotania, and Livingston Daisies this year, I'm not a good gardener, it always looks a mess whatever I do, but flowers always look good. We came back from up North to a complete jungle, I've just about rescued my spuds and tomatoes, what a job. Reet, I'll get this off, if it goes that is, Love Ham.

Wow,I can't believe it's that long since I last wrote Ham ,I must be having fun ! Who knew ? hahaha Ham you could have my home address without a problem ,I trust you more than life itself ,it's just finding a way of getting it to you safely. We need to think about that and work it out. I don't have the shop anymore ,I'm working from home now ,and have been since my hubby became really poorly. It's easier and costs are at a minimum now ,which helps ,a lot ,no two of every bill. I kept all of my contract customers ,hotels etc,life is easier ,messier ,but easier. I'm not so controlled by time ,I can help me Mam out a lot more now,without panicking ,if you know what I mean ? Life is in a better place for me right now,I'm thinking positive for the first time since my hubby's death.

I didn't watch any of the tennis ,I just can't stand it. I saw the news so I knew Murray had gone out,I wasn't shocked. The American Open has a much bigger purse than Wimbledon ( that's my theory anyway).

I have heard so many people lately talking about knee and hip replacement ops,some successful ,some not so much. You are one of the lucky ones Ham ,thank goodness. It's terrible having to see me Mam struggling ,but struggle she will,if she had to crawl,I'm sure she would. I'm with her quite a lot lately ,just trying to make life easier for her, getting over the first anniversary especially of my brother ,has been very difficult for her. Life certainly is full of twists and turns isn't it Ham ? As positive as we try to remain ,some things just come along and it amazes me where we get the courage from to keep going ,but we do.

Right ,this could be dodgy sending hahaha I'm gonna try it. Sending all my love along with this message Pinks XXX

YEYYYYYYYYYYY !!! I must know people in high places ,it sent Ham woweeeee hahaha Love Pinks XXX

Pinky, I'm begging forgiveness I've been a bit down, constant gout really but I'm OK now touch wood, we've got company from Newcastle, I'll catch up on Monday, till then, Love Ham.

The best laid plans..... My sis and brother in law stayed till this morning, we had a long day in Oxford yesterday I'm still recovering. We're all getting too old for a long session but it seems there's no avoiding one's past! Yes I've been more or less laid up really till last week, nothing terrible but honestly persistent gout gets you down, they've finally adjusted my meds to what seems about right, I must have walked 5 miles yesterday all told, so I'm really hopeful that they've cracked it, I had it in my elbows, don't laugh, absolute torture, I couldn't even go to bed shave or anything !!!!! It all stems from that stomach bleed I reckon, it started up right after that but anyways I'm really good now touch wood. In the meantime my missus has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes! We've spent an enthralling 3 hour session this morning learning all about it up at Dicot Health Centre! Hopefully they think she can control it through diet, she's in pretty good nick really, I'm the overweight greedy so and so, it seems so unfair, we don't eat much junk at all, but I reckon it's a good job they spotted it, funny enough it was the optician told her to book a blood test when she was having her eyes tested, how they spot it like that I've no idea but we're very thankful obviously. So you're getting yourself back together sweetheart? I'm up to my lugs in tomatoes which is good we'd love a holiday but my wife's knee op could be anytime so we can't book anywhere just yet but I'm so glad to be gout free at the minute I can't be anything but joyful! So you're working from home now? I bet you miss the shop despite not having the hassle! I'll write more regularly now if you can bear it, I'd been offline for that long they'd closed my outlook account and everything else, nightmare! Love, Ham.

Please don't apologise Ham ,I know exactly how it is ,and when you're under the weather ,the internet is the last place you want to be. I'm pleased the gout has subsided ,I believe the pain is unbearable. My brother in law suffers with it ,from time to time. I'll be thinking of your wife and hope the knee op goes well for her , she'll be a new lady once it's over with.
My news ,not much to say ,which is a good thing hahaha Me Mam's still struggling with her knee and it is getting her down . My brother and sister in law were in Malta ,of course they suffered the hottest temperatures for ten years ,so they were pleased to get back to a wet ,cold London hahaha They're in Belfast at the moment ,with some friends,and the weather is wet and windy ,heaven he said, when he phoned yesterday

Honestly Ham ,I don't miss the shop at all ,I'm loving the freedom of 'time'. I wish I'd done it years ago to be honest. We live and learn I suppose. I was on the beach yesterday ,Ham it was heavenly ,sunny ,warm ,the tide was just going out ,no people (at the secret part I go to in Bispham ) a few dog walkers ,that was it ,simply heaven. Today ,grey skies ,rain and dull ,more like midwinter ,you just can't believe it in August. It's the air show here on Sunday ,hopefully ,the weather will improve. Watch this space ,I'm going I'll let you know how it goes.

Right ,sending this now with all my love and I'm never far away when you need a friend. Love Pinks XXX

Pinky, I've had the devil's own job getting on here, wouldn't let me sign in or anything, I mean for days, but it seems fine now, no trouble any other site just this one! I've been a bit down to be honest but it's maddening when I get myself motivated and it won't let me. I hadn't done any music anywhere for ages, just couldn't be bothered but it was the famous Wallingford Bunkfest last weekend so I got myself involved and that's geed me up a bit. I even accompanied a saw player on the Singing Train, very strange but I also did lots of trips with folkies I've known for years and had a great time really. I also played in the George, lovely old Inn you might remember, and the Comrades club, just impromptu sessions which went really well. We're off to Bournemouth for a few days on Monday. back Friday, just squeezing in a break before my Missus has to go for her pre op in early October, hopefully she'll be in for her op straight after that but we're not holding our breath! I told you ages ago we'd stayed at that old Britannia Hotel which overlooks the Bishpham Beach, I think so anyways, Bournemouth is fine, we don't do that much really, we like a trip to Swanage on the bus, a wander around Poole and Christchurch and we're quite content. We never move the car once we're there, God Bless Gordon Brown for the Bus Pass! Love Ham.

Hmmm just sent a message ,I'm not sure that even posted Ham ?? I'll try and retrieve it , Love Pinks XXX

Right ,seems my long message didn't send ,not sure why ,I have written longer hahaha Long story short, me mams remaining brother died ,the funeral was last week ,consequently ,I had the family staying with me. The last of them went home yesterday, peace and calm prevail again.

I hope you both had a wonderful break in Bournemouth ,and hope the weather was better there than it has been here. Wild ,windy and wet. Today,blue skies and sunshine.

Ok sending this now Ham ,hoping it does send ,I will write more later. Love Pinks XXX

Thanks Sweetheart, we had a really good few days in Bournemouth, only got absolutely soaked the once but we had some fine days mostly. Hope your Mam is bearing up, we got to Hengitsbury Head, really nice and they've got these beach lodges there, very isolated, we went across by ferry but I'd chance a week there. My missus is going up North with my daughter, taking my Granddaughter back to college next weekend I look forward to a bit of time to myself but it flies over, I've got an old mate in Reading, he's been really unwell so I think I'll go across to see him. He used to be in my band and he's set up as a sort of children's party entertainer, clown outfit and everything, he's had a long period of treatment for a brain tumour which I hope to goodness is in remission. I'm currently learning the Collier Lad, a great Johnny Handle song. I don't do a lot of folk/Geordie stuff but they went nuts for Keep Your Feet Still Geordie Hinny and Cushie Butterfield at the Bunkfest so I think I'll try to broaden my repertoire a little. Reet, we're both still recovering from our trip an early night is clearly on the cards. Love Ham.

Hello Ham ,so pleased you enjoyed your Bournemouth break ,it is a place that holds very happy childhood memories for me. I think I told you my 'namesake' (me Da's sister) lives there. I still remember the complete horror of my very first visit to Chesil Beach ,no sand ,I was used to Seaburn and Roker , I remember telling me da ,'this isn't a beach,it's a quarry !' hahaha

So you've decided to educate the Southerners with a bit of true Geordie culture eh ? It's about time someone did Ham,you have to do 'Dance Ti Thee daddy till the boat comes in ', you may be surprised at just how many will know the tune ,at least. You can do it Ham ,I have every faith in you. Sounds exciting to me.

Me Mam is ,well ,getting on ok thank you Ham, still struggling with knee pain of course ,pitiful to watch , but she keeps on taking the painkillers and applying the cream. I wish I had her determination honestly.

So you're going to be left in charge for a whole week-end eh ? Dangerous ! All that responsibility , control of the remote for the TV ,you won't know yourself hahahaha I hope your wife has a good time . I hope your friend is recovering well ,just so sad to think of all the suffering ,good hardworking people are going through. It doesn't seem fair does it Ham ? Might be nice to go see him ,cheer him up a bit.

Right ,this seems to be reaching epic proportions again ,best send it ,with all my best wishes. Keep smiling Love Pinks XXX

I just lost a minor novel, this site is crazy, I'll write tomorrow, we've been to Oxford today spent an interesting half hour talking to an American lady about Donald Trump. I said what with him and Brexit the world is going mad! See you tomorrow, Love Ham.

So I'm back, no kidding it was stupid yesterday, teach me to go on about politics, I am going off to see my mate in Reading tomorrow, I've sort of dropped off the radar since I packed in work completely, there's more to life than crosswords and books, and the garden of course and that's starting to wear a bit thin. I'd get us a nice big apartment but my missus doesn't want to move. Thing is we started off in a Tyneside flat, literally aslum that was demolished not long after we moved out, then a council house in Newcastle, then a tied cottage when we first moved down here. We really had to work and save hard to buy down here, it's not as if we had a place to sell up North, so we were a bit late getting on the ladder so to speak, so I well understand Margaret's attitude, we'd never fall out over it (anything else mind you!) but common sense tells me we're in an ageing semi it's getting so we need something done every few months but it's paid for and we can afford it it's just such a pain in the rear. They're off at 9am tomorrow then I'm on the loose. Honest it's times like this you realise how old you are, I'll be in bed by 10 o clock! My Granddaughter loves the Toon and can't wait to get back, I think I told you all her mates are Sunderland lasses, I hope they can hack Jesmond where their flat is! One is a black belt Tai Kwan Do mind, a big lass as well, I said to her that she had an affinity cos she'd never had shoes as a kid, fortunately she saw the funny side and didn't drop-kick me! There you go I've rambled on again I bet this doesn't send, Love, Ham.

Ham ,I truly understand ,it's the most annoying thing ,I've lost novels to you on here too ,I get so annoyed ,it takes me a few days to recuperate ,with sheer madness. It's not just the effort ,it's remembering everything I want to say to you. Anyway ,so pleased to hear from you ,as always. I know what your saying about the house ,lots of happy memories ,the struggle to even buy it in the first place ,and now ,seeing the back of it would be a blessing. You'd miss the garden mind. Yes you can grow veggies on a balcony ,but you can't sort of escape ,lose yourself in another world for an hour or two . Of course ,as we get older ,I suppose the idea of having to keep the garden half tidy is a pain. Me Mam had hers all paved ,cost an arm and a leg of course ,the weeds still grow inbetween the cracks , there's no easy answer really ,you just have to do what pleases everyone I suppose.

I'm off to London on the 6th October,staying with my brother and sister in law. Their son gets married on the 7th ,we're all a bit excited to be honest. The wedding is at some country house in Kent ,I'll bring back all the details I'm staying down there for about 2 weeks ,my sister in law suggested she's kidnapping me and keeping me until at least New year ...the very idea horrifies me ..I'm not a London lover at the best of times. I'll make sure I write before I leave and the minute I get home.

I hope your wife has a nice break up home ,I'm sure she will . Nice to escape sometimes ,brings you closer ,for an hour, ok half an hour when they arrive back hahaha You'll miss her . Just enjoy some free time ,I'll write later ,I panic trying to post these messages lately . Speak soon ,Love Pinks XXX

Thereby hangs a tale, as ever, I got a call from my daughter up in Newcastle, on Sunday morning, my wife had gone up with her, anyway she says don't be worrying but Mum's in hospital! She's been taking quinine tablets for a while for arthritis, honest she's as fit as anything but at our age these things creep up on you, so she's had a couple of drinks on Saturday evening as you would, took her pills and went to bed, woke up about 3am, my daughter who is an RGN thank goodness was sharing the bedroom found her rambling and disoriented really out of it, me in my humorous way says she's always like that after a few gins, but my daughter of course knew something was wrong and it turns out the chemist down here had given her quetiapine which is a strong anti psychotic instead of quinine! The tablets actually look exactly the same so my daughter rings NHS direct and they sent paramedics out and took her straight to the RVI, in Newcastle, it took most of the day Sunday to get her feet back on the ground!!!! We went to Lloyds today, the RVI had posted up a huge warning on their email, and of course they were mortified but it could have been much worse, even the box of pills had quinine on the front, she had no way of spotting it, you need a magnifying glass to read the blister packs, honestly. I'm going to send this or I'll lose it, you're coming to the sunny South eh? I'll write tomorrow assuming ths goes, Love, Ham.