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

Hi Claudia,

How was your weekend? Busy or relaxed?

I am pleased A has a good flat . I know, when I first moved, I had to take what I could afford, which wasn't ideal . In fact here is a photo of my first flat.

http://margatearchitecture.blogspot.com/2008/02/marina-restaurant-ramsgate-rip.html

Initially I had the very large flat, under the right chimney, with the bay window, then the flat that has been demolished, on the left hand, top floor. There are so many stories I could tell. To think I lived there for four years!!! No central heating, and even went a fortnight without water when the pipes froze!!! An experience.

Have you seen much of A since he moved out? I know you mentioned he lived close...

I don't know where the weekend has gone. Saturday was cooking and then off for a gig, which was The crowd were good, but the hall was awful, acoustically... It is doubtful we'd take a booking there again. At least the was free. Yesterday was ironing and today I am torn between Kew (except the weather looks ) or vacuuming . I do need to get out as I'm feeling a little . My own fault really. Something I posted that has backfired... Oh well... Too late now. Just see what happens next.

Mum appears well, but my Sister seems to be finding it hard since moving. She is in London tomorrow so I shall meet her for a drink, as she is staying at Mum's.

Must dash and have a bath.

Take care and stay well,

s and es from Mum and I

Neal x x

Hello Neal,

where did the time fo?

Whatever it was that made you feel , I hope you're feeling better again.

I see C every weekday, he comes here after work and walks straight into the living room to say hello to me.

I'll have to go and see what they've changed in the flat soon. I haven't been there since I brought him his bed.

Isn't it typical that we had glorious sunshine all week, and it's Friday and it rains cats and dogs?

Just as well that I don't have any plans for the weekend.

I hope you'll have a good weekend!

s & es & for you and your mum

Claudiaxxx

Hi Claudia,

I'm pleased things are improving with you ... especially where A is concerned. How is C handling it? Enjoying it , having more space? Or feeling lost without big Brother around? I know he still pops by, but must be strange! And don't forget to eat... You can't lose more weight, or we'll have to put 'weights' in your shoes to stop you blowing away.

Well, it's not exactly been wall-to-wall sunshine, but very bright, with clear blue skies, a light breeze and definitely t-shirt weather, so had a trip to Kew. Very busy, and saw the new walkway! It was packed, and the lift isn't working yet!!! Very frustrating!!!

http://apps.kew.org/trees/

Could make a week Thursday, with Jen, interesting... 118 steps to the top. 18m? Better start early.

I am off to Leicester tomorrow to help at a new store that has just opened, so may not be around... Just depends what the internet facilities are like... I'll be back Friday evening. Should be fun, except the 06:00 waking time...

The date for the London Meet has been decided... and I can't go. I'm gigging that night, and I can't cancel another one. We've had two cancellations already. But there may be a mini-micro Meet on the Eighth anyway for Dave's, Mark's and my birthdays... Should be fun.

Must go and eat...

Take care... Thinking of you, and hoping all is well,

s, s and from Mum and I...

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

nice to hear you had good weather and a good time at Kew.
Sorry about the lift not working, though. Maybe next time you go.

My weekend was eventless if you don't count the fact that C arrived just at teatime yesterday, starving because he had no food in the home (except muesli, apparently), so I let him have my tea and ate some toast instead.

I hope you'll have a great week in Leicester.

Sorry about the meet date, but I guess you'll have a great time with Dave and Mark the week after, so there's some recompense.

I must dash now, get my hair washed, then shopping when it's dried a bit, then an appointment. Oh, and must not forget to go to the bank.

Have a safe journey to Leicester!



s & es & as always

Claudiaxxx

Hi Claudia,

Just a quick note, as I have lots of catching up to do, as well as domestic stuff!

Really pleased about the new job... I just hope you don't over-do it. Your health comes first...

And a very cryptic Journal

I've just written mine... Nowhere as succinct as yours, but explains my week...

F134192?thread=5907590

It partially explains why I am uncertain about my current movements.

I meet up with Jen on Thursday, and hope I am fit enough....

I have also won two tickets to go to a Classical concert at the Royal Albert Hall, that evening. I hope to take Mum...

http://www.classicfm.co.uk/Article.asp?id=775210&spid=9332

A good concert, although acts 3-7 in the first half are unknown to me.

I must away and cook, as I haven't eaten today, and I'll either pop back later or tomorrow.

well,

hugs and es from mum (who is well) and I...

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

I'm very sorry to hear you're so ill.
I hope you'll be better much soon.
I just read in your journal that you say the last time it wasn't diagnosed and healed itself. I never thought that was possible, these bacteria are quite the aggressive and dangerous sort.
Maybe they just 'slumbered' and had a new breakout when you were under stress last week?
Please make sure that you don't stop taking the antibiotics once you feel better, but take them till the end, or you'll risk that your bacteria will become resistant to the medicine.

I hope you'll be able to go to Kew with Jen, and to the concert with your mum.

I'm glad to hear that she at least is well right now.

I will be less on hootoo because of my new job.
I may not do it for very long, though, as it's very poorly paid and everybody (K and my colleagues) suggest that I don't do it and look for a better job.

I'll do it for a while and see how it goes, though.
It means, that I'll have some very early nights in the future, and what with the shopping and the housework, I'll not have much tme for hootoo anymore.
In fact, I should go and do some laundry.

Get well soon.


s & es

Claudiaxxx

Hello Claudia,

And thanks for your support . I've started the medication and will see the tomorrow.

I notice you have quit your new job... In all honesty I am pleased for you... The hours, wages and general aspect of the job did not look right, but only you could truly tell, and obviously have done. I hope leaving doesn't make life too difficult wise, and that you find something more suitable soon. I wish you the best of More importantly, and selfishly, I am pleased you'll still be able to be online here. And get some ?

I'm off work for at least two days , mainly because I can't get my shoes on, but also to speed up the recovery process. I cannot afford to have a relapse. so I shall wait for the 's evaluation. Hopefully, it will be positive . As long as I don't end up away for too long. Staff are only allowed three periods of being off in a year, after which they go on report and their suitability for theiry occupation would be scrutinised.

I've had two periods off , so this is my third, so I'll have to wait and see! Nothing I can do about it, though.

Is it true, GB is bowing out of HooToo? Something I saw on one of her entries gave me that impression? Is it to do with the ban on under-16's? I hope it isn't. The site has already lost a number of regulars, and one of my other on-line forums, an environmental site, has also lost a number of regulars. Is it that time of the year, do you think? The new solstice and all that?

By the way, did you get your bike fixed, or is it still out of action? Last Sunday London had it's second Freewheel event, which I was possibly (although it was unlikely) going to attend. It is a major cycle event throughout the Capital.

http://www.london.gov.uk/freewheel/

It is about time I moved it out of the bathroom!

Anyway, have a good evening. Must get some supper ready.

es, s and from Mum and I.

Neal xxx

Hello neal,

having just read Jen's journal I see you did go to Kew today.

I really hope you won't be worse for it.
I'm very worried about your condition, can't wait for positive news.
I hope you'll be better soon, and that you'll not suffer from illness again.
That was good advice from your doctor to tell you to insist on having your appointment.
I've never quite understood why you haven't done so much earlier.
Today was a day for me, but I eventually felt better in late afternoon.

Still, that's just a little nuisance compared to what others have to go through.

Will you go to the concert then? I'm worried it will be too much in your condition, and that you'll be much worse for it.

Let me know how you are.

Have a relaxed weekend


s & es & for you and your mum

Claudiaxxx

Hi Claudia,

A bit late, for which I apologise. I have been taking it easy, honest.

I took it very gently at Kew, and just made it back in time for a bite to eat and headed off for the concert. We were running late, so had to change the route slightly, only to be told there were no tickets for us... Luckily there were some that hadn't been collected, so we accepted those. It was a great concert, except a couple of pieces... I shall write a Journal shortly. Avoided the first home as it was packed, but the next was almost empty. Friday I took very easily. The ankles are still swollen, but the redness has reduced... Here is hoping for good news tomorrow, although I don't think I'll be at work soon...

to hear about your I hope it has cleared up now.

It has been really sunny and warm here. Shame I'm stuck indoors. If it is like this next weekend, and I am fit enough, I shall make the most of it... Just not too quickly.

I hope all is well, otherwise.

Mum has popped around a number of times, as she is sorting through boxes that were in my Sister's attic. She has bought around four cameras around 80 years old, as well as around 30 1937 Modern Wonders magazines:

http://www.tazbar.co.uk/Auction/MODERN_WONDER_The_Pictorial_Review__July_1939_Issue_Flash_Gordon_AuctionRmo5YnRIOEJHUEV0VXd0OHJYMlB0UT090

And a whole stack of stamps and a stamp album...
Haven't a clue where I am going to put them...

I hope all is well, and enjoyed the parts of I've read so far.

Take care, and s, es and from Mum and I.

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

it seems to be quite an infection you got there, I really hope you'll soon be better.

I had a very relaxed weekend, but A just told me that he needs some trousers washed and dried until tomorrow morning.
I'm not sure they'll be dry within a few hours, but then he could have told me much earlier.
My head is fine, thank you. I woke with a this morning, but that wasn't weather related, just a tense neck and shoulders, so didn't last long.

The magazines you posted the link to remind me of the 'Was ist Was'

http://www.tessloff.com/shop/was-ist-was-die-buchreihe-c-3_306_30601.html?osCsid=a9c33a4f819804e5f575ca9be31cb7f4

which apparently is an adaptation of the English original 'How and Why'. They're only from the 1960s, though.

I'm glad you got concert tickets after all and enjoyed the concert.

I've started tp prepare the next because I'll not be here next weekend: I'll go and see my parents, which means I'll be away from Saturday to Tuesday.

My parents both complained that I won't stay for at least a week. I told them I wouldn't want to leave the family alone for too long, but that's not the true reason. It's just that I'm sure I wouldn't survive a whole week with my dad.
I didn't want to go at all, but haven't been for ages now, and as my dad's turned 80 this year, I couldn't not go.

Don't worry about being absent from work for this long, it could be worse. Remember when I had TB - I was at home for more than four months.

These nasty bacteria take their time.

Get well soon, and K sends his thoughts and best wishes, too.

& s for you and your mum

Claudiaxxx

Hello Claudia,

How are you today? Did you survive the unexpected visitors? I hope so. I can also understand you not wanting to stay for a week at your Parents. I'm the same with my Dad, although we have a better relationship than you do. I canonly manage a week during the festival, as I am out all day, every day.

Luckily, as you know, my flat is really too small for anything more than a couple of night's stay, although my Dad desperately wants to come up to visit the Kew aerial walkway... Have to have a major tidy-up first!

Went tothe Specialist yesterday, and it appears I should have received a letter booking me in for an MRI scan and ECG. However I never received it. I'm now going for the ECG on Monday, and awaiting an appointment for the MRI. This is to clarify whether my problem is genetic or not.

The legs are improving slowly. It is now in the 'itch like ' stage. I'm still taking penicillin, and sleeping alot.

>>The magazines you posted the link to remind me of the 'Was ist Was'<<

That sounds similar to the magazine, 'Look and Learn', which came out in the '60's and is now experiencing a rebirth.

http://www.lookandlearn.com/about.php

was good this week, although I admit I miss your 'Random Ramblings'. I realise that, with everything else, something had to give.

I've restarted my Ramsgate project. The introduction is nearing completion... then onto the links to the history and places of note or interest. It is hard to maintain concentration, but I am getting there, plus I have a week's holiday soon, to spend more time on it!

Have a good evening, and I'll speak soon.

Regards to K, and thank him for his concern, and special s, and from Mum and I.

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

I'm glad to hear that your legs are improving, even if slowly.

I can't believe the hospital has messed up yet another appointment.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you on Monday, although if what you've experienced so far (and lil doesn't seem to be better off with the results) is anything to go by, I'm not optimistic that you'll be wiser afterwards.

The books I mentioned are (as I mentioned, too) the German version of How and Why http://members.optushome.com.au/intabits/HowAndWhy.htm

The ones you gave the link to don't look very similar, either.

I haven't packed yet, but I'm tired, so will be off to bed shortly. I'll get up early tomorrow and do the packing then. I'll not need much, just a few warm clothes, as it's always cold at my parents'.

I have no problems with my dad, other than that I can't stay with him for very long, he's getting tense after about two days.

I'm not really looking forward to discussing what I've done wrong with C, either.

Oh well, I'll survuive, I guess.

It's funny you mention it, but I have written a Random Rambling for the next . I never thought nayone would notice it was missing.

Have a good weekend, relax and give your legs a chnace to recover.

& s for your mum and you

Claudiaxxx

Hi Claudia,

Thanks for your post.

I hope your weekend passes well, and I didn't mean anything adverse with your relationship with your Parents. You had mentioned previously that long stays were not fun, but I will not dwell on that... I hope the weekend doesn't end up as a war of words. Interestingly, since my older Sister moved away, we communicate more. I doubt I'll see her more often though!

Your original post on How and Why did not open properly, which is why I went for the nearest UK comparison, but failed.

I am looking forward to the next RR as you write so well... I am amazed as it is not your mother tongue... I really wish I had that ability, as it would help with entries, with out a doubt.

I wish you the with your Parents, and await your return with

, and fondest from Mum, and a special Bon Vacance from me,

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

how are you? How are the legs?

Any news form your hospital appointment?

I had a lovely time. I guess my dad was much more relaxed because there was only me, not the entire family. Plus, I only stayed for a short time.
Both my parents were very happy to see me again - I think it's been more than two years since I last went.
Even the weather made an effort and we had lovely warm sunshine and no wind on Monday. Took a long stroll along the dyke with my dad.

And they bought fresh shrimps for tea.

We watched a lot of TV, so now, I'm up to date with the economical crisis.

Hope you're much better by now, and that your mum is well.

s & es for you and your mum

Claudiaxxx

Hi Claudia,

I am really pleased you had a good time with your Parents, especially with your Dad. And to have good weather as well...

I am hoping that this good weather continues this week, as I am using up days owed, and do desperately want to get photos of the Autumnal colours in Kew Gardens. I had a gig in Kent last night, and the trees looked wonderful in the late afternoon sunlight... I just hope I can catch that... And I see that you have a new camera as well... So even more photos for the H2G2 photographers' entries, then?

>> I'm up to date with the economical crisis.<<

I hope that you aren't too badly affected by it... Our trade has had a bad down-turn but, as we don't have shareholders, we can probably fare better than most! It is my infinitesmal pension that will suffer the most... Ho Hum!

As for the ankles? After another opinion from another it appears it may be 'Gout'... A11102491... Ouch! It is a form of arthritis, so may be linked to my current problems.

So no more , , etc... if the tests come back positive... Or tpmatoes!!!

Just have to wait and see...

Otherwise all is well, as is Mum. Hoping to get us both out at some point this week. As it is long overdue!

Stay well, and happy clicking.

s, and es from Mum and I.

Neal x x

Hello Neal,

I'm so sorry to hear you're still not better. I can't believe it's gout you have, but then you could have a diet and should feel much better. Let me know whether it really is gout (it doen't sound like it to me, if I'm honest), and I'll post you some advice on what to avoid.

I hope the weather is still nice and that you'll get out with your mum as planned. Ever since I went for the walk on Friday the sun has been rare - just for about two hours yesterday, and no sunshine at all today. The fog didn't lift all day and everything is dripping wet.

It just got a bit brighter, though, so maybe I'll go for a short walk after all.

Have a good week and get well soon.

s & es & for you and your mum

Claudiaxxx

Hello Claudia,

Hope you are well and are having an Indian Summer like us. Been doing anything exciting? Apart from changing your tag? I guess it must be close to Hallowe'en. Mine doesn't change easily, as it's too long... May just have to change the words of my tag, instead of creating an anagram.

How is the photography coming along with the new camera?

I spent Tuesday in Kew Gardens with mine, and Wednesday uploading them and adding descriptions. My favourite set are of the Smoketree or Cotinus. So beautiful. I'd love to do an EG on it but there is so little to write about to make it credible...

The photos can be seen here as they are on public view:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/madfiddler/sets/72157608046901158/

Hope the link works.

I've taken a load more today. That means I've covered about half of Kew Gardens now. I'll do the rest this weekend, hopefully. I also tried out my camcorder but I will have to check the results to see how they came out.

So to hear about Mu Beta... It all seems to have happened while I was away. Just pleased his whereabouts became known. I hope it all ends up

Mum is better after a bad day yesterday... Back to the for her scan results tomorrow... I hope they work out what is wrong soon, as I know it is upsetting her, even though she won't tell me... Not that I tell anyone what is going on here either.

Talking , I've received the results of my bloodtest from the and my problem doesn't appear to be gout. so I'm not sure what it is. t is still there although not so painful. The swelling has almost disappeared, but the redness and dull ache and tightness are still present. Hope it goes away soon as I'm getting fed up with it.

Better go and download the next batch of photos before supper.

Stay well and warm, s, es and from Mum and I.

Neal x x

*Btw, do you need a scarf or six? Mum has found a load of wool and has the knitting bug and wondered if you wanted any for the winter, and if so, how long and what colours? N x*

Hello Neal,

it's good to know it's not gout, but it would be even better if they knew what it is instead. How are you now? Are the legs improving?

I hope your mum is luckier than you and will have her results soon.

Your photos are great, thanks for sharing. Hardly any of my photos turn out well, but I hope I'll gete there in the end. It's still pretty much a case of experimenting with the camera settings.

The weekend went by very quickly, and I haven't done half of the things I meant to do, so I really have to get started now.

I hope you had a good weekend - ours was sunny at least, although relatively chilly due to a fresh wind.

& s for you and your mum

Claudiaxxx

Hello Claudia,

I hope you aren't too worn out from your weekend. And I hope you managed to get some use of your new toy. The camera isn't one sold in this country but the specifications look good. Just play with it, and take as many photos as you can, then severely criticise them. You'll become really good very quickly!!! Enjoy!

I'm pleased you liked the photos. I haven't uploaded the others yet, as they still need descriptions. I've now covered around two thirds of Kew, but the light gets very poor around 16.00, so I did well with the Palm House.

I didn't do much this weekend... cooking, washing and ironing as the light just wasn't good for photography, so I've got to wait a fortnight to complete my tour of Kew Gardens.

The legs are mainly a normal colour. Still sore and slightly swollen but bearable! . Just the peeling I dislike. The walking around Kew has been a blessing. Also my ongoing tests for my other problem are ongoing. The echo-cardiogram and electro-cardiogram show I have a healthy heart so, with my lung test, my upper body is fine! Just cut me off at the waist! It's the MRI of the legs on Thursday... I'm not looking forward to that!

As you say, Mum seems to be getting quicker results than me. The is very concerned about her high blood pressure, and she is getting a little forgetful. Just have to keep an eye on her.

Hope the weather continues sunny, and hope it draws the Telegrammers out.

Have a great week, and happy snapping.

es s and from Mum and I.

Neal x x

Hello Neal,

my weekend was relaxed. I did a lot of work, but that was mainly on Monday, and due to lil's server having dropped out so I offered to set up the A pages for her - I knew she'd have worried otherwise. This way, she could patiently wait for her server to work again. I'm happy to hear that your heart is fine and that your legs are better. I hope, though, that the MRI today will finally bring some results. It's incredible that they still don't know what's wrong, after all these years. Seems that lil and Mala aren't any better off, makes me doubt in our health system, too.

for today, and don't let them send you home again without doing the MRI.
Sorry to hear about the high blood pressure of your mum, no wonder you are worried.
However, getting a little forgetful is normal, I'd say, it's a process that's started with me, too.
Seems some telegrammers are back, let's hope we can draw a few more new players in, like Beatrice. We had a few sunny days, but over all, the weather is qauite bad: wet, dark, cold and windy. Nothing that makes me want to go for a walk.
All the best for today!

and s for you and your mum and special for you.

PS: Thank you for the email - that's one very stiff .