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

Hello Claudia,

My!!! You have been busy!!! extended work for , RR and eveyday doings too. You must be exhausted!

>>However, getting a little forgetful is normal, I'd say, it's a process that's started with me, too.<<

It appears I am suffering too, as the MRI is next Thursday. Yesterday was the Housing AGM, which was if not a little fraught, due to old animosities flaring up, ending with two mature men grappling on the floor! Children and sprang to mind. . Honestly. And these are the people who look after 72 properties and peoples' livelihoods?

Talking of RR, please can I say a heart-felt thank-you for the TG plug? It was very kind of you... and it seems to have worked... Obviously RR is read more than you thought

I am leaping all over the place here, aren't I? Brain like porridge! The ECG and MRI are to see if my mobility problems are genetic. The cause is largely known, althouigh not conclusive, nor the cause, hence the additional checks. I should have received a letter back in January for them but it never arrived. postman! Could have gone anywhere. As far as the other problem is concerned, it may be gout, so I am now being treated for that, and have had an almost immediate improvement! So all that penicillin, pain, anguish and time off work may have been for nothing! As you said:

'Makes me doubt in our health system.'

Other than that, things are and I hope they are with you too.

Have a good weekend, and I'll pop by tomorrow when my head feels clearer.

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

Neal x x x

*PS. Give my love to Lil and Mal as I rarely bump into them now, not being on 'Yikes' any more. *

Hello Neal,


I'm not at all exhausted, Post work is great fun. It still is something I thoroughly enjoy, even if there is some time pressure involved. I susally try to be prepared, and so far it's worked out just fine.

The telegram game plug was heartfelt, as you can imagine.
>>and it seems to have worked... Obviously RR is read more than you thought<<
Well, Beatrice *has* to read my RR as she's editing the Regulars now, which leaves mini - and I knew she read it because she asked where they had gone.

Sorry to hear you went through all the antibiotics and long time of pain and discomfort for nothing. I would have thought they had checked for the bacteria, I'm surprised they didn't do that.

I really hope the new therapy will work a treat.

Today was a bright and sunny day, but I was too tired to go for a walk.

At least we'll get the stolen hour back tonight, although I bet I'll ake very early tomorrow morning.

I'll happily pass on your regards to lil, but Mala has never been in yikes.

Have a good evening and a good Sunday.

s & es for you and your mum

Claudiaxxx

Happy Hallowe'en, Claudia,

I hope you and your family are all well, and not suffering too much with the weather. I should imagine it can be quite bracing where you live, on top of a hill, and all that open land around you. It has been rather with night frosts, and we even had here last night. It didn't settle, but was a surprise. The wind is blowing straight onto my bedroom window, which will not close, so it means I when I get out of bed.

I see that you've been having fun with 'freebie' post, or rather your son has. I fell foul of a 'cheap' club in a similar fashion. 'Accept your introductory book and never buy another , ever...'. What they didn't inform me was they still sent a once a month, and I had to pay to post it back. If I kept it beyond seven days I had to pay for it... The hassle I had to get out of that... I managed eventually but only after a great deal of , and phone calls. to you both!

The new medication has taken away most of the pain <somersault and I am now waiting for the last of the swelling and redness to go. I've been given enough tablets to last a month, so I guess I have to take the entire course. Here's hoping I'm b ack to my old self soon.

And I had the MRI today... What a strange sensation!!! It made one of my fingers twitch which has an alleged pure silver Hopi Amerindian ring on, so maybe it isn't that 'pure' after all. Just wait for the results now. My left hip doesn't like this weather, and I hope it is better next week, as I am using up the last of this year's holiday, except for a week in January to recover from the madness of Christmas and the January sales...

I also had a very long chat with my Cousin who went to Portugal as a gardener for her brother and S-I-L who moved out there, but it didn't work out. She's now trying to find work, and not picked the best time to move back to England... no and miserable. I bet she misses the and warmth. It was lovely to speak to her though, and I hope to meet up with her soon.

Nothing very exciting happening, I'm afraid. Mum is better, which is a relief. She is rather up and down. Hopefully her new medication will improve things.

Stay warm and well, and have a good weekend if I'm not about... In fact have a good weekend anyway!

Best es, and from Mum and I,

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,
the weather is up and down here, which isn't helping my low blood pressure.

Funny, I've just turned the heating on, your telegram is very topical.

I'm glad your medication helps, hope you'll be like new soon.

Sorry, I meant to buy and write and send you a birthday card, but work has been frantically busy (in addition to havimng been very busy with tomorrow's , so I forgot.

If I can find a nice card, I'll still send it, but it won't reach you until Friday.

I've never had an MRI scan, I didn't know you could keep anything metallic.

When will you get the results? Hope it won't go on like before, they really should make an effort.

Sorry to hear about your cousin, I hope she'll find a job soon.

Sorry to hear you're depressed, I have decided to try and remain positive this winter, although the dark, cold and grey won't help. Still, there is next year to look forward to.
I had thought with such long notice everybody would be able to meet up at some point, but going by your reply, I was wrong. I'm sorry about that, but it will be good to see you in the evening at least.

I hope your mum is fine and that her medication helps.

Have a good eveningh

s & es for you and your mum

Claudiaxxx

Hello Neal,

I wish you a very happy birthday and many happy returns.

I hope you'll have a nice meet tomorrow - or has that been cancelled, too?

>>Something tells me there is a conspiracy, or a labspiracy or something political, to stop me attending current Meets!<<

I'm really sorry, but I thought if you'd know that much in advance you might have a chance to arrange something, like swapping your shift, and I had hoped you'd not have any gigs on that weekend yet. Seems I was right about the latter, at least.
Still, if you finish work at 16.00, you should still be able to join whoever will be there, so all is not lost.

Seems hootoo is having some serious problems loading pages, hope it won't be down over the weekend. At least it's not a Post weekend, so that's something.

Hope you'll have a great weekend.

s & es

Claudiaxxx

Hello Claudia,

Just back from food shopping for the weekend. Yes, had to be done!

Thank you so much for your birthday wishes and e-card. So kind of you.

It has been a very quiet day. Mum popped around earlier and was very shaky so we're not going out tonight.

She had bought me a lovely in the form of a Yo-Yo Ma CD,.( He is a talented cellist, performing with many famous people, such as Dave Brubeck, Renee Fleming, Alison Krauss and Diana Krall...) and a Rupert Bear annual.

http://www.classicrupertbearshop.com/

It is my 'silly' treat each year, as I have copies going back around twenty years plus.

>>I thought if you'd know that much in advance you might have a chance to arrange something, like swapping your shift.<<

You weren't to know and thanks for thinking of me. . You really are a wonderful friend!!!

However! there is further bad news! Now I've looked at my gig list (I didn't have my glasses on last time I posted) I have got a gig that night too... (I said it was a conspiracy!!! ) It is currently provisional , so I'm currently not even sure about the Saturday evening. Looks like the Anti-Meet is definitely against me! Maybe the Friday evening? Here's hoping for a German Meet in 2009 that I CAN attend!

And yes, tomorrow's Meet is cancelled too, as there would only have been 2legs and I going.

>>I have decided to try and remain positive this winter<<

Good for you. I still hope to get out of my imminent 'Black Dog'. It is a combination of money (or lack of), Mum, my health, the prospect of Christmas and a whole spectrum of things. Plus I have my annual 'work' revue on Monday. That governs my wages, which didn't increase this year, and I don't reckon they will next either. That incident over HooToo probably put paid to that!

Well done on RR. No wonder you have been online only occasionally... That is some read... And I hold my hand up as a guilty party regarding the Meets and voting. Next time I shall save my vote until the day before the deadline...

Anyway, the Autumn Meet is now past history...

I am going on a bit today, aren't I? In fact, a lot.

Just one bit of 'Good' news

Yes, there is some!

My Cousin from Manchester phined today, out of the blue, after not hearing anything for a couple of years! Absolutely fantastic, so I hope to be visiting her in the New Year, funds allowing.

One other bit of news... And this is a work in progress, so I am unsure where it will be, but pencil 07/11/09 in your diary. It is a Saturday, and the event may be local to here (plenty of Hotels but expensive!!!) or in Thanet (plenty of inexpensive B and B's and possibly some free accommodation) I need to investigate, and see what my bonus will be next year (March) I would love it if you can attend, although it is dependent on me getting that week off from work...

And the band's differences may have been resolved. Our fees go up, and the Caller is not going to be so volatile, so this is ending on a plus point.

And I almost forgot... I received an e-mail from Cyn, who is improving all the time, taking voice coaching, and hope to be back on HooToo soon. She's been lurking but not posting, so it isn't all doom and gloom... And I will get to see you in May, even if I have to book just one day off! Watch this space!!!

Mega-special s and es, and sincerest apologies, and comforting wishes of November from both Mum and I, and she sends you her best wishes too.

Neal x x x

*Ps... Mum has the knitting bug at the moment and wanted to know if you would like a warm winter scarf, and if so, what colour/s and how long? N *

Hello Neal,

Hope you had a good weekend even if you didn't go out and your mini meet was not to be.
On Saturday, the weather was lovely, so I went for a walk through our nature reserve with my friend. It didn't help with my however, so I took tablets in the end.
I'm sorry to hear you have a gig on that Saturday. I had no idea they were booked that much in advance. Seems it doesn't make any difference then whether a meet is planned six week or six months ahead.
>>That governs my wages, which didn't increase this year, and I don't reckon they will next either. That incident over HooToo probably put paid to that!<<

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, it doesn't sound fair to get a warning like yours AND be reprimanded in other ways, too.
I hope you'll be able to go up to Manchester for the new year, I know how much you love to go there.
Good news about Cyn.
>>Mum has the knitting bug at the moment and wanted to know if you would like a warm winter scarf,<<

That's a lovely thought, please say her my heart-felt thanks, but if there is something I don't lack, it's scarves, hats etc, so I actually wouldn't know where to leave another one (let alone when to wear it), as the wardrobe is more than full.


>>and sincerest apologies<<

I'm sorry, but you completely lost me there - apologies for what? You haven't done anything wrong as far as I'm aware.

Hope you'll get through Nov/Dec alright.

s & es and to your mum and you

Claudiaxxx

Hello Claudia. I hope you are well, and have a pleasant weekend planned.

My week has been quite busy , starting with a really pleasant day out with Mum on Saturday , along with a Tapas meal... It rounded off the week well.

Work has been quite steady, and tiring, as I've been stuck to the works PC monitor all week! I'm . The volume of customers shopping by e-mail has really shot up!

I've also been notified of a new gig next month, but I can't make it due to my Christmas work rota! Believe it or not, we get booking 18 months in advance...

That was why the >>and sincerest apologies<< mention regarding the May gig, which still hasn't been confirmed yet, so still hope!!!

I've also seen you are still promoting the TG. It really is appreciated! Due to the severe financial downturn, I'm going to be home in the evenings so I can get the voting results rolling again.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to go to the Wetlands centre, with Kew on Sunday... weather permitting...

Anyway, have a good weekend, with s and es from Mum and I...

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

I'm glad you had a nice weekend after all. I hope your mum is doing fine, as, hopefully, are you.
My weekend was spent with Post things - in fact, I've only finished on Tuesday, so I 'took a couple of days off' and didn't do anything Post related at all (except for fixing a few not working links early this morning).

If you've read my RR, you'll know what else kept me busy. I'll have a lot to do until Christmas, not only Post work, but a few other things I want to do.

However, work is very busy, there's the family and household... at least it will bring me over the 'dark' time, which is just as well.
I hope you made it to the Wetland Centre and to Kew.

The weather here is up and down, but disregarding the sunshine we have at times, it's gone considerably colder.
Oh well, it's November, it's supposed to be cold, dark and wet.
I'm always tired, so I'm having early nights on most evenings. I'm still tired when the alarm clock goes.
Hope work isn't too manic in the rush to Christmas. It certainly is a lot busier here.

Do you have any plans for your weekend?

Be well

s & es for your mum and you

Claudiaxxx

Hello Claudia,

Well, well, another shiny badge for you to keep polished...

You'll soon need another PS just for the badges.

No wonder you've been less conspicuous lately!

But well done, you!!!

Definitely makes me a novice in comparison...

And with work as well? I wish we were busy!!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/oct/31/retail-johnlewis

It is proving a really testing time! No mega bonus next year... And I need one, otherwise how am I going to the 'Big November Meet' next year? I'm in the process of deciding where to hold it. Brentford or Broadstairs?

Brentford would be expensive, hotel wise, but with a choice of four locally and a free local evening venue. Broadstairs is further away, costing around £30.00 for a two hour train journey from London, but very inexpensive accommodation, and an evening venue could be tricky... but there's plenty to do!!! Thinking hat time!!! Anyway, 07/11/2009 if you want to pencil it in.

The weather defeated me last weekend , and I'm working all this weekend, or I'd be in Hull now! Except that both Mum and I have head colds, so maybe not... So that is the weekend sorted. I hope next week improves, as I have sort of promised Mum that on my Wednesdays off, which is next week, we'll have a full day out. So keep your fingers crossed.

Otherwise a standard week. I've started the TG weekly results backlog, and noticed that the Roll of Honour has disappeared, so plenty to do.

Take care, stay warm and rested, and Mum and I send special November s, es and your way!

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

where has the week gone?

I've spent nearlx every free minute with something or other for the next issue, and I'm far away from having finished. I have to admit that all I mange to do in between RL work, family nad Postis a bit of light chatting every nmow and then. I have even neglected Yikes for several days.
It's lovely, sunny weather here, but cold.

I hope you and your mum are better and that your colds are gone.

Have a good weekend

s & es

Claudiaxxx

...and apologies for the appalling typing in that post.

The week I mean!

Hello Claudia,

I hope you are well and had a busy and constructive week ... Judging by RR you've not exactly been lounging around . I haven't a clue how to do anything for the AViators, let alone create a video for them. I did manage to put something on Youtube but without Photoshop or equivalent, it looks messy. Maybe next year. I've some short stuff of Kew Gardens but must get more. Would a visual guided tour, for A431263, be of any use? (Which reminds me, it needs an update and possibly an entry on hidden Kew Gardens)

How has work been? Are you suffering what the UK is calling the 'Credit Crunch'? It is getting rough here. Our trade has dropped significantly with two major companies in administration. Not much 'Christmas Cheer' going around London.

I haven't been around much lately, due to a) the TG update that is still wrong, b) because of work, c) because I think I've upset you, ( and if I have, I sincerely and unconditionally apologise, as you are the last person on line I'd want to offend. If true, it was accidental and am unaware of it, and if I haven't, then just put my sensitivity down to the fact that...) d) the seasonal Black Dog has returned, for his annual perambulation.

Mum is except that she had problems changing her phone company and is now disconnected, which has both she and I concerned. I must pop around in a few minutes and see what the outcome was... Very frustrating. She was in a terrible state on Thursday, and spent Friday on my phone trying to sort it. Must get that sresolved then prepare for this evening's gig. Should be a good one, and hope it brings a back to my face...

This has been written a number of times without getting any more cheerful, hence the delay, so I'll get it sent now.

Hope you have a good day, and Mum and I both send s and es.

Neal x x x

Claudia,

I hope you had a good weekend and weren't too busy.

It appears that the situation of simulpost has created a PostPostRemorse, for which I apologise.

I really don't know what to say, or how to explain, so I won't at this time!

I'll speak later when I'm less uptight and less upset!

Stay well.

and

MMF

Hello neal,

please, don't worry, on reading your post I was aware of the fact that you had been in writing mode when I posted, so you couldn't know about my post.

I wanted to tell you not to worry, but I've still been very busy and never made it.
Sorry for that, I should have left a line at least.

Please, relax, you haven't done anything wrong or incomprehensible. It is not really my habit not to post for a whole week, but as I said, I've been either very busy or very tired, hence no post.
I'll have to look for train tickets soon, as I intend to go up north for Xmas and new year.

I hope you had a good weekend.

How's the cold, any better?

I wish you a good week.



s & es for you and your mum

Claudiaxxx

Hello Neal,

I'm sorry you're feeling ignored, or like being a thread killer. I know the feeling well. I think we've all experienced at some point.
Like with me, I'm sure nobody is deliberately ignoring you, though.
It's just that sometimes, you reply to something else, then forget what else you meant to reply to, and then it seems stupid to come back to an earlier post.
I hope your friends don't make you feel uncomfortable or even unwelcome. Personally, I've never had the impression you are.

As you can imagine, I've been very busy preparing the Post birthday issue, and as I lost a nearly completed entry yesterday because my internet connection dropped out when I upldated, I've only finished about an hour ago.
However, the result will be worthwhile.

If you don't feel like posting, you'll have a fantastic amount of articles to read in the next , it is something to look forward to.

I must try to get an early night.

Have a good evening

lots of ,

es & s for you and your mum

Claudiaxxx

Dear Claudia,

Please do not feel you are being ignored, nor were you the reason behind my current malaise.
It is that time of year, and I will not go into detail until my head is clearer.

Suffice to say, my Mum's and I's and is with you always, and I will be in touch when I am less tearful and vulnerable...

I feel so that you have to see me in this state!!! Again!!!



MMF

Hello Neal,

thanks for your post.

I really hope you'll feel better soon.

I know this season can and does drag people down. Must be the lack of sunshine and warmth.

Be well.

s & es

Claudiaxxx

Hi Claudia,

And welcome back...

I am pleased you had a good break and, I hope a good rest.

Dd you get out much, or was it too ? It has been quite chilly here for the last couple of weeks, not getting much over zero.

When do you return to work? Luckily I managed to swap a number of my days off, so worked most of it, and squeezed in a fair bit of overtime... which they didn't pay me for! It appears management did not communicate with each other, so half of it never got entered. Oh well. At least I'll be better off next month.

Did you manage to avoid the sniffles and snuffles that are doing the rounds? Here in the UK it is believed the 'flu season has started two months early. I thought I had caught it last Saturday, but seem to have pretty much fought it off.

I am pleased you are back. You are always missed by many when you are away.

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

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

we went and visited some friends of my sister's, all of whom I've known for years now, so that was nice. Went to see my brother, too.
Apart from that we didn't get out, I wasn't really keen on being outdoors in the cold. It's very cold still, with icicles hanging from the street lamps, and they forecast even lower temperatures for tomorrow.
Still, the flat is warm and I don't have to go back to work until Friday, so that's good.

Sorry about your unpaid over time, hope they'll get it sorted soon.

Thank you for the ecards and text messages.

Hope you had a good time when you weren't working.

It's good to see that you want to try to stay positive, maybe that's half the success already.

Hope you'll soon know what's going on health-wise.

Nobody here has a cold currently (well, C has a cold, but it's not too bad and getting better already).

Stay warm,


s and es for you and your mum

Claudia xxx