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

Hello Claudia,

I hope you are well, and it is a little warmer for you . Good to see you had a good break with your family . I'm hoping to catch up with mine next month. I was going to visit this weekend but the has become rather low...

The temperature hasn't risen much above 0C for over a fortnight here ... unheard of in London in recent years. Luckily no I went to Kew Gardens yesterday, the first time I've truly been out this week, and the lake in front of the Palm House was frozen to a depth of 5 cms . I'm hoping to go to visit the main lake tomorrow, and maybe get some special winter photos. I've missed getting out and about. Hopefully get to the Natural History Museum with Teuchter on Thursday, gigging Friday, and my neighbour's 60th birthday party on Saturday, so quite a busy week!

BTW, thanks for the support on the new positive me. I do mean to make a go of it, so if you see any negatives creeping in, shout.

Oh! I received an e-mail from Cyn, but didn't feel able to share it with everyone. Her Mum died last November , and she had to go back to due to further problems with her heart... She is improving though. It just shows! What do I have to be miserable about? I've e-mailed back, wishing her the very best. It helps me appreciate what I do have.

Thanks for another great RR. I must work on the acrtostic poem, but no inspiration yet.

s, es and from Mum and I.

MMF

Hello Neal,

it's still freezing cold here, but at least we had sunshine for a few days, so it wasn't too bad.
I think most lakes are frozen to more than 5cm, more like 12cm.
I'm sorry to hear about Cynthesis, that must be a horrible time for her.
The m-i-l wants us to go out for a meal tomorrow. Apart from that I have no plans for the next week, but I don't think I could keep up with a busy schedule like yours.
I hope you'll have a great day with Teuchter, and good weather tomorrow.

Don't worry about the acrostic, PBS and I will only do one for next week, i.e. with the word yet to be set next Thursday.

Hope your mum is well.

s and es for your mum and you

Claudiaxxx

Hi Claudia,

Just seen you are about, so thought I'd pop by, while I'm sorting my e-mails, recycling, and catching up with the Vendée Globe. (Yes, I've cracked the accent key ... it was by accident though ).

Has it got any warmer? It started getting warmer here on Sunday, just in time for me to go back to work. At least I can wear a thin jacket again!

A week off, and I managed to get just two hours outside!!!

How are things? Is it quiet or busy at work, for you?

If Frankfurt is like here you must be very busy, with all the flying around. I understand we were really short last week with 4 people on holiday, and an equal amount And despite the credit crunch, people are still spending! Than goodness. Keeps me in a job, and provides for upcoming Meets etc.

I was Jen is unwell again. I was really hoping to cheer her (and myself) up going around the Orchid festival at Kew. It now seems unlikely.

Must and get the recycling out before my neighbour retires for

Have a good evening, what is left of it, and I'll chat again soon.

s and es

Neal x x

And Mum sends her She often asks after you. . Nx

Hello Neal,

I haven't been well for the past two days, but I'm OK again today. Had some nasty bug (stomach etc) on Wednesday so didn't go to work. This was accompanied by a particularly nasty , which, due to my upset stomach didn't allow for any tablets. Oh well, it's over now, and it's nothing in comparison to what Jen has to go through.
I really hope they'll give her something that helps.

I've started with the editing for the next Thanks for your submission.

I guess I'll be busy for the next few days.

How are you? Any news from the 's? And how is your mum?

Give her my , and I hope you're both fine.

Have a good weekend




s and es

Claudiaxxx

Hello Claudia,

And apologies for the delay in posting... What a week!!! I am to hear you weren't well, and I hope you are much better now. I hope you aren't overdoing it with ! I would not like to think of you being again...

It does seem as though Jen and others are going through it. I hope she does get the medication sorted, as I would enjoy her company at the Kew Orchard Festival, and I know she'd appreciate it.

I won't go over the weekend as I've entered it on my Journal, but it was a good weekend! Capped off with good news today.

The Birthday bash is moving forward. Venue still undecided, but numbers look around 100, equally divided between Family, RL friends and VL friends. Just hope you can make it...

Invites should fly out mid-April, but date confirmed, irrespective!

next Tuesday... although this cold weather isn't helping However I am much better than Jen, Azahar, Cyn, Mal etc... So a real

I wasn't sure if my bit for was appropriate, so I just sent it in on the offchance, if only because the Eds said it made their morning.

Mum is well, and has been away for the weekend. I am hoping for an improvement in the weather this weekend, so we can go out somewhere. We'll see. Depends how I feel

Have a good week, and I'm looking forward to

Take care, and stay wrapped up well.

s, es and from Mum and I.



Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

don't worry, the being unwell was due to a bug - a matter of a morning, then I felt much better. It is not at all related to my work for .

I hope Jen will soon feel better and maybge still go to the Orchid exhibition with you ( or is is orchards, like you wrote?). Whatever it is, I know just how much she would enjoy it.
That's good news about your birthday, I really hope you'll have the party of your life.

K's brother will be 50 in February and will have a party in summer, and my sister wil be 50 in September this year, so that'll be two family events within a short time at the other end of Germany to go to. I really can't promise I'll make it to your party, I'm sorry. I'll have to see closer to the date what is, and what isn't possible.

Today is sunny, but forecast for tomorrow is for very bad weather. We'll see.

The other day, you said me I should tell you off when you're negative, so may I just leave you a couple of links?

F12093382?thread=6152582&skip=40&show=20#p74649950

F12093382?thread=6152582&skip=60&show=20#p74706185



Nobody attacks you, nobody but you thinks lowly of you, and everybody is welcome to make suggestions for an afternoon event. It is not *my* meet, and I'm embarrassed you make it look like it is. All I did, was suggest the date and ask people to come there. Don't forget that Hypatia will be there, too, as will probably quite a few of her friends. As far as I'm concerned, it's a normal hootoo meet with hopefully quite a few attendees, and our trusty MMF to work out an afternoon event as before.

Not long until the weekend, so I hope the weather will be nice for you and your mum.

, s and es for your mum and you

Claudiaxxx

Hello Claudia.

I hope you are now fully recovered and had a good weekend.

Mine started quietly, with an hour spent on behalf of the Big Garden Bird Watch:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/

I visited Kew but with little success.

Sunday I had another go at the Kew Bridge Steam Museum's garden with more success.
Sunday evening was the annual celebration of Robbie Burns:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/robertburns/

Very enjoyable, with plenty of , largely Scottish.
Today has been spent washing and now I'll start the ironing... around 25 shirts!!!

BTW, for the reminder!! The first was meant and a little The second was more of a but did go against my resolution so thank you.

>>It is not *my* meet, and I'm embarrassed you make it look like it is.<<

Mea Culpa. I would never, ever do anything to upset you , and I merely meant that you had suggested the date and so, incorrectly for me, it had become 'your' meet... I stand suitably chastened and will not repeat my mistake.

As for >>Nobody attacks you, nobody but you thinks lowly of you.<<
That is, unfortunately, also too true. Nothing worse than having no self esteem. It stems from childhood, I guess . I am working to change it, but it is proving to be a slow process. Obviously I am not that skilled in netiquette.

On to other things.

I hope you can make my birthday, but fully understand if you can't. I am just that my annual bonus will leave me enough for the weekend. Anyway, there is plenty of time for that.

Once again, thanks for the reminders. Please continue.

<cuddle, and from both Mum and I.

Neal x x

Hello Neal,

I am fully recovered, and I had a very relaxed weekend, sleeping quite a lot.

I'm glad you enjoyed Burns night. It's yet another thing I hope to experience one day, however, there are so many things I'd want to do, it would take me a lifetime to do only half of them.

I know you wouldn't upset me, and somehow, it is sweet that it is *my* meet in your mind, but I wouldn't want people starting to complain about the way it was initiated - you know there'll always be those who never come anyway and still complain. It has happened already.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for your annual bonus being a good one. Hope economy isn't as bad as it is here.

You know I will try to make your birthday party, but as I said, I really can't tell yet.

I'm sure it will be great, though, whether I'll be there or not.

It's a good thing you've started working on your self esteem. I've always feared that if you make such negative postings about yourself too often, people who don't know you might start to believe you.

That would be a shame.

Lots of with the hospital appointment today.

All the best





s and es and to your mum and you

Claudiaxxx

Hello Claudia,

for being so upbeat! I know things aren't always good for you. Yet you always seem to through it..

>>It's yet another thing I hope to experience one day,<<
Maybe sort out a Meet where it coincides? If not, when it works right, visit and attend ours! I'll get Teuchter, Wilma, Jen etc to attend, and we'll really go for it! What a night that would be!!!

>>I wouldn't want people starting to complain about the way it was initiated<<
I hadn't considered that and take your point! It was an oversight...

>>I've always feared that if you make such negative postings about yourself too often<<

In the words of the Prof, happens. My friends know me, and some know me very well! Sometimes the facade drops, but no longer! There is a new steely, determined MMF, especially after today!

Why today? Well, progress is being made. More blood taken, and another MRI scan booked.

Prognosis? Not good! Especially overhearing the conversation between the specialist and the 'Blood' Guys!

Oh well! Here goes another 6 months of So much for being sorted in a year!!!

I don't want to go into detail, as I've told no-one and I don't want to commit a fest or scare anyone, but I must admit I don't like the latest MRI scans!

Anyway... More tests, more blood! It's the only bank that is doing well, and exclusively out of me!!!

Enough! Believe it or not, I am relieved! The original diagnosis was that was destroying the muscles which isn't the case. And the previous one was I was ! which is even less of the case! At least I have some vindication there then!

So fancy a long stroll at the May Meet?

BTW, I was wondering whether to an early vote suggestion, for the afternoon Meet, as to whether attendees would prefer:
A) Art gallery.
B) Museum.
C) Outside venue.
D) Activity.
E) Other.

Then a variety of choices based on preferred choice or just do my usual list? Thoughts would be useful...

Long . Brain too active...

You really don't need all this , but I'll it anyway, as it clears out the

Special s, es and for reading all that

And extra special for being such a good friend, from Mum and I...

Neal x x x

Claudia,

Please ignore the above !

It was purely a response to the , and is a serious Post Post Remorse situation....

Please forget I it....

MMF

Hello Claudia,
First off, my apologies...

Mr. Mega-Negative hit the barriers head on, on Tuesday after the meeting at the and I was neither thinking straight or positive. So much for my promise!

I am now feeling better after giving myself a hard talking to, and accepting that whatever happens, being and will not improve the situation and you didn't deserve all of that drivel and .

Once again, I apologise, and ask you to forgive me?

On to things, I hope!

How are you today? Is it cold, wet and miserable like it is here, or a little calmer? I hope the latter. It appears we can expect this weekend! That will make interesting!

I had a call from Mum earlier this evening about the flat below hers. As it is vacant it has been metal-shuttered to keep out squatters, but in the process they have removed the doors and windows so Mum's flat is freezing! Not good with another on the way this weekend. I've told her to claim the cost of heating back from the Landlords. How daft is that, in the middle of winter?

Has work started getting busier? Our trade has been steady, thankfully, but not busy! Maybe this month will improve with last month's bills paid and a new payday?

I really couldn't get my head around last week's TG. A J and Y in the same word? I hope I have better luck this week! Must put my head on.

Must go as the Ed's are reminding me I offered to start on the Kew gardens update project, so I'd better get on and finish the 'Taxi' entry.

Once again, apologies for the last entry. I am suitably chastened... At least no more until July! and the weather will have improved by then!

Stay well and warm.

s, s and es from a Mum and I.

Your friend, Neal.

Hello Neal,

sorry, meant to post earlier but was too busy, and then my mum phoned...
I didn't perceive any negativity in your post, and I intended to ask you what exactly it was you wanted me to ignore. It was a perfectly fine post. Apart from that, you had every right not to be cheerful after your hospital appointment.
Did they at least suggest a treatment, or do they still not have a clue what it is?

It is very cold here, but we had sunshine for the last few days, so that was nice.

I'm very sorry to hear about your mum, did she manage to talk to the landlord yet? They could at least replace the windows with wood or something to keep the wet and cold out.

I hope they'll find a solution soon.

Work isn't very busy, no more than usual, anyway.


I hope you won't get any snow.

Here's hoping for a good weekend for you.

, s and es for your mum and you,

and all the best

Claudiaxxx

Hello Claudia,

How are you? Well, I hope, and particularly warm.

And especial greetings from a very white and snowbound Capital. Nothing is moving of any note, except children and and the odd intrepid adult. Only a truncated Underground and train service, and no service throughout London, so no work. In fact, I just went back to as walking was definitely out. Should be better tomorrow.

>>I didn't perceive any negativity in your post, and I intended to ask you what exactly it was you wanted me to ignore. It was a perfectly fine post.<<

The aspect and diagnosis seemed very and ... especially as things don't seem to be moving forward as fast as I would like.

I believe I know what the Specialist thinks it is, which is and ! but I'm not panicking yet. I'll wait for the next two sets of results. The last MRI was of the muscles of the upper leg, and the next is of the lower leg. The blood test is a genetic test for something specific. Anticipating the worst it is another reason for celebrating my 50th Birthday, while I still have mobility.

*Big breath*

Put simply, I have no usable muscles in my legs , bar my quadriceps, which explains my motile problems . That is all I can say at this early stage , even though it is 36 months since my first appointment. Hence the little dark cloud!

Anyway. 'Enough of that' I cry!

The part about the May Meet still stands as a suggestion. There are a number of anniversaries and exhibitions on, and I will have drawn up a reasonable list by the end of February.

Mum's heat problems are ongoing, exacerbated by this weather. However she appears upbeat, not that she'd admit otherwise! At least she can claim the money back but it puts her out of pocket now!!! Luckily she is kept busy knitting hats for the premature baby unit. 23 at the last count!!!

My main highlight, apart from the has been washing and ironing my bed linen. Friday I'm hoping to visit the Orchid festival at Kew, before taking Teuchter around on Sunday. Saturday I have a gig in Dartford. It looks as though Jen may miss it, as she starts new medication soon, as the previous lot did nothing.

Well, that's me done. I've dug myself into a hole with my Taxi entry... There's info I need but can't find, so I may soon post it as is... and write different entries on the parts I can't find to link to.

Best now and add more later.

Stay well and warm,

With Spring-anticipatory s, es and from Mum and I.

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

sorry it took me so long to reply, but then you know that I'm busier than I usually am in Post weeks. The rest of the time I just relaxed. C is much better now and has gone back to his flat today, but now A has come down with the cold, and I feel it upcoming, too. I just hope it won't hit me so much as it hit the boys. I've stocked up on my vitamin C intake which should prevent the worst.
I'm sorry you're still in the dark about your muscle weakness. You are too cryptic for me to even guess what they found out, but I'm sure you'll let us know when you think you want to do that.
What taxi entry are you talking about? Are you doing an update on the London Black Cabs, or on the taxis in general? I know we have both sorts in the edited guide.

I'm sure you'll find something intersting for the afternoon event, you've always organised good activities so far.

Have you been to the Orchid Festival on Friday? And did you meet Teuchter today? I hope you had a great weekend and enjoyed your gig on Saturday, too.

Any news about the heating issue at your mum's place? Can't they just put some wood in the holes?

I'm really glad we have a good working central heating, although it's getting a bit warmer now.

Have a good week.

and s and es to your mum and you

Claudiaxxx

Hello Claudia, I hope you are well and avoided both the heavy we had, and the colds A and C suffered from. I escaped the cold but the weaher, excluding the hasn't changed much. Friday was bitingly so, although I went to Kew, I didn't stand outside too long. The lakes were still frozen so I headed for the conservatory where the Orchid exhibition was, except they were still completing it, so a lot of it was closed off. It was still pretty good. I did manage to visit with Teuchter wich was really enjoyable and, hopefully, to be repeated soon... And the shone as well. How is it my Hootoo friends can do that? Anyway, details here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/brunel/F134192?thread=6310877 I didn't mean to be cryptic regarding my health. It is just that until I know more, I don't want to upset anyone, least of all me! However I do have one bit of news that may be or ... I may not know for between 3 or 18 months but my job will be redundant, at some point, by the end of 2010. I don't know what will happen as it was only announced yesterday, and many other jobs are going as well, such as the administration team customer services and business protection so there is going to be a bit of a scrap for the few positions that will be available on the shop floor. Not good news in this present <2cents> climate, but I am remaining upbeat. Especially as I can do little about it, and until I hear what is happening, and when, and what is offered, it is no good . I'll keep you updated. Have to tell the family soon, as well, which won't be fun... particularly with Mum! She is sure to get upset! On to better, and more enjoyable things! Yes, the cab entry is an update and an amalgamation of The history of the black taxi trade entry- A744888, and The London black cabs entry - A630. However there is a lot to add, so I may need to precis it. I'll see what I can do. And thanks for your faith in the afternoon Meet event. With Kew's 250th anniversary, Charles Darwin's 200th anniversary and 500 years since Henry VIII became King, to name but a few. I'll get cracking. Mum is well, and still waiting for her flat to warm up, but I hope it won't be much longer. Please take care, and I'll pop by tomorrow, hopefully. Stay well and warm, with special s, es and from Mum and I. Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

the cold's gone worse, unfortunately. But I can stay at home today and just go back to bed if I feel like it, so that's good.

Just tomorrow to survive, and then the whole weekend off to recover.

I had meanwhile found your journal, but thanks for the link anyway.

I'm glad you had such a good day with Teuchter.

That's very scary news about your job, I'm very sorry to hear that.

I guess if it wasn't for your mum, you could certainly apply for a job in that new store in Manchester? I remember you liked it very much there.

I'm sure you'll come up with a good choice of activities, you've always done.

Hope your mum's heating problems will be resolved soon.

So, here's lots of , , s and es for your mum and especially you.

Claudiaxxx

Hello Claudia...

I cannot believe a week has gone by already... What happened to it?

I hope you are feeling much better and that your cold has gone, and you are experiencing Spring the same as us. The Crocus, Snowdrop and daffodil are doing very well, and irt is warmer.

How are you and the family? I've seen you have been busy, and that you are being left in charge of again! Well done you! I am very for you. I wish I had the time!

One aspect of my current computer usage I am pleased about is that the Vendée Globe sailing race is over... 90 days of sitting on the edge of my seat. Not everyone's I know:
http://www.vendeeglobe.org

It did keep me hooked though.

The week has been busy. I had a 1 to 1 meeting about the future. The timescale is unknown, and could be 6 - 18 months. Just have wait and see. I've built a good case to stay. but I'm still fairly

Friday was a night out with my work colleagues and the audio and television department, as we won £750.00 by selling the most software packages with computers. A good evening. Almost limitless , and some bar food!

Last night I was out with the band. A very good night. My three strips of raffle tickets won three prizes out of 20, including a a watch and a . The was mine, then I gave my tickets away to the others. One band member also won . Not bad.

Today has been lazy, and I'm just finishing cooking a stew.

I'm on holiday from Sunday, but unsure whether I'll go away as I still haven't received my overtime yet... . At least I have a quiz night to look forward to this Friday, as well as an interbranch one a week on Sunday. The only trouble is I have no team. Could just be me!!!

On top of that, I've found a new addiction:

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/your-shot/jigsaw-puzzles

So if you get bored! As if that were likely to happen!!!

I hope to be about a bit more now, and shall have the possibilities for the 9th May after event posted by the end of the week.

s, es and from mum and I, the latter particularly enjoying the warmer weather!

Neal x x

Hi Claudia,

I hope you are now fully recovered from your . I have some idea of how that must have felt. MSG is awful and the reason I rarely eat Chinese food. On one occasion I came out in a burning rash and shakes from a local Chinese restaurant. . I am surprised at Wasabi though, but please take care. I wish you well with and I'm sure you'll do a grand job.

It is getting here, and my day out yesterday didn't go according to plan due to catching the wrong and ending up at Waterloo. It was actually just as well, as I needed a loo urgently. Unfortunately, in my I took the wrong stairs and, after a slow and desperate climb down, was informed I'd entered the ladies. (Nobody pointed it out to me as I inched my way down )!!! Luckily there was a separating office that I was allowed to use, and they waived the 30p charge. I don't think I'd have made the return trip to the correct loo, in time...

I did enter a rather drab church, just outside Waterloo station, and discovered a String ensemble practicing inside. It consisted of a double bass, four cellos, a viola, a violin and portable electric organ. Further musicians were arriving as I left. It appears that they have rush hour concerts on Thursdays between 18.00 and 19.15. A very pleasant surprise.
http://www.southbanksinfonia.co.uk/performance.html

Hope all stays well with you. Stay warm and well.

with

, s and es from Mum and I.

Neal x x

Hello Neal,

the headache is gone but has been replaced by another pain.
Still, I shouldn't complain, I could be a lot worse.
It's gone cold again here, too, it even snowed a moment ago, if onlyx very little.
I'm glad you enjoyed your walk and the concert. It sounds wonderful.
I tried the jigsaw puzzle link you left me but couldn't find out how to rotate the pieces (well, I read how to do it, but couldn't get it to work somehow), so that was of no use.
How was your quiz night?
Will you have to go to work again this weekend?
I'll try to take it easy and see my doctor on Monday - if I make it that long, that is.

Any news about the housing situation at your mum's? Is it still so cold?

Have a good weekend.

and for you and your mum

Claudiaxxx

Claudia?

Can it really get any worse? A possible migraine or cluster headache, followed by a further illness, then a broken tooth!!!

It sounds like you are seasonally run down and need a rest!

And it doesn't seem as though the family permit that.

I'd risk a domestic strike and state categorically that 'I, too, live here, and also work, so if you want to eat, start pulling you weight around here, or starve!!!'

Being male, they'll completely ignore you but hopefully you'll feel better!

*I know you won't! You aren't the type! *

My week has been good. I've described the earlier part... Quiz-wise I teamed up with three others and we came third (bad play of the ). Today I was in Cookham, near Maidenhead, Oxford, for the Annual Company quiz, called 'The British Quiz'. There were 30 teams of four, or would have been, except my team consisted of one!!! . I entered at short notice, but even so, out of 1,200 employees, we should have found three other entrants. In the third round I was 12th, but Sports and two rounds of Music meant I came 20th with 69.5 points. The winners had 107... . One of the third placed winners magnanimously gave me his prize, due to the fact I had entered by myself! What a hero!!!
It does mean I have a (uk-centric) picture quiz for the May Meet if the general attendees are interested in a ready-made quiz, possibly as teams? I'm happy to provide a prize, although I appreciate, being UK-centric may exclude a number of attendees, although they are all reasonably well known (although I would say that being biased and getting 42 right !). It is 50 photos of famous British photos, along with 75 possible choices... including their dates! Just a suggestion! I also clocked questions from nine other rounds if necessary!

Mum is although she had a bad day yesterday! I am considering whether we should share a flat! It has many complications, but also a number of solutions!

However, my current concern is you getting well. Please don't take on too much! I wonder if doing isn't a trigger!

Take care. I know I shouldn't but I do naturally worry. It is my 'raison d'etre!' If I didn't worry about something, I'd have to invent a problem... Then I'd really be

I hope all goes well, and we both send our , , s and s to you.

soon.

Neal x x