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

Hello Neal,

I still have no plan what to pack - but then what's new.

Must get a few things done today, but there'll be time tomorrow for everything I don't manage to get done.

Sorry to hear about the Hull weekend.

How do you always manage to get your dates mixed up?

It's sunny and warm here today, would be great if we had similar weather for the weekend, but I'll take warm clothes and a brollie.

I'm glad to hear your knees are better. Be careful and don't overdo things, so as not to make your back worse.

Must go now and make a plan.

See you tomorrow.

s and es for you and your mum


Claudia xxx

Hi Claudia,

Apologies for the delay in popping by. I just do not know where the last ten days have gone! It seems as though last Friday's pre-meet was but yesterday.

I am so pleased that you had a good time. I did read your report, but just not had a chance to . , what with work, washing, my journal and the entry I promised Icy I'd write.

It was really to see you, even though we didn't get to chat much! It was to see so many people attend, and enjoying themselves.

It appears my memory card on my camera was playing up so I lost quite a number of photos but still had a great time. Mal appears to have enjoyed herself, and left me a nice bunch of flowers in the Bembol (quite appropriate ). I took her to Hampton Court on Sunday, as the weather was good, but had to leave her to make her on way to Heathrow on Monday as I had work! .

I hope you had a better journey home than arriving. I am pleased the Meet wasn't this weekend, as th weather is very patchy, with broken cloud and showers!

Must and get a bath, before more washing and ironing.

Take careof yourself, stay well, and Mum sends big s and es, a of course do I, and hopes to see you sometime soon.

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

as it was a Post week, I was very busy, so I agree, the last ten days appear to have passed in a flash.

I can't see the photos you put up on facebook, unfortunately.
Sorry you lost some, but I know that problem, as it happens frequently with my camera.

The journey there was fine, just a bit bumpy near the end, but I thought it was rather funny.

I never seem to chat enough with my friends, but it was great there were so many people attending. Was Jen in Kew? I would have loved to meet her again, but I don't think that's reciprocal.

The weather isn't good here, either, so we were lucky last weekend.

I'm sure going to Heathrow on her own wasn't a problem for Mala, so don't worry about it.

I don't think I'll make it over to London before next year, if at all, what with the upcoming costs for my teeth.

I'll try, though.

Have a good weekend.

and s to you and your mum

Claudia xxx

Enjoy your weekend.

Hello Claudia,

How are you? Busy as usual? I guess it is preparation time?

BTW, please keep up with the TG, although happy to help out if needed. I've been online off and on, but really just playing catch-up, so missed last week.

I feel as though I have been, without anything to show for it!

My London Meet Journal is stalled on Saturday afternoon, My Kew Heritage trees is 50% complete, and I've just started the on C H Lightoller for my Ramsgate UE.

I did get to the Fire Engine rally last Sunday, but it was wet and miserable. This weekend has been and despite rain being forecast. Had 4 hours in Kew Gardens yesterday. Good fun... 100 photos, and all came out. Just a three day week this week, then off for three days and hopefully more photos, but I hope it will not be so hot!

Off to Dad's end of june, and then he's coming back with me, so that is something to look forward to, and I've managed to sort the Hull weekend!

Other than that, all is good. Mum sends her , as always.

Speak again soon,

s and es

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

my where did the time go?

It's already a whole week since K was in hospital. Oh, interesting story: there was a fire in that hospital last night. Apparently a patient in the psychiatric ward laid a fire in his room. They had to evacuate numerous patients. They later they found that the patient had fled the hospital. They found him at a garage.
Apart from that, I've told all in my journals. I'm really chuffed my entry won the EotM.
As you can imagine, I've been busy with the Post, but that's just normal for Post weeks. I'm still very much enjoying it, though, it's one of the best things to happen apart from finding so many wonderful friends here ).

I hope you are well, as hopefully is your mum.

and es for you and your mum

Claudiaxxx

Hello Claudia,

I couldn't agree more. Especially with my new working hours. Time disappears at an alarming rate. Is K now? Did they discover the cause? I hope all is now well. I'm also he wasn't there when the arsonist was.

Things have been quiet here, in both my work and home life. I'm in the process of tidying my entry in PR, and reading up for another before tackling one inspired by one of Clive, the flying ostrich's QI's.

IK just wish I could move quicker on my UE, let alone a EotM, but well done, you. You deserve it, especially with the work, acrostic poem, RR and the Stretcher! Along with the everyday stuff!

As I believe I mentioned, next week I am on holiday and visiting Dad and the family for a few days, and then he may return with me. Messing around with camera...

Little else to note. Mum still has her cold. It is not possible to hve a cold for this long, but she won't do a thing about it, except see her who is useless!!! What can I do? Oh well!

Take care, and s and es from us both.

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

not sure whether you're still at home or have already left for your dad's. In any case, I wish you a marvellous time.

The calandar says it's the beginning of summer tomorrow, but it certainly doesn't feel like it.

K is not well, he's having a bad cold with a sore throat and a cough and , and his kidney aches. He has an appointment for an x-ray on Monday, as the ultrasound scan didn't reveal anything.

I hope he'll get the 'all clear', but we'll have to wait.

A's school will finish soon, and C's job, too. Both will start something different in August.

No holiday plans, but maybe my sister and kids will come here for a few days.

I have to say that you're brave (or foolish ) - I'd never ever do another university project, and I'd not recommend it to anybody.

with it.

Must get cracking on with my thepost> editing etc now.

Hope your mum will be better soon.

and s for your mum and you

Claudia xxx

Hello Neal,

I just read your journal. I'm glad you had a good time, but am worried about your mum.

I really hope they know what they're doing in hospital, and that she'll be back home and well again soon.

Please, give her a big and a and all my next time you see her.

and s

Claudia xxx

Hello Claudia, It appears I just missed your last post, but I did have a great time on my holiday. I've posted a Journal, as it is quite long... http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/brunel/F134192?thread=6711329 I hope things have been well for you, and that K is improving. I am really to hear about his kidney problems. Give him my best wishes. It looks like August will be 'entertaining' for you. Again, I hope everything works out for A and C, and that you get some sort of break. You deserve it. Another great . You are really going from strength to strength. You will soon have to give up real work at this rate! Regarding the University Project, it is neither brave nor foolish, more a case of just knowing a fair amount about Ramsgate and the UP will link it all together. Some are short entries, but some won't be. We'll see. Gigging again tomorrow, so out at 16.00, then see what Sunday brings. Apart from the Hull meet on 25th July, I have no plans until 5th August to 16th August, when I'm back in Broadstairs again. Take care of yourself, and kind regards to the family. s and es fgrom Mum and I. Neal x x x

I guess you missed my post before yours.

Thanks for the feedback on

I guess you can see just howe much I love my Post work.

Have fun at your gig, and lots of for your mum.

s & s

Claudiaxxx

Hi Claudia,

Re: It is often the case that a minority will moan, and the majority will enjoy and say nothing, so credit where credit is due.

Mum is being kept in for at least another couple of days, as the Cardiologist is . Her blood pressure is way too high, and her blood is too thick, so they are monitoring her. Hopefully they will sort out what her useless has been unable to do.

I've given her your and and she said and sends her back.

and humid here. Not looking forward to travelling. At least I have a day off tomorrow, so may visit Kew again.

Must . Supper and a train to catch.

s, and es from us both.

Neal x x x

Not sure if you are around. Probably due.

Anyway, Mum asked me to give you an update.

She has been diagnosed with a minor heart attack, and must rest.

She is taking seven different pills but is very vague.

A major concern of mine, as access to her flat is difficult due to the steepness of her stairs.

I shall keep an eye on her, but life and posting, as such, is very erratic!

s, and es from us both.

MMF

I was just on my way ro bed.

Thanks for the update.

You are right, I've been extremely busy with and hardly even looked into my own journal (I usually skip about 150# posts each day, and hardly ever post there).

Please, give your mum all my best wishes, lots of , s and es.

Don't worry too much, now that they know what's wrong, she'll hopefully get the right treatment.

s & es for you, too.

Claudiaxxx

Just thought I'd pop by and see what's happening. You sure have been with . Quite a lot to read, as always. I miss the RR, but then I guess the Editorial is similar!

I'm you had a good time at the Medieval festival in Lich. We have a few lke that, but not so large. I'd love to attend one, but they are always so far away.

I haven't really done much. Work mainly. Had a good gig last Saturday, and have the Hull Meet the weekend after next.

My biggest worry is my holiday in August and Mum being by herself for 10 days. She is very vague, and very, very frightened. My Sisters want her to move to where they live, and she doesn't want to go. They have also threatened to come and dispose of her belongings as she has 'too much rubbish'! It is really making me . All I can do is calm her down and tell her it is not going to happen... Family!!!

All I can do is be here and wait for the medication to work. Unfortunately her Mum died in a home after breaking her hip. There was a possibility her health was exacerbated by poor care and dehydration. It terrifies her.

I just maintain an outward appearance, and worry as little as possible.

Must go and eat now, then collect the tickets for Hull.

Stay well, and and from me, and I know Mum would want me to send her

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

sorry to hear about all the panic you and your mum are currently going through.

Sorry your sisters are less than helpful! Hope you'll find good advice about the attorney soon. I think if it had been for K's brother alone, the m-i-l would be in some sort of 'never come back' institution by now.

I hope you'll find a way to solve some of the problems.

Here, there are housing estates where people who are still fit have their own flat but can give alarm if they're not well. Somebody will come and check then within a few minutes, as well as notify the family (which would be you, in that case).

If you don't have such systems, or no chance of getting a flat in one, maybe look for a larger flat for your mum and you? I'm sure she'd be happiest with you, given a choice, and you wouldn't have to worry, or fight your sisters.

Lots of to your mum and you,

s & es to both of you

Claudiaxxx

Hi Claudia,

Where did it go? for not being around much. Life has been , well, crazy!!!

I hope you are well and not too stressed out. I missed your RR in . I wish I had more time to read it.

As you know, I was in Hull last weekend but didn't write a Journal, as others had done that, and better than I could. I had a good time. Back to work Monday, which has been steady. Housing Assoc. Special General Meeting regarding new Managing Agents which went better than expected, that evening.

Had an appointment with the specialist yesterday. He is still uncertain what is what, so another test and got to see another specialist , to get a second opinion! . It is getting very .

Mum is , and improving. Sees her tomorrow, and is to see my to change practices which is good... Other than that, life is good and busy! Hope it is with you... Are you having a break this Summer? You sure deserve one, with all the HooToo stuff!

You take care of yourself, and avoid that .

Mum sends her , just come off the phone with her.

and es.

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

I hope you had a fantastic week, and that you'll be back in time to see your entry on the FP for the weekend.

I've been lazy and not done a lot. I'm making the most of the Post summer break.

The weather has been up and down here, but we've had a few nice, hot days, and the forecast is for a few more days like that, so all is good.

It's funny, although Frankfurt airport is the busiest in Germany, I haven't heard of a single case of flu here in Frankfurt yet, but they have lots and lots in Northrhine Westphalia where Sho lives. They even thought about letting the schools closed for the first week after the summer holidays, expecting many infected people to get back from Majorca, but in the end, they decided against it, saying that the highest percentage of infected teenagers were between 18 and 21 years old, which wouldn't put the schools at risk.

I'm very sorry the tests are still ongoing, and still no results.

Hope all is well with your mum, at least.

s and es for you and your mum

Claudiaxxx

Dear Claudia,

I hope you are and have had a good Summer , with reasonable weather, and a chance to . Most of all, some time to yourself .

I had a great holiday. I saw some really good groups and had a chance to spend some time with Dad . The main reason was because I couldn't play at the sessions. My right forearm and elbow were, and still are, too painful for that. Which is the reason I've not been active, as typing, right handed, is just too painful. If it continues much longer I shall have to see the . I'm typing this, slowly, mainly with my left hand.

What have you been up to? Have you had a chance of a Summer break? My next break is in November, then January, when I hope to go away with Dad for a couple of days. Just see what happens.

Mum is appearing to be better. I went to see her the other day, as she had messed up her television, and lost all her digital channels. Spent ages trying to work out what it was... then discovered she'd switched from digital to analogue. Saved calling an engineer ad .

I've not been in a position to help out on the H2G2 photographers' side of things, but I will be back soon. Just not too at present. Say to everyoneand hope to be flying on both wings soon!

Mum and I send fondest and best wishes.

s and es

Neal x x x

Hello Neal,

I really hope your arm and elbow will recover soon. I think it may be caused by fiddling, as it sounds like a tennis elbow from what you describe.

I meant to post here earlier, but I had such trouble with my teeth again that I just never made it.

It's good to know that your mum is better, at least.

I haven't had any holidays, just took this week off for dental treatments and to get some time to recover. It never really works out as planned, though, cause C was here all day. I *really* hope I'll have at least tomorrow morning all for myself, though.

Sounds probably selfish, but I really need it.

The next photographers round has a lot of UK centric stuff, so I don't know if I'll be able to submit anything. But then there are mainly UK people in the group, so it won't matter.

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery for you.

and s for you and yolur mum

Claudia xxx

Hello Claudia,

And may I apologise for the long delay in advance.

I hope you are well and that your dental work is now sorted and not causing problems. I must admit I haven't been to the dentist for at least 15 years, so I what would need doing if I did.

I am that you can't make my Birthday bash but do fully understand. It seems a number of HooTooers have had major expense recently... GB, Hoggy, you! I do have about 8 HooTooers attending, which is great. Organising the Bash has taken up a large part of my time, which is why I've only been online for short bursts... I was not being rude, Honestly. Just so many invites to arrange and post or e-mail!!! Now I understand why I don't 'do' parties.

What have you been doing with yourself? Did you get any time to yourself? I spent Saturday with my favourite Cousin, in Kew Gardens. She wanted to introduce her new Partner to me. He was and it was a fun day. Caused my elbow to , which was no fun, so my weekend's ironing has taken three days to do. I think it is a variation of, or is, elbow. It certainly hurts like , but little I can do except rest it. When I have to work and use a PC? I have re-arranged my work station to do everything left handed, but I still need to which doesn't help!

The main news is regarding work. I now have a timeline before my job becomes redundant... 16 months. However I am reasonably optimistic I will be re-employed , as long as my disability doesn't get in the way... Mainly I am now rather than which was how I was feeling... Another reason not to be on-line.

I think I'd better stop there, before my left elbow plays up as well.

Look after yourself, and no overdoing it on or H2G2 photographers!*

s, es and from Mum and I,

Neal x x x

*Would you believe, I only took three photos in Kew Gardens? *