Journal Entries
And finally...
Posted Jun 8, 2015
After years of watching my Mother's health and personality deteriorate as Alzheimers progressed and complications reduced her quality of life to zero, she finally gave up fighting on Wednesday morning. At the end, one of my old school friends who knew her very well just happened to be the nurse on her ward, a small world coincidence that nevertheless pleased us all.
I hope it doesn't sound cold or callous, but my major emotion on hearing the news was relief - for her, for my sister and for me. I'll miss her of course, but we've grieved gradually over the years for the loss of her warm and generous nature, her humour and her voice, as her normally constant stream of chat dwindled to nothing more than cries of fear and pain.
I will remember her when I sing her favourite songs, when I smell the roses that were always her favourite, when I read the poems she read to me as a child and when I enjoy the simple pleasures of being in the countryside - hearing the birds sing, rivers flow and wind blowing through the trees.
Sure, we didn't always see eye to eye and I'm ashamed of some of the things I shouted at her when I was young but isn't that family for you after all. She lived her life for her family and without her I wouldn't be who I am, I hope she would always be proud of the daughters that she raised.
Rest easy now Mother, there's nothing more to say. 
Discuss this Journal entry [6]
Latest reply: Jun 8, 2015
Adventures in time and space
Posted Aug 5, 2014
Just to prove the old saying, "If you don't ask, you don't get", I've successfully negotiated a 6 month sabbatical and am today enjoying my first official day off work. I'm hoping this will give me some time and space to focus on the things I want to for a while and reduce the stress levels that have been building up over the last few years.
Who knows, with a little distance from the office I might even rediscover the things I liked about the job and return to work next year with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.
But for now, I think it's time for another cup of 
and then maybe a stroll down to the reservoirs while it's not raining...
Discuss this Journal entry [4]
Latest reply: Aug 5, 2014
This indecision's bugging me...
Posted Apr 29, 2014
Fed up and stressed at the end of every working day.
Constant niggle that I've been here too long and have grown stale.
Too much managing and not enough proper job.
End of the supportive atmosphere and flexible working that made it too good to go.
Feeling in danger of forgetting all the specialist skills that make me employable.
But it pays well.
But I think it's time to explore new opportunities.
So you've got to let me kno-o-w, Should I stay or should I go?
Discuss this Journal entry [9]
Latest reply: Apr 29, 2014
RIP Ormondroyd
Posted Apr 13, 2014
I was saddened to hear today of the recent sudden death of Ormondroyd (U95721), apparently of a heart attack near his home. Ormy hasn't been around H2G2 for a while but was an active member of the community for a long time. I remember him very well from several meets including the Manchester Spring Onion and a Bradford outing of the Flat Cap and Muffler Club. A truly nice guy and I'm sorry to hear he's gone.
For those who remember him, here are links to some things people have written in memoriam:-
http://www.neilturner.me.uk/2014/03/25/dave-jennings-1960-2014.html
http://louderthanwar.com/dave-jennings-music-journalist-rip/
Discuss this Journal entry [27]
Latest reply: Apr 13, 2014
Snapshots of 2013 - NaJoPoMo2013 day 30
Posted Nov 30, 2013
So November draws to a close and the NaJoPoMo challenge is nearly over. It only remains to select one more memorable moment from the year so far for my final snapshot to share. However, never having been one to live rigidly by the rules, I'm going to lightly bend my self imposed boundaries and look ahead a few hours to what I'm sure will be an afternoon full of snapshots.
Phil has three sisters and the youngest is getting married in a few hours time. She's much younger than him, and he's finding it hard to believe his baby sis is grown up enough to be getting married. Never mind that she's lived with her fiance for years and they have a 3 year old daughter, she's still the little one of the family for him. I guess those sibling relationships never really change.
Better get moving, it's time to escape this journal writing business and set about getting a smart outfit together. Several dresses to choose from but shoes are always a problem for me, I'd rather be barefoot but that's frowned on at formal occasions and it's cold outside. Think people would notice if I went for posh dress and furry boots or even cosy slippers...? Everyone will be looking at the bride and bridesmaids anyway, although I expect the cute 3 year old will steal most of the limelight!
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Latest reply: Nov 30, 2013
Metal Chicken
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