1. First and foremost - Qatar Airlines from Doha arrives at the South Terminal!!!!!
2. Thanks for the account of the meetings - the second seems to proceed at a slicker pace than the first. And an account of the accounts. Has September been closed or have I to unravel again.
3. I am all blogged out as news from the bubble is scant. I managed four lengths of the large swimming pool before attending my appointment for pummelling with herbs.
4. A Thai massage although somewhat painful does help these old joints of mine. A thorough going over I should say. Two hours long and I emerged with every part of my body stretched and massaged. The hot herb compress was unusual but pleasant. Imagine a darkened room with a thin mattress on the floor, some funny pyjamas. That was me.
5. The little family will get rid of me only to welcome the other Grandmother and Aunt tomorrow. Fortunately that pair will be going to China on Friday for a fortnight before returning to spend two weeks here.
6. I finished yet another book the Yacubian Building about the characters, from poor to rich, who live in the building in Cairo. It gives an insight into modern day Egypt. Nine books in five weeks and endless television programmes, the most I have achieved in the last nine or ten years.
7. So back to the fold with my feet firmly on the ground for a while.
Look forward to seeing you.
The bugler
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
1 The executives took their places along the sides of the rectangular table. It was to be our new chair's first meeting. He has a light touch. He led us gently through the agenda, a check-list in other contexts, so gently that it took us three hours to make the journey. A long journey. A preparation for the sandwiches. And the pork pies. There was to be a session after the break as well. However, Liz wanted to get back, so I left the meeting in hurried fashion. (I couldn't find, we couldn't find the way to open the gates, so there was the prospect of returning to the meeting to ask 'Does anyone know how to operate the gate?'. However, a second essay was sufficient: the gates opened; we were released.)
2 A lovely autumn afternoon. The sun shone over the trees into the kitchen. I made a pot of tea, took my kit off, and stood on the patio, cup in hand, in the sun. Bliss.
3 Then it was time to turn again - 'Turn again, Don Cooper, thrice chair of the East Grinstead and District Credit Union Ltd' - to the credit union. Last night my concluding activity was to send a copy of the Business Plan, together with a long commentary, to the officer who services the County Local Committee, the body which (I hope) will grant us £2500 for brochures, laptop, and telephone. Earlier I had begun to e-mail the Members' Newsletter and the invitation to Christmas Cheer to the members. Today, after the exposure to the sun, I began the preparation for the meeting.
3.1 As ever, there is no substitute for preparation. The meeting went smoothly. We began, with a tray of tea, at 2000, and we concluded by 2115. James Hennessy attended and was welcomed. He seemed at ease, and I hope that he will find opportunities to pull his weight.
4 There was time, a few minutes ago, to talk to David Scott. Molly has returned to her home, with her white cardigan and with the other clothes which she was given. And, remember, she also was showered. David will leave on Friday for a five-week period of work, alternating between Mayaya and Dubai. So I may take the opportunity to drive over tomorrow morning for a cup of tea, a chat, and a chat with Molly. We'll see.
4.1 I have a meeting scheduled with James and Bobby tomorrow at 1400. Preparations for the Soames meeting. In preparation for this meeting about preparations I hope that James has thought about the revision of the Business Plan. In the best of worlds, he would have set out the headings, at least.
5 Following the meeting, a lecture at LSE. I have a ticket for a lecture about the state of women. I'll give you an account. Of course.
6 So I wish you a pleasant return flight. You have been a good grandmother, a grand mother. Leave the little family to themselves. Return to other families here in England. Bring your tales with you.
6.1 Remember, in the absence of instructions to the contrary I will be expecting you to land at Gatwick (North) at 0655 on Thursday. I will be lurking somewhere close-by, waiting to receive a telephone call on my mobile telephone.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Stayathome.
2 A lovely autumn afternoon. The sun shone over the trees into the kitchen. I made a pot of tea, took my kit off, and stood on the patio, cup in hand, in the sun. Bliss.
3 Then it was time to turn again - 'Turn again, Don Cooper, thrice chair of the East Grinstead and District Credit Union Ltd' - to the credit union. Last night my concluding activity was to send a copy of the Business Plan, together with a long commentary, to the officer who services the County Local Committee, the body which (I hope) will grant us £2500 for brochures, laptop, and telephone. Earlier I had begun to e-mail the Members' Newsletter and the invitation to Christmas Cheer to the members. Today, after the exposure to the sun, I began the preparation for the meeting.
3.1 As ever, there is no substitute for preparation. The meeting went smoothly. We began, with a tray of tea, at 2000, and we concluded by 2115. James Hennessy attended and was welcomed. He seemed at ease, and I hope that he will find opportunities to pull his weight.
4 There was time, a few minutes ago, to talk to David Scott. Molly has returned to her home, with her white cardigan and with the other clothes which she was given. And, remember, she also was showered. David will leave on Friday for a five-week period of work, alternating between Mayaya and Dubai. So I may take the opportunity to drive over tomorrow morning for a cup of tea, a chat, and a chat with Molly. We'll see.
4.1 I have a meeting scheduled with James and Bobby tomorrow at 1400. Preparations for the Soames meeting. In preparation for this meeting about preparations I hope that James has thought about the revision of the Business Plan. In the best of worlds, he would have set out the headings, at least.
5 Following the meeting, a lecture at LSE. I have a ticket for a lecture about the state of women. I'll give you an account. Of course.
6 So I wish you a pleasant return flight. You have been a good grandmother, a grand mother. Leave the little family to themselves. Return to other families here in England. Bring your tales with you.
6.1 Remember, in the absence of instructions to the contrary I will be expecting you to land at Gatwick (North) at 0655 on Thursday. I will be lurking somewhere close-by, waiting to receive a telephone call on my mobile telephone.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Stayathome.
Sunday, 19 October 2008
1 You are in your concluding week. You will be packing tomorrow (Tuesday) in order to be ready to leave on Wednesday, the first stage of a journey which will terminate in Gatwick at 0655 on Thursday morning. So bring the thoughts together. Look over the notes. Settle on the big issues which are to be discussed in tranquillity. Well, perhaps not in tranquillity, just in East Grinstead as the opportunities arise.
1.1 I have it in mind to be waiting for a text message or a call to say that you have landed. Perhaps one to say that you are on your way from Dubai.
2 I attended a screening at the FR Film Society on Friday evening. I was there at 1930, in good (unexpected) time for the 2000 showing. The new projector was being used. A big crowd. The film? About female hairdressers in Beirut. About lives in Beirut. A film to complement a cup of tea and a piece of apple cake. I have joined, and I reckon to attend. A different experience from the commercial cinemas.
3 To Horsham yesterday. In company with David I visited Molly in the Horsham hospital. I admired what I saw of the hospital. And I admired Molly. She was well. She was wearing a white cardigan. She sniffed the flowers we brought. She was pleased to see us. She may be moved to a residential home for further convalescence. If she is, she may come to like living in the home. Ah.
3.1 In the ward was a 93-year-old woman, also living on her own. I chatted to her. And I'll chat again when I visit.
4 To Wadhurst today. Along the track to the end. Goodbye flatlands. Hello gentle uplands. Hello HighWealdland, not-at-all gentle up-and-down-lands. Rather the reverse. Forty-five good miles. Next week we ride to the area around Handcross. Not so hilly. A suitable ride for the Maid and the Mistress.
More tomorrow
Stayahome.
1.1 I have it in mind to be waiting for a text message or a call to say that you have landed. Perhaps one to say that you are on your way from Dubai.
2 I attended a screening at the FR Film Society on Friday evening. I was there at 1930, in good (unexpected) time for the 2000 showing. The new projector was being used. A big crowd. The film? About female hairdressers in Beirut. About lives in Beirut. A film to complement a cup of tea and a piece of apple cake. I have joined, and I reckon to attend. A different experience from the commercial cinemas.
3 To Horsham yesterday. In company with David I visited Molly in the Horsham hospital. I admired what I saw of the hospital. And I admired Molly. She was well. She was wearing a white cardigan. She sniffed the flowers we brought. She was pleased to see us. She may be moved to a residential home for further convalescence. If she is, she may come to like living in the home. Ah.
3.1 In the ward was a 93-year-old woman, also living on her own. I chatted to her. And I'll chat again when I visit.
4 To Wadhurst today. Along the track to the end. Goodbye flatlands. Hello gentle uplands. Hello HighWealdland, not-at-all gentle up-and-down-lands. Rather the reverse. Forty-five good miles. Next week we ride to the area around Handcross. Not so hilly. A suitable ride for the Maid and the Mistress.
More tomorrow
Stayahome.
Saturday, 18 October 2008
One pedal-a-lo
1. Yesterday was an exciting day in comparison to some others. The visit to the city was abandoned on account of a bad night with the young man. Instead we visited the large Carrefore supermarket nearby. The event was too much for some so we retraced our tracks to the local bike shop just outside the main gate of the bubble.
2. No gears bikes with baskets galore and some more sophisticated looking models. Kaaren wanted the bog standard Thai bike for cycling around the bubble. A helmet was chosen and I got one too as a birthday present. They are much cheaper here and I though it was time to dispense with the elastic band. A gold bike was chosen and the deal was that we would collect it later in the day and I would cycle it back to the house.
3. Kaaren had a meeting here in the afternoon so I entertained the young lad, wanted to ensure he did not cry and subsequently disturb Kaaren. Karstein went off to the golf range promising to be back by 5.30 in order to collect the bike. It gets dark here at 6.30. Well just after six he arrives and off we go.
4. I take note of the route back and we collect the bike. He passes me in the car and I call out this is great. A couple of seconds later the pedal fell off. Luckily he had looked in his rear view mirror and noticed that I had stopped. We tried to get the pedal back on but a few pedals later it fell off again. He suggested he put the bike in the boot of the car but it was too big and too dangerous. I agreed I would scoot back and do the best I could. We both reckoned it would make a good mother in law joke. 'How I abandoned my mother in law'
5. The journey back was not the easiest. I kept trying the pedal but everytime time it fell off after two pedals. The neighbours were having drinks when I returned. They said this always happens. Buy a new bike here needs sorting once or twice then is good for three years. We are working on embellishments on the story. Snakes in the curb and that sort of thing.
6. I was pleased to hear that Giles has written. It sounds like hard work to me. I take it that he was in good heart, doing what he wants to do as you tell me. How is Helen getting on without him?
7. Where or rather when does Hadrian appear? I have no idea of the chronology. He did build the wall did he not and why was he immortalised?
8. I have finished the Ukranian Tractor book. It brought to mind the family (whose names I have forgotten) who were in Tinsley. The idea that life is better in the West, the illegal employment to make ends meet, a desperation to obtain British Citizenship through marriage etc. It was funny though and made me smile.
9. I have been musing about why life is so difficult for me here. I am pleased I came to be with the little family and certainly would not have missed it. I am of the opinion that it is to do with the lack of independence, the lack of knowledge about the system here. One is relying on others all the time. Of course, that happens when one goes somewhere new, but it seems that it is possible to find out for oneself more easily. It is all in my head and not others. I am made welcome. Perhaps its like groups, norming, forming, storming etc. It takes time to bed down and find one's role in the set up. Well that is enough of my rambling.
10. I had better find another book to amuse myself with. Drat I forgot to look for some glue to start sorting out the China Book.
11. I hope this finds you in good fettle!
Unpedalo
2. No gears bikes with baskets galore and some more sophisticated looking models. Kaaren wanted the bog standard Thai bike for cycling around the bubble. A helmet was chosen and I got one too as a birthday present. They are much cheaper here and I though it was time to dispense with the elastic band. A gold bike was chosen and the deal was that we would collect it later in the day and I would cycle it back to the house.
3. Kaaren had a meeting here in the afternoon so I entertained the young lad, wanted to ensure he did not cry and subsequently disturb Kaaren. Karstein went off to the golf range promising to be back by 5.30 in order to collect the bike. It gets dark here at 6.30. Well just after six he arrives and off we go.
4. I take note of the route back and we collect the bike. He passes me in the car and I call out this is great. A couple of seconds later the pedal fell off. Luckily he had looked in his rear view mirror and noticed that I had stopped. We tried to get the pedal back on but a few pedals later it fell off again. He suggested he put the bike in the boot of the car but it was too big and too dangerous. I agreed I would scoot back and do the best I could. We both reckoned it would make a good mother in law joke. 'How I abandoned my mother in law'
5. The journey back was not the easiest. I kept trying the pedal but everytime time it fell off after two pedals. The neighbours were having drinks when I returned. They said this always happens. Buy a new bike here needs sorting once or twice then is good for three years. We are working on embellishments on the story. Snakes in the curb and that sort of thing.
6. I was pleased to hear that Giles has written. It sounds like hard work to me. I take it that he was in good heart, doing what he wants to do as you tell me. How is Helen getting on without him?
7. Where or rather when does Hadrian appear? I have no idea of the chronology. He did build the wall did he not and why was he immortalised?
8. I have finished the Ukranian Tractor book. It brought to mind the family (whose names I have forgotten) who were in Tinsley. The idea that life is better in the West, the illegal employment to make ends meet, a desperation to obtain British Citizenship through marriage etc. It was funny though and made me smile.
9. I have been musing about why life is so difficult for me here. I am pleased I came to be with the little family and certainly would not have missed it. I am of the opinion that it is to do with the lack of independence, the lack of knowledge about the system here. One is relying on others all the time. Of course, that happens when one goes somewhere new, but it seems that it is possible to find out for oneself more easily. It is all in my head and not others. I am made welcome. Perhaps its like groups, norming, forming, storming etc. It takes time to bed down and find one's role in the set up. Well that is enough of my rambling.
10. I had better find another book to amuse myself with. Drat I forgot to look for some glue to start sorting out the China Book.
11. I hope this finds you in good fettle!
Unpedalo
Friday, 17 October 2008
1 Yes, the longer one stays, the more the opportunities, the more that what was hidden, unmentioned, becomes known. The local town, as it were, with shops, probably with stalls. A place to explore. There might even have been a place to take a cup of tea. You know about it now; there's time to know more.
2.1 I've received a letter, a bluey, from the young officer. I learned that there are some 15,000 personnel on the base, including British, American, French, Estonians, Danes, and others. Heavy transports and medium, the airfield is constantly busy. As he said,d it's much like being in barracks only the scale is different, and so is the urgency. And the heat. So I can imagine that he has settled in .
2.1.1 Remember his address: 547112 Maj Giles Cooper, 91 GS Sqn RLC, OP HERRICK. BFPO 772.
2.2 The bridge result was something of a surprise. It was a reminder that what matters is what other pairs do. Out of 24 boards, it emerged that we had eight top-scores and two shared tops. Yet, we could do better. We're not as closely in touch with each other's plays are we could be.
2.3 Ah the day in London. As the northbound buses from Waterloo were not crossing the bridge, I walked from the station to the British Museum. A fine day, a steady walk. We bought our full-price tickets to the Hadrian exhibition and had time for a cup of something to drink. The exhibition? It took us about two hours to make our way through it.
2.3.1 And what has remained with me? I'm working on that question. Of course, the exhibition strengthened one's perception of Hadrian. I can place him in the set of emperors. I have also been prompted to think about the progress from emperor to god and how that progress is represented in statues. The emperor-as-commander is represented in military uniform, the hard aspect of the person. The god is expressed in a nude statue, and, as I key, I am reminded of the statue of Napoleon in the Wellington museum. The commander is rooted in this material place; the uniform identifies the man, the rank. The god has the unadorned attributes of a young, unblemished man. The god has the quality of the ethereal. The person is nude, not naked.
2.3.1.2 And Hadrian the builder. There was a remarkable three-dimensional model of Hadrian's villa. His mausoleum was also shown and discussed, the building which we now know as the Castel d'San Angelo. And the Parthenon. And the buildings which he caused to be built throughout the empire.
2.3.1.3. And the empire. The extent of the empire. When Hadrian became emperor, the empire already extended beyond the Caspian sea. It was Hardian who ordered the withdrawal of the legions from the distant, unconquered provinces. From Spain to Asia Minor, from the northern plains of central Europe to the settled lands by the southern side of the Meditteranean.
2.3.2 We also talked about Byzantium: remember the ehibtion open at the RA later this month. The western empire remains in the recollection. The eastern empire is less well known. As I put it, 'We view Byzantium through a Roman lens'. Yet that eastern empire continued for a 1000 years after the sack of Rome in 410. Ken is reading about Byzantium and was enthusiastic.
2.3.3 We will exchange book titles: he will send me the details of the book about Byzantium; I will send him the details of McCullough's The Reformation. (I talked to him about my enlarged compass of the Reformation in Europe, or Christendom, a compass which now includes the reformation, the energising of the Catholic church in Spain after 1492)
3 The cases. They continue to be lodged with me. There are three new ones to handle. I must set up the first visits, whilst seeking to visits Brian Wright and others.
3.1 There are the Thank-you letters to be sent to the collectors. And I am about to telephone the Events co-0rdinator at ASDA to say Thank you and to seek another collection. What for? It's in the blood. Get out, get the money.
4. Liam has paid your Maypole subscription.
5.1 Next Monday, Liam and I may play at East Grinstead. Liam will not be playing next Thursday (as he will be leaving early on Friday morning for Ireland). Between now and then he will have to arrange for others to open the hall, to close the hall, to collect the travellers (and, if I am not there) to deliver them to me. On Thursday you will have an option: play or not-play.
Go forth; explore.
Stayathome.
2.1 I've received a letter, a bluey, from the young officer. I learned that there are some 15,000 personnel on the base, including British, American, French, Estonians, Danes, and others. Heavy transports and medium, the airfield is constantly busy. As he said,d it's much like being in barracks only the scale is different, and so is the urgency. And the heat. So I can imagine that he has settled in .
2.1.1 Remember his address: 547112 Maj Giles Cooper, 91 GS Sqn RLC, OP HERRICK. BFPO 772.
2.2 The bridge result was something of a surprise. It was a reminder that what matters is what other pairs do. Out of 24 boards, it emerged that we had eight top-scores and two shared tops. Yet, we could do better. We're not as closely in touch with each other's plays are we could be.
2.3 Ah the day in London. As the northbound buses from Waterloo were not crossing the bridge, I walked from the station to the British Museum. A fine day, a steady walk. We bought our full-price tickets to the Hadrian exhibition and had time for a cup of something to drink. The exhibition? It took us about two hours to make our way through it.
2.3.1 And what has remained with me? I'm working on that question. Of course, the exhibition strengthened one's perception of Hadrian. I can place him in the set of emperors. I have also been prompted to think about the progress from emperor to god and how that progress is represented in statues. The emperor-as-commander is represented in military uniform, the hard aspect of the person. The god is expressed in a nude statue, and, as I key, I am reminded of the statue of Napoleon in the Wellington museum. The commander is rooted in this material place; the uniform identifies the man, the rank. The god has the unadorned attributes of a young, unblemished man. The god has the quality of the ethereal. The person is nude, not naked.
2.3.1.2 And Hadrian the builder. There was a remarkable three-dimensional model of Hadrian's villa. His mausoleum was also shown and discussed, the building which we now know as the Castel d'San Angelo. And the Parthenon. And the buildings which he caused to be built throughout the empire.
2.3.1.3. And the empire. The extent of the empire. When Hadrian became emperor, the empire already extended beyond the Caspian sea. It was Hardian who ordered the withdrawal of the legions from the distant, unconquered provinces. From Spain to Asia Minor, from the northern plains of central Europe to the settled lands by the southern side of the Meditteranean.
2.3.2 We also talked about Byzantium: remember the ehibtion open at the RA later this month. The western empire remains in the recollection. The eastern empire is less well known. As I put it, 'We view Byzantium through a Roman lens'. Yet that eastern empire continued for a 1000 years after the sack of Rome in 410. Ken is reading about Byzantium and was enthusiastic.
2.3.3 We will exchange book titles: he will send me the details of the book about Byzantium; I will send him the details of McCullough's The Reformation. (I talked to him about my enlarged compass of the Reformation in Europe, or Christendom, a compass which now includes the reformation, the energising of the Catholic church in Spain after 1492)
3 The cases. They continue to be lodged with me. There are three new ones to handle. I must set up the first visits, whilst seeking to visits Brian Wright and others.
3.1 There are the Thank-you letters to be sent to the collectors. And I am about to telephone the Events co-0rdinator at ASDA to say Thank you and to seek another collection. What for? It's in the blood. Get out, get the money.
4. Liam has paid your Maypole subscription.
5.1 Next Monday, Liam and I may play at East Grinstead. Liam will not be playing next Thursday (as he will be leaving early on Friday morning for Ireland). Between now and then he will have to arrange for others to open the hall, to close the hall, to collect the travellers (and, if I am not there) to deliver them to me. On Thursday you will have an option: play or not-play.
Go forth; explore.
Stayathome.
foiled again
1. I am wondering whether you have had to buy another bottle of whisky yet or is the pace slowing down. Mind you when you do not have paid employment on Fridays, it does not much matter. How does it feel to be such high scorers all the time? Does the challenge diminish the higher you go?
2. I thought I had cracked it yesterday, but the gremlins are out to get me. Kaaren and I walked down to the epi-centre yesterday morning to observe the dying stages of Karstein's squash game whilst having a Star Bucks Frappicino. See how the mighty have fallen. As we were leaving Kaaren asked Karstein to drive to the main gate to show me another aspect. Another aspect, there is another world out there, little shops, Thai shanty houses all within cyclable distance. I was salivating at the thought.
3. On our return to the house, we noticed the bike. Would you believe it, the bike had a puncture. Talk about the wind being taken out of one's tyres. The walk to the other gate would be one step too far in the heat.
4. Well Plan B, I decided to walk to the Epicentre after phoning my Dad and have a swim at least. The place was awash with swimming lessons. However, I did manage to find a space in that large pool and completed 10 lengths. I decided to find the entrance to the little church which was closed of course. Only open shop hours.
5. The walk back was exhausting - one hour plus walk in the heat, and 10 lengths of that pool. I did need that glass of water and sit down on my return.
6. On to the next book - the history of the Ukrainian Tractor. Funny in a pathetic sort of way. I feel for this poor 84 year old man, who believes he still has the touch when a 34 year old busty blonde from the Ukraine wants to marry him. What a poor fool.
7. How was the day out with Ken. Give a full account of the goings on. And more about the cases etc. I enjoy reading all. Incidently do you think your oven needs a clean. Standards, my good man.
8. Out into town today to do some shopping. Not for me but for others. At least we can escape from the bubble. Cooking duty tomorrow and Saturday. That will give me something to think about.
9. May have a convert to the Economist. They relished the article on Thailand and Karstein enjoyed one or two others.
Be good
Rapunzel
2. I thought I had cracked it yesterday, but the gremlins are out to get me. Kaaren and I walked down to the epi-centre yesterday morning to observe the dying stages of Karstein's squash game whilst having a Star Bucks Frappicino. See how the mighty have fallen. As we were leaving Kaaren asked Karstein to drive to the main gate to show me another aspect. Another aspect, there is another world out there, little shops, Thai shanty houses all within cyclable distance. I was salivating at the thought.
3. On our return to the house, we noticed the bike. Would you believe it, the bike had a puncture. Talk about the wind being taken out of one's tyres. The walk to the other gate would be one step too far in the heat.
4. Well Plan B, I decided to walk to the Epicentre after phoning my Dad and have a swim at least. The place was awash with swimming lessons. However, I did manage to find a space in that large pool and completed 10 lengths. I decided to find the entrance to the little church which was closed of course. Only open shop hours.
5. The walk back was exhausting - one hour plus walk in the heat, and 10 lengths of that pool. I did need that glass of water and sit down on my return.
6. On to the next book - the history of the Ukrainian Tractor. Funny in a pathetic sort of way. I feel for this poor 84 year old man, who believes he still has the touch when a 34 year old busty blonde from the Ukraine wants to marry him. What a poor fool.
7. How was the day out with Ken. Give a full account of the goings on. And more about the cases etc. I enjoy reading all. Incidently do you think your oven needs a clean. Standards, my good man.
8. Out into town today to do some shopping. Not for me but for others. At least we can escape from the bubble. Cooking duty tomorrow and Saturday. That will give me something to think about.
9. May have a convert to the Economist. They relished the article on Thailand and Karstein enjoyed one or two others.
Be good
Rapunzel
Thursday, 16 October 2008
hospital or hotel
1.Kaaren commented that it was the first time outside the compound. Other things to feast my eyes on. She is sensitive to be aware that I am in a bubble. No more than I expected really with new parents and a tiny baby. Still I can give wise old motherly advice and help with the day to day attendance to his needs.
2. The Hospital or were we mistaken was it a hotel. Men in uniform ushering the traffic and opening doors for those visiting. The place was awash with staff. Everything was neat and tidy and despite the amount of people there appeared to be no panic or frantic activity, the like of which I have seen recently in the Banbury Hospital.
3. The young man is growing well and all is in order. The number of vaccinations babies have to have here was surprising. Then perhaps not because of the diseases that exist in Asia.
4. I have had my morning splash in the little pool here. Everytime I get in I wonder whether I will see any snakes. Apparently Kaaren has seen one on the fence. That really would get me rushing inside and locking the door.
5. It was suggested we have lunch in the hospital yesterday. I was somewhat sceptical bearing in mind my own experiences. My word, what a selection, every nationality each with its own stall touting for business. Just like a five star hotel. The choice was almost overwhelming even for me.
6. No proper swimming yesterday. On our return the parents were exhausted - a bad night previously so they had a swim whilst I minded the precious bundle.
7. Kaaren and I watched a film which seemingly had won many awards 'No country for old Men'
I am still trying to figure out what it was all about apart from killings and being chased and a sherriff who felt he could not handle the job any more. Too old.
8. I thought I may have heard from you this morning regarding the Credit Union. You can imagine I read the email just before going to bed consequently I lay awake trying to fathom out the problem and come up with the solution. I need the data!
9. Keep the news coming, that forms part of the entertainment. And have you completely dispensed with my services regarding Maypole Bridge scoring. No directing no companionable. Am I now expendable.
10. And will you still become a monk? Should I know about these things?
Nichada Prisoner
2. The Hospital or were we mistaken was it a hotel. Men in uniform ushering the traffic and opening doors for those visiting. The place was awash with staff. Everything was neat and tidy and despite the amount of people there appeared to be no panic or frantic activity, the like of which I have seen recently in the Banbury Hospital.
3. The young man is growing well and all is in order. The number of vaccinations babies have to have here was surprising. Then perhaps not because of the diseases that exist in Asia.
4. I have had my morning splash in the little pool here. Everytime I get in I wonder whether I will see any snakes. Apparently Kaaren has seen one on the fence. That really would get me rushing inside and locking the door.
5. It was suggested we have lunch in the hospital yesterday. I was somewhat sceptical bearing in mind my own experiences. My word, what a selection, every nationality each with its own stall touting for business. Just like a five star hotel. The choice was almost overwhelming even for me.
6. No proper swimming yesterday. On our return the parents were exhausted - a bad night previously so they had a swim whilst I minded the precious bundle.
7. Kaaren and I watched a film which seemingly had won many awards 'No country for old Men'
I am still trying to figure out what it was all about apart from killings and being chased and a sherriff who felt he could not handle the job any more. Too old.
8. I thought I may have heard from you this morning regarding the Credit Union. You can imagine I read the email just before going to bed consequently I lay awake trying to fathom out the problem and come up with the solution. I need the data!
9. Keep the news coming, that forms part of the entertainment. And have you completely dispensed with my services regarding Maypole Bridge scoring. No directing no companionable. Am I now expendable.
10. And will you still become a monk? Should I know about these things?
Nichada Prisoner
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
1 Sixteen lengths, and a bike-ride. Well done. And just an elderly man for company in the pool. The contrast between the facilities - which will have been advertised, with a photograph, in the brochure - and the usage. So perhaps in the remaining week, you can make up for the first week. Thus, when you return, you will have to be careful not to knock your head into the end of the CP pool.
1.1 Coming into the world this morning was a pleasure. The collection had been accomplished. That had been done yesterday. It was possible to lie in bed, in the dark; it was even possible to lie in bed, with a cup of tea, in the dark. And still there was time to be in the pool by 0730 for half-an-hour's swim. Forty lengths, the equivalent of your 16. Let's keep it up.
1.2 Not only that but, being shaved, I have just eaten a grilled-bacon-on-bread. Remember the packet of bacon - well, three rashers - you left? Well, it came to me - grill them and enjoy bacon-and-bread. And it's just 9 o'clock. Time to go to the post office with the first inpayment, £195. All in bags. Time to read something of the paper before the credit union will call me. And a funeral at Whittington College chapel.
1.3 One thought leads to another. Yesterday, in the ASDA café, I had a coffee and a shared muffin with the wife of one of the RBL chums. Whilst I had seen her now and then, I had never spoken to her. The collection provided the opportunity. A companionable conversation at a window table. Later, she and I were two of six around a table. All chatting. George Hillman made of particular point of saying how enjoyable the collection had been. He had travelled to Crawley on the bus, collected, returned with me, and counted the takings. In company.
1.4 He served in the First Army (as opposed to the Eigth) in North Africa. There are five members of the First Army Association in Crawley and East Grinstead. They meet once a month. George produces a newsletter. A good egg.
2 Remember to have a look at Timesonline.co.uk (and corresponding websites) for news about Thailand, news about events in Bangkok in particular.
3 Giles has been in touch with Helen. As I understand it, he (and others) are working long days. Over-stretched, I recall, is the word.
4 Do give some time to China. And the gall stone? And an English bookshop in the city?
See you soon.
Stayathome
1.1 Coming into the world this morning was a pleasure. The collection had been accomplished. That had been done yesterday. It was possible to lie in bed, in the dark; it was even possible to lie in bed, with a cup of tea, in the dark. And still there was time to be in the pool by 0730 for half-an-hour's swim. Forty lengths, the equivalent of your 16. Let's keep it up.
1.2 Not only that but, being shaved, I have just eaten a grilled-bacon-on-bread. Remember the packet of bacon - well, three rashers - you left? Well, it came to me - grill them and enjoy bacon-and-bread. And it's just 9 o'clock. Time to go to the post office with the first inpayment, £195. All in bags. Time to read something of the paper before the credit union will call me. And a funeral at Whittington College chapel.
1.3 One thought leads to another. Yesterday, in the ASDA café, I had a coffee and a shared muffin with the wife of one of the RBL chums. Whilst I had seen her now and then, I had never spoken to her. The collection provided the opportunity. A companionable conversation at a window table. Later, she and I were two of six around a table. All chatting. George Hillman made of particular point of saying how enjoyable the collection had been. He had travelled to Crawley on the bus, collected, returned with me, and counted the takings. In company.
1.4 He served in the First Army (as opposed to the Eigth) in North Africa. There are five members of the First Army Association in Crawley and East Grinstead. They meet once a month. George produces a newsletter. A good egg.
2 Remember to have a look at Timesonline.co.uk (and corresponding websites) for news about Thailand, news about events in Bangkok in particular.
3 Giles has been in touch with Helen. As I understand it, he (and others) are working long days. Over-stretched, I recall, is the word.
4 Do give some time to China. And the gall stone? And an English bookshop in the city?
See you soon.
Stayathome
mission accomplished
1. Firstly well done on the collection. How pleasing it must be to have the support and the money rolling in. And I hope the stomach is better this morning.
2. How right you are. Sitting around all the time is more of a punishment than a reward. Only a certain amount of reading can be accomplished in any one day. I rue the day when my body will not let me move about much. Confinement does not suit my personality.
3. Well rucksack on my back, leg over the crossbar and away I bounced on the mountain bike. How very different from the road bike. I thought it better to ask permission to swim even though I had Kaaren's pass. Nobody seemed bothered. Just one elderly man with a snorkel and myself in the large pool. 16 lengths, I swam, 16 lengths. How about that! The other end always seemed such a long way away.
4. As I was swimming I noticed a church at the other end of the pool which I tried to investigate after the swim. The gates were locked and it was not evident how to get to the other side. Another time maybe.
5. I dried off in the sun and found an American lady to chat to. I needed to talk to somebody. She is a law student, who has just been on a conference in Hong Kong and was visiting friends who worked at the International School. She expressed a desire to visit China, so that was a prompt to talk pleasantly about my trip.
6. Shower, change and off to the shop to buy some fruit juice and a bottle of water, which disappeared very quickly. I cycled round the lake to explore a little. Not much to see except more big houses. The size of this place captured me.
7. When I returned here, I was absolutely dripping but once cool I had the pleasure of reading the article in the Economist about Thailand. I found a copy in the shop. The article made much more sense than the Bangkok Post reports. I believe I have some sort of grasp on what is going on.
8. Yesterday's letter page had the word Kakisocracy - a state ruled by a Government of ill intentioned citizens. The writer was applying that to Thailand.
9. The little family returned around 6 having had a good day and produced a book entitled the Brand of 2008 in which Kaaren features. Photographed and two pages on her perceived management style. I have been given a copy as a gift.
10. Today we leave the gated community for a visit to the hospital. Hurrah the outside world. I might even ask them how much it would cost to have my gall stone removed. The endurance of the pain has lasted long enough.
11. And what about the other 50 pounds and how is Helen. Any news from Kandahar. I noticed in the papers that there has been more fighting in the last couple of days.
Must be time for the boiled egg.
Always good to hear you.
Bangkok lady
2. How right you are. Sitting around all the time is more of a punishment than a reward. Only a certain amount of reading can be accomplished in any one day. I rue the day when my body will not let me move about much. Confinement does not suit my personality.
3. Well rucksack on my back, leg over the crossbar and away I bounced on the mountain bike. How very different from the road bike. I thought it better to ask permission to swim even though I had Kaaren's pass. Nobody seemed bothered. Just one elderly man with a snorkel and myself in the large pool. 16 lengths, I swam, 16 lengths. How about that! The other end always seemed such a long way away.
4. As I was swimming I noticed a church at the other end of the pool which I tried to investigate after the swim. The gates were locked and it was not evident how to get to the other side. Another time maybe.
5. I dried off in the sun and found an American lady to chat to. I needed to talk to somebody. She is a law student, who has just been on a conference in Hong Kong and was visiting friends who worked at the International School. She expressed a desire to visit China, so that was a prompt to talk pleasantly about my trip.
6. Shower, change and off to the shop to buy some fruit juice and a bottle of water, which disappeared very quickly. I cycled round the lake to explore a little. Not much to see except more big houses. The size of this place captured me.
7. When I returned here, I was absolutely dripping but once cool I had the pleasure of reading the article in the Economist about Thailand. I found a copy in the shop. The article made much more sense than the Bangkok Post reports. I believe I have some sort of grasp on what is going on.
8. Yesterday's letter page had the word Kakisocracy - a state ruled by a Government of ill intentioned citizens. The writer was applying that to Thailand.
9. The little family returned around 6 having had a good day and produced a book entitled the Brand of 2008 in which Kaaren features. Photographed and two pages on her perceived management style. I have been given a copy as a gift.
10. Today we leave the gated community for a visit to the hospital. Hurrah the outside world. I might even ask them how much it would cost to have my gall stone removed. The endurance of the pain has lasted long enough.
11. And what about the other 50 pounds and how is Helen. Any news from Kandahar. I noticed in the papers that there has been more fighting in the last couple of days.
Must be time for the boiled egg.
Always good to hear you.
Bangkok lady
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
1 The day has been a good one. Yesterday evening, I prepared for the collection at ASDA. Numbered collection tins, a reminder e-mail, a collapsible table that was recovered from its place in the rain, a note-book - all in place. And that preparation was followed by an early rise, ironed shirt, polished shoes. By 0900 I was in the cafe at ASDA waiting for my colleague with whom I would take the first shift.
2 We took our stations, at first inside then out. The people passed, and I waited for the first donations. They came. There were the occasional chats. I settled. I became at ease. It wasn't going to rain. A sufficient number of people would contribute. Later, the two chums from East Grinstead (RBL) arrived for their shift. They were followed by two clients, who had responded warmly to the invitation to collect. The man sat outside on his buggy; I placed a cup of coffee on the table; he could have stayed there for another hour. But two more collectors, including George Hillman, had arrived.
2.1 George and I closed the collection; I drove to EG and we began the count. Whilst there were 173 one-penny pieces in the tins, there were 140 £1 coins. And there were two £10 notes. In all, the collection amounted to £273. A record. And not only that: the day had been companionable.
3 Since then I have exchanged e-mails with Helen, amended a draft agenda for the next Board meeting, thought about credit union jobs for tomorrow. (Mike has e-mailed to say that he and June have input the September data. I'll open the message fully tomorrow.) It's time to lie in bed in the knowledge that the collection has been accomplished, that it has been successful, that there is a band of collectors who are ready and willing to come again.
3.1 My colleague is the recently-enrolled caseworker who lives in Horsham. She took her course early in the year, but she was unused by the Horsham colleagues. Now she has just about completed her first case; she has collected; she will accompany me on a first visit to a further client and she can take that case as well.
4 Another day given to SSAFA. But some relationships have been nurtured. It's all been worthwhile.
4.1 And relationships in Evenley? I wonder how you are influencing matters from faraway.
5 And I must attend to my eating. A hurried consumption of a mixture. I have a pain in my stomach. However, it will ease. Tomorrow, I may lie in (or I may stick to the familiar routine of swimming). We'll see.
6 The days go by. It will be good to see you back in East Grinstead. No more roaming, eh. Not until the New Year at least. Concentrate upon being a Woman of Jerusalem.
7 And think about the benign effects of work (voluntary of paid). Sitting around all day is more of a punishment than a reward.
Send more news.
Stayathome
2 We took our stations, at first inside then out. The people passed, and I waited for the first donations. They came. There were the occasional chats. I settled. I became at ease. It wasn't going to rain. A sufficient number of people would contribute. Later, the two chums from East Grinstead (RBL) arrived for their shift. They were followed by two clients, who had responded warmly to the invitation to collect. The man sat outside on his buggy; I placed a cup of coffee on the table; he could have stayed there for another hour. But two more collectors, including George Hillman, had arrived.
2.1 George and I closed the collection; I drove to EG and we began the count. Whilst there were 173 one-penny pieces in the tins, there were 140 £1 coins. And there were two £10 notes. In all, the collection amounted to £273. A record. And not only that: the day had been companionable.
3 Since then I have exchanged e-mails with Helen, amended a draft agenda for the next Board meeting, thought about credit union jobs for tomorrow. (Mike has e-mailed to say that he and June have input the September data. I'll open the message fully tomorrow.) It's time to lie in bed in the knowledge that the collection has been accomplished, that it has been successful, that there is a band of collectors who are ready and willing to come again.
3.1 My colleague is the recently-enrolled caseworker who lives in Horsham. She took her course early in the year, but she was unused by the Horsham colleagues. Now she has just about completed her first case; she has collected; she will accompany me on a first visit to a further client and she can take that case as well.
4 Another day given to SSAFA. But some relationships have been nurtured. It's all been worthwhile.
4.1 And relationships in Evenley? I wonder how you are influencing matters from faraway.
5 And I must attend to my eating. A hurried consumption of a mixture. I have a pain in my stomach. However, it will ease. Tomorrow, I may lie in (or I may stick to the familiar routine of swimming). We'll see.
6 The days go by. It will be good to see you back in East Grinstead. No more roaming, eh. Not until the New Year at least. Concentrate upon being a Woman of Jerusalem.
7 And think about the benign effects of work (voluntary of paid). Sitting around all day is more of a punishment than a reward.
Send more news.
Stayathome
Monday, 13 October 2008
Home alone
Cher restesala maison
1. Well here I am home alone. The little family have gone off to the Sheraton Hotel to stay overnight so that Kaaren does not have to get up too early for the start of her course. Well at least I have the television for company. Somebody to listen to. Apparently the whole of the Telenor Board are over here at the moment, so it is important that she makes an appearance. It is quite remarkable how much work she does and has done since the little one was born. I suppose it's possible when there are others around to help.
2. The bike at least has had the tyres pumped so I shall cycle to the epicentre tomorrow morning to try out the olympic swimming pool. The first bit of real exercise since I arrived. I shall entertain myself in the usual fashion, swimming, reading sleeping with a bit of food thrown in. I have said I will get my own lunch. The maid can have some time for herself.
3. I would not even know where to go for a hand of bridge. Plus the fact that I did not bring Klinger with me. Liam has been promising to buy that book for the last couple of years.
4. I cannot quite make out what all the protests are about. It seems that the Thais agree to have a protest but once held have no plans for further action. According to Kaaren they need to be told what to do all the time. Not too happy to think for themselves.
5. We have a visit to the hospital on Wednesday so I shall see if there is an economist at one of the shops. I cannot quite make out how those who do not work get out of here. Kaaren says many of them are involved in charity work, but in my limited surroundings I have not seen any reference to it.
6. Had another outing today - feet and nails done and a visit to the supermarket. However, the little lad is endearing and I am called to wind and bath and walk the floor of course.
7. Reading 13 moons about the Cheroke Indians now. What they used to get up to in them there days. Should have brought another seminal book with me. A bit of education would not have gone amiss.
8. Glad to hear Amanda finally made the ride. Sounds as though the weather has been lovely.
9. Have you expressed my interest in the passion play yet. I noted the reference to possible female parts.
10. I have not yet had the enthusiasm to tackle the China project. The diary lies in the bedroom unopened. I feel as if I am standing in the wings all the time, waiting to be called.
11. By the way what was that 60 pounds in my bank account. I do not understand, please explain.
Well it must be time for another hour of the book, or should it be the television. Too early for bed and nowhere to wander outside.
Keep the news coming.
Solitude
1. Well here I am home alone. The little family have gone off to the Sheraton Hotel to stay overnight so that Kaaren does not have to get up too early for the start of her course. Well at least I have the television for company. Somebody to listen to. Apparently the whole of the Telenor Board are over here at the moment, so it is important that she makes an appearance. It is quite remarkable how much work she does and has done since the little one was born. I suppose it's possible when there are others around to help.
2. The bike at least has had the tyres pumped so I shall cycle to the epicentre tomorrow morning to try out the olympic swimming pool. The first bit of real exercise since I arrived. I shall entertain myself in the usual fashion, swimming, reading sleeping with a bit of food thrown in. I have said I will get my own lunch. The maid can have some time for herself.
3. I would not even know where to go for a hand of bridge. Plus the fact that I did not bring Klinger with me. Liam has been promising to buy that book for the last couple of years.
4. I cannot quite make out what all the protests are about. It seems that the Thais agree to have a protest but once held have no plans for further action. According to Kaaren they need to be told what to do all the time. Not too happy to think for themselves.
5. We have a visit to the hospital on Wednesday so I shall see if there is an economist at one of the shops. I cannot quite make out how those who do not work get out of here. Kaaren says many of them are involved in charity work, but in my limited surroundings I have not seen any reference to it.
6. Had another outing today - feet and nails done and a visit to the supermarket. However, the little lad is endearing and I am called to wind and bath and walk the floor of course.
7. Reading 13 moons about the Cheroke Indians now. What they used to get up to in them there days. Should have brought another seminal book with me. A bit of education would not have gone amiss.
8. Glad to hear Amanda finally made the ride. Sounds as though the weather has been lovely.
9. Have you expressed my interest in the passion play yet. I noted the reference to possible female parts.
10. I have not yet had the enthusiasm to tackle the China project. The diary lies in the bedroom unopened. I feel as if I am standing in the wings all the time, waiting to be called.
11. By the way what was that 60 pounds in my bank account. I do not understand, please explain.
Well it must be time for another hour of the book, or should it be the television. Too early for bed and nowhere to wander outside.
Keep the news coming.
Solitude
1 Perhaps you could have worked in the kitchens of a closed order, or, better still, in the garden. There's plenty of work in the open for those who are enclosed. Perhaps you could have worked openly in an enclosure whilst being supervised closely. (Enough, enough. Ed)
2 Yesterday, as it happened, was an open day. It began with a chilly ride down the hill to Forest Row. There was a chill in the air. Amanda was there, and so was a new rider. The others joined, and, under John's amiable leadership, we set off for Heathfield. Over the High Weald, that is, up and down. Still, there was the open, airy ride along the top of the Forest. All good stuff.
2.1 In fact, the day was a fine example of a warm, autumnal one. To be on one's bike (or otherwise out on the Forest, on the cliffs, by the sea).
3 Two hours out, Gordon, Amanda, and I turned back. The return ride was slower than the outward. Both Gordon and Amanda were on low-power. I kept station at the rear, as, mile by mile, we made our way back. It was just a joy to cycle from Chelwood Gate to the A22. The open forest, the blue sky, the warmth. It was a joy.
4 Back in time to complete one or two jobs before leaving for the second Passion rehearsal. The project develops. It looks as if I will be one of Caiphas's mates. In robes, of course. Feel no regret, though, as there will be space for yet another Woman of Jerusalem. Or perhaps Pilate's wife. Or maybe the lovely Lady Mayoress of Jerusalem. (There wasn't a lady mayoress in the story. Ed)
5 A meeting this morning with James in preparation for the meeting, in March 2009, with Soames. A good meeting.
6 There was a piece in The Economist about the disturbances in Bangkok. Look for a copy in the shopping mall.
7 No news from or about Kandahar.
8. I visited Lowdells Tower yesterday; however I now realise that I did not look amongst your post for your ROH tickets. I received two for Der Fleigende H, for Rigoletto, for Les Contes, and for Elektra. (No ticket for the opera which we had not seen before.) I also have your ticket for Aida.
9 Do you have your copy of Klinger on card-play? Now is the time to get on top of things and to be ready to run the next workshops. Liam has spoken of buying a copy.
10 Send news.
Stayathome.
2 Yesterday, as it happened, was an open day. It began with a chilly ride down the hill to Forest Row. There was a chill in the air. Amanda was there, and so was a new rider. The others joined, and, under John's amiable leadership, we set off for Heathfield. Over the High Weald, that is, up and down. Still, there was the open, airy ride along the top of the Forest. All good stuff.
2.1 In fact, the day was a fine example of a warm, autumnal one. To be on one's bike (or otherwise out on the Forest, on the cliffs, by the sea).
3 Two hours out, Gordon, Amanda, and I turned back. The return ride was slower than the outward. Both Gordon and Amanda were on low-power. I kept station at the rear, as, mile by mile, we made our way back. It was just a joy to cycle from Chelwood Gate to the A22. The open forest, the blue sky, the warmth. It was a joy.
4 Back in time to complete one or two jobs before leaving for the second Passion rehearsal. The project develops. It looks as if I will be one of Caiphas's mates. In robes, of course. Feel no regret, though, as there will be space for yet another Woman of Jerusalem. Or perhaps Pilate's wife. Or maybe the lovely Lady Mayoress of Jerusalem. (There wasn't a lady mayoress in the story. Ed)
5 A meeting this morning with James in preparation for the meeting, in March 2009, with Soames. A good meeting.
6 There was a piece in The Economist about the disturbances in Bangkok. Look for a copy in the shopping mall.
7 No news from or about Kandahar.
8. I visited Lowdells Tower yesterday; however I now realise that I did not look amongst your post for your ROH tickets. I received two for Der Fleigende H, for Rigoletto, for Les Contes, and for Elektra. (No ticket for the opera which we had not seen before.) I also have your ticket for Aida.
9 Do you have your copy of Klinger on card-play? Now is the time to get on top of things and to be ready to run the next workshops. Liam has spoken of buying a copy.
10 Send news.
Stayathome.
Saturday, 11 October 2008
Oh no
Cher Un
I have just typed a long blog and it has disappeared. I need a while to recompose.
Rats, rats and double rats.
Frustrated of the gated community
I have just typed a long blog and it has disappeared. I need a while to recompose.
Rats, rats and double rats.
Frustrated of the gated community
Escape a last
1. Exhausted having nothing to do except sleep, read, swim, walk the floor. How on earth could I survive two weeks on this regime. It is of course a help to offer words of wisdom and take the lad when he is fractious. Life as a nun in a closed order would never do for me. I need to be out and about.
2. Hurrah the maid is off today, I have some more jobs to do. Shopping and cooking for the week=end. Requests for dishes I have never cooked before. Looking for the implements was a challenge. No scales all done by guess work. Phew Cheesy biscuits with herby filling, carrot gnocci all turned out OK.
3. Grandma is off duty now having been cooking since three, it now being eight. Bath time can be accomplished by the parents tonight.
4. Kaaren was supposed to go to her course today, but all was not well with the parents, so it might be tomorrow. It might mean I have a day off.
5. The book was not a novel - it was the reporter from the Washington Post recording some of the interviews with human rights' activists. A good insight into the happenings within the communist state.
6. Glad to hear Ashley is in good form. I thought he had accepted the post in Brighton. Now I am confused.
7. We drove to the epicentre for the shopping today and one can tell the American influence on the gated community. Every other tree had some hallow;en character on them. Ghosts, witches etc. and we are still not half way through the month.
8. I am still wondering how those who do not work entertain themselves around here. Are there bridge clubs or other clubs. Definitely no cycling club as I have seen.
9. Keep me posted from the metropolis of East Grinstead. There must be more going on there.
10. Should not be unkind to the new parents, they are feeling their way.
11. I shall have to send you Sam's email with the list of jobs, cannot give a real digest.
Enjoy the bike ride tomorrow and keep me amused with the news. Even watched Midsomer Murders, one of Kaaren's favourites.
The lady who goes from here to there
2. Hurrah the maid is off today, I have some more jobs to do. Shopping and cooking for the week=end. Requests for dishes I have never cooked before. Looking for the implements was a challenge. No scales all done by guess work. Phew Cheesy biscuits with herby filling, carrot gnocci all turned out OK.
3. Grandma is off duty now having been cooking since three, it now being eight. Bath time can be accomplished by the parents tonight.
4. Kaaren was supposed to go to her course today, but all was not well with the parents, so it might be tomorrow. It might mean I have a day off.
5. The book was not a novel - it was the reporter from the Washington Post recording some of the interviews with human rights' activists. A good insight into the happenings within the communist state.
6. Glad to hear Ashley is in good form. I thought he had accepted the post in Brighton. Now I am confused.
7. We drove to the epicentre for the shopping today and one can tell the American influence on the gated community. Every other tree had some hallow;en character on them. Ghosts, witches etc. and we are still not half way through the month.
8. I am still wondering how those who do not work entertain themselves around here. Are there bridge clubs or other clubs. Definitely no cycling club as I have seen.
9. Keep me posted from the metropolis of East Grinstead. There must be more going on there.
10. Should not be unkind to the new parents, they are feeling their way.
11. I shall have to send you Sam's email with the list of jobs, cannot give a real digest.
Enjoy the bike ride tomorrow and keep me amused with the news. Even watched Midsomer Murders, one of Kaaren's favourites.
The lady who goes from here to there
Cheré voyageuse
1 Travelling, international settlements, the Napoleonic wars and Jane Austen: let's see how I get on. Yes, of course you should read the book before you travelled. Of course? Well, maybe. Having travelled, you were better able to understand the book. Had you read the book, you would have been better prepared for travel. On balance though I take the view that one should read the introduction to the novel, read the novel, and then re-read the introduction, concluding with a re-reading of (at least) particular parts of the novel. There is too much going on (in the novel, on the journey), too much for a mind which does not possess the frameworks by which we can comprehend what we experience.
2 I wonder what sense those who live in the international settlements make of the surrounding life. The settlements, like the Hilton hotel in Addis Adaba, appeal precisely because they are apart. They replicate our day-to-day living in our own country. Nightingale Close, West Hill, the gated settlement at Felbridge - they all signal the separation between the income classes. We seek out our own kind. Our expectation is that those who live in Nightingale Close will be closer to us than those who live in The Close. In previous time, the Chinese government was forced to grant extra-territorial rights to the international settlements; nowadays, the settlements, in the day-to-day experience of those who live in them, enjoy the right to live with their own kind. In Cyprus, by the way, the sovereign base areas are extra-territorial.
2.1 And it is the servants who speak the local language, the language of servants. In Fathers and Sons some well-to-do people are being rowed on a lake, in moonlight. The rowers sing haunting songs in Russian, a foreign language.
3 And those Napoleonic wars and Miss Austen's accounts of life in rural England. Ah, we say, there is scarcely a mention of the wars in her accounts. Well, I have had Miss Austen in mind as the winds have battered the erstwhile strong financial organisations. There was no talk of these winds on Thursday night in the church hall. Instead, the talk was of bridge and the other matters which are the usual topics. There was no talk, so far as I could gather, in the church hall this morning. Things seemed to be going on much as they have been for the past weeks. I wondered if the conversation in the coffee houses in 1776 was about the American colonies. It probably was. I also recall the national response to the relief of Mafeking.
4 Evenley? I wonder how you are influencing matters from a distance. Sam's proposals? Send me a digest interwoven with your own responses. A preparation for your contribution to the next meeting.
5 Ashley remains in good shape. He continues to work for his employer in Haywards Heath. He continues to think about the previous employer in Brighton. He has also been in conversation with a one-time colleague in Brighton who, having lost his job there, is now running his own procurement business. The colleague expects increased business from people in faraway countries (such as Mauretania); if the expected increase is realised, then he will be unable to handle it on his own. Perhaps Ashley would like to join?
5.1 There was another e-bluey to Giles yesterday evening. Still no news from the man himself.
6 And it's another sunny day. The collection having been accomplished, it is time for a bowl of soup, yet more tea, a scone, a change of clothes and some work in the garden.
Stayathome
1 Travelling, international settlements, the Napoleonic wars and Jane Austen: let's see how I get on. Yes, of course you should read the book before you travelled. Of course? Well, maybe. Having travelled, you were better able to understand the book. Had you read the book, you would have been better prepared for travel. On balance though I take the view that one should read the introduction to the novel, read the novel, and then re-read the introduction, concluding with a re-reading of (at least) particular parts of the novel. There is too much going on (in the novel, on the journey), too much for a mind which does not possess the frameworks by which we can comprehend what we experience.
2 I wonder what sense those who live in the international settlements make of the surrounding life. The settlements, like the Hilton hotel in Addis Adaba, appeal precisely because they are apart. They replicate our day-to-day living in our own country. Nightingale Close, West Hill, the gated settlement at Felbridge - they all signal the separation between the income classes. We seek out our own kind. Our expectation is that those who live in Nightingale Close will be closer to us than those who live in The Close. In previous time, the Chinese government was forced to grant extra-territorial rights to the international settlements; nowadays, the settlements, in the day-to-day experience of those who live in them, enjoy the right to live with their own kind. In Cyprus, by the way, the sovereign base areas are extra-territorial.
2.1 And it is the servants who speak the local language, the language of servants. In Fathers and Sons some well-to-do people are being rowed on a lake, in moonlight. The rowers sing haunting songs in Russian, a foreign language.
3 And those Napoleonic wars and Miss Austen's accounts of life in rural England. Ah, we say, there is scarcely a mention of the wars in her accounts. Well, I have had Miss Austen in mind as the winds have battered the erstwhile strong financial organisations. There was no talk of these winds on Thursday night in the church hall. Instead, the talk was of bridge and the other matters which are the usual topics. There was no talk, so far as I could gather, in the church hall this morning. Things seemed to be going on much as they have been for the past weeks. I wondered if the conversation in the coffee houses in 1776 was about the American colonies. It probably was. I also recall the national response to the relief of Mafeking.
4 Evenley? I wonder how you are influencing matters from a distance. Sam's proposals? Send me a digest interwoven with your own responses. A preparation for your contribution to the next meeting.
5 Ashley remains in good shape. He continues to work for his employer in Haywards Heath. He continues to think about the previous employer in Brighton. He has also been in conversation with a one-time colleague in Brighton who, having lost his job there, is now running his own procurement business. The colleague expects increased business from people in faraway countries (such as Mauretania); if the expected increase is realised, then he will be unable to handle it on his own. Perhaps Ashley would like to join?
5.1 There was another e-bluey to Giles yesterday evening. Still no news from the man himself.
6 And it's another sunny day. The collection having been accomplished, it is time for a bowl of soup, yet more tea, a scone, a change of clothes and some work in the garden.
Stayathome
Friday, 10 October 2008
The Bubble
1. Life feels somewhat like a closed order in the land behind the gates. A large land with many houses and streets. The house with its mosquito nets and closed doors and air conditioning.
2. Yesterday we walked 25 minutes to the epicentre. What was in the epicentre you may ask - a supermarket, hairdressers, starbucks, restaurant, gym and olympic sized swimming pool (yet to be tried out). There is a bike here so perhaps I can cycle down one day for a swim.
3. Public transport does not exist here. How does one get out other than the driver or phoning for a taxi. I understand the housewives here attend classes at the local international school.
4. My morning usually starts with a swim about 8 a.m. - well sort of a swim round the little pool for many laps, then a cup of something and sit on the balcony to read and wait for noises from the other bedroom. The morning is normally sunny but then deteriorates later in the day either rain or black clouds.
5. We are so far removed from the riots in one street in Bangkok. How often have we talked about being at the bottom or the close and not knowing about the unrest in the London Road. They want democracy and not corruption. There should have been a coup they said, but no-one moved swiftly enough.
6. Back to the daily routine - walking the floor with the little lad when he is restless, whilst Kaaren works and Karstein is playing squash. He has had permission whilst I am here. Proper lunch cooked by the maid then more walking the floor or reading. There is not much else to do on the domestic front as it is all catered for. As I said a different world.
7. News from Evenley. Sam has drawn up a job list for Evenley and asked for responses none apart from me have been forthcoming. I am wondering whether to send it to you to see what you think.
8. In the shadow of Mao is an amazing book and I wished I had read it before I left. I would have questionned our minder a lot more about human rights. The accounts were extraordinary
There seems to be a bit of hard crying so I had better attend.
Keep enjoying the patio. I shall think of you there.
Grandma W
2. Yesterday we walked 25 minutes to the epicentre. What was in the epicentre you may ask - a supermarket, hairdressers, starbucks, restaurant, gym and olympic sized swimming pool (yet to be tried out). There is a bike here so perhaps I can cycle down one day for a swim.
3. Public transport does not exist here. How does one get out other than the driver or phoning for a taxi. I understand the housewives here attend classes at the local international school.
4. My morning usually starts with a swim about 8 a.m. - well sort of a swim round the little pool for many laps, then a cup of something and sit on the balcony to read and wait for noises from the other bedroom. The morning is normally sunny but then deteriorates later in the day either rain or black clouds.
5. We are so far removed from the riots in one street in Bangkok. How often have we talked about being at the bottom or the close and not knowing about the unrest in the London Road. They want democracy and not corruption. There should have been a coup they said, but no-one moved swiftly enough.
6. Back to the daily routine - walking the floor with the little lad when he is restless, whilst Kaaren works and Karstein is playing squash. He has had permission whilst I am here. Proper lunch cooked by the maid then more walking the floor or reading. There is not much else to do on the domestic front as it is all catered for. As I said a different world.
7. News from Evenley. Sam has drawn up a job list for Evenley and asked for responses none apart from me have been forthcoming. I am wondering whether to send it to you to see what you think.
8. In the shadow of Mao is an amazing book and I wished I had read it before I left. I would have questionned our minder a lot more about human rights. The accounts were extraordinary
There seems to be a bit of hard crying so I had better attend.
Keep enjoying the patio. I shall think of you there.
Grandma W
Cheré voyageuse
1 Well, it could have been memorable. During the week, after swimming, I entered Haulcon Towers, picked the mail from the floor, made a pot of green tea, and took a cup on to the patio. And it was not yet 8 am. Earlier this morning, I drove to the Towers intent on doing much the same. It was not yet 7 am as I approached. Cup of green tea, enjoy the morning, proceed to swimming. As I approached, I saw the familiar blue car on the drive. Had the young couple put the car in the garage ..... .
2 The sun does take longer in the morning. There is an autumnal langour. The air is still. And there were just two people in the pool shortly after 7 am. Steady lengths. Up and down. Autumnal swimming perhaps: no sense of a race, just steady, unremitting swimming. A pot of tea, and a round of toast, and the papers. A slow start to the day.
3 Later today I join my recently-appointed colleague in a second visit to the young man whose passport is being held by the Home Office. She will complete her first live application for assistance. Yet until his passport is released there is scarcely any significant assistance to be given. We'll see.
4 And bridge? Liam and I are now a practiced scoring team. I have the table open on the laptop. The scoring is completed. Then Liam reads and I key. (He is content with that division of labour.) WSe returned about 2300, and I sent the results just on midnight. The impact of the recent workshop on the play? None that I could see. Yet I have hopes for the introduction of (i) touch and play, (ii) odds and evens, and (iii) responses to an opening lead of a king. We'll see.
5 I registered your observation about life in the gated settlement. (Settlement is a more appropriate word than community?) It resonates with an elderly man who spent much of his early life in such settlements. The clear division between the inside and the outside. Remember the International Settlement in Shanghai? Our ways, our modes, our retreat. And the native members of the settlement are there by invitation.
6 Sometime today I must write to the principal of the London Kingston College about Rayhan Mommon. And I must e-mail the young man himself. Day by day though his misfortune has a diminishing claim on my energy. He has been returned. There was just the one meeting. I can hear the Home Office/Immigration Service/Borders Agency key turn on the lock which is marked 'Closed'.
7 Oh, yesterday I visited a man in The Close, the crescent which is situated beyond the Copyhold quadrant. When I arrived, another visitor was leaving. I mention that small point because the man himself was wearing just tracksuit bottoms. (The fact of a previous visitor, perhaps a member of a caring service was re-assuring.) In any case, we got on with the business. His daughter, who lives in the adjoining house, is his carer and she made me a cup of tea.) It struck me though that my practice of making a first visit to all new clients was relevant to the handling of this client. He is not someone to be visited by a woman. I did wonder, and still wonder, about my own response. Some such words as 'Ah, I'll come back when you've finished dressing?'.
8 So there. The world continues to spin. I hope to see something of David today or tomorrow. I had thought of a bus-ride to Eastbourne. We've spoken about taking such a ride. Like travelling to Hampstead to swim in the pond, or like travelling on London buses for a day - such episodes are always postponable. Yet there does come a time when each has to be done.
9 Send further news.
(Meanwhile, I'll wait until Monday before I visit the Towers again.)
Stayathome.
1 Well, it could have been memorable. During the week, after swimming, I entered Haulcon Towers, picked the mail from the floor, made a pot of green tea, and took a cup on to the patio. And it was not yet 8 am. Earlier this morning, I drove to the Towers intent on doing much the same. It was not yet 7 am as I approached. Cup of green tea, enjoy the morning, proceed to swimming. As I approached, I saw the familiar blue car on the drive. Had the young couple put the car in the garage ..... .
2 The sun does take longer in the morning. There is an autumnal langour. The air is still. And there were just two people in the pool shortly after 7 am. Steady lengths. Up and down. Autumnal swimming perhaps: no sense of a race, just steady, unremitting swimming. A pot of tea, and a round of toast, and the papers. A slow start to the day.
3 Later today I join my recently-appointed colleague in a second visit to the young man whose passport is being held by the Home Office. She will complete her first live application for assistance. Yet until his passport is released there is scarcely any significant assistance to be given. We'll see.
4 And bridge? Liam and I are now a practiced scoring team. I have the table open on the laptop. The scoring is completed. Then Liam reads and I key. (He is content with that division of labour.) WSe returned about 2300, and I sent the results just on midnight. The impact of the recent workshop on the play? None that I could see. Yet I have hopes for the introduction of (i) touch and play, (ii) odds and evens, and (iii) responses to an opening lead of a king. We'll see.
5 I registered your observation about life in the gated settlement. (Settlement is a more appropriate word than community?) It resonates with an elderly man who spent much of his early life in such settlements. The clear division between the inside and the outside. Remember the International Settlement in Shanghai? Our ways, our modes, our retreat. And the native members of the settlement are there by invitation.
6 Sometime today I must write to the principal of the London Kingston College about Rayhan Mommon. And I must e-mail the young man himself. Day by day though his misfortune has a diminishing claim on my energy. He has been returned. There was just the one meeting. I can hear the Home Office/Immigration Service/Borders Agency key turn on the lock which is marked 'Closed'.
7 Oh, yesterday I visited a man in The Close, the crescent which is situated beyond the Copyhold quadrant. When I arrived, another visitor was leaving. I mention that small point because the man himself was wearing just tracksuit bottoms. (The fact of a previous visitor, perhaps a member of a caring service was re-assuring.) In any case, we got on with the business. His daughter, who lives in the adjoining house, is his carer and she made me a cup of tea.) It struck me though that my practice of making a first visit to all new clients was relevant to the handling of this client. He is not someone to be visited by a woman. I did wonder, and still wonder, about my own response. Some such words as 'Ah, I'll come back when you've finished dressing?'.
8 So there. The world continues to spin. I hope to see something of David today or tomorrow. I had thought of a bus-ride to Eastbourne. We've spoken about taking such a ride. Like travelling to Hampstead to swim in the pond, or like travelling on London buses for a day - such episodes are always postponable. Yet there does come a time when each has to be done.
9 Send further news.
(Meanwhile, I'll wait until Monday before I visit the Towers again.)
Stayathome.
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
A different life
1. The palm trees flourish here. What a contrast to the hustle and bustle of the busy city streets that formed part of their life in Bangkok. Out in a gated community with big houses, large palms and quiet streets. Only the maids speak Thai here. You can hear them chattering when they take the family dogs for a walk.
2. The rainy season is upon us. Water is always close by in the swimming pool or falling from the sky. I managed a swim before breakfast not in the style of Chartham Park, of course. I still have to work out a way of avoiding the scraping of the knees in the shallow end.
3. The maid business is a strange experience. For two hundred pounds a month plus full accommodation and food, she works five days a week. She has a five year old daughter, looked after by her mother, who lives in the North of Thailand. Goodness only knows when she sees her. She is a remarkable cook and enjoys looking a recipe books.
4. We are completely untouched here by the riots that are going on near the Parliament buildings. The newspapers carry the pictures.
5. Kaaren has been working, she had a two hour meeting here whilst we entertained the young lad. Generally he is very calm, quite unlike Ollie and Tom. She will attend part of her fast track course at the week end. Presumably dash out when he needs feeding. We shall be the minders.
6. Glad to hear the bridge session went well. Everyone went away having learnt something?
I think I am required again.
2. The rainy season is upon us. Water is always close by in the swimming pool or falling from the sky. I managed a swim before breakfast not in the style of Chartham Park, of course. I still have to work out a way of avoiding the scraping of the knees in the shallow end.
3. The maid business is a strange experience. For two hundred pounds a month plus full accommodation and food, she works five days a week. She has a five year old daughter, looked after by her mother, who lives in the North of Thailand. Goodness only knows when she sees her. She is a remarkable cook and enjoys looking a recipe books.
4. We are completely untouched here by the riots that are going on near the Parliament buildings. The newspapers carry the pictures.
5. Kaaren has been working, she had a two hour meeting here whilst we entertained the young lad. Generally he is very calm, quite unlike Ollie and Tom. She will attend part of her fast track course at the week end. Presumably dash out when he needs feeding. We shall be the minders.
6. Glad to hear the bridge session went well. Everyone went away having learnt something?
I think I am required again.
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
1 And I thought it was Bournemouth you'd gone to. Bournemouth, Bangkok - it's an easy mistake to make. Still, I don't suppose there's as many palm trees in Bangkok. There's more? Well, there's something else I've learned. And I don't suppose it's the WI annual conference you've gone to. They probably don't do WI in Bangkok.
2 Well, never mind. just you go ahead and enjoy yourself. Look out for some wool - perhaps you could start a knitting circle. Yes, yes, finding the patterns might be difficult. But for a starter-group, you could draw upon your memory. Of course you could
3 The bridge-group had a good meeting here yesterday evening. Billandbarbara, the 2Bs, attended; so did Marilyn and Rita, their attendance being a surprise. A welcome one. Liam was there. So we dealt with standard plays. Whilst the idea was familiar, if not the content, to M, R, and L, it was entirely unfamiliar to the 2Bs. Yet as the boards were played, and re-played, so it became evident to all that it was a good idea for the defenders to have a way of communicating, besides nods, winks, kicks, grimaces, pursed lips, and suchlike codes. By the end of the two hours, there was a general approval. (And Liam was attentive. He was a player, not a director.)
4 From a group to a young man, one who served the Queen, who took his discharge, and who, since then, has been in the grip of the Home Office. At least, his passport has. He is a Cameroon (from the French-speaking part but with fluent, easy, unaccented English). Without has passport, and a declaration that he has a right (ILR) to be in this country, he cannot work. He has no income. He sleeps on a mattress in a cousin's house in Bewbush. His distress has been running for six months. And what can I do? Well, if Doug is bested, day by day, by HO apparatchiks, I can have no hope. We'll see.
5 Otherwise, at the close of the day, I am listening to melodic voices whilst waiting for my food to cook. The newspaper awaits. So does an early bed. A read.
5.1 And an early rise for swimming (and, yes, yes, for putting out the green bin).
Continue to enjoy your Isaac.
Stayathome
Stayathome
2 Well, never mind. just you go ahead and enjoy yourself. Look out for some wool - perhaps you could start a knitting circle. Yes, yes, finding the patterns might be difficult. But for a starter-group, you could draw upon your memory. Of course you could
3 The bridge-group had a good meeting here yesterday evening. Billandbarbara, the 2Bs, attended; so did Marilyn and Rita, their attendance being a surprise. A welcome one. Liam was there. So we dealt with standard plays. Whilst the idea was familiar, if not the content, to M, R, and L, it was entirely unfamiliar to the 2Bs. Yet as the boards were played, and re-played, so it became evident to all that it was a good idea for the defenders to have a way of communicating, besides nods, winks, kicks, grimaces, pursed lips, and suchlike codes. By the end of the two hours, there was a general approval. (And Liam was attentive. He was a player, not a director.)
4 From a group to a young man, one who served the Queen, who took his discharge, and who, since then, has been in the grip of the Home Office. At least, his passport has. He is a Cameroon (from the French-speaking part but with fluent, easy, unaccented English). Without has passport, and a declaration that he has a right (ILR) to be in this country, he cannot work. He has no income. He sleeps on a mattress in a cousin's house in Bewbush. His distress has been running for six months. And what can I do? Well, if Doug is bested, day by day, by HO apparatchiks, I can have no hope. We'll see.
5 Otherwise, at the close of the day, I am listening to melodic voices whilst waiting for my food to cook. The newspaper awaits. So does an early bed. A read.
5.1 And an early rise for swimming (and, yes, yes, for putting out the green bin).
Continue to enjoy your Isaac.
Stayathome
Stayathome
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