Matthew

I'm writing this for Matthew (mum) - he has had a stroke caused by a blocked, collapsed carotid artery. The collapse of the artery is thought to have been caused by the radiotherapy all those years ago (which also caused 2 meningiomas and dozens of skin cancers on his face and head).

He is in the Royal London Hospital where his care is minimal and what little care he does get is atrocious. He has had several falls through receiving no help when we haven't been with him.

After note

Matthew was attacked in the night two weeks later by the patient in the next bed who had a nurse 'minder' Beside him. Unfortunately at night it was a young slightly built woman who couldn't stop him. Matthew was very upset and rang us to come and get him. The tunnel was closed overnight though, so we couldn't get there until early next morning.

The nurse in charge said Matthew was a bit upset!!! No apologies...

The Moon?

I have just taken this picture as it looks so much like the moon, but is really a very large bubble which is forming at the the bottom of my lava lamp.

1940's fayre

A few weeks ago I was at a 1940's themed fayre held locally. It was jolly good fun and everyone really joined in the spirit of the event. I had a lovely day.

Terrapins in with fish

We went to Hall Place on Friday and although we go there regularly I was surprised to discover that there are now Terrapins in with the fish in the heated greenhouse! I thought Terrapins ate fish and meat!

There is nothing like Ice cream!

Light and dark

I took these photos in the conservatory.

The butterflies are here!

This isn't the first butterfly we have seen in our garden this year, but The Peacock is always so nice to see. It is warm and sunny today which obviously encouraged it out.

Fleetwood Mac - Monday morning

This is one of my favourite songs and it always reminds me of summer.

Youtube had lots of videos of their 2009 tour but unless you like flashy lights and shaky recording (not saying I could do better!) then it's easier to listen to the one with the best sound.

Pathe News excerpts from youtube for Herne Bay and Reculver

The embedding has been disabled but if you click the links you should get to see them. An interesting look at how the places used to be.

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Foxes and Chickens

Yesterday afternoon dad let the chickens out and stood with them as usual, then from nowhere came a fox, grabbed one and made off with it!

When you keep chickens you start to hate foxes. Over the years, despite all our care, they have even broken in and taken hens and chicks.

They kill plants in the garden and foul everywhere - which stinks!

Stupid neighbours think they are lovely - mange and all - and STILL feed and encourage them. I am against foxhunting but I think foxes are vermin. We have more in the towns than the country now I think.

Freezing cold in Greenwich Park

I think this squirrel was as cold as I was! he was certainly more friendly than the evil one who visits our garden.

Shopping can be tiring!

After a hard afternoon's shopping at Bluewater dad and I had to sit down and have something to eat and drink - before starting again!

Herne Bay Clocktower in the snow

Snow

I took these photos this afternoon. The ones on the left of the photos are of the River Thames near us and on the right our local woods.

There were hundreds of birds on the shoreline of the Thames. The collage does enlarge quite big if you click on it.

Happy 2010 everyone!

Twice before Christmas we had heavy snow, but it has melted again. It is still very cold though and every day the bird baths freeze over. As well as the birds drinking from them they have even been having baths when it has been icy cold

We are putting loads of food out for the birds and yesterday I bought a tub of 55 fat balls.

These are some of the birds which are feeding here - Crows, Starlings, Sparrows, Hedge sparrows, Robins, a Wren, Blue tits, Great tits, Long tailed tits, Blackbirds, Redwings, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Wood pigeons, Collared Doves and yesterday 2 fat Parakeets were trying to hang onto the same fatball. One kept pecking the other ones tail to try and make it go elsewhere.

The squirrel takes a lot of food, but most things we put out are in special containers now. The squirrel is a nuisance but I do enjoy seeing him! - won't tell dad that though!!!!!