79 years ago, my Dad was born in the Back of Beyond. The eldest son, but not the eldest child. He sadly died 7 years ago last September and today is always a bittersweet day as I used to get a St Patricks Day card as a joke instead of a birthday card and then write in it ps Happy Birthday.
One year I took him out to a St Patricks Day dinner at a local pub and introduced him to the delights of Guiness, quickly followed by a long weekend in Dublin to try the real stuff. He was so impressed with it after the trip to Dublin that we arranged a 10 day touring holiday in Ireland starting off (and finishing) in Cork but included Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Galway (my favourite), Offaly (briefly), Tipperary and finally Waterford before we caught the ferry at Cork. We covered a little over 2000 miles and had a laugh and a joke with every stay at the b&b farmhouse we had chosen; One of my favourite memories was the tour of the Jameson's distillery and it is from the distillery reserve that I will raise my glass to my Dad tonight xx
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
17 March 2010
16 March 2010
Deep in Thought
As I look back on the day, what were the most significant events?
It was finding that essential bit of paper that I needed to find.
In what ways was this day unique, different from other days?
I think the light at the end of the tunnel is not more work, but instead offers hope
Did I have any particularly meaningful conversations?
Yes one about work and the future, and the other about the future and togetherness
Did I do any reading?
Only a limited amount, but I hope to extend that
What were my reactions to it?
It is mainly for interest and to keep up my knowledge in that subject (e-learning)
How did I feel during the day?
Tired, but only because it seemed like a very long day before home-time
What were the emotional highs and lows?
The possibility of being able to do a course which would qualify me as a teacher, and to be provided with the opportunity of teaching work.
The end of a long day, and feeling sometimes a little like an outsider in a close family.
Why did I feel as I did?
Sometimes it is my pigheadedness, about not wanting to cause an argument, so I bite my tongue.. still it is not going to be forever and today is another day.
Did I find myself worrying about anything today?
Yes, until I found that bit of paper that told me all the drains and plumbing at the house of the Back of Beyond is covered by insurance I was concerned as I need to get someone to look at why the drain in the back is full.
What were the chief joys of the day?
Sending out a whole batch of certificates to candidates who will be overjoyed to receive them.
What did I accomplish?
Quite a lot, see above.
Did I fail at anything?
Yes, communications
What did I learn today?
I can do things when I set my mind and my heart to do them, but a little support goes to make it a lot easier.
When did I feel most alive?
When I was feeding the pigs, I have an affinity for them especially the brood sow, and I will miss them when we finally have our own place.
13 March 2010
Saturday Satire - A Fire in East London
In a run-down part of East London recently, a fire destroyed a dilapidated four storey house that had been divided into four flats. A Nigerian family of six internet con artists and full time benefit cheats lived on the first floor, and all six tragically perished in the fire.
A group of seven Islamic welfare cheats, all illegally in the country, lived on the second floor, and they too, all perished in the fire. Six Albanian, gang banger, ex-cons - all claiming political asylum and living off the state for free - occupied the 3rd floor and they too, died. And one middle aged British white couple lived on the top floor. They miraculously survived the fire.
The Equal Opportunities Commission, Amnesty International, Human Rights activists, black community leaders and the British Islamic Council were all furious at the apparent racial inequality of the situation. Why were just the British white couple saved?
It was monstrous they claimed, and showed that systemic 'racism' still existed in all areas of public service - questions were raised in the House of Commons, the popular media picked up the story and within hours it was national and indeed international news. The Mayor of London , when questioned stated calmly that it would be unwise to jump to conclusions until the Police and Fire Service had completed their report. He closed by stating that he expected their initial assessment would be available within the next 36 hours - so perhaps it would be best to let the experts gather the evidence and report back before he commented any further.
The baying Press pack subsequently reported the interview in such way as to intimate that the Mayor was indifferent to suffering and was out of touch with the feelings of the whole East London community!
A large motorcade of representatives from all five groups, together with the Home Secretary drove to the area and demanded a meeting with the local fire officer. They made sure that a large pack of popular Press and TV had been briefed on the visit and so the motorcade was met by a huge gaggle of journalists, TV interviewers and cameras. On camera, they loudly demanded to know why the Africans, Black Muslims and Albanians all died in the fire and only the white couple lived.
The fire officer quietly replied:-
"Apparently they were at work."
This is humour, not serious and could be applied to a number of labels, whether it is scousers, English v welsh v scottish v irish etc... but I liked the fact that everyone jumps into demand answers when not all the facts were known...
enjoy
A group of seven Islamic welfare cheats, all illegally in the country, lived on the second floor, and they too, all perished in the fire. Six Albanian, gang banger, ex-cons - all claiming political asylum and living off the state for free - occupied the 3rd floor and they too, died. And one middle aged British white couple lived on the top floor. They miraculously survived the fire.
The Equal Opportunities Commission, Amnesty International, Human Rights activists, black community leaders and the British Islamic Council were all furious at the apparent racial inequality of the situation. Why were just the British white couple saved?
It was monstrous they claimed, and showed that systemic 'racism' still existed in all areas of public service - questions were raised in the House of Commons, the popular media picked up the story and within hours it was national and indeed international news. The Mayor of London , when questioned stated calmly that it would be unwise to jump to conclusions until the Police and Fire Service had completed their report. He closed by stating that he expected their initial assessment would be available within the next 36 hours - so perhaps it would be best to let the experts gather the evidence and report back before he commented any further.
The baying Press pack subsequently reported the interview in such way as to intimate that the Mayor was indifferent to suffering and was out of touch with the feelings of the whole East London community!
A large motorcade of representatives from all five groups, together with the Home Secretary drove to the area and demanded a meeting with the local fire officer. They made sure that a large pack of popular Press and TV had been briefed on the visit and so the motorcade was met by a huge gaggle of journalists, TV interviewers and cameras. On camera, they loudly demanded to know why the Africans, Black Muslims and Albanians all died in the fire and only the white couple lived.
The fire officer quietly replied:-
"Apparently they were at work."
This is humour, not serious and could be applied to a number of labels, whether it is scousers, English v welsh v scottish v irish etc... but I liked the fact that everyone jumps into demand answers when not all the facts were known...
enjoy
12 March 2010
Chipmunks
Are dear little critters, and look amazingly sweet with their pouches stuffed with goodies to eat later.
I feel very much like one, having been struck down with tonsilitis in the past few days, am now eating paracetomol like it is going out of fashion and the penicillin should be working soon but in the mean time my face and neck is all swollen; hence my comments about feeling like a chipmunk.
Have a good weekend all, catch you soon
I feel very much like one, having been struck down with tonsilitis in the past few days, am now eating paracetomol like it is going out of fashion and the penicillin should be working soon but in the mean time my face and neck is all swollen; hence my comments about feeling like a chipmunk.
Have a good weekend all, catch you soon
10 March 2010
Nearly 1/3 Gone
I know I have posted comments on how quickly time is passing, or rather my perception of it, but it really does seem to be passing quickly these days; almost too quickly.
I have been in Cornwall, or rather home, since 18th December. Almost 3 months has passed and a little less than 5 months remain on my work contract, having said that I had a meeting with my line manager yesterday who gave me a positive recommendation and subject to funding would like to hang on to me.
I am pleased in one way as it is regular employment and the travel is just about the right distance. It takes me a little over 25 mins to get to work, and the journey is taken with listening to Pirate FM on the way in since Chris Evans took over the breakfast show I find I cannot listen to it any longer. I enjoyed last week when Richard Allinson was on, it was pleasantly relaxing and made the start of the day enjoyable for a change; I wish, like many other listeners that Radio 2 would ask him to do it full time rather than the manic Evans.
I also have an interview coming up next month for Kernowflex, as bank staff for Admin type jobs, which might be useful to be involved with. Basically you get considered for any short-term vacancies/holiday cover and from what I have heard they have more work than people to cover.
I have been in Cornwall, or rather home, since 18th December. Almost 3 months has passed and a little less than 5 months remain on my work contract, having said that I had a meeting with my line manager yesterday who gave me a positive recommendation and subject to funding would like to hang on to me.
I am pleased in one way as it is regular employment and the travel is just about the right distance. It takes me a little over 25 mins to get to work, and the journey is taken with listening to Pirate FM on the way in since Chris Evans took over the breakfast show I find I cannot listen to it any longer. I enjoyed last week when Richard Allinson was on, it was pleasantly relaxing and made the start of the day enjoyable for a change; I wish, like many other listeners that Radio 2 would ask him to do it full time rather than the manic Evans.
I also have an interview coming up next month for Kernowflex, as bank staff for Admin type jobs, which might be useful to be involved with. Basically you get considered for any short-term vacancies/holiday cover and from what I have heard they have more work than people to cover.
09 March 2010
Something funny is going on
I noticed about 3 weeks ago, the number of visitors increased from an average of 20-30 per day to somewhere close to 100 per day.
I have no idea of why, but to those people dropping by for the very first time, welcome and enjoy what you find. To all of those who come back time and time again, thank you very much especially when you leave me such nice comments.
The weekend saw me take a trip up country to the Back of Beyond, time for more packing and decisions on what to keep. I hope soon to be able to give you news of a more permanent move but at the moment it is all still very tentative.
Travelling back yesterday, though cold was welcome because it was dry, blue skies and sunshine wall to wall. To celebrate our return to the Edge of the World, involved the local chinese takeaway who do a stunning sweet and sour hong kong style with all different meats.. it is lovely and fast becoming a favourite of mine.
I have no idea of why, but to those people dropping by for the very first time, welcome and enjoy what you find. To all of those who come back time and time again, thank you very much especially when you leave me such nice comments.
The weekend saw me take a trip up country to the Back of Beyond, time for more packing and decisions on what to keep. I hope soon to be able to give you news of a more permanent move but at the moment it is all still very tentative.
Travelling back yesterday, though cold was welcome because it was dry, blue skies and sunshine wall to wall. To celebrate our return to the Edge of the World, involved the local chinese takeaway who do a stunning sweet and sour hong kong style with all different meats.. it is lovely and fast becoming a favourite of mine.
06 March 2010
Saturday Satire - Gorilla Removers
A man wakes up one morning to find a gorilla on his roof.
So he looks in Yellow Pages and sure enough, there's an ad for a firm of gorilla removers.
He calls the number and the gorilla remover says he'll be over in ten minutes.
True to his word, he arrives a while later, with a ladder, a baseball bat, a shotgun and a pit bull.
"What are you going to do?" the man asks.
"I'm going to put this ladder up against the roof," replies the gorilla remover.
"Then I'm going to go up there and knock the gorilla off the roof with this baseball bat.
When the gorilla falls off, the pit bull’s trained to grab his testicles and not let go. We can then put the gorilla in the truck."
So the guy puts up the ladder. Then he hands the shotgun to the home owner.
"What's that for?" he asks.
"Well," says the gorilla remover, "if the gorilla knocks me off the roof, shoot the dog!"
So he looks in Yellow Pages and sure enough, there's an ad for a firm of gorilla removers.
He calls the number and the gorilla remover says he'll be over in ten minutes.
True to his word, he arrives a while later, with a ladder, a baseball bat, a shotgun and a pit bull.
"What are you going to do?" the man asks.
"I'm going to put this ladder up against the roof," replies the gorilla remover.
"Then I'm going to go up there and knock the gorilla off the roof with this baseball bat.
When the gorilla falls off, the pit bull’s trained to grab his testicles and not let go. We can then put the gorilla in the truck."
So the guy puts up the ladder. Then he hands the shotgun to the home owner.
"What's that for?" he asks.
"Well," says the gorilla remover, "if the gorilla knocks me off the roof, shoot the dog!"
05 March 2010
Lowen dydh sen Pyran
Happy St Piran's Day to you all... just a little bit of information on what it means...
Piran, who originated from Ireland was cast to sea tied to a millstone on the order of the Irish King who was suspicious of Piran's miraculous powers. Although the sea was treacherous Piran survived, the stormy seas calming as he floated on the millstone until he reached the shores of Cornwall.
Many Cornish names now echo Piran's, for example ‘Perranporth', ‘Perranzabuloe' and ‘Perranarworthal'. It was at Perranporth beach, however, where Piran was said to have landed, and where he began to build an oratory to promote Christianity. The oratory is now preserved in the towans (sand dunes) at Perran Sands. His first disciples were said to be a badger, a fox and a bear!
Piran is perhaps most famous for his accidental discovery of tin, when a blackstone on his fireplace got so hot that a white liquid leaked out; the first tin smelting. It was this discovery that earned Piran the title Patron Saint of ‘Tinners', tin mining historically being a fundamentally important industry in Cornwall.
It was this discovery that also formed the basis of the Cornish flag, the white hot tin on the black of the ore. The Cornish flag is now used universally as a symbol of Cornish identity, from stickers on cars through to corporate organisations using the flag to identify 'Cornishness' to a global audience.
According to legend St Piran was fond of a tipple or two, and the phrase ‘drunk as a Perraner' has become common place amongst the Cornish to describe those who share his fondness for alcohol! Despite these tipples, he is rumored to have lived to the age of 206!
Piran, who originated from Ireland was cast to sea tied to a millstone on the order of the Irish King who was suspicious of Piran's miraculous powers. Although the sea was treacherous Piran survived, the stormy seas calming as he floated on the millstone until he reached the shores of Cornwall.
Many Cornish names now echo Piran's, for example ‘Perranporth', ‘Perranzabuloe' and ‘Perranarworthal'. It was at Perranporth beach, however, where Piran was said to have landed, and where he began to build an oratory to promote Christianity. The oratory is now preserved in the towans (sand dunes) at Perran Sands. His first disciples were said to be a badger, a fox and a bear!
Piran is perhaps most famous for his accidental discovery of tin, when a blackstone on his fireplace got so hot that a white liquid leaked out; the first tin smelting. It was this discovery that earned Piran the title Patron Saint of ‘Tinners', tin mining historically being a fundamentally important industry in Cornwall.
It was this discovery that also formed the basis of the Cornish flag, the white hot tin on the black of the ore. The Cornish flag is now used universally as a symbol of Cornish identity, from stickers on cars through to corporate organisations using the flag to identify 'Cornishness' to a global audience.
According to legend St Piran was fond of a tipple or two, and the phrase ‘drunk as a Perraner' has become common place amongst the Cornish to describe those who share his fondness for alcohol! Despite these tipples, he is rumored to have lived to the age of 206!
St Piran's day celebrations have continued to grow in popularity, with the annual St Piran Play on Perran Sands a highlight, hundreds of people making a pilgrimage to the site of the oratory itself, now buried in sand for preservation.
I won't be here this evening to see the celebrations as this weekend is a long weekend and trip back to see the old house once more and to continue the work of selling it.
04 March 2010
I'm in Lust
With this
How could you not lust after such a beautiful piece of work. My mouth salivates at the thought of owning it, and running my fingers over the bodywork.
My imagination is running wild at the thought of the creations I could turn out...
How could something so simple be so lustful :0)
How could you not lust after such a beautiful piece of work. My mouth salivates at the thought of owning it, and running my fingers over the bodywork.
My imagination is running wild at the thought of the creations I could turn out...
How could something so simple be so lustful :0)
03 March 2010
02 March 2010
Biking
SOH and I went out on Saturday morning to collect a bike, not of the powered variety, but a push bike... someone from work had a new one and was selling her 21 speed mountain bike (a schwinn frontier) in purple and white for the grand sum of £30.
As Marie was the same height as me, I knew it would fit, so we drove to Penryn to collect it in the estate car and brought it home. Had a quick ride on it on Sunday morning after I had done the washing at the launderette, and although I was on boggy ground it felt very comfortable. Certainly having suspension on the front forks is going to mean less compression through my wrists and will help my fitness routine.
Can' t wait to do a bit more on the portreath to devoran bike trail..
As Marie was the same height as me, I knew it would fit, so we drove to Penryn to collect it in the estate car and brought it home. Had a quick ride on it on Sunday morning after I had done the washing at the launderette, and although I was on boggy ground it felt very comfortable. Certainly having suspension on the front forks is going to mean less compression through my wrists and will help my fitness routine.
Can' t wait to do a bit more on the portreath to devoran bike trail..
01 March 2010
Tre Agan
Have been looking once more at properties in the surrounding area, in the every optimistic point of view that a house down here is possible when the one at the back of beyond is sold.
There are many nice places, and even some cheap ones, but it seems that the cheap ones are not always nice and the nice ones are usually not cheap :-).
However, there are some bargains to be had, and ones with a lovely viewpoint. So the waiting game goes on.
Work, I can't believe I have been here two months already... have settled in and the rest of the workforce are nice, none of the atmosphere and tensions at the University of the Back of Beyond and I cannot say truthfully I miss being there.
I am looking to do some extra training while I am here, in the hope that when the contract runs out in a few months time I can either find something else just as quick or that the contract will be extended. Either way I don' think I will be leaving the Edge of the World for a while yet.
There are many nice places, and even some cheap ones, but it seems that the cheap ones are not always nice and the nice ones are usually not cheap :-).
However, there are some bargains to be had, and ones with a lovely viewpoint. So the waiting game goes on.
Work, I can't believe I have been here two months already... have settled in and the rest of the workforce are nice, none of the atmosphere and tensions at the University of the Back of Beyond and I cannot say truthfully I miss being there.
I am looking to do some extra training while I am here, in the hope that when the contract runs out in a few months time I can either find something else just as quick or that the contract will be extended. Either way I don' think I will be leaving the Edge of the World for a while yet.
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