The aches and pains in the shoulder area (reported yesterday) continued on into the night, so much so that, somewhere around 2.00AM, I had to seek out my shoulder support strap in an attempt to ease the discomfort. Of course, the thermal qualities of the shoulder strap/support proved a bit of a liability, when I'm already sleeping sans vêtements under a maximum of one bedsheet because of the cloying heat!
Surprisingly, the shoulder reinforcement did alleviate some of the distress. Further shifting aches persisted, however, in calf muscles, ankles, upper arms and, only in the most unusual of bedroom postures was I finally able to rest. It is not really my disposition to be strapped down in the bedroom [ nudge nudge, wink wink ...] but, I'm just starting to wonder if that might not prove beneficial.
Once again, although sunshine is considered an anti-depressant, it's accompaniment of cloying humidity soon displaces the 'anti'! The garden cries out for work to be done but, at the moment I have an additional excuse (apart from my general malaise) for not facing up to the tasks. The excuse, sorry I meant to say reason, is the anticipated arrival of a tradesman to sort out our pond-pump woes and, of course, he wouldn't expect one to be out in the garden ... the abode of the aforementioned pond-pump ... would he?
- living and frequently struggling with moderate M.E. -
where (bad) health, faith, politics and the joys and troubles of daily life collide.
ME
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
The slightest twinge finds its place in the cosmos
After yesterday's nature trek, and subsequent work of pond maintenance, this afternoon and early evening has produced the reward. To be honest, the pond maintenance plays a bigger role in todays reward than the pleasure trek.
Today, I have aches in muscles and joints of whose existence I have been (and to some extent remain) sceptical. The ache at the base of the neck I understand, the spasmodically sharp pain (apparently) in the middle of the shoulder blade proves a bit trickier! The pain in both shoulders I can once again relate, albeit only in part, to yesterdays exertions but; a kind of floppy dull giddy ache in the ankles is hard to apportion cause to.
Knee joints seem to have a recurring pattern of dull aches, that's simply (or should that read 'complexly') me! Sweeping waves of tiredness, sometimes appearing quite out of the blue, are tiringly becoming pretty much the norm as are the sudden switches of the bodies thermostat.
If I was quite simply a machine, even a robot, I guarantee the most dilligent technicians would have their work cut out! But, thank God, I'm not a machine. I'm a human being who still enjoys a laugh, a drink, affection (both shown and showing), sex as pure delight even if rather exhausting. If it wasn't for the fact that I'm such a wonderful warm and loving human being, I'd be giving up in total despair! [ Meantime I can't avoid the odd bit of despair, more over social than personal issues, just as I can't help wondering at the immeasurable vastness of space allowing room, for a little clod of clay like Planet Earth, to produce such amazing diversity.]
Today, I have aches in muscles and joints of whose existence I have been (and to some extent remain) sceptical. The ache at the base of the neck I understand, the spasmodically sharp pain (apparently) in the middle of the shoulder blade proves a bit trickier! The pain in both shoulders I can once again relate, albeit only in part, to yesterdays exertions but; a kind of floppy dull giddy ache in the ankles is hard to apportion cause to.
Knee joints seem to have a recurring pattern of dull aches, that's simply (or should that read 'complexly') me! Sweeping waves of tiredness, sometimes appearing quite out of the blue, are tiringly becoming pretty much the norm as are the sudden switches of the bodies thermostat.
If I was quite simply a machine, even a robot, I guarantee the most dilligent technicians would have their work cut out! But, thank God, I'm not a machine. I'm a human being who still enjoys a laugh, a drink, affection (both shown and showing), sex as pure delight even if rather exhausting. If it wasn't for the fact that I'm such a wonderful warm and loving human being, I'd be giving up in total despair! [ Meantime I can't avoid the odd bit of despair, more over social than personal issues, just as I can't help wondering at the immeasurable vastness of space allowing room, for a little clod of clay like Planet Earth, to produce such amazing diversity.]
Anti-Phishing
After further glitches with Netcraft Anti-Phishing Toolbar on IE, following several "repairs", re-installations etc., decided to give up on it. However, I'm still really pleased with it's performance on Firefox!
Decided this morning to install Trust Anti-Phishing Toolbar, only time will tell if it suits me but, I do like it's interface and the built-in search engine. Think I'm going to be satisfied!
I really do regard some kind of anti-phishing toolbar as an essential plug-in / add on.
Decided this morning to install Trust Anti-Phishing Toolbar, only time will tell if it suits me but, I do like it's interface and the built-in search engine. Think I'm going to be satisfied!
I really do regard some kind of anti-phishing toolbar as an essential plug-in / add on.
Monday, June 20, 2005
A Doorstep Oasis
A discovery on one's own doorstep, at least within fifteen to twenty minutes walk, is something well worth reporting. Helen decided it might be a good idea to have a little walk, this morning, before the heat became unbearable (once more). After some fifteen minutes, we approached the pond where we had seen the juvenile newts a few weeks ago; what had happened, in spite of yesterdays torrential rain the pond appeared to be dried up!
A walk along a pathway, previously too waterlogged to tread, we found it was possible to cross "the pond" at what had been it's widest point ... and that without getting our feet wet; no, I'm not talking miraculous events, the ground was reasonably dry and firm. What had happened to our pond? A path, at what would have been the far side of the watery place, led us to an area of ponds and marshland, with a duck-walk 0r two to ease the traverse. The margins of these areas were flanked with Flag Iris and Bulrushes ... we had found our oasis from the "shock"of the dried-out pond. An oasis for amphibians as well as us mere mortals and, we rejoiced in the presence of Sand Martins and Buntings as we leisurely ambled around.
Evidently, this wetland reserve is on the site of the old clay pits from a brick-making industry. As we reached the metalled track beyond the marshes, we spotted the start of the narrow pathway from which we usually viewed the temporarily absent pond.
The feelgood factor abounds; after omitting (for atmospheric reasons) the last few days of brisk brief walks, we have stumbled upon our doorstep reserve. It is almost as if the mountain has come to Mohammed!
A walk along a pathway, previously too waterlogged to tread, we found it was possible to cross "the pond" at what had been it's widest point ... and that without getting our feet wet; no, I'm not talking miraculous events, the ground was reasonably dry and firm. What had happened to our pond? A path, at what would have been the far side of the watery place, led us to an area of ponds and marshland, with a duck-walk 0r two to ease the traverse. The margins of these areas were flanked with Flag Iris and Bulrushes ... we had found our oasis from the "shock"of the dried-out pond. An oasis for amphibians as well as us mere mortals and, we rejoiced in the presence of Sand Martins and Buntings as we leisurely ambled around.
Evidently, this wetland reserve is on the site of the old clay pits from a brick-making industry. As we reached the metalled track beyond the marshes, we spotted the start of the narrow pathway from which we usually viewed the temporarily absent pond.
The feelgood factor abounds; after omitting (for atmospheric reasons) the last few days of brisk brief walks, we have stumbled upon our doorstep reserve. It is almost as if the mountain has come to Mohammed!
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Not Too Bad A Day ... After All
In spite of the prevailing atmospheric conditions and, their affect on my various minor ailments, I still managedto enjoy *Father's Day. Dinner was a huge success, an emergency prepared sneakingly hot curry (See "Malcolm's Food And Spilt Drink Column" entry for 18 June) came out even better than anticipated.
Spent mid-afternoon doing some Christmas-related (in the hope that some of the subject matter would help us to ignore the day's oppressive heat) VHS to DVD transfers. The day continued in lazy fashion, even after a storm tried to break through the days clamminess.
This evening, sadly, was the final episode of the current series of "The Last Detective" [ITV] ... our only TV viewing of the day. A very tender humour percolates each episode without detracting from the case in hand.
* for further Father's Day references see 'Some Atmosphere' on Heterocon's Blog.
Spent mid-afternoon doing some Christmas-related (in the hope that some of the subject matter would help us to ignore the day's oppressive heat) VHS to DVD transfers. The day continued in lazy fashion, even after a storm tried to break through the days clamminess.
This evening, sadly, was the final episode of the current series of "The Last Detective" [ITV] ... our only TV viewing of the day. A very tender humour percolates each episode without detracting from the case in hand.
* for further Father's Day references see 'Some Atmosphere' on Heterocon's Blog.
Madness Abounds
No, this is not a swift return with the entry I'd forgotten. Just happily went into My Yahoo, using Firefox browser ... no problemo ...; clicked the 'Inbox' link (under Yahoo! Mail Preview and was required to sign in again. Having signed in I was then directed to the Security screen ... you know, the one like an eyesight test ... write down the "word" you see in this box! Don't the crass MORONS know that a random selection of letters, both upper and lower case do not necessarily make a WORD.
Could they please :
a) define their terms more precisely
b) get their act together
Personally, I would be happier with b. It's a relief to know where the madness lies!
Could they please :
a) define their terms more precisely
b) get their act together
Personally, I would be happier with b. It's a relief to know where the madness lies!
On Sanity and the Quest For Resolution
Firstly an update on problems signing in to Yahoo, touched on in my blog entry for 17 June as well as by Heterocon :
The problem seems to have cleared itself when using Firefox but, the behaviour of the sign on screen has now modified on IE6. If I first of all sign in to My Yahoo on IE6, I can immediately click on the link to Yahoo! Mail ... as expected, no further signature check required. Alternatively, if I go directly to Yahoo!Mail I am immediatly transferred from my first signing-in page to the extra-security of copying the "word picture".
I realize that the sensible thing would be to always enter Yahoo!Mail via My Yahoo when using IE6, or else only use Firefox. Problem is, when I discover a problem I simply have to gnaw away at it in the hope of obtaining some kind of resolution. Perhaps the issue is not really one of Security Madness but rather my tenuous grip on Sanity! [Joking ... I think ...!]
Secondly: I've forgotten what I was going to be scribing about. Perhaps I shall return!
The problem seems to have cleared itself when using Firefox but, the behaviour of the sign on screen has now modified on IE6. If I first of all sign in to My Yahoo on IE6, I can immediately click on the link to Yahoo! Mail ... as expected, no further signature check required. Alternatively, if I go directly to Yahoo!Mail I am immediatly transferred from my first signing-in page to the extra-security of copying the "word picture".
I realize that the sensible thing would be to always enter Yahoo!Mail via My Yahoo when using IE6, or else only use Firefox. Problem is, when I discover a problem I simply have to gnaw away at it in the hope of obtaining some kind of resolution. Perhaps the issue is not really one of Security Madness but rather my tenuous grip on Sanity! [Joking ... I think ...!]
Secondly: I've forgotten what I was going to be scribing about. Perhaps I shall return!
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Malcolm's Food and Spilt Drink Column
Following upon the remarkable success of last night's ginger & paprika dressed Chicken in a honey, mustard & garlic casserole, I found myself today in something of a quandary.
I had hoped that the second dish of casserole would see us right for Sunday lunch; I was somewhat dispirited (though at the same time flattered!) that this reserve casserole had diminished somewhat.
Quite a quandary you must admit. The solution .... shallow boil some diced potatoes, the water heavily seasoned with Coriander, Garam Masala, and Garlic; add this to the casserole residue along with some chopped chillies and crushed garlic, slosh it around in a well-oiled pre-heated Wok and ... hey presto ... serve with a lovingly prepared saffron rice. Easy when you know how, not too difficult when I don't.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Helen's sister Fran, who called over to visit us today, was savaged by a Wild Yorkshire Parasol outside of the local Brewer's Fayre, thereby re-distributing a potentially refreshing glass of 'Stella'. Unfortunately, I was at home slaving over a hot keyboard so I have to rely on the eyewitness accounts of my beloved.
Will we be hearing more of these attacks should the sunshine persist?
I had hoped that the second dish of casserole would see us right for Sunday lunch; I was somewhat dispirited (though at the same time flattered!) that this reserve casserole had diminished somewhat.
Quite a quandary you must admit. The solution .... shallow boil some diced potatoes, the water heavily seasoned with Coriander, Garam Masala, and Garlic; add this to the casserole residue along with some chopped chillies and crushed garlic, slosh it around in a well-oiled pre-heated Wok and ... hey presto ... serve with a lovingly prepared saffron rice. Easy when you know how, not too difficult when I don't.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Helen's sister Fran, who called over to visit us today, was savaged by a Wild Yorkshire Parasol outside of the local Brewer's Fayre, thereby re-distributing a potentially refreshing glass of 'Stella'. Unfortunately, I was at home slaving over a hot keyboard so I have to rely on the eyewitness accounts of my beloved.
Will we be hearing more of these attacks should the sunshine persist?
Friday, June 17, 2005
Anyone else out there having problems signing in to their Yahoo account, or are they just out to get me? As my close relative Heterocon has already touched on this matter, I will say no more at present.
The day has indeed turned out better, the morning's rest stood me in good stead as I got on with preparations for this evening's meal. Even managed to take Henry (Numatic Vacuum Cleaner) for a quick whirl around one or two rooms as well. Forgot to have any lunch until mid-afternoon but, that balanced out well with having our main meal later than usual. As traditionally expected, this evening's meal was a great success ... compliments to the chef. The accompanying delight was the beautifully soft 'Il Papavero Rosso', its only danger could be its total gluggability!
Must mark this day down in my diary as better ... at times I almost felt healthy. I feel better about acknowledging that "this is the day the Lord has made", I do rejoice and am glad in it.
The day has indeed turned out better, the morning's rest stood me in good stead as I got on with preparations for this evening's meal. Even managed to take Henry (Numatic Vacuum Cleaner) for a quick whirl around one or two rooms as well. Forgot to have any lunch until mid-afternoon but, that balanced out well with having our main meal later than usual. As traditionally expected, this evening's meal was a great success ... compliments to the chef. The accompanying delight was the beautifully soft 'Il Papavero Rosso', its only danger could be its total gluggability!
Must mark this day down in my diary as better ... at times I almost felt healthy. I feel better about acknowledging that "this is the day the Lord has made", I do rejoice and am glad in it.
Welcoming the daybreak
Having just emerged from the realm of Duvet-dom, the award for first sustained twinge of the day goes to the knee joints. These joints were closely pursued by the back of the neck and, the banded upper-arm muscle.Just hoping the tipsters favourite, Armpit, is not going to come in with a place!
Just sat here at the keyboard, I already sense that it's going to be something of a muggy day ... even though I can't stand the heat, it's impossible to flee the kitchen. Helen has gone out to her computer classes so, I've no-one to prod me awake should I fall into deep slumber by my PC ..... I must think positive, I must stay alert, I am not tired ... I am not ... I am ...
Helen's sister Janet is joining us for a meal this evening, so I'd best put my chefs hat on and ponder what amazing concoction I shall set before our guest. At present I know it will involve chicken breasts (already detached from the chicken), red, green and yellow peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes and a condimentation* of spices and herbs ... furthermore, I suspect, with all due modesty, it will prove quite delicious.
Today will be a better day, today will be a better day, today I will not feel so tired .. today I will be on .... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ....well ...Good Morning ... speak to you later ...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
p.s. * I don't know if condimentation is a proper word but, it's taste seems right!
Just sat here at the keyboard, I already sense that it's going to be something of a muggy day ... even though I can't stand the heat, it's impossible to flee the kitchen. Helen has gone out to her computer classes so, I've no-one to prod me awake should I fall into deep slumber by my PC ..... I must think positive, I must stay alert, I am not tired ... I am not ... I am ...
Helen's sister Janet is joining us for a meal this evening, so I'd best put my chefs hat on and ponder what amazing concoction I shall set before our guest. At present I know it will involve chicken breasts (already detached from the chicken), red, green and yellow peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes and a condimentation* of spices and herbs ... furthermore, I suspect, with all due modesty, it will prove quite delicious.
Today will be a better day, today will be a better day, today I will not feel so tired .. today I will be on .... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ....well ...Good Morning ... speak to you later ...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
p.s. * I don't know if condimentation is a proper word but, it's taste seems right!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)