As the day wore on, the discomfort in the armpits and, a very distinct sharp ache in the elbow developed. Took a few photo's of the freshly rain wetted water-lily pads and, had fun editing and adjusting same.
Around 6.00PM prepared a char-grilled (lemon, ginger & soy sauce dressed) Salmon dish, served with new potatoes and broccoli (lovingly steamed by ma belle amoureuse).
At 8.30Pm went out for a short diversionary walk prior to attending The Manhattan Club where LIFT were playing a charity gig. Nearly didn't make the venue owing to a panic attack but, Helen's gentle coaxing won the day and, what a treat the event turned out to be. The quartet [Jonti Linford, Norrey Considine, Mike Starkings and Dan Jones] performed an eclectic set ... Aerosmith, Wheatus, The Eagles, Stevie Wonder, Paul Carrack +++ ... with great versatility and verve, combining accomplished vocal harmonies with an alternating instrumental line-up. All performers are also members of the established Harrogate band The Nightjars.
That makes it twice in five days, that I've managed to be out for a considerably longer time than the past eighteen months or so had borne witness to. So the combination of Peter & Pamela's weekend visit and, my respect for the musicianship of Jonti and Mike, continues to have a miraculous effect on my life. Thanks to all concerned!
- 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 29, 2005
The Day That The Rains Came Gently Down
The sky's a milky grey, the air rather fresh and, I for one am not complaining. To be honest it made a change to stand by the pond, weatherproof garmented, as I scattered the food for it's piscine occupants.
After my improved day yesterday, night-time caught up with me and, around 2.00am, had to hunt around in the dark to find an elbow support ... every little movement seemed to send shockwaves from the elbow through the upper arm, spreading into an overall upper torso discomfort. Once strapped, a reasonable night's sleep swiftly ensued! Although I had a little breakfast before Helen went out mid-morning, I finally managed to remove myself from the bed's confines at the crack of noon!
Apart from downloading Beethoven 7 (MP3) from the BBC website, and reading a few e-mails, my time has been spent in blissful idleness! Actually the "blissful" is a slight exagerration, the idleness is more a result of my current de-energised state of being. Twinges, in varying degrees and variously scattered, make me feel grateful that they are not more painful. Today I play Polyanna! [How long can it last?]
After my improved day yesterday, night-time caught up with me and, around 2.00am, had to hunt around in the dark to find an elbow support ... every little movement seemed to send shockwaves from the elbow through the upper arm, spreading into an overall upper torso discomfort. Once strapped, a reasonable night's sleep swiftly ensued! Although I had a little breakfast before Helen went out mid-morning, I finally managed to remove myself from the bed's confines at the crack of noon!
Apart from downloading Beethoven 7 (MP3) from the BBC website, and reading a few e-mails, my time has been spent in blissful idleness! Actually the "blissful" is a slight exagerration, the idleness is more a result of my current de-energised state of being. Twinges, in varying degrees and variously scattered, make me feel grateful that they are not more painful. Today I play Polyanna! [How long can it last?]
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Of Apologies and Downloads
Received a really courteous apology from IDAuthority at Comodo Group (see preceding two entries) ... just felt that's worth a mention!
On the whole it's been a rather good day for me, rather more energised than of late. Elsewhere I reported multiple factors ... atmospheric conditions, ferrous sulphate, wonderful friends ... but, I omitted the possibility that part of the improvement could be the Mirtazapine kicking in!
Apart from a little work in the garden, I also managed a brief brisk walk this evening without it proving too great an exertion. This afternoon I downloaded, from BBC Radio3 website, an MP3 of Beethoven's 6th Symphony and transferred it to CD ... from tomorrow Symphony No7 will also be available for download. Each of the Symphonies is available for download for seven days ... unfortunately, I'd already missed 1 - 5.
A short time ago we experienced quite a downpour, here's hoping it will maintain the freshness in the air that proved such a boost to my energy levels this evening.
Helen and myself are still basking in the afterglow of our friends ... (of Oxcliffe Fox fame) ... visit at the weekend.
On the whole it's been a rather good day for me, rather more energised than of late. Elsewhere I reported multiple factors ... atmospheric conditions, ferrous sulphate, wonderful friends ... but, I omitted the possibility that part of the improvement could be the Mirtazapine kicking in!
Apart from a little work in the garden, I also managed a brief brisk walk this evening without it proving too great an exertion. This afternoon I downloaded, from BBC Radio3 website, an MP3 of Beethoven's 6th Symphony and transferred it to CD ... from tomorrow Symphony No7 will also be available for download. Each of the Symphonies is available for download for seven days ... unfortunately, I'd already missed 1 - 5.
A short time ago we experienced quite a downpour, here's hoping it will maintain the freshness in the air that proved such a boost to my energy levels this evening.
Helen and myself are still basking in the afterglow of our friends ... (of Oxcliffe Fox fame) ... visit at the weekend.
Results (wherefrom?)
Since e-mailing Comodo at 16.49 and, writing the previous blog entry, the Trust Toolbar 'Trusted Display Area' now reads correctly geocities.com as does the 'Toolbar Pane'! I like to think that this is in response to my e-mail, as the problem had been going on ever since installing the toolbar. It does raise a question however; how far can one trust/rely on an "anti-phishing toolbar".
Perhaps this sudden change is not a response to my e-mail but, rather the power of the 'blog.
Perhaps this sudden change is not a response to my e-mail but, rather the power of the 'blog.
Yahoo related (?) Problems
Apart from Logging In problems with Yahoo, still spasmodically ongoing, I now seem to have a further Yahoo related problem. Anyone visiting any page of my Luv4Sinners website on Geocities and, using Comodo Trust Toolbar, will find the following legend appears in the 'Trusted Display Area' : Susan Denny's About Face and in the 'Toolbar Pane' Site Credentials appear as Midwest Motorfreight, Inc.
I must admit to finding this rather perplexing as:
a) the site is a 'personal' website
b) I am an individual human being without any, nor wishing to have any, links to either of these businesses.
c) both of these companies are the other side of the Atlantic from where I reside.
Perhaps I totally misunderstand the purpose of the toolbar!
I have e-mailed Comodo to seek clarification on this matter but, Yahoo's a different problem. How is one supposed to contact them (they are always keen to receive your comments) when a search for a relevant contact address leaves one running around in circles, chasing one's own tail?
I must admit to finding this rather perplexing as:
a) the site is a 'personal' website
b) I am an individual human being without any, nor wishing to have any, links to either of these businesses.
c) both of these companies are the other side of the Atlantic from where I reside.
Perhaps I totally misunderstand the purpose of the toolbar!
I have e-mailed Comodo to seek clarification on this matter but, Yahoo's a different problem. How is one supposed to contact them (they are always keen to receive your comments) when a search for a relevant contact address leaves one running around in circles, chasing one's own tail?
Monday, June 27, 2005
The Day's Feet-ures
Managed to feel quite positive throughout the day, despite my irritating little ailments. I think I'm dwelling in the warm aftermath of our dear friends' visit at the weekend. If I were a sun worshipper, today would have had me very pleased indeed; must admit that the brightness does give one a positive outlook, providing one can quickly retreat into a shaded room rather than having to suffer the sun's excesses!
My afternoon walk became more of an exercise in seeing if I could manage to lift my feet more than 1cm from the ground. I'm pleased to report that I did in fact manage this remarkable feat. It's not often I praise my remarkable feet but, the sound's pretty much the same.
The scribing efforts of my alter-ego (Heterocon) seems to have somehow numbed Sinna Luvva's powers of expression. They will return ... they will return ... they will ...
My afternoon walk became more of an exercise in seeing if I could manage to lift my feet more than 1cm from the ground. I'm pleased to report that I did in fact manage this remarkable feat. It's not often I praise my remarkable feet but, the sound's pretty much the same.
The scribing efforts of my alter-ego (Heterocon) seems to have somehow numbed Sinna Luvva's powers of expression. They will return ... they will return ... they will ...
The Pleasure of Good Company
Amazing, the boost to one's morale that arises from the company of special friends. Had a good lie-in on Sunday morning, ma belle amoureuse reluctant to disturb me as she readied herself for chapel! Even after getting myself mobile, took things very easily. Helen collected our friends, Peter and Pamela, from the West Park at 1.30 pm and, it proved such a pleasure to be in their company.
We enjoyed a little Pignoletto Frizzante aperitif before lunch, one of my preparations that I've not had time to give a name to. [It was excellent anyway, that's what matters]. A bottle of Villa Maria Chardonnay, East Coast NZ, 2002 coped well with the barrage of flavours. For dessert, ma belle amoureuse presented us with her very special sticky toffee pudding.
After our friends departed, we spent a little time in the garden, myself reclining beside the pond - only to be accidentally mauled by Sapphire (a gorgeous Burmese Chinchilla X cat) who woke me with a start, and herself was duly startled, managing to leave two residual scratches perilously close to the groin region. Helen, who had been pottering about nearby, had been oblivious to Sapphire's presence in the garden until my sudden start!
Later evening, we became quite engrossed in an episode of Midsommer Murders that we had missed on first showing, before checking out the Glastonbury coverage on various BBC channels. Coverage has just returned to 'Basement Jaxx' who Heterocon seemed quite enthused by.
These last two days, our friends visit has brought me more relaxation than I've experienced for some time. Thanks to The Oxcliffe Fox.
We enjoyed a little Pignoletto Frizzante aperitif before lunch, one of my preparations that I've not had time to give a name to. [It was excellent anyway, that's what matters]. A bottle of Villa Maria Chardonnay, East Coast NZ, 2002 coped well with the barrage of flavours. For dessert, ma belle amoureuse presented us with her very special sticky toffee pudding.
After our friends departed, we spent a little time in the garden, myself reclining beside the pond - only to be accidentally mauled by Sapphire (a gorgeous Burmese Chinchilla X cat) who woke me with a start, and herself was duly startled, managing to leave two residual scratches perilously close to the groin region. Helen, who had been pottering about nearby, had been oblivious to Sapphire's presence in the garden until my sudden start!
Later evening, we became quite engrossed in an episode of Midsommer Murders that we had missed on first showing, before checking out the Glastonbury coverage on various BBC channels. Coverage has just returned to 'Basement Jaxx' who Heterocon seemed quite enthused by.
These last two days, our friends visit has brought me more relaxation than I've experienced for some time. Thanks to The Oxcliffe Fox.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
A Memorable Day
Saturday 25 June proved a memorable day; seeing our dear friends Peter & Pamela proves an amazing tonic. I'm not saying that it cures my miscellaneous aches and discomforts but, it does help one to bear the discomfort a bit more easily. Half an hour after their arrival in town they called around to visit and sup with us.
Peter joined me in the kitchen as I completed preparations for tomorrows lunch, as yet unchristened though I'm sure it will prove immensely satisfying. The four of us then partook of one of our favourite beverages, the exquisite 'Taittiinger', respected and appreciated by this gang of four.
Our guests had booked a table for us at a local Brasserie at the Cedar Court Hotel. The starters were all very satisfactory but, the main courses left quite a lot to be desired in the 'portion' department, a tad more than those godforsaken days of nouvelle cuisine. Despite the menu stating that main courses were served with potatoes, or salad, or green vegetables the haddock that Helen and myself had, (supposedly topped with a crispy welsh rarebit ... in actuality a pleasant coating of cheese sauce), arrived with a couple of leaves of Rocket and un petit peu of sliced tomatoes. When the waiter's attention was caught, he explained that if you wanted potatoes one had to specifically order it; something of a discrepancy with the message at the foot of the menu. We weren't asked whether we wanted salad, or potatoes, or green veg. The portions are a definite minus as far as I'm concerned but, they did arrive with a bowl of elongated, fully jacketed new potaoes reminiscent of dog poo. They tasted quite fine however.
The wine with this meal was a full-flavoured South African Chenin Blanc with subtle floral and lemon notes. Peter and myself were quite taken aback at it's sweetness on first approach, no doubt some of the sweetness was more marked following our dry Taittinger aperitif. Unfortunately my general stamina and discomfort levels required a fairly early return home, but, the evening was the longest time I have managed to be out anywhere for at least the past eighteen months! I have no qualms regarding the quality of the food at this establishment and, they also proferred an interesting wine list.
Later in the evening, Helen and I enjoyed coverage of Coldplay's set from Glastonbury. What can one say; electrifying, mesmerising ... sheer professional artistry, Chris Martin's vocals and stage presence were second to none that I have experienced over many years.
We look forward, once more, to the company of our bestest friends for Sunday afternoon lunch.
Peter joined me in the kitchen as I completed preparations for tomorrows lunch, as yet unchristened though I'm sure it will prove immensely satisfying. The four of us then partook of one of our favourite beverages, the exquisite 'Taittiinger', respected and appreciated by this gang of four.
Our guests had booked a table for us at a local Brasserie at the Cedar Court Hotel. The starters were all very satisfactory but, the main courses left quite a lot to be desired in the 'portion' department, a tad more than those godforsaken days of nouvelle cuisine. Despite the menu stating that main courses were served with potatoes, or salad, or green vegetables the haddock that Helen and myself had, (supposedly topped with a crispy welsh rarebit ... in actuality a pleasant coating of cheese sauce), arrived with a couple of leaves of Rocket and un petit peu of sliced tomatoes. When the waiter's attention was caught, he explained that if you wanted potatoes one had to specifically order it; something of a discrepancy with the message at the foot of the menu. We weren't asked whether we wanted salad, or potatoes, or green veg. The portions are a definite minus as far as I'm concerned but, they did arrive with a bowl of elongated, fully jacketed new potaoes reminiscent of dog poo. They tasted quite fine however.
The wine with this meal was a full-flavoured South African Chenin Blanc with subtle floral and lemon notes. Peter and myself were quite taken aback at it's sweetness on first approach, no doubt some of the sweetness was more marked following our dry Taittinger aperitif. Unfortunately my general stamina and discomfort levels required a fairly early return home, but, the evening was the longest time I have managed to be out anywhere for at least the past eighteen months! I have no qualms regarding the quality of the food at this establishment and, they also proferred an interesting wine list.
Later in the evening, Helen and I enjoyed coverage of Coldplay's set from Glastonbury. What can one say; electrifying, mesmerising ... sheer professional artistry, Chris Martin's vocals and stage presence were second to none that I have experienced over many years.
We look forward, once more, to the company of our bestest friends for Sunday afternoon lunch.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Looking Forward
Last night I retired au lit somewhat earlier than of late. Getting off to sleep was still somewhat problematic, despite an early evening walk in the fresher air and feeling tired. Eventually emerged, after a few earlier faltering attempts, into the broad light of day around noon. Was pleased to get confirmation on The Oxcliffe Fox that some of our bestest friends will be traversing the Pennines today! That is indeed good news; not the crossing per se but, rather, that we look forward to their company and presence in God's own county!
I've got to admit that I'm still fighting a tiredness, that even the recently acquired nicotine sticks have difficulty alleviating, but I will boldly struggle on to make the most of our kindred spirits visit.
I've got to admit that I'm still fighting a tiredness, that even the recently acquired nicotine sticks have difficulty alleviating, but I will boldly struggle on to make the most of our kindred spirits visit.
Friday, June 24, 2005
A Parable
For one who has never been too keen on 'phones, be it landline or mobile, a call received just after entering my previous blog has really encouraged me. The call was from Jasmin at Yes2Work, part of what has now become a bi-monthly event. The call is simply to check up on how I'm doing and feeling but, she has the knack of making one feel both at ease and important.
It is so rewarding when one feels that somebody, who knows me only via a CV (and the aforementioned 'phone), really cares. Yes, I know that lots of people care about and for me but, this is a stranger who cares. I just can't help thinking of The Good Samaritan!
It is so rewarding when one feels that somebody, who knows me only via a CV (and the aforementioned 'phone), really cares. Yes, I know that lots of people care about and for me but, this is a stranger who cares. I just can't help thinking of The Good Samaritan!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)