Annie's View

Decision Time - Blog on Hold for Now!

2011-02-16T15:12:00.000Z

I have been doing so much thinking recently about how much I should be doing. I have already written about finally recognising that 'time is the key'. And, that is when I started to play 'The Time Game'. It has given me a new perspective on life. The battle between my head, 35 yrs old, and my body, 60 plus with another birthday on Saturday, is gathering force! And that is why I have decided that I must put my blog - neglected from time to time admittedly - on hold for the immediate future. I would never say never again, but my priority has to be Active Link - the independent community web site. And, finally, I have to admit, I can no longer juggle the same number of balls as I used to.
The idea behind Active Link is a simple one - good news and helpful information for people in my community of Kensington and Chelsea. I still need to prune the list of meetings I attend - too too many meetings! I have wanted to produce the web site for quite some time. It seems the best way to use my skills and experience.

The story so far..........I am.a writer who has had a turbulent life that has included travelling the world extensively - initially as a cabin attendant with BA and after that as a journalist and broadcaster. I continued to travel on business as I provided communication services to businesses and organisations in the aviation and travel industries and also public bodies. Business attempts succeeded in part, but risk-taking - and setting up a business is by definition risk-taking - led to bankruptcy and loss of home. Health became ' interesting' and 'challenging' and with three chronic conditions then to manage, it was no longer possible to work 'flat out'. And so, I hit sixty and went bankrupt for a second time, leaving me really to have a fresh start. I have gone through the 'I hate ageing' phase - but have now started to really enjoy it. I have learnt a great deal about managing on less and life still has lots of laughter in it. I just need to focus now on one main activity and give it my all. I am fortunate in having good friends and a very large cat and a very small and old poodle. Life is good. But, I am putting the blog on hold. I may pick it up again one day. Thank you to those who have visited the site. And, I leave you for now with pix of both Benjy (cat) and Millie (the poodle) to enjoy - I do! And, also this thought. It is my firm belief that whatever life hurls at you, it is nearly always possible to survive and, as I have found, fate may well direct you on some new and exciting journeys.

Suspicion or Opportunity?

2011-01-27T20:14:00.000Z

I have had a busy few days - both irritating and rewarding. Political correctness is, sadly, still too much in evidence. I was asked recently to help organise a community and police meeting. I had found good speakers and apparently - I understand now mistakenly, "it was a misunderstanding" - I was asked to find a venue. This I did, But then came the problem. The offer of a meeting room provided by a new local business constituted 'corporate hospitality'. Oh please! It is ok to accept grants and the like from government or local government. And, of course there would be no hidden agenda there, would there? I get really weary of the hypocrisy uttered by the politically correct lobby. I have a much more straightforward approach. Residents and businesses are both the responsibility of the police to police. And so, doesn't it make sense for us, said residents and businesses, to work together - to cooperate? Oh, and by the way, I am not talking about the police. They can sometimes be really practical and sensible sometimes. And, I believe in working with them. We are lucky to have the police we have, but we shouldn't take them for granted. There are people on some of these so-called 'official bodies', like to pretend they are 'holding the police to account' and 'accepting corporate hospitality would be a conflict of interest'. A strange set of priorities.

As it happens, I am now organising the whole meeting in my area, inviting everyone, and I think it will go well - judging from early responses to the invitation! I am grateful to the newest business to arrive in the area - MetroBank. I am trying to work out how Metrobank might extract their influence afterwards - a meeting room for an organisation without premises - that should be worth?!! There are decent and ethical businesses around - even some banks! And judging from their fair charging policy, I am starting to think that Metrobank is one ok business. Actually, it has a very constructive and active 'community policy' too!

Eureka!!!!!

2011-01-20T19:03:00.001Z

I have finally cracked it! In my recent three plus weeks of a 'breathless break' - asthma and chest infection actually, but that is boring - I finally realised where I have been going wrong. It really is down to, as I have decided to call it, the 'Time Game'.
I did nothing but rest, read and think on my break. Finally my mind cleared. Increase time spent and it leads to savings in money, improvement in health and loss of weight - really and I'll prove it.
Ok, so how did I work this one out. Because I spent so much time thinking, I remembered my mother's oft repeated phrase - "more haste less speed". In honesty I have not only lived my life in the fast lane - until I could no longer - but add headless chicken, like a hamster on a wheel in a cage and juggling more balls than I could manage, then you may get the idea.

I have finally slowed down - in everything. And I'll start to recount my findings in future Blogs. But, it is such a good feeling.

A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ALL

2011-01-01T15:50:00.000Z

I seem to have created an unfortunate custom of being ill before and during Christmas. And, this year it is still continuing. Sorry to have been absent. I know I am a wimp!! BACK SOON, I hope

No Christmas Tree Shortage Here!

2010-12-14T15:54:00.000Z

There may be a Christmas Tree crisis somewhere, according to the Daily Mail, but not at the corner of Kensington High Street and Kensington Church Street. A playfully 'flamboyant' Ray of Flower Corner,showing one of his 'real' trees that have been selling like 'hot cakes'. Prices up to around £100 - and that is before you even start adding lights and at least one fairy!
According to the Daily Mail, we spend £250 million a year buying eight million real Christmas Trees a year. But, last year's harsh weather damaged around a third of the trees growing in Britain. They become vulnerable to frost damage at temperatures below minus 8c - and heavy snowfall can snap branches. With a 'white Christmas' being confidently predicted this year, added to the vicious weather we experienced recently, I suspect that 'artificial Christmas Trees' could be a growth business for 2011. If you are an optimist, as I believe I am, there is always a 'winner' in virtually every 'crisis' story!

The Old Weather Excuse!

2010-12-11T19:56:00.001Z

The Royal Mail has announced that there are no guarantees on delivery of Christmas mail - because of the weather. Yeah, right!
I know that we Brits discuss the weather more than most nationalities I have come across in my years of travel. But, I am now drawn to the conclusion that we probably, as a nation, use weather as our excuse for failure in delivery and service more often than it should be.
I was reminded too the other night when I saw this incredible sky of the old maxim - pink sky at night, a shepherd's delight; pink sky in the morning, a shepherd's warning! I think it worked this time round too. My frustration in taking photographs often stems from the feeling that I am not quite capturing the full glory of nature, but in this instance, I think I might have come close!

Real Music not Musak

2010-12-09T14:17:00.000Z

I hate some things about the build up to Christmas. Most of all I dislike the 'musak' that plays endlessly in some stores It also starts far too early in the year. But, I return to liking the run up to Christmas when the traditional side is on display. Yesterday it was the yearly Community Carol Service held at St Mary Abbots and sponsored by Associated Newspapers. It is also supported by a number of local businesses who supply refreshments for those attending to enjoy after the service. The children's Class Four Choir from St Barnabas and St Philip's School provided the Aah Factor. The professional choir of St Mary Abbots was joined by the professional Choir of St Brides's Fleet Street, the journalists church, provided the Wow factor. The music was glorious. That is what I like for my Christmas.
It has been a busy few days. After the Community Carol Service I had to get ready for the last Police and Community Working Group, Kensington Sector, for the year. Thanks to the generosity of the K & K Hotel in Earls Court, the meeting had a very festive air - but there was no music.Just lovely decorations and mulled wine and mince pies. Well OK, I like that bit of Christmas too. It is just the 'musak' I hate.

Please Support Help for Heroes

2010-12-06T21:17:00.000Z

I am going to do everything I can to support the Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea's charity concert for Help for Heroes. It is one of the best causes I know. And so, I am asking everyone to pass the word: Tuesday 14 December, 7.00 pm at St Mary Abbots. It is £20 for a ticket and that includes mince pies and wine afterwards in the Mayor's Parlour. There will be celebrity readers and celebrity attendees. For more information call 020 7361 2431 or email: mayor@rbkc.gov.uk. I have finally started to realise that linking sites together make sense. So, I am a slow learner - sometimes! As I said on my Facebook site tonight - A Blog is great for a whinge - and that is certainly therapeutic. Supporting good causes seems like a good idea too - and commenting on key issues like ageing essential.

Russian Event No Football

2010-12-04T22:31:00.000Z

I went to the Russian Bazaar today in Kensington. It takes place every year and draws Russians - old-style - from all over London and beyond. There was a great atmosphere and not a word about football! But I guess we are talking about different Russians here! The Borscht was amazing! I was intrigued at the sheer number of people there. I suppose many people are drawn to their roots - if you can find them! I love London and it is easy to feel that we can meet anyone from anywhere - particularly in Kensington. .
I can feel the energy draining from me as Christmas nears. There are so many events to attend - and just to assist we have some of the coldest weather I can remember in a very long time. I remember experiencing worse, but that was in Anchorage, Montreal and Moscow - sorry I just had to slip that in. But I really do like the period between Christmas and the New Year. It is quiet. Many people are away. Phones ring less - bliss!!!

Impressively Thought Provoking!

2010-12-03T17:09:00.000Z

I have been to a conference today in North Kensington. It was the best and most thought provoking meeting I have attended in a very long while - Tackling Isolation Among Older People. I have confessed before that, initially (between the ages of 60 - 62!) I found the idea of ageing really scary. But, when it is turned into a subject for discussion with experts and those who are treading the road ahead of you, it somehow becomes a more manageable proposition.What I liked particularly about today was the fact that there were academics, experts from across the field and committed individuals - and they all listened to each other, expressed interest in what others had to say - and ideas started to tumble out. It has given me lots of ideas for Active Link. And, of course, Active Link is one of the things I work on that makes me feel useful - still useful!!

Now I put pictures up yesterday of snow last year - the camera will come out again to record this year's snowy scenes. But to cheer me, and I hope anyone else that might look at this blog, I'll put some pix of flowers and springlike scenes to remind all of us that this icy, viciously cold spell, will not last for ever!!

I Think I have Worked it Out - Finally!!

2010-12-02T11:29:00.000Z

I have stopped and started with this Blog, but I have finally worked out that what I have been doing - or actually not doing - is link it more effectively to both Active Link and my Facebook page. If anyone had ever told me that I would be blogging, on Facebook and running an independent community website at my stage in life, I would have laughed. But, that is the great thing; I have always been able to laugh at myself - and that really is the best way to stay young. This picture was taken last year and I have just put it up on Facebook as well.But, as I pointed out there is no way to figure out the year with this picture! The cold weather has led me to research more the sort of services that are available
for, in particular, the elderly. I plan to put a story up on Active Link pointing out the various ways to get help. As I sit here wearing virtually three layers of everything and fingerless gloves - and the heating is on full (fortunately it is a central system) - I really worry about those who are too scared to increase their heat, because of the cost. According to one expert I spoke to, it is estimated that an extra 40,000 lives are lost in the UK as a result of extreme weather. She believes that it is actually higher. And so, my message for today is 'check your friends and neighbours are ok!!!'

Memories are Important

2010-11-15T12:08:00.000Z

Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday are essential dates in the yearly calendar for me. And, the older I get, the more so. The week or so surrounding those dates, when the poppy sellers are out in force, is a time to watch the best of human nature. People seem to be proud - as they should - of our armed forces and the sacrifices they have made over the years. I had a definite sense this year that more people were expressing that pride - and I think and hope that the giving to the British Legion will be higher than ever. Certainly in one corner of Kensington there must have been around 100 plus around the War Memorial on Remembrance Day itself and anything up to 300 yesterday on Remembrance Sunday - with at least 200 joining in the service in St Mary Abbots afterwards. The same services were being held right across the country - and we needed to be reminded, also in Afghanistan. The last post was played beautifully on Remembrance Day by a ten year old boy. It was particularly poignant. He was joined by a number of his classmates from the local school. They at least are being taught about our important traditions. None of us should ever forget the sacrifices made for our freedom. They are still being made now in Afghanistan and the losses continue.How I feel for the bereaved families of those killed and injured in the last few years. They can never forget either and the sacrifices their loved ones have made are so much closer to home - where the pain must be intense, albeit tinged with pride. A reminder that there are people who do care and are prepared to show it - and also give to the best of their ability - is uplifting to me. And seeing the children mark these important dates gives me a surge of optimism. It can't be all that bad out there - can it?

Back in Real Action

2010-11-12T12:23:00.000Z

I am back now that I have spent more time on Active Link - and I have to say I am proud of it. It is a virtual community and my real aim is to build it to be the biggest and best community website in London! I have also gone on to Facebook - and I don't know quite what I am doing yet! But the idea is to link the three things together - this Blog, Active Link and Facebook - with cross references. But, I am sure I'll continue to have a panic or two. I have to go to the Blue Cross now to pick up more insulin for Benjy. I am the only person I know with a houeshold comprising one human, one dog and one cat - all on daily medication! I suppose I should add that it is a household of oldies!!!! But the spirit here is great!

Am I Asking Too Much of Myself?

2010-09-28T21:34:00.001+01:00

AN INTERVAL.............. I AM LEAVING MY BLOG ALONE FOR A WHILE AS I CONCENTRATE ON ACTIVE LINK (2) AS I HAVE SAID BELOW, IT IS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNISE CERTAIN SIGNS AND I CONFESS, I HAVE BEEN DOING TOO MUCH RECENTLY!!!!

The last few days my energy levels have been on the ground and, as a result, I have been feeling rather low spirit-wise. However much I tell myself that 'it is ok' and 'it's understandable' not to be on form all the time, I start to worry about neglecting things - like this Blog. But, if I start to turn it into a pressure and burden, then it is not worth it.
I am not trying to prove anything to anyone - or perhaps I am, prove to myself that I am not 21 any more!! Oh, I'll work it out. Or if not, I'll have to cut back on some of my activities. It all comes back to this 'ageing thing'!

Meanwhile, locally I have been keeping an eye on Boris's Bike Stands. For anyone who doesn't know, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has introduced bikes for hire all over London, sponsored by Barclays. It seems they are reasonably popular. I don't intend to try myself, because I seem to remember falling off quite a bit as a kid, And, then there are my creative driving skills - that have persuaded me to stay off the road, in everyone's else's interest. Basically, I think I had better leave it to others to take to the road - and they obviously are. This bike stand at the corner of Cromwell Crescent and Cromwell Road, had just one bike left.

Is this as close as it's going to get?

2010-09-20T23:17:00.000+01:00

Every so often, I wonder if I have lost my senses. Why should someone of 60 plus and three chronic illnesses want to build a community web site, continue with her Blog, agree to be involved with several community projects?Aagh!! Can I cope? What I need to do, and what I have always been bad at, is manage my time so much better and plan, plan and plan. And then yes, I can do it.
I have said it before - and I'll say it again. I want to be useful. And what is wrong with that? If this is Big Society thinking, then I have been way ahead of the game! My own view is basic and simple. What right do any of us have to whinge about the services provided to us, unless we are prepared to do our bit?
Of course there are many hundreds of thousands of people across the country who volunteer in their own communities. And, this country would be seriously damaged if those people decided they were no longer prepared to go on giving up their time.
I was at a community meeting the other evening when one individual, very aggressively, asked what exactly had been done by just a few of the group, who had volunteered to take a project forward. And, yes, you've guessed, he was prepared to criticise, without of course establishing his facts first, but he wasn't prepared to pitch in and help. I suppose negative critics have never been in short supply - but they are like a red rag to a bull to me. If you don't pitch in and help - you have no right to whinge.
I have made no secret of my attachment to my furry companions i.e. Millie the Poodle and Benjy the cat.

Since Millie moved in with us, Benjy has been cool, dismissive even - but not openly hostile. She tries to made friends and he just slinks away - but could this be the breakthrough? Caught on camera quite close!!!! Watch this space.

It Can Happen to Anyone!

2010-09-13T18:43:00.000+01:00

A couple of days ago, I wrote about a charity abseil event at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London W8. It will be in support of Elizabeth Finn Care and I said that I would explain why the charity is dear to my heart. Well here goes..........
I have led an adventurous life and taken risks with creative projects and businesses. What I have always accepted is the lack of guarantees in life - and however hard you work sometimes, businesses fail. And, once something has failed - and certainly in my case in the early 1990s - it has a snowball affect. It led to personal bankruptcy, the loss of my home and office. It was indeed an interesting experience. After being officially 'homeless' - and yes, it is not as simple as just being homeless - for a few months, I was granted a flat to rent on a very nice square, with good security.
Of course it does take a little time to recover from being 'wiped out' - but the ideas started coming again and I returned slowly to the real world.
I think it would be fair to say that this little adventure took its toll - and I added some health challenges to those of mere survival. These challenges led to a lengthy period of not being able to work - and yes, I suppose inevitably, I was 'wiped out' again.But, I have no complaints. Certainly it would have been easier if these events had not happened, but I tried hard with my projects - and certainly, in the first instance, the business and financial climate was against me.
What I can say, with firm conviction, is that I do not think it is possible to meet challenges like these without there being some impact on health and well-being. The grinding unrelieved and unrelenting tedium of money worries tends to put a bit of a block on creativity and optimism!
I came to realise that unless I did something to address my situation, I wouldn't be able to work on ideas like Active Link - an independent community news and information site,with good news and helpful information only!. And so, I addressed the problem as is if I were a case study I was writing about! I worked out what I needed to enable me to better manage my life and health - and be productive and useful again - and then I researched my options.
The approach worked. It led me to the Journalists' Charity - and it meant and means so much to receive help from the world that I have always loved. Elizabeth Finn Care came to my rescue as well.
It took me quite some time to come round to the idea of asking for help. But, once I admitted that I would be unlikely to have enough peace of mind to be creative and productive again without it, then I accepted that it was ok to ask. And, I'll never forget the kind and supportive phone call I received from the Journalists' Charity, the moment they received my 'case study'!!
Charities are going to be under much more strain in the financial climate we are in. Donations may not come in as regularly or at the level they might hope for. More and more people, facing great financial strain, will be in need of help. And, that is why I think it is right for me to talk about my own experiences. I have learned so much and I want to pass it on - hence Annie's View and Active Link.
And, the support I have received has made me even more determined to 'pass the good news' on - there is nearly always a solution to most problems - with a little time, a degree of will and a dash of luck.

I am still trying to get over the shock of 'taking my own photographs' and adding them to Annie's View.

Artwork in Notting Hill, added to my library of pictures of Kensington and Chelsea. Well it's distinctive.

Emotional? Moi?

2010-09-11T23:09:00.000+01:00

The highlight of my day - watching the Last Night of the Proms. There is nothing quite like it. It presses 'all my buttons' - to use that rather irritating modern expression! To attend the Last Night of the Proms Live would definitely be on my Bucket List.
If you haven't seen the film The Bucket List, with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, track down the DVD and give yourself a treat. Billionaire Edward Cole, played by Jack Nicholson, and working class mechanic, Carter Chambers, played by Morgan Freeman, meet in a hospital room, seemingly with little in common. But, as they find themselves at a crossroads in their lives, they actually agree that they have a real desire to experience the 'best life has to offer', before they 'kick the bucket'. They write a joint 'bucket list' and, with money no object, they set off on the adventure of a lifetime. It is both hilariously funny and full of pathos. And, I love the idea of a 'Bucket List'. I have started to work on mine. I have been incredibly privileged to travel very widely throughout my working life - but I haven't managed to fit in Vienna or Venice - yet! I want to see Hong Kong and New York again - two of my most favourite places - before ..... Not a bad start to the list, wouldn't you say? I'll keep on thinking.
I left my last post saying that I was about to bath Millie - and just to prove it, here she is - a clean fluffy poodle.

And, now this is seriously spooky. I was just channel hopping to see what I would watch after I have finished this post. And, ITV1 and what should be on, but the film The Bucket List!

Blooming Awards and a Head for Heights

2010-09-09T20:27:00.000+01:00

Well, this is as good an excuse as ever to post more pictures of Kensington in Bloom. The borough was awash with awards at this year's 'London in Bloom'. It gained a Gold in the City category and was the group A category winner. Holland Park also gained Gold and the whole borough secured first place for floral display. As well as these top award, other parks in the borough were awarded prizes - Silver-gilt for Westfield, Cremorne, St Lukes and Little Wormwood Scrubs. And, the Churchill Arms in Kensington Church Street won the Pub and Restaurants award and St Quintins Community Kitchen Garden got second place in the Capital Growth Award.

There are a number of schemes that work with the borough through the year to ensure that Kensington and Chelsea is at its best - and these include Brighter Kensington and Chelsea Scheme, Kensington Gardeners Club and Chelsea Gardeners Guild.

The adventurous amongst us and those with a head for heights could help raise money for a charity that is very dear to my heart - Elizabeth Finn Care.
There is to be a charity abseil from the top of the Royal Garden Hotel - on Monday 20 September. Local businesses and the Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea are behind this event. It costs £25 to enter and a minimum sponsorship of £100. For more details call Lynn Chambers on 07958 773272 or register online at www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk/abseil.

If you do not wish to take part in the abseil, but would like to donate to Elizabeth Finn Care you can visit on the website http://www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk/support us or e-mail veronica.martin@elizabethfinn.org.uk. I'll tell you more about the charity in my next post and why it is so dear to my heart.
But now to Shampoo Millie the poodle - a not exactly undemanding task - and to make sure all of us in the household - Millie, Benjy and I - have our medication. I must work out how many items there are between us. It sometimes seems like a pharmacy. Oh well, if it keeps us all going, so be it.

Testing Times Trying Times

2010-09-07T21:44:00.000+01:00

Today has been unusual to say the least - and more than a little trying. I was up at 05.00 - to see if I could succeed in taking a urine sample from my little Millie (toy poodle of mature years, with a youthful spirit). By some miracle or a lot of luck, I succeeded. We then set off later to see the Vet, with bottle carefully concealed in my bag, in a secure place. (Can you imagine if I had dropped it or lost it on the way!)
I decided that with the tube strike, I would be best off battling with the buses. Next, after picking up Millie's new medication, to the pet shop (see recent post) to exchange the coat the I had optimistically bought, believing it to be the right size. Millie didn't seem too interested although, I thought that she bounced out with her new coat, looking quite pleased with herself. I then discovered that my glasses were not ready. Aagh!!! I am now looking at a very fuzzy screen, hoping that they will be ready tomorrow.

And so, let the pictures do the talking tonight - just a couple from yesterday - each with their own story, I so hope that we can keep our libraries, given the financial strains we are under today.

Also, good news for techie types. Maplin, the electronics store, is now in Kensington High Street, next to PC World.
Tomorrow I'll be writing about a charity abseil from the top of the Royal Garden Hotel - dare I?

I am Seriously Tempted!

2010-09-05T23:06:00.000+01:00

The picture bears no relation to the copy on this occasion - but it is a pleasing view of Kensington in bloom just a couple of months or so back. I shall be out and about with my camera quite a bit in the coming weeks and so I can build up my library.
No, my main topic for this evening is the 'sweet revenge' I am tempted to have on the Royal Bank of Scotland. Not that there will be fear and trembling in the boardroom, but it will make me feel good.
I have written before, one of many writers to take up the theme of course, about the arrogance and greed of the main banks here. And, let me put that in context. An accidental overdraft of £1 70 for three days and a charge of £25. I may have got my figures slightly skewed here, but only by ten pence or so on the one and £5 or so on the other. But I think I make the point. There is no personal touch at all and I think that kind of charging is immoral. However nice the people might be in my local branch, they can't do anything for me. They know my situation - one of the 'nouveau poor. of Kensington - but did that make a difference? No it did not!
I have been tempted to change for a long time but, I thought, what is the point. They are all pretty well as bad as each other. But, there may be help on the horizon. Metro Bank, the first new High Street Bank for 150 years, has opened its second branch in London - in Earls Court. I went along today to check it out - the third day of a three day opening.
I told them that if I were a banker, I wouldn't be rushing to take my account - because I don't have savings and the cashflow is not extravagant - but I was told they really want to serve the local community. OK, next question - with the preamble: "I feel personally betrayed by my bank". I have got to confirm it, but they claim that any charges are fair and transparent - example £5 to £15 depending on what it is. Metro has ambitious plans for expansion across London, with Kensington High Street on the list in the near future.
They are open seven days a week, the manager can make decisions on the spot and apparently you can also speak to a local person 24/7 in their 'local call centre' - Holborn and not Mumbai! They boast 'no stupid bank rules', 'great online banking' and 'local loans by local lenders'. Even before opening, they supported this year's Earls Court Festival and apparently the local director has her own marketing budget.
Of course it is always tempting to be drawn into the hype of a new business, but I had an interesting talk with a friendly man called Craig. I was surprised to find that he just happened to be the CEO of the company - no ivory tower type here. And rather a nice story behind that too. He is a Brit, has been a banker, went to Harvard and chose to study Metro Bank's founder in the US, Vernon W Hill ll and his idea for 'community banks' in the US. Later when the decision was taken for Metro to come into the UK market, Vernon Hill headhunted the business graduate that had chosen to study him and his bank. He is now the boss here - planning to grow his bank to 200 'stores' by 2020.
If they'll have me, I am pretty convinced I am going to go there. But, I will go and say goodbye to the nice people in RBS's branch in High Street Ken. And no, it is not to score points. They are the ones who, in my opinion, have suffered as much as many of the customers. They are on the front line and get much of the flack!
Brave new world! There is something rather pleasing about a bank that is really talking about customers first. Maybe, just maybe the big banks might learn something.

Place Where Dogs Take Their Owners

2010-09-04T19:49:00.000+01:00

Today is a day for chores, domestics and essential shopping - well not always absolutely essential. In fact I headed to Kensington's best known pet shop, Animal Fair, in Abingdon Road. I bought a coat for Millie - too small I have got to take it back - I should have brought her with me. And, treats for both Benjy and Millie. I try very hard to be even handed - strokes, treats and TLC for both Benjy and Millie in turn.

I was explaining to one of the staff the reason I hadn't brought Millie with me for a fitting. The opticians doesn't allow dogs and I had to go there as well today. It is important to find out the places that are dog-friendly.

I was told that not only does Animal Fair, unsurprisingly, not ban dogs, they welcome them with open arms. And, there are a number of dogs who actually bring their owners in. One clever little dog, drags her owner in every day from the High Street - a couple of hundred yards - because she knows she is going to get a treat.

The shop parrot has quite a following too. He was quiet and well behaved today - and clearly is very used to being photographed.

Looking back over my week, I was reflecting on the delightful evening I had on Thursday this week. It was the Annual General Meeting of the Forum of Faiths in Kensington and Chelsea. I joined because it makes so much sense to me to be with people who look to find the things they have in common with others rather than seeking or focusing on differences. The meeting was held at the Al Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre in North Kensington. The meeting was timed to end so that we could join our hosts for Itfar - the breaking of fast at Ramadan. People of different faiths joined their Muslim friends and the atmosphere was warm, welcoming and happy. A small example maybe, but any effort made to come together in such a way has to be a good thing.

Sahar Zahid, pictured here, who is Chair of the Moroccan Youth UK, gave a moving account of what Ramadan means to her. I have said before how I get a great deal of pleasure from learning new things - and this all too brief talk taught me much I hadn't known about the purpose of Ramadan.

Life is so much richer for knowledge and we are never too old to learn. It is one of the main reasons I have come to accept that 'ageing' is not really that bad. And taking that thought on - the longer I live, the more I can learn. And so here's to many years to come.

There's Always One

2010-09-02T16:24:00.000+01:00

I mentioned in the last post that I was off to a meeting locally - and I hoped that everyone would be constructive and civilised. What an optimist I am. Of course there was a small group, determined to be difficult. The meeting was about the Earls Court Festival - a yearly festival that has grown, from a very small community event a couple of decades or so ago, to the great festival it is now. I'll be writing about it again, particularly when the dates are finalised for next year.
This year there were 44 events over a four week period. There was something for everyone, in my view, music, photography, art, literature, open air film performance, strawberry and cream teas and a busy street fair,
I said it the other night - and I'll place it on record now - the organisers and volunteers did a brilliant job. The variety,quality and number of events would be hard to fault - and I certainly didn't. But, as I feared, there were the few. They were however handled with great courtesy, listened to and even offered space at the table when organising the 2011 festival.
I wonder whether they put as much energy into 'working with' everyone next year. Not that I am a cynic, but I would be surprised.
I am convinced that it takes more energy to be negative, confrontational and insulting than to be civilised, courteous and constructive.
I did however meet some of the pet lovers of Kensington at the Scarsdale Pub afterwards - a stiff drink was definitely required. And, I talked to someone who has taken a urine sample from a cat!! If this is your first visit to this site, I explained in my last post, that I had the challenge ahead of me of having to take a urine sample from my little dog Millie.
Another day, another challenge!!

How on Earth Do I do That?

2010-08-31T16:16:00.000+01:00

I took a couple of days over our Bank Holiday Weekend to do 'some domestics' - sort through and throw things out. It has been very therapeutic, but I felt strangely anti-social and hid away from the world. Except of course from my two furry friends Millie (the Poodle) and Benjy (the cat).

To those of you who have been kind enough to visit my site before, you will know about Benjy and the later arrival in my life Millie. But ever the proud 'parent' , here are visual reminders. And yes, she does sleep on my bed.

One part of ageing, that those of us gliding through it will admit to, is the fairly regular discussion about ailments - doctor's visits and so on. Well I am not going to mention any ailment or visit of mine, but Benjy and Millie have recently had check ups at the Blue Cross. What a fantastic organisation it is. I intend to fund raise again later this year with help from Benjy and Millie of course. Benjy looks and seems really well but still has to have two injections a day as a diabetic. He is so used to them now that he comes and seeks me out if I have not called him. I suppose that could be something to do with the treats he gets for being a 'brave boy' afterwards. But, now there is Millie as well. She has to have drops in each ear - different for each - and I have to take a urine sample from her to take in to see the Vet.
I am adaptable. I'll try most - or certainly many things. But, this will be a first.
Locally, we have a meeting tonight to review this year's Earls Court Festival. I just hope that everyone who attends is full of praise and constructive comments and idea - as I will be. I hate people who only go to meetings to sound off and complain. And, most importantly at the moment, I have to pull all my thoughts together for Active Link's next stage. Good news and helpful information is the mission - and I hope to persuade more people to send in their news and comments. It is so rewarding when I discover that people use it and find it helpful. As I have said before, I am determined to be always useful, interested and even interesting, whatever my age.
I wonder if anyone at the meeting is a dog expert and can guide me on the finer points of taking a urine sample from a toy poodle!

Good News on the Techie Front!

2010-08-28T00:48:00.000+01:00

I never thought I would get excited about a new computer, but I have fallen in love! It is so sleek, fast and a great keyboard. It is yet another thank you to my techie hero and friend Dave P. He sourced it for me, set it up, gave me a basic introduction and here I am, several hours later, still playing. He is the one that has also enabled me to bring Active Link to life. Never have I understood so well the suggestion that 'success in life is so often down to good timing' - and of course 'the people you meet'.
The other great thing about the computer is the screen. After a recent visit to an opticians I have become just a bit neurotic about my eyes. They are so precious. To see is so very very precious - and the small screen I have been using has not been helpful.

In the last few hours I have been organising my pix - including the web album. And so, I am adding just a couple of recent ones for your pleasure......And how better to start than display a new pix of wonderful Millie. She is still such a delight and is building up a fan base in the neighbourhood - especially at The Scarsdale, a dog friendly pub so inevitably there are other dog owners and enthusiasts there,

I was of course laughing at myself in my previous post explaining about the different photographs of me in my album - and so I have found another, this time a short blonde version. Eek, I think I might have had a drink or four that night. Very serious expression isn't it? Would you buy a second hand computer from that person?!!

But below is another great local pub. It is not that I spend a lot of time in local pubs, but I feel it is essential that I know ones I can recommend!! The Churchill on Kensington Church Street has an amazing display of flowers. It also has a fantastic Thai Restaurant ................I'll keep the pictures coming. For now, it's good night from me!

I've Worked it Out!!

2010-08-25T21:23:00.001+01:00

I have been doing a lot of thinking recently - about my Blog, should I continue, why am I doing it anyway? I started it to get used to posting copy regularly again - although I have fallen down on that from time to time! But, of course nothing works if it becomes a burden. What I have realised is that I need to tie it to Active Link - and that is going on to another stage of development soon. I want to be useful, contribute and make my finale my best act yet. I have described myself as an 'optimist' and so I intend to be. Active Link has been a dream for some time. I just know that if you bring people together, 'link' them, they can do a great deal to help each other. I just want to use the skills I have to create those opportunities. That way I need never admit I am retired again - well, only from paid work.

A friend told me that I should change my photograph as I look younger. Well, that is really kind, but I really have to laugh when I look at various photographs of me over the years. The different lighting, my mood, skills of the photographer and even the artificial art of make up and studio. And so, just for amusement I thought I should just add some other photos here and let my friends decide. At the end it is 'just Annie'. And a blog makes sense if it is tied to the other things I am doing - just an extension of them. Many people keep a diary and this is just a version. It is the diary of a woman of 60 something going on 35 - just determined to do something useful - and not to give in to ageing. And, what's wrong with that?

Writer's Block

2010-08-11T13:08:00.000+01:00

I have needed a break from writing for a few days and so sorry for lack of input to my blog. I shall return - within days! I am also gathering more photographs.

It's Still Summer

2010-07-27T22:11:00.000+01:00

It has been a busy few days and so I thought I would let the pictures do the talking.

I've featured The Scarsdale before - a favourite local pub in Edwarde's Square, Kensington.
But, I have been giving more thought to ageing - yes, that subject again. How can we be prepared. There are no rehearsals and no courses. I found out the other day that I have cataracts starting and changes in my eyes. I was reassured that they could be fixed and changes were common for diabetics. Oh well that's all right then. And then there is 'getting tired' and needing more rests. How pathetic is that! As it should be for a 63 year old with chronic conditions, I have been told. But, why is it that in my head I am still 36?!!!!

To the Rescue!

2010-07-22T12:22:00.000+01:00

Thank you, thank you Patricia - the friend and reader who gave me technical advice. I can now load photographs again. And, so the time I have been spending on trying to figure it out can now be used productively,
This photograph is one of my favourite police shots. Anyone who knows Earls Court will have seen the Police Box - our very own Tardis. As far as I know, it is the only one in the country. A much loved Crime Prevention Officer, John Hodges, had the idea, raised sponsorship money and found the original plans. It is a great talking point and a lure for most photographers. The police officer's name is Steve.
Back to work now........ alhough I am definitely saying, if and when people ask, 'what do you do', I say I am retired from paid work. I think that covers it, at least in a general sense. In fact there is so much to do - research, write, seeing people - that I don't know how I ever had time to do my 'paid work'. The one thing I think I do better is 'pace myself' - essential for maintainance of health.
A slightly worrying trip to the Opticians yesterday, but I am sure it sounds worse than it is. More questions need to be asked now.

Stress reduced!!

2010-07-19T16:24:00.000+01:00

I am somewhat less stressed about my computer problems. I have used 'How to do anything on my computer' again and sorted some things out. I am now on line. I have retrieved my photographs from Picasa - I think, I'll try now..........back to drawing board. I'll keep trying. Revise title - stress building again!!!!!!

Computer Crisis!

2010-07-17T20:47:00.000+01:00

Why me? Why today? I knew something was wrong with my computer the other day. Today, it became terminal. I now have a dead computer. I am working on a small back up machine - and no, I have not backed everything up. Apart from that, the day has been great!!
Another Earls Court Festival Event this morning - a champagne breakfast with Chris Tarrant, John Stapleton, Suzanne Dando - and well known restaurant owner Richard Shepherd, at his restaurant Langan's Le Coq Dor in Kensington. It was a great way to start the day. Very amusing and it felt very personal somehow - a gathering of friends.
I am now going to check whether I can upload my photographs from the Picasa web album - er if I did the right thing to upload/download whatever!
Oops - that didn't work. More things to learn. Stress, stress, stress.............back to the quill pen. It was so much easier in those days.

Breakfast with the Ambassador and More Mischief from Millie the Poodle

2010-07-16T17:29:00.000+01:00

The end of another week and a pleasant start to my day. The computer was functioning and I had a breakfast to look forward to. It was one of the events organised by this year's Earls' Court Festival. I have always loved living in this part of London. It is 'multi' virtually everything you can think of and the variety of the events organised this year by the festival highlights that fact. This morning, it was breakfast with the Ambassador of Afghanistant, in conversation with Martin Bell at Langan's Coq D'or restaurant on Old Brompton Road in Earls Court! It was a most enjoyable way of starting the days and there was an excellent turnout of people. The Festival deserves to succeed. There are people working on it hard for much of the year - and many of them in a voluntary capacity. That is what community is all about to me. It is what the web site Active Link is all about. What is wrong about wanting to support local communities and spreading good news and helpful information? I have not become a Mary Poppins or a do-gooder (although what is wrong with either), but I do want to be useful and I want Active Link to serve a very useful purpose.
Returning home, I found Millie the Poodle in mischievous form. She was carrying out a thorough exploration of the flat and Benjy was looking on in a disdainful manner - but hey, he was here first. She tipped over a waste bin and started to sort through its contents. Shortly afterwards she had a empty yoghourt pot stuck on her nose. I must be faster with the camera.!Meanwhile Benjy had escaped to the bath. Millie can't reach him there.
Responding to questions about his country, the Ambassador, His Excellency Homayoun Tandar, said he wanted "to see all international forces leave tomorrow, but unfortunately that was not possible. But by 2013, we want to see Afghan forces in charge and by 2015 for Afghanistan to be under its own security forces."
Before leaving, the Ambassador spoke of other aspects of his country and its culture and expressed a wish that the media would feature parts other than Helmand. He ended with a plea: "Please continue to be with us. We need it and don't think just about the soldiers." But, thinking about soldiers is just what we'll be doing tomorrow. The new Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea has adopted the Help for Heroes as his charity of the year. It is the organisation that is doing so much to offer practical help and support to our armed forces who return injured from conflict. Tomorrow (Saturday 17 July), the Mayor is leading a charity walk through Kensington for Help for Heroes.
And, below is just a corner of a Kensington Square. It is good to remind myself of how lucky I am to live here. There are many lovely squares. Variety is really the 'name of the game' about everything here - and I like it like that.

Computer Crisis and Cheese for Dogs

2010-07-15T21:33:00.000+01:00

Just as I decided that I was on to a daily flow of copy to both my main outlets, Blog and Active Link, my computer decided to remind me that technology can wreak havoc on a day and cause misery for its users. I was already tired from yesterday - a day with too many meetings, too many people and having to learn a new skill. Millie has an ear infection and needs antibiotics. Last evening was OK, because our wonderful friend vet nurse Jess came to check her over and give her her first tablet. This morning, and computer crisis had already made itself felt, I had to make my first attempt at giving a dog a tablet! Not easy. She is small and gentle but still, not an easy easy thing to do, persuade her to take a tablet!! In fact I rang Jess in rather a panic. Try the cheese trick, she said. Well, it had to be worth a try, although I didn't realise that dogs liked cheese. As ever, the expert was right. I crushed the tablet and mixed it in with grated cheese. It was gone in no time. My computer was less cooperative. But I struggled on throughout the day with a copy of How to Do Just About Anything on a Computer. I succeeded, but had a headache - and so I needed tablets as well!! Tomorrow has to be better - doesn't it?

Getting my act together!

2010-07-13T15:23:00.000+01:00

There is not much point having a blog - unless I use it! How unfair to the people kind enough to read it. And, yes, I do have visitors and readers. Therefore I post this blog with a new sense of purpose and a new title. Whilst I am an optimist - I have certainly needed to be - it is MY blog and so it seems right to call it Annie's Blog. It is also a good spur to write on a daily basis as I continue to develop Active Link - even if, on some days, it is to present only a new photograph of a favourite part of Kensington and Chelsea.This one way sign appealed to me. It seems symbolic - there is only 'one way now to go'. - onwards and upwards.
I really must get some personal cards printed. I was thinking about how to describe myself. I thought that I should make a point of saying 'retired from paid work - but not from life'. Or words to that effect. It is so frustrating how people love to hang labels on each other. It is accurate also to say writer, blogger and founder of Active Link. I think that sums it up. I am determined that the rest of my life will be useful and fulfilling. I think there is no better way to get older. Of course having regular rants about things that frustrate me as well seems only fair! If I can't rant at my age, what is the world coming to?

Dogs don't purr!

2010-06-30T23:49:00.000+01:00

For those who are gracious enough to peruse this blog, they will be aware that I am now living with two special furry friends and not just one. Benjy, aka my black and white purring machine, and now Millie - an adorable toy poddle of uncertain age, with a heart murmur. And, it is wise to remind all of the fact that Benjy is a diabetic cat - requiring injections twice a day. Photographs always add to a story of course and said cat and dog are pictured below. I am so used to having cats - that, in the right mood, will purr. Dogs don't purr of course and it has taken me a while to get used to that. All is calm. When Millie walks up to the cat food, Benjy gives way. Although he has adopted new special places - out of reach of Millie of course. With this incredibly hot spell we are experiencing in London, the bath seems to be his favourite place. I even caught him flat on his back earlier today - reminding me again, what a large cat he is!
I have just managed to put a break in the copy and I don't think I mean't to do that - anyway, I digress.
The heat has caused me problems with my breathing. It feels as if I have a weight on my chest and it takes more energy than usual to breathe. This means that it is unwise to do too much rushing around or physical work. I could have adhered to this strategy had I not been set on saving the plants and flowers in front of my home and that of the neighbours either side of me. Three trips to Homebase, three different sets of hoses, three different adaptors and appeals to three men to help put it together. In the end, I sort of managed it myself, but it has not been a total success I am afraid. I'll have to devise Plan B - meanwhile my back aches, the bathroom floor is soaking wet (I tried to attach the hose connection to a tap in my washbasin) - and I am very tired. But still, at least I tried. It is always important to me at least to try.
And so I think to bed - Mollie on my right and Benjy on my left. The problem for Mollie is the bed is too high for her and so she requires assistance on and off it. It is a good thing she is so cute, otherwise she would be banned to her own little bed.

Benjy and Millie in Harmony

2010-06-24T00:37:00.000+01:00

I am just about getting back to normal after my major writing epic and then the printing, binding and delivering. I just have to concentrate much more on my Blog now and also of course Active Link - more in a separate dispatch. One thing that has happened to give me great peace of mind recently is meeting the wonderful Jess. Jess is a Vet Nurse, obviously loves animals and introduced me to Millie. She has developed a great idea. Working for herself, she is like a district nurse for animals. And so, last Saturday,when I had all day at the St Mary Abbots Summer Fete, Jess came in checked Millie out, gave her a shampoo and looked after Benjy as well. She has a great range of services. It means that I can go on holiday, budget permitting, because she can come in a give Benjy his Insulin and make arrangements for Millie and I know that I need not worry. I hope you do really well Jess, you deserve to. If you want to find out more, just check out www.vetnursevisits.com or e-mail her: jess@vetnursevisits.com. She is going to have to change her name because of sensitivities from the College of Veterinary whatevers. She is a fully qualified Vet Nurse, but she can't describe herself that way apparently - go figure!!!!! We have to accept I suppose that there are just people who delight in waving the rule book - or interpreting the rules in a less than imaginative way. You would think they would be really proud of what she is doing. Anyway, she will succeed, despite!

Although it was pretty cool on Saturday - weather-wise that is - it was a good day and possibly even a record for fund raising at the summer fete. It is no secret of course that I love animals too, and there was one photograph I had to take on Saturday!!!

Meanwhile, back at home, Benjy has been really laid back about Millie. Despite the fact that she eats his food and generally tries to make friends, he just develops new favourite places - in the bath, on my desk - in short, all the sort of places she can't get to. But war has not broken out and they seem to accept each other - which is a huge relief. Benjy is just one laid back pussy cat.

I'm Back - and a Stepmother!!!!

2010-06-16T16:41:00.000+01:00

Well I am back. I just have to do a final edit of my dissertation on Neigbourhood Policing - and then wait for the results from Birkbeck - a splendid place where I have proved that oldies can learn too. Meanwhile, I have become a Stepmother!!!!!!!..........................................................See Millie below. She is old, has an 'iffy' heart and is just adorable. Jess, who has started a great business going to care for animals in their homes - like a District Nurse for humans, Jess is a Vet Nurse for animals. She heard about Millie from the RSPCA and asked me if I could foster her. One glimpse of that little face and, of course, I was sold on the idea. Benjy is being very laid back. There were a couple of quiet growls from him, a wagging tail from her - and then life settled down. TO BE CONTINUED ....................Back to my final version, and then I shall be back to blogging and Active Link.

Still writing!!!

2010-05-24T21:50:00.000+01:00

Lilac makes me think of my childhood - lots of plants in the garden. I wonder if I am trying to divert my mind from my deadline? It is just that I have found some more really interesting material.
But, as I said the other day, I really must start.............
At least I can keep posting photographs of beautiful things.

Words, Words and More Words

2010-05-19T21:31:00.000+01:00

Benjy may be looking laid back, but I am a bit fraught. Ok, like virtually every journalist and writer I have ever known, I need the fear of the deadline. I have to have my penultimate draft of my 'special project' completed by next Tuesday morning. 10,000 words on Neighbourhood Policing to go to my supervisor at Birkbeck. One particular challenge I have is that I am still finding new material - because the subject interests me so much. And, let's face it, research is the fun part!! Anyway, once the writing is out of the way, I can start 'Blogging' more frequently - and do even more for Active Link. And, it is really exciting how Active Link is developing. I suddenly love being older - I can still learn, still have ideas and still persuade others to help me. The old 'younger me' wouldn't have thought I could complete the criminology course and, although I have always had ideas, this time, I have actually asked for 'for help'! And that is the real novelty. So, thank you so much Dave P, Alan M at Dwellant.com. And, six days to produce 10,000 words - easy! I once had to write 10,000 words for a supplement in a weekend. But, I did take it just a bit close to the deadline then!!

Feet, Foot-ware and Fund Raising!

2010-05-15T23:42:00.000+01:00

The sun has been shining today in Kensington - and that is a good thing. The title of this post and the photograph will give enough clues - I think! It was a fund-raising day at St Mary Abbots for Christian Aid. Seen in this pix the lovely Sally B, who is a dynamo when it comes to fund-raising (and she is a brilliant mum as well) and the Vicar, Fr Gillean Craig - a legend in Kensington and beyond. He is guaranteed to bring the crowds in. But, I digress. They were the front of house team. The rest of the activity was in the churchyard behind. And, what have feet and foot-ware got to do with anything you might ask?!! Well, there is a lot of standing around to do on a day like this. There is also quite a lot of walking as well - wandering from stall to stall, spending money. I had a stint at 'front of house' and flashed a modest amount of cash at at least some of the stalls. My feet were therefore challenged. But, fortunately, I wore my MBTs.
It occurred to me that one of my better ideas last year was, first of all, to recognise that feet are precious things - particularly for the 'ageing person'. They need TLC (tender and very loving care, the feet that is). The decision I made then to acquire a pair of MBTs was inspired. They look a little strange. They are described as the 'anti-shoe' and, for those who are not up on these things, MBT stands for Masai Barefoot Technology. They were apparently designed to mirror the barefoot walking of the Masai tribe in Africa - those tall graceful individuals, who have perfect posture. The point of all this is to say that my feet and MBTs have forged a very strong and loving bond. My feet can now handle a day of fund-raising and retail therapy without a whinge or a whimper. What more can I say, other than, never take your feet for granted, because you will regret doing so when you get older. I know!!!!!!!

Nearly there!

2010-05-11T17:19:00.000+01:00

My absence for a few days is to be blamed on yesterday - and 'the exam' I took. Phew! I think it went ok - but who knows? I certainly won't until around August or so. But before I can relax completely, I have a 10,000 word dissertation to produce by the end of May. But, it has given me such a buzz. To learn something new and finding my brain still works. My fellow course members are all 'much younger', but I didn't feel that much different, not even in the students' bar yesterday!! Perhaps just a touch more exhausted.
The heading for this posting though is not just about my progress on my Criminology Course. I am writing this in real anticipation that David Cameron will be in Downing Street tomorrow - and so he should be. The bizarre development of talks between Lib Dems and Labour seemed to me to be tacky beyond belief. I shall enjoy going back to producing copy for Active Link tomorrow and start to write those 10,000 words. I shall also go out and about again with my camera. The lovely view above was taken just a couple of days again in a Kensington Square.

Who's floating?

2010-05-04T23:00:00.000+01:00

Ok, I confess, this General Election campaign has turned into a fascinating contest, despite my earlier claims of boredom. There have been more thrills and spills in the last couple of weeks than anyone could have predicted. I haven't changed my mind. I am still going to put my X for the Tory Party - with David Cameron in mind. But, I am convinced that there are many floating voters out there, who may well take it 'to the wire'.
I then started thinking about the emotional cost in the game that is politics.
I was in Westminster on Monday at the Citizens UK election meeting. It was a fascinating experience. The three leaders were given a brief, asked to respond to specifics about Citizens UK's own election manifesto. Citizens UK is committed to unlocking the power of 'civil society' - through training and campaigns - it works to strengthen civil society, influence decision makers and work for the common good. There were around 2,500 people at the event. The election manifesto has been developed by 'citizens' alliances' , right across the country.
The invitation to the three leaders was quite straightforward.
"We, the people, call upon the next Government to:
1. Recognise 'civil society' as an equal partner with good government and competitive markets in the governance of a health country.
2. Adopt the living wage in the public sector and champion it across the country.
3. Create a 20 per cent interest rate cap on all unsecured money loans and bring affordable credit to local communities.
4. End the detention of children in immigration centres.
5. Facilitate affordable owner-occupied housing through community land trusts.
6. Introduce a one-off conditional 'earned regularisation' for long-term irregular migrants.

David Cameron was up first. He responded faithfully to the brief. He responded the way he was asked to. He gave his response and thoughts on the Citizens UK election manifesto - and was direct about not agreeing with the sixth point on the manifesto - that of giving an amnesty to long-term irregular migrants.
Next up was Nick Clegg. He received an enthusiastic reception. He then went into campaign mode - and although he responded in part to the six-point manifesto, I couldn't help but feel that his main focus was 'his' manifesto. And then, Gordon Brown. He delivered a passionate speech. He seemed a different man to the one who appeared through the television screen. His voice was cracking, but he was obviously in his element. This was a demonstration of real democracy. How much better those stiff TV Debates would have been, if they had been held in this type of environment. And then, what happens next? There is no guarantee that there will be clear results on Friday - there may be no clear winner - an emotional cost indeed!

Multi-tasking and ageing?

2010-04-29T22:40:00.000+01:00

I think I am going to have to take a new approach to multi-tasking. What an honest admission! I decided this today, on a tube train on my way to Parsons Green from South Kensington. That is where I should have been, but the trouble is I started thinking, having ideas - one of the joys of ageing, I have the time to do that. I forgot that the Wimbledon train was second and bounded on to the first. To cut a long story short, I managed to sort myself out, backtrack and then arrive, eventually, at Parsons Green. And so, how do I tackle this er 'gentle drift'? I have worked out something this evening and I have put it into action. I have placed the books that I have to study in the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and on my desk. How will this work? I am reminded when I go to bed that I have to do some studying before I go to sleep. In the bathroom - well that is an obvious opportunity for at least dual tasking. Kitchen, it prompts me where to go next. As to my desk, I have so MUCH time to spare - when I am holding on to phone calls, listening to robotic voices, giving me multiple options. I suppose I am saying that as long as I have good visual prompts, I can multi-task!
I am now going to turn to matters political. I have watched the third debate and, been very vocal about it. Sadly, of course, they couldn't hear.
I had no doubt who would get my vote before they started the debate. It confirmed my view, over and over again tonight. David Cameron should be our next Prime Minister and have a clear mandate to lead the country. Gordon Brown represents 13 years of failure - and we know now what he really thinks about we ordinary voters. Nick Clegg - he looked out of his depth, he got flustered and, to me, looks a million miles away from being a Prime Minister of this country. David Cameron looks ready to lead and he deserves to get a clear majority.

Home Remedies Can be Dangerous

2010-04-28T23:24:00.000+01:00

I have had talks with friends about one of the most inevitable aspects of ageing - the discussion of ailments! Mea Culpa - last night I shared the fact that I have had yet another - or an extension of a long running one - chest infection. I have also gone deaf in my left ear. The advice I was given was use drops of olive oil for a few days and then come to the nurse to have it syringed. It was a good thing when I got home that my mind was in gear. I checked my cupboard and had olive oil, but it was infused with chilli - oops! It is such a good thing that I have such good neighbours. My friend Maria, was round in a trice with a bottle of pure olive oil.
I just hope that I get an appointment tomorrow. A few days like this and I have a greater understanding of what it must be really like to have hearing problems. It affects everything.
Still, I could be much worse off this evening - my name could be Gordon Brown. It is sad, the relish with which the media has taken up the story. But, it is understandable. We have all said things in the heat of the moment, but he is a professional politician fighting for his life. If nothing else, he showed remarkable discourtesy to a lifelong labour voter - admittedly not to her face. But that makes it worse.
And, just in case you have not caught up with the story, Gordon Brown was chatting to a voter on a walkabout in one of our northern cities. He was all smiles to her, even when she used the 'I' word, immigration. It was when he got into his car with his aides, not aware that he had a live mike on, and said words to the effect 'that was a disaster, whose idea was it to talk to her.....she's a bigot'. Oops, he was then confronted with the recording on a live radio interview. A lightening dash to back to the lady's home and a fulsome apology. Like me, I suspect that Gordon Brown will be glad when 6 May is over.

Tiredness - Blame on illlness or ageing?

2010-04-27T21:34:00.001+01:00

I really believe in working in the community for the community. If that makes me old-fashioned or a so-called do-gooder - then so be it. But this election campaign is highlighting for me that need for us - i.e. normal people who live in communities - to do our bit. I have thought it for a long time and have tried to contribute whatever I can. I am now pleased that David Cameron is talking about the Big Society. It makes so much sense.
As for me at the moment, I am slowed down again - most irritatingly, as I seem NOT to have lost my respiratory infection I started on 1 March. And so, I am on a fourth type of anti-biotic and steroids. I say this for no other reason that I have too much to do, that I want to do, to be held back. Aagh!!!And, I still have my criminology exam looming and 10,000 words to produce for my project. I must be patient and perhaps work in two hour bursts. And look at lovely pictures, such as another one of my Kensington in bloom collection here. But, I have to confess I feel uncomfortable about taking so many antibiotics.
I did feel the need to have a reality check with my GP again today though. Should I expect to feel tired with an infection - or, and of course what I was actually thinking - or is it a natural part of ageing? I would love some really honest feedback. How much more tired do people feel, at the end of a day, when they get older? Obviously there will be differences but there must be some kind of a trend - isn't there? I just feel better knowing that what I feel - is, well, what I should expect to feel.

Syringes, Morris Dancers - and a Bra that Fits!

2010-04-24T22:35:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was St George's Day. I thought about celebrating it or marking it, but I had an urgent errand. I had to go to the Blue Cross Hospital in neighbouring Hammersmith for Benjy - but not with him on this occasion. I needed more syringes. And, just to explain to anyone who has not caught up with our story, Benjy is my much loved cat and he is diabetic - as am I. However I don't need to inject myself - but I do have to inject Benjy, twice a day. I guess it might have raised some questions if the box of syringes had fallen out of my bag! On the way back I came across a celebration for St George's Day anyway. I have been lucky enough to travel a great deal, although the 'folk dancing' genre has never been one that I have been drawn to. As for Morris Dancing, it would probably come last on my list but, it made for some amusement in Hammersmith yesterday. Today called for another trip out of Kensington and Chelsea - to Oxford Street, with a lot of reluctance. Now this is a topic of interest to women - the search for a comfortable well fitting bra. I do not intend to describe the shop to shop trawl. I only intend to announce a success. I discovered the wonderful Bravissimo in Margaret Street. I left a satisfied customer with the amazing news that I have been wearing the wrong size bra for some time. We mature types can just not afford to be wearing wrongly-sized bras! It has to be said that the feeling of total exhaustion I feel now, after fighting my way down Oxford Street, suggests the need for a very gentle evening ahead. And that is what I am now going to have.

Our Police Open Their Doors and Learning is Good For the Mind

2010-04-23T01:53:00.000+01:00

The sun shone down on the first Open Day held by our local Police on Kensington Sector in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea today. The neighbourhood office, that is the base for five local wards and Neighbourhood Teams, issued a 'welcome to all' invitation to local residents and businesses. It was an opportunity for people to talk to their police about any concerns they might have and learn more about the services that can be provided by the Neighbourhood Teams, and also by other agencies like the local council on such things as 'noise and nuisance' - and other like elements that are considered important to people - if they are to feel safe and secure in their communities. Adding a light touch to the day was the figure of Police Community Support Officer Steve. He proved popular with visitors to the open day and passers-by alike. There was a steady trickle of visitors through the day and a number of problems discussed and solutions planned for and found. The day went well and it seems likely that there will be more in the future. It sent me off in a good mood for my last lecture before the big exam, not to mention the looming deadline for a 10,000 word dissertation eek! I suppose it is quite appropriate that I am studying criminology and my dissertation is going to be on Neighbourhood Policing! I have become more convinced than ever that learning is good for the ageing mind - and it just makes it all the more enjoyable that I am studying a subject that also features as an active part of my life.

Timing is so important!

2010-04-21T22:42:00.000+01:00

What a happy Benjy cat on a sunny day in London. Does he look laid back.
I felt reasonably happy today too. Yesterday I had a meeting, along with my friend Dave P - the person who has made Active Link possible - with two others. We were talking about Active Link, something that has been a dream of mine for quite a few years. And, to my delight, they not only listened but seemed to take it seriously. It is strange how it is so important to wait for the 'right time' - even if it takes a few years. But, then, I suppose I am known to be quite stubborn - or tenacious even. And it is starting to seem as if the waiting may have been worth it. I had an equally pleasing meeting tonight. I met Emma W, who was delightful company and someone with an interest in a wide range of things. I hope that she and I are going to continue exchanging ideas for Active Link and whatever else takes our minds. It is always a boost to meet new people - well it is when you like them!!
We enjoyed a cool drink in the garden in front of the Scarsdale pub - a place I featured photographically recently. Tonight I took more pictures of Kensington in bloom - most specifically in front of the Scarsdale.

I can think of worst places to spend an early evening!

Inspirational place and Like Minds

2010-04-19T22:18:00.001+01:00

I am lucky. I have always been able to find things that interest me and people I like. I joined the Forum of Faiths in Kensington and Chelsea last year and I found and find it satisfying and enjoyable to spend time with people of like mind.
Tonight we met at a fascinating place in the City of London - St Ethelburga's, Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. It was once the mediaeval church of St Ethelburga's and one of the oldest in the City of London. It survived the Great Fire of London and came through the Second World War unharmed - only to be devastated by an IRA bomb in April 1993.
It took ten years to raise the necessary 3 million pounds to turn it into the Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. It now provides a unique space inside the restored mediaeval walls. The vision of the new Centre was to bring about a more peaceful world where people of all faiths and none, could build healthy relationships across political, religious and cultural divisions. Where different faith traditions work together to promote reconciliation and peace and also where people can disagree without violence. In the last three years people from over 39 countries have visited and participated in its work.
It was a good place to meet. An inspirational space to spend time with people of like mind!

Sunny London for Stranded Visitors

2010-04-19T00:07:00.000+01:00

Just a glimpse of London on a very lovely sunny Sunday in April......................
It was a good day to make new friends too. Those of us who gather at the Prince of Wales, Kensington Church Street, after Matins at St Mary Abbots, always welcome newcomers. Today we had the pleasure of meeting Jeannie from Memphis, who is stuck in London and has missed a really special family event at home. I am not saying that meeting our merry band will make up for that, but at least we can invite her to things here and make her days of waiting somewhat more enjoyable. Not all Brits are distant and unfriendly!
It still seems so bizarre that people are stranded here and across Europe. There is volcano erupting still that has caused more chaos to the airline industry than anything in decades. The political system has gone completely mad. There have been suggestions that Nick Clegg, the young LibDem leader is being compared to Sir Winston Churchill. That is an insult to Churchill. I am sure Nick Clegg is a decent man, but comparing him to the man who led this country through World War II is outrageous!

Can I stay to the end?

2010-04-15T22:49:00.000+01:00

Yes, it is a historical moment. The first big political debate. But, I find myself wanting to hit two of them. Gordon Brown, what planet is he on? And, young Nick Clegg - too young, too brash and not up to the job. Gordon Brown makes me particularly angry. His party has spent 13 years driving this country into ruinous debt. Increasing the number of public sector jobs to an unsupportable rate. Allowing immigration to run so wildly out of control that it has put public services under unbearable strain in many places. And, then to see the British National Party gain foothold in some parts of this country. I love my country. I am loyal to the Crown. I support our armed forces and believe they have been shamefully let down by this government.
I have just heard Gordon Brown talking about how any failing police forces, could be taken over by another force. That is what I think he said. But who knows. He has been creating policy on the run and lying for too long.
It is nauseating to hear Brown talking over the others and trying to get Cleggy on side.
And, yes, I am even more convinced. David Cameron is for me.
I need something to cool me down, because I would prefer to keep my television intact and both Clegg and Brown are winding me up so much. It is around 40 minutes in.
Clegg is such a lightweight. Can I keep watching this? He is bouncing around like a child in a playpen. And then, Brown, he is off again on 'global recession' - nothing to do with me.
Oh now we are on to the military. How dare Gordon Brown say that he would not send our forces out under equipped. He has done so. He is a liar and a disgrace - as too is Tony Blair, but that is a road I am not going down now. My blood pressure will not take it!!
Only 20 minutes to go.
Ah, now we have moved to health - another long list from Brown. I do not believe him, I do not believe him. And, now Clegg. He has annoyed me increasingly through this debate.
David Cameron is plausible, believable and he has my vote. I have virtually made it to the end. It is now the summary by each leader. Clegg is too eager beaver. Brown is tedious, boring - and in this part he is shaking his head about everything David Cameron is saying. David Cameron has maintained his dignity throughout and he makes sense. More years like the same - I don't think so. Clegg might have a good idea or two, but run the country? Absolutely not.
Meanwhile there is the drama of the total closure of the UK airspace. It is hard to comprehend the awesome power of nature.
I do know that the closure of airspace is is not an overreaction. I remember a Boeing 747 that flew into volcanic ash back in 1982 in the Far East. All four engines cut out. Fortunately, the Captain, Eric Moody, kept his cool, do what he had been trained to do and managed to get the engines started again and the aircraft down safely. Eric was a real hero and he illustrated how important it is to have the right people flying our aircraft, with superlative training to match

I was not certain I would stay to the end, but I did. I wonder how many others will have done so. What could calm me now? I think the healing side of nature. Kensington Gardens - another reason to love living in Kensington.

Maybe it is going to be fun after all - the election that is!

2010-04-08T23:19:00.000+01:00

The sun was shining today. In fact, the weather was great. Benjy seems to be over his tooth extraction - shudder eek, hate dentists personally - and he was so brave. In fact, all seemed to be well with the world. Unless of course your name is Gordon Brown. And, I suppose you cannot afford to say 'sorry, you are right, I got it wrong', at this stage of an election campaign. But it really isn't very clever to suggest people like Sir Stuart Rose and Sir John Egan, and many more captains of industry, are being naive - or as good as. I would say that, on balance, it has been a pretty good day for the Conservatives - and, I am glad to say, for my friend Damian Green, Shadow Minister for Immigration. You may remember that he was the politician arrested last year, his office in Westminster raided and, if that wasn't enough, the police also arrived at his family home mob handed. To anyone who knows him, it was unsurprising that he was completely exonerated. The whole incident was outrageous. But, I do hope that he enjoyed being on the front pages of a number of the pages again today - in rather different circumstances. He was able to reveal that recent figures show there are almost 730,000 fewer British-born workers in the private sector than in 1997. He went on to say that the official figures were the final proof that Gordon Brown was misleading the public, when he promised British jobs for British workers!

I thought I had better produce a recent picture of Benjy, to prove that he really has recovered from his tooth extraction. And another picture of Kensington in Bloom - because it is beautiful - and we all need beautiful things to look at in these challenging times! And, of course there is my personal sense of satisfaction. I not only took the photographs, but managed to upload them on to the Blog as well. And, from someone who was dragged screaming from the quill pen - that is 'a result'.

And just one more pix, to highlight that one of my favourite places, Cafe Phillies on Phillimore Gardens in Kensington, is now open in the evenings, from Wednesdays to Saturdays.........

From 7 pm it will be transformed into the Phillies Wine Bar. As you can see, they have a good stock of wine and they have also introduced a tapas menu. It really is worth checking out www.cafephillies.co.uk.

Beautiful Day - Shame about the Election!

2010-04-06T19:51:00.000+01:00

It has been a really lovely day. The sun has been shining and Kensington, really does look at its best - in bloom. Above is one of my favourite local pubs, The Scarsdale. It's a real pub - certainly not plastic - and they have great food and a good display of flowers. I had just felt like wandering for a while with my camera. I caught some of the blossom and flowers around - and I am now sharing them with you - because they are beautiful and they deserve an audience. I was also celebrating the fact that my new camera is still in working mode. I put in new batteries and nothing happened. I tried another set - just in case and still no sign of life. I took it back to the shop - and yes, I have been a muppet again. Apparently it is quite important to put the batteries in the right way round!! But then I returned to earth with a bang. Election coverage every way I turned - wall to wall, no escape. And, it is going to be like this for the next month. I know which way I am voting and I will not be swayed. David Cameron has my vote - there I have said it. I only wish that I could find an election-free zone for the next month and just wake up to see Dave and SamCam on the doorstep of Number Ten. But, there will be plenty of opportunities to rant I suppose. That will just have to keep me going!

I love Kensington

2010-03-31T23:11:00.000+01:00

There is a wonderful local garden nursery close to where I live, called Rassells. As well as a great selection of plants and a flower shop, there is also a tennis court and behind that a small attractive fenced garden -all set in an elegant Kensington Square. And that is where the weather report can be found - see left. There has been a daily bulletin posted since 1981. It could be set in a village in the Cotswolds, but it really is in a garden square in Kensington. It is just one of the reasons I love this place.
WELL I PROMISED

Now, I mentioned a short while ago that I had decided to develop a PADA Diet. It is always risky to announce something like that - particularly if some smart person remembers your promise.! And that is why I have tried the system for a few days before reporting back. The PADA diet is the 'plan a day ahead diet'. So far so good, because I have drawn the conclusion that everything works better with time to plan - and good planning. I gave the whole diet thing a lot of thought, I have probably studied virtually every diet ever published and for me, calorie counting has to make sense - as long as it doesn't become too tedious and really time-consuming! I have a suspicion that my portion control is .......it is good that I can laugh at myself......out of control. I went recently to the Health and Vitality Show at Earls Court in London. And there I invested in a set of Rosemary Conley's 'Portion Pots'. They are an easy way of measuring and counting portions of cereals, rice, pasta and veg. I confirmed my fear. My portion control has been WAY out of control. It also occurred to me that with the calorie counting bit, I could build up knowledge as I go along. Snacks and meals I like, check out the calorie counts, keep a record and then plan accordingly. I shall report on my project from time to time and reveal the pace of loss! I may decide to reveal more information - but that is a decision for the future.

BENJY ON THE MEND
It has been a very stressful few days. Benjy, my black and white purring machine, aka Benjy the Cat, had four teeth out - not just the two forecast. He has been very brave and I have had to research new soft food. It could only happen to my cat, his favourite is a new organic premium cat food. But he's worth it, even if his food budget is just about to go up by £10 plus a week. There has been one positive - positive? - outcome from this traumatic time. I have finally booked an appointment with a dentist for me.

To take them or not to take them?

2010-03-24T23:24:00.000Z

I continue to explore aspects of ageing (as you know!) and I have become particularly interested in whether to take, or not to take, Vitamins and Minerals.
I have read a lot, but there is nothing like talking to an expert. Alex Shalet (left) is the senior nutritionist at Nutri Centre, located within within Tesco in Kensington, London. He is very patient, and so knowledgeable, that it is hardly surprising he is in demand. But, I managed to catch him the other day and I asked the big question - "as we get older, is it important to take vitamins and minerals?" Yes is the short answer - and I was given the longer explanation as well. Good to know that I have not been wasting my money in this area anyway.
Alex says it is "absolutely not too late to keep at bay or reduce the impact of chronic degenerative diseases. And, as we get older we absorb less of our vitamins and minerals from food. There is also the depressing fact that our food is exposed to more and more toxins in the environment. Our bodies are not as efficient at producing Co-enzyme Q10, for example, and that is fundamental to our energy. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant."
He went on to explain:
"There is a massive reduction of vitamin B in the fruit and veg we buy - due to the soil they grow in being depleted in minerals and vitamins. The fruit and veg may look the same, but they are not.
"If you are optimally nourished and have a sufficient supply of all that the body needs - and you are utilising and absorbing nutrients properly - then there would not be the same concern."
As it is, Alex Shalet pointed out that only the most controlled individual will resist buying the wrong food from time to time - and I couldn't disagree with that!
Of course when money is limited, purchasing a number of good vitamins and minerals can add up to be quite a sum. But, personally, I have become convinced that they make a difference.
And so, what are the most important vitamins to take?
"A good fish oil with vitamin D is essential, a good all round formula of Multi Vit with Minerals and for the joints Glucosamine."
I decided to add an anti-oxidant to my list and have become careful to take plenty of yoghurt with pro-biotics - particularly when I take antibiotics. My last chest infection required three different courses of antibiotics - a little worrying.
There is another important aspect, apart from considering whether to take additional vitamins and mineral, it is how much any of us want to play a part in managing our health. I believe that working hard to manage anything to do with out lives is vital.
I am rather glad I have an expert like Alex on my doorstep. And, I intend to keep reading anything I can find on the subject of health and ageing. I suspect it becomes easier to think that we can manage little ourselves as we get older. That is a thought we must fight against and fight hard. I certainly intend to.

Local businesses need support not more bureacracy

2010-03-22T14:05:00.000Z

I do believe strongly in supporting local businesses. Take my friend, Fred Mokrani ,who took over Brampton's Cafe on Earls Court Road almost two years ago. He has worked tirelessly to build up his business. He recently had a refurbishment and is keen now to really promote the place. But before he does, he wanted quite reasonably to complete his new look with a new name, his, - Cafe Fred - complete with new signs, colours to match his new interior and a smart awning. Now how hard can that be? But, it is, because of the bureaucratic requirements of the planning department of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Now I am not saying that we shouldn't have a good planning regime. It is clearly essential in a place like Kensington and Chelsea, with its many fine buildings and conservations areas. But, purlease!! It should be pretty straightforward for a man to call his own business what he wants and not have to take weeks over it. As a regular and declared supporter, I was more than happy to take a look at the form he had to fill in and I offered to ring the Planning Department at RBKC to ask some questions on Fred's behalf. He speaks English perfectly, but he wanted reassurance that he was filling in the right form. Now, I think I speak English pretty well and my hearing is good. I was told that the form no ?? whatever it was - and I was looking at it at the time - was the correct one. Not content with the information on the numerous pages of the form, drawings were required and precise measurement of space between the letters etc etc etc - just what someone in the world of small business does not need or want!
But, then even more time taken and lost - Fred received a letter saying that it was the wrong form and to start all over again. Meanwhile, the new signs and the awning are waiting to be installed.
I didn't imagine the conversation I had with the planning department, and I am really annoyed that the owner of a small business is being messed around like this.
I DO NOT BELIEVE that it has to take so long and be so complicated. Moreover, it would have been helpful if they sent the right form in the first place! We need our small businesses and they deserve proper support, not bureaucratic barriers.

Here is Fred and his cousin Yaz who has joined him in the business recently and one of their

younger regulars. There is nothing nicer than finding a local Cafe with good food, reasonable prices and lots of regulars. It would have been nice for Fred if he had been able to take advantage of the Easter break to promote his business as his own. He has worked hard enough for it.

'Must have' generation

2010-03-19T01:30:00.000Z

Now I am back in action, I thought I would have a mini rant.
I have started to think that one of the main descriptions for today's generation has to be the 'Must Have' generation. I have lost track of the number of times I have seen the 'must have' tag given to everything from fashion to art and shoes to bags.
Having finally reached the age of sense, sensibility and reason - cue laughter - I can finally say that I have definitely got over the 'must have' obsession. Just a couple of days ago in the Daily Mail I read that it was 'Return of the IT Bag.....You know the recession is over when designer handbags are flying off the shelves again' it said. There was a cute little blue number from YSL for £1,199 and a bag from Chloe for a mere £920. Oh, and I mustn't ignore the Alexa Satchel from Mulberry for £795. I am not being holier than thou about it, but there are people for whom those amounts represent their monthly income, or possibly more than. I have pensioners in particular mind. It puts things into perspective rather, doesn't it?
I am so proud of myself now that I can waft through stores and say (silently!!)- no must haves, possible might likes - but don't need and won't have. Such strength that has come from a challenge or five and the wisdom of age!

To mark my return to Blogging after my 'Asthma break' and a surge of optimism, I thought I would add a picture or two - direct from nature. As far as I am concerned now, they compete perfectly with any IT bag.

I am back - more to follow later

2010-03-18T17:03:00.000Z

As my last post explained, I have been having an 'asthma break'. I decided to look after myself for a change and REST.
I have had some good thinking time though and that is always useful. I discovered that I have missed Blogging. I have been so keen to do a lot more for Active Link and I am also playing with my camera.
I am just off to college for a criminology lecture and so I am rushing, but I'll file later. I have been building up a few rants and there is nothing like a Blog to air them.

SERVICE WILL BE RESUMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

2010-03-04T19:17:00.000Z

I started off feeling a little off colour last week - and went downhill from there. This is one of my 'enforced breaks'. There are short holidays, mini-breaks or asthma flares, with chest infections. I seem to have ended up with the third. I still get surprised at when breathing becomes difficult, how energy levels spiral down - and thinking gets a little foggy too. But, I am managing to do some gentle researching, filing and sorting. Sorry to sound pathetic, but I'll be back in action soon. It is very irritating, just as Active Link is gathering some momentum too. But more thinking time usually leads to something good. I always manage to find a silver lining - bold words, but I have so far.

Dental trauma ahead for Benjy

2010-02-22T22:25:00.000Z

I think I am probably going to take most Sundays off from writing - as I did yesterday. It would seem reasonable to have an occasional day off - and maybe even another day in the week, from time to time. After all, I need and want to dedicate a lot of time now to Active Link. And, 'I am not getting any younger'!
OK, all that's true, but, actually in this instance, I had to face up to a stressful day today. I definitely needed my sleep before another trip to the Blue Cross Animal Hospital for Benjy's latest check up.
He gets stressed, I definitely get stressed. And, we found out today that he has to come back in March to have work done on his teeth - some taken out the rest cleaned and polished. Poor Benjy. Personally I hate dentists. It has been ever since a French dentist, travelling over to work in London from Paris every week, took a tooth out, admittedly loose, without asking me and without pain relief. Probably trying to get his own back for the Battle of Agincourt.

I know that I must have sounded flippant in my last post, but I am serious about putting off the 'new me' and Plan a Day Ahead Diet, until I can organise my fridge, cupboards and timetable. The more I thought about it, the more I realised that overall planning has to be the key - followed by planning in detail for the next day. I'll report back.

I'll do it my way!

2010-02-21T00:19:00.000Z

Truth to tell, I have been comfortably proportioned for years. I prefer to describe myself as Rubenesque. I have tried numerous diets and eating plans. When I could afford it, I went to 'health farms'. But now, I have to tackle this situation. During this 'seemingly endless cold spell' I have used the excuse of eating the wrong things under the guise of 'keeping warm though comfort food'. Yeah, right.
So now, I have to consider how to go about it. I have decided to follow the PADA diet - that is the 'Plan A Day Ahead' diet. I can't cope with 14 day eating plans or attending classes. I don't want to, nor do I believe in, the quirky diets - the cabbage soup, the grapefruit, and all those that seem so easy, but again need planning for more than a day. And, also they don't seem particularly balanced.
I have listened to dieticians at two hospitals. And, they make so much sense. I know that reducing weight is essential for health, particularly taking into consideration Diabetes and also Asthma. I know all this and I really do need to do something, but I need a bit more time.
However, I can establish a framework. My PADA diet requires several elements - calorie control, low GI foods, smaller meals and more often. And I need flexbility - how to eat when I am out and need to eat and can't get home in time. I shall work hard on this and will not only report back on the theory of it, but the practice. Meanwhile, I must just have a snack. I do find it hard to go to bed when I am hungry and/or have cold feet.

A Gentle Day

2010-02-19T23:53:00.000Z

I don't know what it is about birthdays. I still enjoy them, although they are spent at a much gentler pace. I had lunch at a favourite restaurant, Cafe Phillie's, just of High Street Kensington. They have great food, a very personal service and a great ambience. And the addition of a couple of glasses of champagne did no harm to the occasion, it has to be said.
And, thank you Dickiebo for spotting the 'deliberate mistake' yesterday - I plead exhaustion! He was quite right to point out I must have meant am and not pm for the time when I was writing yesterday's Blog.
After a very pleasant lunch, I then spent the latter part of the afternoon into this evening with some good friends - good company, laughter and a few drinks. A good formula. It's hard to beat time with good friends. But, back to focus on sensible stuff tomorrow. I am so excited about the potential of Active Link, for example.
It is a simple concept. Those of us in the community who care about it, will be able to share good news and information - thanks to this new technology, apparently called Web 2.0. The most exciting thing for me is the flexibility and the immediacy.
I worked on the launch of a newspaper - more than a few years back. That was exciting, but the gap between the last word written and the first sight of the newspaper was a minimum of one to two days. With a web site, the last word is written, the button is pressed and there you are - published. But also, instant changes to the topics, appearance and instant appearance for a news story - heady stuff!
I am tired tonight, there are a few aches and pains - all due to this ageing stuff. and a day of 'relaxation' . But, I am still getting a buzz out of being really involved in a new project, studying for the first time in years and having other genuine areas of interest. I may have lived my life backwards to a degree - poor student at this stage in my life and no property now or any other assets, but I have started to really like this life of mine. And, after all, there is nothing wrong with slowing down is there?

Good news bad news

2010-02-19T01:00:00.000Z

I started off quite well this morning. A productive couple of hours at my desk before setting off to see my GP - the very special Dr Kate. She concluded that I was managing my health challenges pretty well right now. And, that made me feel as if I had had a good report at school. Most satisfying. However, I did ask her if anything was predictable about ageing. "Only that it is predictable", she said.
Still feeling like a 'good pupil', I went over to Birkbeck for one of my lectures on current issues in criminology. Tonight's lecture was on domestic violence and child and elder abuse. Sadly, I am reasonably au fait with the facts behind domestic violence, but tonight provided a stark reminder. Domestic violence (DV) claims the lives of around two women a week and has an impact on millions more. Home Office research has found that DV has more repeat victims than any other crime and, there will be an average of 35 assaults before a victim calls the police. And if those facts were not enough, a report from the NSPCC reveals that on average every week in England and Wales one to two children are killed at the hands of another person. A recent article in the Observer highlighted the fact that at least 30 children have been murdered or died as a result of abuse since the tragic death of Baby P two years ago. I can't help but feel reminders like this are essential; because if they prevent one death or case of abuse, as a result of someone in the community reporting their concerns to the authorities, then it justifies this gloomy recital.
I felt I needed a rant of some sort to end the day with. There is nothing like a good rant to raise my spirits. And so, I return to the subject of the disgraced Met Police Commander, Ali D. It has been announced by a Manchester firm of solicitors - interesting! - that he is to launch appeals against both conviction and sentence. Do me a favour Ali, you have really lost the plot now. In good old fashioned police parlance, "they got you bang to rights".
Well I am feeling better now, although Benjy my cat is looking slightly warily at me for expressing my views rather loudly. But I see that it is now coming up to 12.55 pm and that means it is the 19th February. And so, Happy Birthday to me............ no flowers please, a donation to charity of my choosing would be fine - ideally Help for Heroes - or M & S Vouchers or Book Tokens, they never fail!!

As I am getting quite into this idea of photographs on the site, I thought it would be amusing to post a couple of photographs of me before I go to bed - one taken in the last year and the other, well a few more years ago, but it was taken in a studio. It always makes me laugh. I don't know what I was thinking - but it does prove what make up and the right lighting can do! I seem to remember it was one of those special offers, involving champagne, pampering and then the photographs. The much more natural shot was taken by my friend David Costley-White. Thank you David.

Could or should the Optimist become the Pessimist?

2010-02-17T22:53:00.000Z

I had to laugh this morning. I have adopted iGoogle as my Home Page. It is really useful pulling a lot of things together in one place. And as I love words, asking for quotable quotes for the day seemed a gift. Someone called George F Will (sorry George, your name is not familiar to me) said: "The nice part about being a pessimist is that you are constantly being either proven right or pleasantly surprised". It is tempting, but when my optimism is proved right, it is a very good feeling. Admittedly, I have made some mistakes in my time, but I have got certain people and some situations right!
I am always keen to pass on good web sites and, although it has become pretty well known, there still could be those who are not familiar with Martin Lewis's www.moneysavingexpert.com. It is really worth checking out and signing up for. But, its success has lead to it being targeted by scam merchants. According to a recent report, e-mails have been circulated, claiming to be sent by Martin Lewis, and suggesting that the recipient had been pre-approved for a loan. They are definitely not from Martin Lewis or MoneySavingExpert.com.
They have been using the Elephant Loans brand - a company that went into liquidation in May 2008. It appears that this is the latest in a long line of stories of firms falsely using the names MoneySavingExpert.com or Martin Lewis. Hardly surprising then that the new estimate of fraud in the UK is double the previous national fraud estimate of £13 billion. Another indication, as if it were needed, that where there is money, there is often crime.
And, turning to my main question for the day - should I turn into a pessimist - nah! Life would be much more boring.

Dreams of good weather - will it ever return?

2010-02-17T01:29:00.000Z

Do you think that the cold and damp weather will leave us any time soon? I am so depressed with it. I just yearn to have weather that will make a walk in a park a pleasing thought and a possibility again. The photograph isn't the best because it was taken by my phone, but it does remind me of at least one sunny day when I sat in the beautiful Kyoto Garden in Holland Park - and that has given me some hope. Good weather will return, I just know it, but I wish I knew when!

A soothing Monday

2010-02-15T21:52:00.000Z

I have had an enjoyable, gentle Monday. As I have grown older - yes, that word again - I have found having 'a faith' and being part of a church community both supportive and sustaining. It is, of course, my personal view and choice and I don't try to impose either on anyone else. I respect everyone's right to believe in a faith or religion - or not. I just hope that we always have the tolerant country I believe we still, 'just about', have today, and the freedom to make choices.

Anyway, the main point of my introduction is to say I attended St Mary Abbots today for 'Sunday on Monday'. The idea is to serve both local residents and those who work in Kensington High Street - offering a tranquil place to visit and enjoy a short communion service - and a time to talk. Also refreshments are provided to complement a 'lunch to go'. The addition of hot soup has been a particularly welcome addition in recent weeks - thanks to local resident Alison Steel. Anyone is welcome, you don't even have to be a Christian and taking communion is optional. It is encouraging to see how the numbers are growing. It starts at 1.05 pm and any more information can be obtained from Father Rob Marshall, who developed the idea. (Tel: 020 7937 2259). It would be hard to find anyone more welcoming and I have started to describe him as 'Yorkshire's loss and our gain'. It provided a gentle environment and a peaceful one - something that I find increasingly important to my day to day life.
I then went to my alternative office, Fred's Cafe at the top of Earl's Court Road in Kensington and just off the High Street. I believe in supporting local businesses whenever possible. And, if there are any doubts that small businesses are burdened by bureaucracy and administration today, and need support, then Fred could remove those doubts. All Fred wants is to have his name above the door of this business that he has worked so hard to build up in the last year or so. The refurbishment of the inside is virtually complete, but it is taking Fred a lot of time to sort out the requirements of the licensing department at the Town Hall before he can add the signs and awning to the outside. Would you believe that he has to provide details like the 'height of each letter' on his proposed signs; the measurement of the space between each letter and blah, blah, blah? I can't help but think that the detail required is excessive and, apart from the amount of time that Fred is having to spend, to get all the detailed drawings and figures together, it will then take 'around eight weeks' before he can call his place, 'his own'! As my favourite columnist, Richard Littlejohn, would say, 'you couldn't make it up'.

First Image from New Camera!

2010-02-14T22:45:00.000Z

Flowers at Flower Corner - corner of Kensington High Street and Kensington Church Street on Valentine's Day. If I had had a romantic notion of giving out a red rose or two, unfortunately it was a case of PDNA - Pension Does Not Allow!! £70 for a, admittedly beautiful, bunch of 12 long stem red roses.

I have been teaching myself how to use the new camera. All the usual idiotic mistakes. My friend Dave said, very kindly, would you like me to edit them them? I did spot a few fingers in the wrong places. Well I have always learnt by my mistakes. And I hope this is going to work, but I am about to upload a picture - fingers crossed. And the example above is proof that I am not totally hopeless.

And, not because I am trying to be - well clever here. But I had an enquiry about Benjy, was he ok? And so, just to prove it - sorry Steve!!! - here he is - fingers crossed again. What a result!!!
Please note that Active Link has now been launched - see link.

Good things could and should come out of the Ali D saga!

2010-02-11T01:52:00.000Z

There has been much coverage over recent days about 'the fall' of the Met Police commander Ali Dizaei. I met him a few times when he was based in Kensington and Chelsea. My personal view of the man is immaterial. But the one incident that I recall most clearly, speaks for itself. It was a police and community meeting in North Kensington. I think it is fair to say there are tensions around police tactics like 'stop and search' in this part of the Royal Borough. And so a public meeting here was supposed to be the ideal moment for Supt Dizaei to comment on such topics, show understanding - and he did so.
He spoke about 'racism against black people'. Of course with a prominent role in the Black Police Officers Association his words were predictable. We had heard them before. But, someone in the audience challenged him quite vigorously. "You are not black", said the man. At which point, a slightly flustered, I feel, Ali D said, well I understand the 'black experience'. Hmm!
He was and is an arrogant bully, as far as I am concerned. And, I find it impossible to summon up any sympathy that he is incarcerated in HMP Wandsworth. But, what I hope might come out of this, is the other 'bullies' who have played the race card, and all the other cards, or so called 'isms', might just think again.
There is so much damage done by the people who try it on, and the cowards who just give into them - like many of the prominent figures around the Met and our political elite who gave in to this man before. They are greeting the verdict as if it was what they expected and hoped for all along. Really? How come so much money was wasted in attempting to challenge this 'bent copper' in times past. They gave in on politically correct grounds - clearly believing they could not stand up to-his so called challenge of racism. They should have done so. Well, he has been brought to justice at last, but how much could have been achieved with the money spent so far on this man? Real questions need to be asked about this element of the Ali D saga!

My Kind of Learning and Logic

2010-02-04T23:32:00.000Z

My life has followed a vague sort of logic. I wanted to be a journalist. I thought travelling the world with British Airways, would be a good preparation for a career in journalism. So I then specialised in aviation and travel as a journalist.That makes sense doesn't it?
Using that same approach, I would even call it logic, I developed a real interest in policing and the criminal justice system. This came after working with the police and community locally for around 15 years. And so, it seemed right to start studying Criminology - at Birkbeck, University of London - and I am loving it.
It gives me a big kick, studying and finding that I still seem to be able to learn new things - and, most importantly, enjoy doing so. In fact I believe that studying, and enjoying it, is now helping to keep me young - in my mind at least! Birkbeck is a great place with a terrific range of courses. If all goes well, I hope to be picking up a Diploma in Criminology later this year, after managing to secure a Certificate in Criminology.
I think perhaps I am living my life backwards. I was in such a rush to get out into the working world that I ended my studying early - and I was living a champagne lifestyle throughout my twenties, and beyond for a while. Now I am relishing being a student and, as most young students are poor, I seem to have managed to match that as well!!
Also, I seem to be overcoming that 'blue period', prompted by an acknowledgement of ageing. I am genuinely discovering really good things about it - having the time to keep learning, for example.

Picture it!

2010-02-02T21:50:00.000Z

I have been neglecting you again Blog, sorry. I have been tied up with a few things that still have to be done on Active Link - mainly 'people stuff'. It will need support and people need to be convinced.
I have also been playing with my new toy - a camera so that I can post many more pictures on both sites. Of course, first I have to learn how to use it - and I have not exactly got off to a brilliant start. I have acquired a FujiFilm Finepix S1730 - and apparently, to my amazement, I have chosen well. So excited was I to take a proper look that I took it out of its packaging immediately I got home and started by putting in the batteries. Ready to go I thought - only not quite. I remembered that I had to load the software onto my computer. And could I find it? No and I looked everywhere. This set me off on another 'consumer adventure'! First a call to Fuji - the first call anyway. I spoke to someone who was unhelpful, lacking in sympathy and said it would cost me £18 something. Back to Argos I thought and of course I was honest again about losing it. This individual seemed more sympathetic, but told me I would need my receipt for proof of purchase. That was reasonable, I just hoped that I hadn't lost that as well. Receipt retrieved and off the next day to Argos again - but this member of staff was unhelpful and told me, yes you guessed, I had to ring Fuji. With gritted teeth I rang them this morning, steeling myself for another session with 'Mr I don't Care' - but to my pleasure, I ended up speaking to Dale in UK Technical Support. He couldn't have been more helpful and went the extra mile to offer to send me, not only the lost software, but other help useful information as well.
I have thought before that any company is only as good as 'the last person you spoke to'. It is that experience that stays with you. It has certainly always been like that in the airline world. The times people have asked me to name my favourite airline over the years. And that is definitely one that good or bad service from one or two individuals, particularly in the air, can make or break that airline's reputation - at least for a while. I would like to think that I usually won passengers over during my time with British Airways. Although, I can remember the odd occasion when I was tested to the limit! I know that it was a good idea that I didn't continue with my flying career. I just might have been done for 'air rage, the fightback'! But, today I can add another company to my list of 'saved by an outstanding member of staff'! Thanks Dale.

Will it be the knees next?

2010-01-26T23:01:00.000Z

I have not turned into a pessimist, yet! But I have had a few twinges in my right knee recently and my left shoulder has started hurting again. The steroid injection worked for about four months. I now have to decide whether to have another one.
It is just like an ageing car I suppose. If I were a car and I had gone for my MOT, I suspect I wouldn't pass it. OK, I know that I wouldn't pass it.
What is the market for spare parts like, I wonder. I read a news feature in the Daily Mail recently on the Good Health pages - a must read for me these days. Apparently every year more than 30,000 knee replacements are carried out here in Britain.There is however a new high-tech support for the knee that may be a way of avoiding knee replacements. The BioniCare Knee System is described as one that 'hugs', supports and electrically stimulates the knee. The treatment is aimed at those with moderate to severe arthritis. A study of the device has shown that, on average, the majority of patients showed significant improvement after 750 hours of use. That is the equivalent of wearing it for six hours a day for three months. I suppose that is encouraging. New treatments are often announced for different parts of the body. Perhaps I should ignore the twinges and keep walking and taking Glocosamine - and hope for the best.
Ageing is certainly not for the weak, it clearly needs imagination, positive thinking - and of course a great sense of humour. Oh! and a regular supply of painkillers and massage oil.
I am still working on Active Link. The ideas have come thick and fast and the words are being written. When Active Link is launched I can get back to posting on this Blog more frequently.

Virgin Mobile Carol to the Rescue

2010-01-19T22:23:00.000Z

My blog-name is The Optimist and that suggests I like to find a silver lining. I certainly am a glass half-full girl and I tend to believe the best in people. And so, my latest battle with modern life seems rather a small matter to provoke a rant, but I'm afraid a rant is what you are going to get.
A very helpful individual called Carol at Virgin Mobile has now solved the problem for me. I only know her as Carol at Extension 2816, but hopefully that is sufficient for her managers to give her the recognition she deserves. This little saga has taken more than ten days, endless attempts at trying to speak to a human being or deal with an intransigent web site. I suspect that if I had not eventually ended up with 'helpful Carol', after holding on in 'horrified fascination' for one hour 25 minutes this evening, I would not have been able to answer for the damage I could have inflicted on my home.
It started off as a seemingly minor matter some ten plus days ago. My bank - RBS, and I'll come back to the bank later in this rant - decided to refuse my direct debit to Virgin Mobile. It would have taken my account something like £2 over its limit for around 48 hours - and so you can see how fair and rational an action that was.
OK, so I thought it would be a quick phone call and life would be back to normal - a mistake, a big mistake.
I'll try to keep this saga short and be as fair as I can be.
Attempts to get through to Virgin Mobile on 789 from my handset - approx four, and waiting time at least 20 or so minutes each time. Eventually, I got through to someone and I paid my enormous bill of £10 20. I decided then that a direct debit is an irritating device, as there seems to be quite a 'window of opportunity' for the company to extract my money - over say four or five days. And so, I thought the best solution would be to cancel the direct debit and register on line and pay that way - easy, me back in control. Oh no! the struggle continued. I tried, really tried, to register on line. I had messages to say my account was suspended and so I couldn't register - despite the fact that I had just paid. I got my hopes up one day, only to discover there was a technical problem on the web site. I decided to try again - back to the phones - and we have all been there haven't we? You have five options, then four, then five, then however much time you have to wait before there is any chance of speaking to a human being. It is good to have options sometimes, but NOT on automatic telephone systems. I was even told that I could select the music I wanted to listen to. Soothing classical had to be the only option there. Oops! clearly another technical problem because classical music it was not! I had decided to give myself a day or so off such difficult decision-making, not to mention the time-wasting element,until I got a text this evening to say my service had been suspended again. Back to the web site, no solutions there and so it just had to be the phone again - and this time I would NOT give up. One hour, 25 minutes later, dear Carol managed to reduce my blood pressure and sort things out. Apparently things are 'system driven' at Virgin Mobile and so if you don't have an active direct debit, you don't or can't have an account.In this climate, you would think they would be grateful for any method of payment, wouldn't you?
Back to the bank. I have been on record a number of times in the last year or so savagely criticising the banks for their obscene approach to charging. I have always felt sorry for the staff on the front-line. They get all the flak and the idiot fat cats who made the bad decisions, that almost drove their banks into extinction, slither away with their bonuses. And so I could tell, that the individual at the bank I spoke to about the returned direct debit, was just waiting for a tirade. From little old laid-back me - never! First of all I accepted the inevitable, because of course banks are also 'system-driven', and so I asked politely if they would be charging. "Well, the charge will be £5", she said nervously. "Oh that's OK." I said. I could sense the shock over the airwaves. I explained that it was reasonable, unlike the previous obscene amounts of £38 and rising. We all know that it was the fat cats in their ivory towers that made those mistake". I told her to spread the word and enjoy the rest of her day.
I can just feel the tension draining out of me - a great feeling.
A BIG thank you to all you human beings in call centres, and banks, who so often take the flak when it is really 'the system' at fault.
I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

OK to admit...

2010-01-16T22:44:00.000Z

In this blog, I have explored the advantages that come through taking time to do things properly, time to plan, time to think and so why do I feel guilty about taking time to 'rest'? I may have been able to party all night at one stage in my life, work all night on a jam-packed aircraft flying in from Hong Kong, New York or Miami, even serving breakfast before landing, but where did all that energy go? If only we could bottle energy and save it for another day, another week, another year.
Well, I suppose it is something else to accept about ageing. I felt tired all day yesterday and again today. I took 'siestas' - just as good in a cold climate when the body needs the rest. I have just been thinking about why I might have been so tired. Only two meetings concerning my voluntary work with the police, three hospital appointments and a funeral in two parts - for my friend Robert - in just four days. Could it be normal to feel rather tired, whatever the age with a schedule like that? I think I may have always been unrealistic about my use of time. I have just got to convince myself that it is ok to be human, ok to be tired and ok to rest - now I am older and I need it. And, of course sorrow and mourning are prime energy-drainers
But what I really must do is get rid of the 'guilt trip', when this little voice says, I should be doing something meaningful, productive and taking another item off my 'to do list'.
Perhaps, another item on my 'to do' list has to be give up 'to do lists' - or at least be relaxed about a more flexible approach, maybe even add 'rest' as an item? Now there's a novel idea!

Snow in London and Saying No

2010-01-13T22:29:00.000Z

It seems strange to see snow settling in London, but it did today. Snow in Kensington today pictured here. I really need to perfect the art of taking photographs with my phone and then transferring them in under ...........??? minutes. So I took a few detours, but I got there in the end. In fact, on my wish list is a real camera. My last two were sold, annoyingly, for next to nothing when I was in the depth of EPS (empty purse syndrome). Well, it would be good to get newer technology. It might even be easier to use.
I was reflecting today, again, on how I have changed in the last year or so. I have said 'no' so many times recently. Now you may find this a strange thing to boast about, or not as the case may be. It seems particularly amusing when I look back on my early days in London. There I was, living in Chelsea in 1966, in Beaufort Mansions, Beaufort Street - 'Swinging London' it WAS, come to think of it. I had joined the Chelsea Players - a highly thought of 'amateur dramatic society'. It was the Christmas variety show. Those of us involved in the show were allowed to choose our own numbers! Looking back it was, until recently, a prescient choice. There I was, centre stage, wearing a black leotard, fishnet tights, high heels and a string of pearls, singing that wonderful Marilyn Monroe song, 'I'm just a girl who can't say no'! I confess I have found it easy to say Yes to, well, many things in my life. But, no longer, I can really say NO at last. No, to the 'must have' brown outfit, No, to a self-indulgent meal at an above-modest restaurant, No, I don't need these things, I may quite like them, but I don't need them. Of course a dramatically reduced budget helps the decision-making process. But, I confess I have started to find it a fun pastime. What next? How much more sensible am I going to get?
Watch this space!!

It's Only a Week!

2010-01-12T22:09:00.000Z

This is not a week that I shall care to repeat. Three hospital appointments, two serious meetings and my friend Robert's funeral. Add to that the freezing energy-sapping cold and a tendency to look like Michelin-man when I go out, then I would suspect that this is not going to go down as one of my favourite weeks.
Robert's funeral is on Thursday. It will be a very sad day, but what a life we'll be celebrating and how privileged I feel to have known him. We can't avoid losing friends, but we can value them when they are with us and celebrate their lives when they leave us. It is what I call clean and honest pain.
We might all be forgiven for thinking the only topic for the mainstream media is the weather. But, I managed to find an interesting item that, sadly, I had no problem in believing. Cases of violence against retail staff has risen dramatically in the last year. According to a report in HR Magazine, the number of thefts from shops rose by a third in a single year with an incident occurring nearly every minute, 24 hours a day - while incidents of violence and abuse against shop staff doubled. The findings are from the British Retail Consortium's (BRC's) Retail Crime Survey 2009. Stephen Robertson, BRC's Director General commenting on the doubling of violence and abuse against retail staff said: "It should never be regarded as 'part of the job'. Punishment must be strong enough to deter and the police should measure workplace violence when they assess business crime in the community and determine local policing priorities". Well that puts paid to the 'no increased crime in the recession argument'!
I was planning a little modest, retail therapy myself - of the strictly gentle kind. A couple of my friends pleased me immensely by giving me token at Christmas from 'our M & S'. But, with this weather, I invested my tokens in more thermal underwear! Ah well, I suppose it is another indication of advancing age. It means comfort first.

A Course in Ageing?

2010-01-09T22:40:00.000Z

I have made progress. When I hit 60, I was too preoccupied with health challenges and going bankrupt for a second time to think of the future. I think it was a year or so later that I started to descend into gloom about ageing. I started to think of all the things I have done in life so far and had a wave of 'no more next times' - how negative is that?
Now, as I am in shouting distance of 63, I have started to let my memories give me nice warm feelings - and so they should. I have been incredibly lucky.
One of the things I did that I believe helped me move from 'no more next times' to allowing my memories to wrap themselves round me, in a very cosy way, was to put a lot of my favourite photographs in frames. Those framed photographs are now all the way round my 'work corner'.
I can assist my thinking time with great visual reminders. I have images of me from the age of 18 to 60; with just one other in Beirut, six in Barbados and up to a group of 40 plus in Romania. I am wearing uniform in some shots and a bikini in others - although that will be 'no more next time'! I am reminded of different places I have visited from Paris to Phuket, Bangkok to Brisbane and Sydney to Singapore.
There are many processes that we human beings go through in life where we can take a course. Almost everything you might think of from anger management to salsa dancing. And so, why not have courses on ageing? It is a tough business, but there are plenty of people that are still going through it and could help we novices. I think I might float this idea!!

Big Freeze Boosts Community Spirit?

2010-01-08T21:02:00.000Z

As the title 'The Optimist' suggests, I am always looking for a silver lining and I am encouraged by watching the news coverage of the 'big freeze'. Encouraged, because it seems as if the weather is bringing out 'community spirit' and unearthing good neighbours across the country. But, what a shame it takes a national emergency to persuade the media to shine a light on 'good news' for a while.
Good neighbours are worth their weight in gold. And, the older I get, the more I value my friends and neighbours. It is strange how I am now, admittedly older and less fit, quite frightened of falling down. It has happened a few times in recent years. For example, one rather spectacular missed step getting on to a bus and I found myself with the same injury as David Beckham. And it led on from there. This weather is of course tailor-made for slipping and falling. I confess that I am trying not to go out too much and when I do, I hope that I can stay upright.
It was so easy to be confident and carefree when I was young. The thought that I could ever be nervous about falling down - even in weather like this - would have been laughable. But we all get older and at least I am being honest!
I hope that the 'community spirit' and good neighbourliness will spread and reach the big cities as well. Go on, be a good neighbour.

A Sad Start to 2010

2010-01-06T20:54:00.000Z

I have been idle for too long. Somehow that strange period of pre, during and post Christmas has provided distractions and avoidance of 'normal life'. Although now, not only has a new year started but a new decade too. And there are so many things to do - the list is growing even as I write this Blog.
Active Link, the community organisation that has been in my mind for a very long time, is really poised to take off now. All that is required is for me to supply more words, well quite a few actually, and then the whole scheme can be promoted properly and many more people, I hope, will get involved. And, it really is due to Dwellant.com and its founders and owners, Dave Piggin and Alan Magrath, that Active Link is finally coming to life. Thank you. I have said it before and I shall say it again.
My year has started though with inevitable sadness at the loss of a dear friend - Robert Cook. It was sudden, unexpected and a devastating blow to his many friends and colleagues. He had so many interests and his contribution to public and community life was considerable.
Yes, I am very sad, but I also feel privileged to have been able to call him a friend.
Friendship becomes ever more precious to me as I get older. (Yes, I have just used the 'o' word again!) Erasmus got it right, when he said: 'When you make new friends, don't forget the old; one is silver and the other gold'. Robert, thank you for being you, for your friendship and I shall never forget you.
I don't think I have ever known anyone, (well only close perhaps is the amazingly witty Richard Miles and the 'sometimes' outrageous Steve Atack - both long-standing friends of Robert's) who had/have such a zest for life and an appetite for information on almost any topic. Robert's amazing mind and deep fund of knowledge, about so many things will be much missed - particularly in the Prince of Wales on a Sunday (that is after Matins at St Mary Abbots!). We raised a glass to him this Sunday just past, and said how much we'll all miss him.
2009 was the year I decided to start blogging, but 'you ain't seen nothing yet'! I found a way of setting up Active Link (described before in previous posts and will be again) and admitted that I was finding 'ageing' problematic.
It was the year when I had to really get used to giving Benjy his insulin injections twice a day and adapt my timetable accordingly.
Also, I realised, to my amusement that I had become some sort of a cliche - an older single woman, never been married and living with a cat. But this woman is no cliche - and Benjy is no ordinary cat!
I wish everyone a happy year ahead and, most importantly, a healthy one.
And, a request - please send YOUR thoughts on FRIENDSHIP.....

Trailer for tomorrow!

2009-12-25T23:02:00.000Z

I have had such an enjoyable Christmas Day - an unexpected day, the best!! Tomorrow I shall expand - including mentioning the delightful encounter I had with a great family from Ohio.
Now, having given Benjy his evening insulin jab - I don't know why it provokes humour that 'only you could have a diabetic cat'!! And, their point is?
Talk to you tomorrow
Annie

Brave New World!

2009-12-22T23:40:00.000Z

I have been too timid with this blog. Recently, I have started to read some blogs that I particularly enjoy - e.g. www.dickiebo.wordpress.com and www.incognito99.wordpress.com - and I intend to follow their lead - and post more frequently and 'rant' as required in future.
At the start of 2010, Active Link, will go live properly - details in previous posts and more to follow in the future. From then news and events and info about good organisations will go over to Active Link. The Optimist will focus on things that really matter to me - and I hope others. Take one subject as an example - 'we have too much violence on our doorsteps'. According to reports in the press today, a pub chef woke up, apparently in a bad mood, bought a £2 knife from Tesco 'with 'the intention of doing someone harm' - fact, a true story. Sadly, equally true, he went out to look for a victim and found her - a totally innocent teaching assistant, walking her dog. He stabbed her repeatedly in the throat and neck. Passers-by tried in vain to save her. The man just walked home, changed his clothes, and calmly called the police. Robert Cusworth, 25, is now facing a life sentence after admitting murdering 34 year old Sally Garwood. He had no history of mental illness or a trace of any violent behaviour in his past. It was pure rage and anger. Where did it come from, where does it ever come from, that it can lead to such tragic consequences? This is our world. Haven't we got to take some responsibility for it?
My antidote for today, to repel all that 'nastiness out there', is the 'must have' CD for Christmas, by The Soldiers - Coming Home. Produced by serving soldiers with the proceeds going to The Army Benevolent Fund, Help for Heroes and the British Legion. They have seen more violence and hatred than we could ever imagine, but they are the 'good guys'. And, it is a great CD with an amazing choice of songs. And, I defy anyone to listen to it, particularly, A Soldier's Christmas Letter, without at least having some moisture in their eyes. I can say, unashamedly, my tears fell - but in a really good cause! I may be a softie, but I really believe in 'the good guys'. We just have to help them win.

Making the deadline!

2009-12-17T23:34:00.000Z

There were certainly times in years gone by when I missed the deadline for posting cards for Christmas. I worked on the basis that there were twelve days of Christmas - well that was my excuse! Now, in this era of 'retirement from paid work', I do seem to manage my time somewhat better. And so, my cards are - nearly all - addressed and ready to go first thing tomorrow. But, I then started thinking about how the approach to the exercise has changed. First of all there is the sad reflection that some friends are no more. There is the careful checking of the obit columns, unless I have missed a name - particularly one I have not heard from for a time. But, most of all I realise how special friends are. I may have lost money, possessions and a home, but I do still have friends and this year they will actually get their cards before Christmas.

There have been some concerned enquiries about Benjy, after his trip to the Vet. Well he seems on fine form today. I took a photograph just to prove it. But you can see his bald patch - aah!!

Benjy's Bald Patch and cabin crew memories!

2009-12-15T23:43:00.000Z

It has been a stressful day - for Benjy more than me. It was check up time at the Blue Cross and, yet more blood to be taken. But first, his poor little chest had to be shaved. He is amazingly good natured. As soon as we arrived back home, he was purring more or less straight away. What he doesn't know of course is that we have to wait for the test results. Although, hopefully, it will just be a confirmation of his medication levels over the phone. Please, not another visit before Christmas!
I have just been to visit my friend Caroline's photographic exhibition. She is the talented friend, who made me look, well, as good as anyone could in my photograph on this blog. The exhibition is being held at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and the photographs form part of a creative work called Life Cycles. The concept was developed by musician, composer, writer and music therapist Jonathan Cohen and comprises music, words of dialogue and poetry, dance and Caroline's photographs. Life Cycles was presented and performed for the first time recently at the Royal College of Music and another performance is planned.
The photographic exhibition is on the first floor of the hospital and runs through to Sunday 10 January. All proceeds from the sale of framed limited edition prints are going to specific charities. The Chelsea and Westminster is known for its dedication to the arts - an aspect of the hospital's life that is very apparent to any visitor - and one that is much appreciated by patients and visitors alike.
News of the proposed cabin crew strike at British Airways brings back to me some vivid memories. Before entering journalism, I flew the world as a cabin attendant with British Airways - and what an education it was. A group of crew one day started to discuss the union - and complain about it. I made the mistake of asking if they made their views known at meetings. 'Oh we don't go to meetings'. Of course they didn't, but I found myself not only doing so, but shortly afterwards being asked to serve as a stewardesses representative for the cabin crew union (part of the Transport and General Workers Union, now known as Unite). It may have been a few years ago, but one thing I am certain of is, that there is a lot going on behind the scenes and to get that level of support for strike action, industrial relations must be in very poor shape at British Airways.
Way back then, I was involved in a three hour stoppage over lack of notice of crew rosters. It caused sufficient disruption that the very next day we had a meeting with top management and an agreement was reached.
There was no You Tube then to capture our, though I say it myself, fairly elegant picket line. But there was the Daily Telegraph. I still have the cutting. The front page, no less, of the Daily Telegraph on Friday April 6, 1973, with a captioned picture. A short while after that day, I was checking in at Crew Reporting and was given a letter, using that very picture as a form of address. It read 'To any of the persons pictured below, then the newspaper photograph and C/O BOAC, Heathrow Airport. There may well be angry passengers in the days ahead, but I wonder how many might write like this: "You were presumably chosen for your jobs on account of your youth, good looks and intelligence. That you possess the two former qualities is quite apparent - though you will of course lose them as the years roll by. What is really tragic is that your supposed intelligence reveals itself in a twisted mentality that can sink to the blackmail of your employer by deliberately causing disruption, frustration, annoyance and delay to hundreds of perfectly innocent people, whose servant you have volunteered to be."
Huh, I don't know about 'servant'!
But, he continued: "You are in fact no better than the mindless militant hospital workers, railwaymen, gasmen, dockers etc. etc. One can only hope that as you mature you will be bitterly ashamed of your stupid and wicked action. Do please show this to your friends - always assuming that they can read. You will doubtless demand to be paid for the three hours you wasted."
Looking back, what was really interesting, is how those three hours achieved our objective - meeting with the real decision makers. That was something we had been trying to do for some months. We reached an agreement in just a few hours.
And, one other point. I am happy to say, many of my friends could and can still read!
I don't think they will need to strike for 12 whole days or anything like it. It is of course incredibly frustrating and annoying for passengers waiting to know what is going to happen to their flights. But I know that cabin crew aren't militant by nature and there is much more to this story than has so far come out. Watch and wait.

Active Link - The Learning Curve

2009-12-12T21:58:00.000Z

The reason I put my blog on hold was so that I could move one step nearer to launching Active Link. I have taken that step, thanks to the brilliant Dave Piggin of Dwellant, we have the basics up and running.
Dave Piggin and his partner Alan Magrath moved from the world of banking to the world of the internet in the year 2000. In 2001 they developed a new service, a 'platform',for the film industry that enabled the studios to distribute information about new releases to 65 countries around the world. They, and the programme, impressed Getty Images so much, that Getty bought the company. Dave and Alan stayed on to develop the programme further. Today it is the leading 'platform' for major companies to distribute and manage their 'media material' around the world.
They then set up Dwellant. It is aimed at the needs of local communities 'in the urban areas and aims to go some way in helping people to stay more in touch with the people and the community around them'.
There is a business element, aimed at how buildings and estates are managed, but they have generously - and I would suggest creatively - expanded the service to include local groups and communities in Kensington and Chelsea.
For several years, I have wanted to find a way to link people and communities together to revive and boost community spirit. Communication is a powerful and, I believe, vital tool in encouraging people to feel part of a community.
I can handle the words and spot the stories. I believe that vibrant communities can reach out to people and relieve feelings of isolation. I knew that technology had to play a big part - enter the 'techie heroes' from Dwellant.
There is now a new generation of web programmes known as web 2.0. It apparently means that they are 'interactive' - in other words anyone can join in. Information can be dispatched fast and questions answered. Views can be sought and opinions formed.
It is not going to be hard to develop the site editorially. The challenge will be to persuade people to 'get involved'. It is a really exciting opportunity and one I have grasped with both hands. Am I nervous - yes! But, that won't stop me.
The blog will continue, but the news and events will appear on Active Link. Just be a little patient and give me time to build it up, along with other enthusiasts.
And, thank you Dave and Alan at Dwellant. You are helping me to fulfil a dream - and if that sounds sentimental, and even over the top, tough!
Wish us luck!

Blog on temporary hold - only until the launch of Active Link!

2009-11-30T22:18:00.000Z

Dear Blog
I am sorry to have neglected you for the last week. I haven't given up on you. I promise. I am just doing a lot of thinking about 'Active Link'. I have wanted to set up a community organisation, called Active Link, for a long time. Perhaps the 'time wasn't right' before or 'I was making it too complicated' and of course I am not a techie!
But, I have met someone with a great new business who genuinely wants to help the community as well. He is prepared to help with an interactive community web site. Then I need to add words, ideas and thorough research and 'voila' a new community service - with the help of a few others.
I want to find ways of 'linking' people in the community together and with their help, provide information, exchange it and be able to 'pass on' all good news. I am sorry if that sounds corny, but it makes sense in a big city like ours. It won't be just a web site, but that will be at the heart of it. And, it will be independent.
"Knowledge is the only instrument of production that is not subject to diminishing returns", according to a certain J. M. Clark. And, amusingly, the famous quote that so many seem to know "Knowledge is power", was written by an Ethel Watts Mumford, but the complete quote has the addition "if you know it about the right person"! The aim with Active Link will be to present knowledge that should or could be useful and check that we get the right people to feature - and spell the names right of course.
I have never been keen on the 'what are they doing for us? brigade'. And, as I have been in one form of communications or another all my life, using that knowledge has become more important - particularly since I 'retired' from paid work.
Starting the blog was, and is, part of the plan. I am going to be streamlining it more and publish to a regular pattern. Active Link is close to being launched and you will read all the details here soon. As a result, I am putting this Blog on hold for just a short time - until Active Link is launched. I need to really FOCUS on some specific details of the scheme. But, I intend to still update the events column.
And, I will end this post with a thought. I cannot help but feel that when politicians know they are approaching the end of their party's time in government, the ideas they come up with make less and less sense. Rather in line with that inevitable descent perhaps?
What kind of a Home Secretary talks about a police officer seeing the victim of every single crime? I have enjoyed enormously tracking down other comments on the subject in articles and on blogs - similarly dismissive. I mean, what planet is he on? There are times when police officers do meet victims, but other times that the role is undertaken by Victim Support - and the name 'says what it does' - support victims. Victim Support is a great organisation with very dedicated staff and volunteers. Let police officers uphold the law, maintain public safety and solve crimes - and let others take over with the care and support bit. Makes sense to me, doesn't it to you?

Our Policing - How much of a say should we have?

2009-11-21T00:33:00.000Z

WHOSE JOB IS IT ANYWAY?
I continue to enjoy digging out stories on police and policing. It has been an interest of mine now for some years but suddenly it has become the favoured topic of many a commentator. Could it possibly be something to do with the countdown towards the UK General Election gathering momentum?
Take the reaction on one web site to the warning comments from Sir Hugh Orde of the Association of Chief Police Officers that, if the police were brought under political control as proposed by the Conservative Party, police chief constables may resign'. (I should perhaps say that the web site is http://conservativehome.blogs.com/centreright and I suppose that could explain the rather trenchant views.) The particular commentator concludes that: 'The Conservative Party wants locally elected leaders to be in charge of the police. Frankly, if police chief constables are unhappy about this, I wish them good luck and goodbye. I'm sure we can find replacements. Real cops who make our streets safe again'.
I find the opinion expressed betrays a dangerous ignorance and lack of understanding of policing. As I have commented before, there has to be a very careful balance between what communities want, what politicians feel they need and what police officers deem practical in maintaing law and order. 'Policing by consent' is how it started and I believe that should still hold true today. But does it? Depending a lot on the involvement and interest of local people, 'the police' can deliver the right balance of response and reassurance. But, taking the involvement too far down the road of 'political involvement' at local level, by those with similar views to the commentator on the site referred to, I think could be a dangeroulsy retrograde step.
THROWING A LIGHT ON CRIME
A happier story from South Manchester, and a green one at that, from www. southmanchesterreport.co.uk. The police in South Manchester are handing out free energy saving light bulbs to students - as a burglary reduction initiative.
Neighbourhood officers have been trying to persuade students to use the bulbs in external lighting and hallways to deter burglars. The Chief Inspectof of Volume Crime, Mark Gibby said: "Burglars love the dark and as the nights draw in they become more active".
A WALK IN THE PARK
Having confessed to my recognition that 'exercise is key' and however breathless I feel - well there are limits to that - I must get out there. Today I persevered and made it to Holland Park with a few stops on the way for Ventolin and modest rests. And, it's true. Nature can be a healer. Just being in a beautiful place like Holland Park in Kensington, can add a real perspective to life. The only real problem I had today was being almost mugged by a peacock. Well a slight exaggeration, my mind was wandering and this large brightly hued bird just sneaked up on me. But he certainly was bold and almost aggressive. But, then I was on 'his patch'.
Take care
Annie

PLEASE NOTE, SOME DETAILS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE FORTHCOMING LOCAL EVENTS IN KENSINGTON - SUCH AS HOW TO BOOK TICKETS FOR THE MESSIAH - (A glaring ommission) Last year St Mary Abbots was packed and people had to be turned away - and so please book ahead.

Policing the world over

2009-11-20T00:52:00.000Z

'The problem, residents say, is that police no longer patrol neighbourhoods on foot - there are no more cops walking the beat'. But, I hear you say, I thought we had Neighbourhood Policing. Yes, we do, but that particular quote is from Yale Daily News in the US. And, despite the Safer Neighbourhood policing model used by the Met here, there are those who will still say, 'there are not enough police on the beat'.
'Police aim at alcohol crime'. Absolutely, are we speaking of Birmingham, Bristol or Bradford? No, in fact it refers to a story in The Timaru Herald about a combined operation in New Zealand and Australia, tackling alcohol related crime. Operation Unite is described as the largest combined police undertaking in Australasian history and was launched in Perth Australia, with police chiefs from around Australia and New Zealand.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said that thousands of extra police are being deployed to major centres in both countries. New Zealand Police Commissioner Howard Broad said alcohol was a major driver of problems police have to confront.
Policing today, wherever in the world, is a challenging business,. It is also a continual balancing act. There is the will of the people and the demands of the politicians. There is also the pressure of operating reactive policing, answering emergency calls, alongside 'neighbourhood policing' in its different forms.
I am known as a supporter of our police here in Kensington and Chelsea. They get it right more often than not and they make a real effort to respond to community concerns and needs. And, I happen to believe that our police not only need our support our support but deserve it. What they don't need however is yet more legislation and political interference. How many times in recent years have we heard about 'new measures to protect the public'?
The latest 'Policing and Crime Bill' received Royal Assent this week. And, yet again we are being told about measures to 'protect the public, increase police accountability and tackle crime and disorder'.
Yes, I believe the police have to be accountable. I also believe they should listen to the concerns of communities. But, what I want to see is the banishment of the target culture and the political pressure that goes with it.
I return to an outside source for the next item, only because it is an interesting story and deserves recounting. It is about a partnership working successfully for crime reduction. And, no I am not saying that there are no similar UK-based and London-based stories of a similar kind. But just as the police can learn from each other across the world, so can we in our communities, our voluntary sector, faith communities and education establishments.
Youth violence has been a byword in Chicago for many years. Now the University of Chicago wants to change that. An initiative by the University's Crime Lab has been launched to encourage new anti-violence programmes. It brought together a long-established Chicago social services agency called Youth Guidance; World Sport Chicago formed to support Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics and $1 million in backing from funders including the Joyce Foundation and the Chicago Community Trust.
The programme is to run in 15 Chicago public schools during the 2009-2010 academic year and it bears the title, Becoming a Man - Sport Edition. The programme is to include cognitive behaviour therapy, counselling and access to Olympic sports such as archery and fencing. An actual study will be based on the response to the programme by 500 teenage boys.
According to Professor Jens Ludwig of the University of Chicago, the programme mirrors empirical approaches that have driven down heart disease and infant mortality rates. He claims that past violence prevention programmes paid too little attention to numbers and that is one reason why homicide rates have remained mainly static over the last 50 years.
The University's Crime Lab solicited ideas for innovative pilot anti-violence programmes from city agencies, non-profit and faith-based organisations. At the recent official launch of the programme, Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis stressed the police department 'cannot deal with youth violence on its own'.
The spread of knowledge and ideas is always a healthy thing. It is also good to be reminded that we are not alone in our concerns about crime and fear of crime in the crime - although often not based on reality
And what better time to add a reminder that the Annual General Meeting of the Police and Community Consultative Group for Kensington and Chelsea is being held Monday 23 November, at Kensington Town Hall at 6.30
PLEASE NOTE ANOTHER ADDITION TO THE FORTHCOMING EVENTS LIST - The Mayor of Kensington's Charity Christmas Concert.

Exercise - I know I must!!

2009-11-18T23:20:00.001Z

I have referred to my increasing concern about 'ageing'. It is unavoidable for most and yet who knows how they are going to react to its unpredictability? I am learning new things about it on an almost daily basis.
I want to ask a lot more questions from people who are expert in this field and research what I can about ageing, But, I have accepted two golden rules already. The number one 'golden rule' is: 'healthy eating' can no longer be avoided or evaded - even on a budget. No more, 'I'll start a new regime tomorrow'. If I had £1 for every time I have said and done that, my 'liquidity problems' would be in the past! Yes, indulge myself I have - and enjoyed it greatly, at the time!
The second golden rule is exercise is vital - particularly for senior citizens with chronic health problems. It may be difficult, but it has to be done.
I have been made to focus on these two rules as a vital way of managing both Asthma and Diabetes. Add to that, there is nothing like a flare up of either condition to trigger depression, it's a 'no brainer' (apologies to my purist friends for using such modern terminology.
I have been quite open about my 'turbulent times' and how I managed to arrive at this point in my life with, what I have to acknowledge, are still a number of challenges. Do I want to try and manage my chronic conditions? Yes, I do. Can I help myself or do I just do nothing? Yes, I can and 'doing nothing' is unacceptable.
I have to thank a number of the great health professionals I have come to know in recent years - particularly Dr Liz Steed a Health Psychologist who was at the Royal Brompton Hospital, when I met her. She helped me to realise that 'almost anything' that I did to help myself would help me both psychologically as well as physically. It sometimes does take someone else to point out you are starting to achieve things and to accept that fact 'and stop beating yourself up about it'!
And of course it makes sense - taking control in even a small way helps the 'fight back'. Going bust and losing a home for example made me feel pretty powerless. It was only when I started to 'do things' for myself in just a small way, that it became just that little bit easier to live with myself. Stress always runs on overdrive in any situation where loss is dominant. But I am optimistic about the future, survival generally and the fact that there are things that 'anyone' can do to help themselves.
Another aspect of ageing is the aches and pains suddenly seem to appear - making exercise more challenging. It always amuses me when I read the advice, 'walk briskly until breathless'. Well I can 'do breathless' even sitting down sometimes and definitely climbing stairs and steps. Does that mean I can do less exercise, because I get breathless faster? No, I am not allowed to try that one! But nice idea for a second or two.
Obviously, there are people out there who have my welfare at heart. I have just been sent details about a special event next Friday, 27 November, organised by the organisation New Horizons - 'A Free Activities Taster Day for people over 50' from 10.00 to 1.30 at the Chelsea Theatre at World's End Place, SW10.
A number of activities are on offer and I confess, I am tempted! Tai Chi, Latin Dance, Exercising Belly Dance with Arthritis, Ballroom, Yoga and Pilates.
New Horizons is described as a 'pioneering multi-activity centre for older people - delivered by a consortium of three charities Open Age, Age Concern with Sixty Plus and the Guinness Trust, in partnership with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. They do really good work. Please spread the word.

Despite the fact that I have been dragged reluctantly to acknowledge that healthy eating and exercise is not just good for everyone, I admit now that it is essential if you have joined the 'senior ranks' of our society.
I must exercise however I can and whenever I can. Although, fortunately, jogging is out for me. I have asked the question before, and pose it again, have you ever seen a 'happy jogger'?

History of Earl's Court and the dilemma of a Police Box

2009-11-18T00:13:00.002Z

Last night the Earl's Court Society held its first social evening, organized by its History Group. Introduced ably by the extremely knowledgeable chair of the history group, George Jasieniecki, following a welcome by the equally knowledgeable Nicholas Woollven, the evening proved interesting and entertaining. The 'never knowingly undersold' Councillor Barry Phelps spoke of the history of the area from Tudor times onwards in his usual flamboyant style. And there were also presentations on Brompton Cemetry and St Cuthbert's Church. It provided a vivid reminder of why Earl's Court has been a favourite habitat and watering hole of many famous and even infamous characters over the years, along with international travellers of many nations and even generations of Londoners who have lived and still live there.

And, on the subject of events - a particularly appealing Christmas Fair is being held on Wednesday 18 November and Thursday 19 November by the British Red Cross at Kensington Town Hall. On Wednesday 18 it is open from 5.30 pm to 9.00 pm and on Thursday 19 from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm. It is being opened by Kate Adie and promises '70 fabulous stalls, delicious food and drink and lots of prizes to be won'. Entrance price is £20 for both days or £5 for Thursday only.

And, a reminder for those who believe in 'working with the police' as opposed to those who just enjoy complaining to them or about them, the last meeting of the Police Sector Working Group, Kensington Sector, for 2009, is being held on Wednesday 9 December at 6.30 pm at the KK Hotel George - thanks to the generosity of the hotel and its community-minded manager Colm Kelly. One item sure to be on the agenda will be the famous Police Box on Earl's Court Road. It has been the subject of heated debate. Should it be moved, now that the rather large new newspaper kiosk has been placed rather close to it or not?

It has been discussed at a previous meeting when the Inspector in charge of the area, Paul Blanchflower, made the incredibly sensible point that 'to move it would cost around £7,000 and that he didn't feel it was sensible or desireable in these tough times to do so'. He had the total support of the meeting - and it is also relevant to point out that the Police Box was there first. But, wouldn't you believe it, some mischief-maker is still trying to stir up a controversy over it and asking the police to move it!! Well, my money is on Inspector Blanchflower and Chief Superintendant Mark Heath, the Borough Commander. I really don't think it will be moved on their watch - and why should it?

A Moving Contrast

2009-11-07T23:53:00.000Z

I had a number of things I wanted to write about today, but my heart and emotion has guided me down a different path.
Today's media reported, inevitably and rightly, on the death of a loving mother,Mary Fox. She died when fire engulfed their home - a fire set by thugs and bullies - but not before saving the life of her son. The other story that seemed to complement it in a distasteful and despicable way, was how 'a war memorial' is currently being desecrated in Britain each and every week.
I then watched this evening's Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. It was a moving contrast to the horror of those stories. And, as I prepare to join the many across Kensington and Chelsea tomorrow - and across the country - at Services of Remembrance at our churches and war memorials, I am clinging on to the belief that the power of the spirit of 'remembrance and respect' can and must defeat the indefensible behaviour of the sad deluded and angry few.
This evening's Festival was particularly poignant - remembering not just those who lost their lives in the two great wars of the last Century and other conflicts since across the world - but also the many who have died or been injured in the last 12 months alone in Afghanistan.
I think tonight's festival should be forced viewing for the thugs in Cornwall, the bullies who recently drove Fiona Pilkington and her daughter to their deaths just weeks ago and the despicable vandals who have desecrated our war memorials. Maybe, just maybe it might provoke some shame in those individuals - and also in those who might have stopped them.

It's not just the bonuses

2009-11-04T22:54:00.000Z

Have I got a rant for you!
The banks - oh yes - the banks. I have made no secret of, well to put it gently, my frail financial state these days. I have taken risks in life, some of my plans succeeded but some did not - but I have had a great time and so no complaints. . But, I digress. It does mean that I have to budget carefully - a skill I am still trying to perfect. Anyway, today's emergency was the sudden realisation that, with a trip to the Blue Cross again (poor Benjy) and a new loo seat to buy, because those very nice people from 'Staying Put' (details below) were due to visit today to fix it. (DIY is another 'non-skill'), I had a cashflow crisis.
A cashflow crisis - anyone can have one. And so, I decided to give my bank a golden opportunity. And I suppose calling the Royal Bank of Scotland 'mine' is not too far from the truth. To be accurate it should be 'ours' - as we the tax payers own it, or most of it.
I rang up asking if they could extend my pitiful overdraft of £100 to £150. I was able to tell them that I have been able to secure a modest increase to my income. I have been a good girl for some time and so on.... And their response - yup, it was NO. I had to laugh. They are suddenly being cautious? We have all been shocked and appalled at the greed of the top bankers, but I find their parsimony at the other end of the scale breathtaking. The banks rejected for years the consumer backlash against their obscene charges. They very quietly introduced a revised list of charges with hardly a whimper - and certainly not an apology. Did they have to take so long?
I shall do my best in future to never ask my bank for anything again. I realise that this new resolve will do little other than make me feel a bit better - but.
The people I feel really sorry for are the frontline staff in banks. They have had to put up with the torrent of complaints over charges, outrage over top bankers' bonuses and latterly, I suppose, but not from me, 'we own you now'. Although, I was tempted! And they will be the ones to suffer the job losses.

Staying Put Services is a fantastic organisation in Kensington and Chelsea (I suspect many places may have something similar). It is a charity and a small repairs service. It is set up to help people aged 60 and over or physically disabled, experiencing mental health problems, without anyone to help them or on a low income. Depending on the financial status of the client, they pay only for materials or £9 50 an hour, plus VAT, plus materials and parking in excess of an hour. Incredibly reasonable - and very professional people who come to do the jobs too.

An invaluable service and funded by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Tel 020 8996 8890 e-mail isps@sbha.co.uk

Thank you Staying Put. I feel safer in my bathroom!!

Commercial Break!

2009-10-31T21:17:00.000Z

I thought I wasn't feeling brilliant last night. I had the Swine flu jab this morning and now I know I also have my first chest infection of the winter. I am sorry, I need to take to my bed. Aggravating! I am starting to build a lot of ideas up in my head. And so, I shall return!!

Bad day for Benjy.

2009-10-30T00:55:00.000Z

I knew today was going to be difficult. I had to take Benjy to the Blue Cross Animal Hospital. We are both Diabetics (me first) and although my blood sugar control is quite good at the moment, Benjy's gave cause for concern at his last check-up. Today was a 'let's see how he is doing' session. He was really brave. I mean how would you like it if you had to have your hair shaved in two different places and blood taken twice? I haven't dared to tell him yet, but we have to go back next Wednesday - and even worse, he has to spend the day with them for tests.
When we got home I decided to release my tension - yes, my tension! - and take a walk.
My timing could not have been better. As I started walking down Kensington High Street, I bumped into a very special friend, Kristina, with her absoloutely gorgeous son Luca, walking the other way. We hadn't been able to see each other for quite a long time and had communicated only by text and e-mail - and so I was really happy to see her. A bright spot in the day, after Benjy's trial and my trauma at the Blue Cross.
Later I went back to my desk and to my usual trawl of the news. There are those days though when I wish I had settled for a 'news-free zone' - and today was certainly one of them.
It is no secret that I am a supporter of our police service here. I am no Pollyanna, I know they don't always get it right, but when they do, they really do.
One of the main features in the Daily Mail today focused on the work of West London's Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT). The details of the cases they had been working on were utterly chilling and the behaviour of the perpetrators so heinous - that I confess to feeling incredibly sick. And, I shall think of those officers again. Would we, could we, do their job? I know I couldn't. They are heroes to me.
The other story that also caused me distress today was the report of 'Yobs stamping a girl's new puppy to death'. What a world we live in when people feel able to hurt innocent children or a helpless young animal. Sadly, it happens, and I feel all I can do, is concentrate on the decent people I know and the good things in my life - otherwise melancholy would descend and I would be back in that black tunnel. It can be a real fight to stay out.
But, I don't want to finish on a despondent note. On my 'tension releasing walk' I passed earlier what is obviously a new restaurant in Abingdon Road, off Kensington High Street. The menu looked wonderful, despite pension-busting prices. I shall just have to find someone who wants to treat me. And then 'coincidence' struck. When I arrived back and looked at a newsy e-mail I had received from that wonderful wine company - Roberson's, I wrote about them a couple of weeks ago - and there it was, the restaurant that I had passed earlier.
Gavin from Roberson's mentioned 'a great new restaurant that had opened nearby' - Kitchen W8. The chef and management apparently come from the Ledbury and Sonny's respectively - both names I recognised from restaurant columns, sadly not personally tried and tested. And then, it got to the 'good bit'. They are apparently running no corkage BYO (Bring your own) Sundays. What a great idea. The restaurant has a web site, www.kitchenW8.com as does Roberson Wine, www.robersonwinemerchant.co.uk. Obviously as they are just along Kensington High Street from the restaurant, they are suggesting it isn't too far to carry a bottle from there. Well they would wouldn't they. I shall investigate further.

It's OK to Ask for Help

2009-10-28T22:48:00.001Z

Sometimes it is very difficult to ask for help. I should know, it took me months after the double whammy of hitting sixty and my second bankruptcy. I had been unable to work properly for some time and, if you are self-employed, that state is not helpful!
I finally had to set aside my pride and face facts. Unless I sought help, it was not going to come flying in through the window.
I suppose it was some comfort that whatever I learned could be useful to others in a similar situation. I started to think about the research part as just another feature to be written. And the more I discovered, the more confident I became that there would be help out there for me and for many others.
I want to take the opportunity here to thank The Journalists' Charity and Elizabeth Finn Care. They both came through for me and I am incredibly grateful. The Journalists' Charity is obviously set up to assist journalists or former journalists. Elizabeth Finn Care is an incredible organisation set up to help professional people who hit hard times. I regained enough confidence to launch this blog and I am planning other sites and information services. It is very difficult to be creative when the bills are piling up, the purse is empty and you just don't know where to turn.
I thought it would make sense if I set out some general advice for anyone who has hit hard times, through illness or the credit cruch. Please just pass the information on to anyone who might need it.

Carry out basic research into what you might be eligible for in terms of benefits. It helps to have a general idea before you take the next step.
The Citizens Advice Bureau does incredible work. The Kensington and Chelsea Citizens Advice Bureau Service comprises two main offices, one in Chelsea in the Old Town Hall and one in Kensington in the Westway Information Centre. in Ladbroke Grove, together with their associated projects. It is part of a national network and the Citizens Advice Bureaux is the world's largest independent advice giving agency. Advice is free, confidential and impartial. One of the services it runs in Kensington and Chelsea is an Income Maximisation Service.
For the senior citizens amongst us, Age Concern gives a similar service.
It is also worth checking out the official Government Site as well for information and advice about benefits - www.direct.gov.uk.
There are also independent web sites that give excellent advice.Patient UK that provides information on medical matters and also directs you to other sites offering care, support and advice on benefits and finance. www.patient.co.uk. Another independent site is called Benefits and Work. It was launched by advice worker turned barrister Holiday Whitehead and benefits writer and trainer Steve Donnison in 2002 - turning it into a limited company in October 2006. The service is completely independent of government and has an impressive panel of experts who serve as authors for some of the guides and also review others written by the home team. www.benefitsandwork.co.uk
I have already mentioned Elizabeth Finn Care. A web site was launched by the charity in 2007 called Turn2Us. It exists to help people access the money available to them - through benefits, grants and other financial help. www.turn2us.org.uk.
Now when it comes to charities, there is really more help out there than certainly I realised. One way of starting your research is to approach the Association of Charity Officers - 'Helping Charities Helping People'. A profile will be created, with information about professional connections e.g. Journalism! You will then be sent a list of recommendations of charities the ACO believes you will be eligible for. They do get busy and so it does require a little patience.
There is also a single source of information about every charity and voluntary organisation in the England and Wales. GuideStar International. www.guidestar.org.uk

And I shall keep looking for services and charities. It could make the world of difference to you, or someone you know. I hope so.
List of recommended and trusted sites in alphabetical order. News ones just added.

Much needed break

2009-10-22T21:54:00.000+01:00

I am recovering from the hours spent yesterday with technology. Phew! But, I managed to set up the new blog, import material from ex-blog - a triumph. I suppose someone who is computer savvy might say, so what? But believe me, it is a success story.
Now I can start using it for the things I intended to use it for - simply described in my introduction.

Change of name - the reason!

2009-10-21T17:40:00.000+01:00

I have changed the name of my blog from Breathless Survivor to The Optimist. Simple reason really, the Firewalls operated by some organisations have suspicious minds!! It's the 'breathless' bit apparently.
Now I have started again, a number of my previous posts have been added to this site. (Don't ask me how long that took!)
And now, back to business...........

Never forget what came before.

2009-10-13T22:58:00.000+01:00

I was fortunate enough this evening to attend an event, chaired by the writer and broadcaster, Anthony Howard, who introduced as the main speaker Professor the Lord Alton of Liverpool. The subject was '30 years a Parliamentarian the serious and less serious'.
If politics has become almost a dirty word in recent months, following coverage of the MPs' expenses scandal, there were memories of a very different kind brought to the fore tonight. We were reminded of the need to value our democracy and the rights and privileges we enjoy here in the UK. 'We should never forget what came before' and made it possible for us to live as we do.
And, how reassuring to listen to the memories of a man who has been an exemplary public servant for more than 30 years, from the time he entered politics and was elected as Liverpool's youngest city councillor while still a student in 1972.
In 1979 he went on to became the youngest Member of Parliament and the shortest lived. He was elected the day after the Callaghan Government lost the 'Vote of confidence' and so served for just two days before readying himself to fight a General Election.
In 1997 it was John Major who recommended David Alton's appointment to the House of Lords, where he serves as an Independent Crossbench Peer.
He has campaigned for Human Rights across the world as well as fighting for the causes he believes in so deeply in this country
His memories and stories of politicians over the decades, and his own experiences, placed the recent extraordinary period of so called scandal in to context. There are many people of honour who have served us well - and we should not forget them.
In a copy of a short biography of Lord Alton made available tonight, there was a quote from another politician, perhaps one of his own favourites.
"We look forward to the time when the power to love will replace the love of power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace." William Ewart Gladstone.
Yes, we really must not forget who and what came before.

It's all relative!

2009-10-12T21:47:00.000+01:00

I feel somewhat comforted that it is not just me who has concerns about 'ageing'. I came across a copy of the Sunday Mirror in the Ladies loo at M & S Kensington High Street yesterday.
And, no, I am not being defensive, but I would not have thought of buying it. Reading it is a different issue of course. I discover that Naomi Campbell has concerns about ageing. Oh right, I thought. But then turning to my more sensitive side, I can understand it in a way. I mean she has made her fortune because of her looks and skills modelling. I don't have that pressure and never did. Except perhaps when I was flying around the world with British Airways. But the uniform helped there!
According to the item in the Sunday Mirror, Naomi said: "I'm not immune to being insecure - especially as I am getting older. But I love what I do so I have to put in a little more effort. I do Pilates every day."
I have often wondered how Princess Diana would have coped with getting old. She was so very beautiful and a global icon.
It is supposed to be natural, but somehow when we are young, or certainly when I was young, I wouldn't allow myself to think about it. It's almost as if 'it won't happen to me like that'.
Well now, it is really 'up-front and personal'.
I know that a lot can be done with lighting and make up - but it is in the full glare of sunlight that presents the real challenge.It was very clever of another talented friend of mine to take a photo of me in the gentle shade of big trees.(Thank you David Crostley-White and your wonderful wife Julie) As a contrast, I have to giggle every time I look at the shots produced in a studio a few years ago.

See for yourself, I reveal all

................................

Would you trust the one on the left?!!
Or, is your preference the more gentle soul on the right.

The Black Tunnel

2009-10-10T23:19:00.000+01:00

HONESTY
Today is Mental Health Day. It is generally accepted now that one in four of us will experience some form of mental illness in our lifetime. The hope is that today will help to raise the level of awareness of the impact of mental illness. It may even help to reduce the stigma.

And do I believe that there is a lack of awareness? And, do I think there is still a stigma?

Yes, I do. I believe there is a lack of understanding and awareness. And, I also think that there is still a stigma. My conviction and knowledge comes, not from a text book or the latest research, but from my own personal experience of mental illness over several decades.

I was first diagnosed with 'clinical depression', now also described as 'recurrent depressive disorder', in my late twenties. It acted as the catalyst for me to leave British Airways, where I had been working as a cabin attendant for the previous five and a half years. After I recovered, several months later I became a journalist, specialising in aviation and travel. That had always been the game plan, but I hadn't anticipated my new career starting this way.

LACK OF LOGIC

The doctor that I saw initially asked me if I was feeling a sense of shame about the diagnosis? I admitted that I was. His response was first another question, would I feel ashamed if I had a sprained ankle? "Of course not", I said. According to him, there is little difference between a sprained ankle and strained nerves. They both need treatment and then rest.

Technically I could seen the thrust of his argument. But, the problem I had with it was that there was nothing logical about crashing down into a deep depression. With a sprained ankle, people can see you have a bandage on and you are experiencing pain - instant sympathy. But, with exhausted nerves, depression, pain in the mind, there are no real visible signs and there is no indication of how long it might take for you to recover.

IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE
Since that time, I have had a number of recurrences. I can only describe depression as utterly terrifying. It is like being in a black tunnel. It has been described by some as being in a black hole. I choose to use the expression 'black tunnel' because on each occasion the blackness seemed to go on and on.

I have been incredibly lucky in that I could not have asked for better medical care. And, some of my friends have been wonderful. Others not so, but I would never blame them. It is a condition that is so misunderstood and it can, I suspect, provoke a feeling of 'thereby but for the grace of''. People are scared of mental illness.

I will admit that it has been the most challenging aspect of my life. I thought it might fade as I got older, but unfortunately, it seems that as I am 'prone' to depression, it can be triggered by numerous external triggers. I never quite know whether it could be just around the corner.

I don't succumb easily. I have always been a fighter, but the progress of an episode is so difficult to predict. It can be anything from a few days to a few months. It also varies in its severity. It has been recognised that having a chronic condition or two can act as a trigger. And, then you can add life's little challenges - and I have to admit that my list reads rather like a script for a bad 'B' movie.

I seldom get 'really angry'. But a news item covered by the Daily Mail, some months ago, described people with depression as self-indulgent! I think the writer in question should count herself lucky that I have chosen to forget her name.

And so, my plea is this. Don't ever take good mental health for granted. Mental illness can affect anyone. And if someone you know develops it - in whatever form, be patient. Be prepared to listen. Do what makes them feel comfortable and not what suits you. And, don't ever say, "pull yourself together'!

British Sense of Community

2009-10-08T22:13:00.000+01:00

INSPIRATIONAL AND ASPIRATIONAL

I listened intently to every word of David Cameron's speech today, on the last day of the Conservative Party Conference. I thought his speech was a tour de force. It gave me hope and reminded me of what I love about this country.

There will doubtless be the spiteful and critical comments made by failing politicians in other parties. There may well be those who feel they cannot trust in the Tories because of their idealogical differences. Some may doubt the sincerity of his words. But I didn't and I don't. I believe his passion was genuine. I also believe in his commitment and his love of this country.

What struck a particular chord with me was his comment about a 'British sense of community' and what he believes in: "family, community and country".

I too believe passionately in community. I have often quoted the words of the American writer Dr M Scott Peck, author of The Road Less Travelled - and at the risk of boring those who know me well, I shall repeat them. I think his words complement so well those of the Tory leader today.

"The overall purpose of human communication is - or shoud be - reconciliation. It should ultimately serve to lower or remove the walls of misunderstanding which unduly separate us human being, one from another."

He goes on to express his belief that: "if we were to prevent civilisation destroying itself, we must urgently rebuild community on all levels, local, national and international."

I count myself blessed in that I have good friends, friends who share similar beliefs about 'putting something back' - and I feel part of a community of like-minded people in more than one area of my life.

MY BELIEF IN COMMUNITY
I have never given up the idea of setting up, The Active Link Project. Governments - national and local, or any of the official bodies and organisations- cannot achieve all that they might wish, without the support of individuals and communities. We have to contribute all we can too.

I intend to develop an organisation of like minded people that can help to reinforce and boost 'community spirit' - through positive and effective communication. If someone feels isolated, that perception is so powerful. It can have a dramatic and negative impact on their life. But, if that lonely individual starts to believe that they too can be part of a community - and then also discover that real help and support is available - loneliness and isolation will start to fade.

I have already placed my plans on record in this Blog. Listening today to the man who may well be our next Prime Minister, placing such an emphasis on community, encouraged me greatly.

Sometimes, having ideas and trying to get them off the ground is difficult. It can feel very lonely if the time isn't right and others just don't understand what you are 'going on about'!

But, I really do place a very great emphasis on community because not everyone has a loving, warm and supportive family. I know how important their families are to many of my friends. But, for whatever reason, there are those of us who may well be facing the rest of their lives alone. To feel a sense of belonging is, I believe, essential for our health and quality of life.

Future Planning and the gift of time

2009-10-07T23:16:00.000+01:00

FUTURE PLANNING
This blog is just one step on the way to developing other sites and projects. The first aim of this particular blog was to remove my fear of publishing on the Internet. And, also to get used to posting on a daily basis. It might be news, views, commentary or a captioned photograph. But, it is helping me to shape my ideas. And so please bear with me as I focus on more than one theme at this stage.

I intend to separate the community and policing news for my local area on to another site, but I will need a little longer to pull all the threads together.

GIFT OF TIME
I have been seeking the good things of 'this ageing business' to write about. And one aspect that I am positive about is 'the gift of time'. I think it is fair to say that until I 'retired' everything was achieved under a certain amount of pressure. Certainly, I always wished I had more time to do things - just normal things like shopping efficiently for example.

I knew that I had to 'de-clutter' everything to do with my home and there was no better place to start than the walk-in cupboard where I have my fridge and dry stores. What an example of what I mean about lack of time leading to - well, in this case waste generally and waste of money in particular.

I suppose that I had tended to use the 'I just better take one of these in case' style of shopping. This had clearly led to much duplication of items - and quite a number of them out of date. And so this has become the first of my 'new life' resolutions - make lists, after checking what is already sitting on the shelves, when it comes to shopping lists.

In fact, making lists for most activities is, I have come to realise, sensible. This takes into account any possible absent-minded and forgetful phases! Have I mentioned these before?

And I fully intend to continue making time my friend. Use it not waste it is the name of the game from now on.

For example

Fear for the future or fear of the future?

2009-10-06T22:52:00.000+01:00

I know that the only way to help anyone else facing 'going bust', losing their home or fear of getting old alone, with few resources, is to be ruthlessly honest about what it has been like. That way people can learn from my mistakes or at least from my experiences.

The first thing to say is that I took risks. I had ideas. I set up business operations. And, to my mind, anyone who takes a risk must accept that there are no guarantees of success.

For most of my journalistic career I operated as a freelance. No guarantee of riches there! It is true to say that to develop ideas to write about, research them and then write about them is, creatively, enormously satisfying. But it is a 'feast or famine' life in the media, or it can be - unless of course you are Piers Morgan, Jeremy Paxman or, pause for a shudder, Jonathan Ross!

I am using this as an introduction to a theme I intend to develop. But not tonight! What is the point of having your own blog, unless you can sometimes take a little time out.

Tonight I am tired and the biggest lesson of all that I can truly say that I have learnt from my experiences over recent years is how vital it is to look after my health. And that means healthy eating, rest when I need it and doing everything I possibly can to manage my health - and the conditions I have gathered on the way. You can't buy good health, you can't take it for granted and, if you lose it or develop chronic conditions that are not going to go away, you owe it to yourself to put the management of your health as your number one priority. That way, I should have years ahead to learn new things and do things I haven't done so far. And that is exciting - but yes, it's scary too!

And so, to bed!