Friday, March 18, 2011
Pink Pig to cheer the day
Almost 3 months ago, Bill was given a pink pig for Christmas.
Perhaps inspired by the Newcastle Makers' Fair, he decided to make it today.
The very grey day was just the sort of time to turn one's mind to a challenge.
It is, of course, a mechanical pig.
He walks along with an ungainly gait and causes smiles to appear on faces.
Bill will be able to show it off to the givers on Sunday.
Yes, it has been a grey damp day.
I have a beef and vegetable casserole in the oven, doused in the contents of a bottle of Stella Artois.
This afternoon I went round to see Frieda. It was 4 o'clock and she was already in her night clothes.
And yet she had been hoping to see the doctor.
She rang or went over to the medical centre this morning and was told that her doctor would be back at 3 o'clock.
But obviously, she said, he is not seeing anybody.
But she made no appointment this morning, so I am not sure what she was expecting.
It wasn't an emergency.
And I have now been through her medications, reading out the most important bits of the leaflets. She has no idea what she is taking and why.
She has no idea about the inside of her body.
She has a drug of the omaprazole family which Bill takes for his acid gut, heartburn and hiatus hernia.
Frieda has such problems too.
She told me that sometimes she brings up green .... now, many will know that I am an expert on bringing up green bile!
Frieda thought it was because she had a cold! No Frieda - snot does not come up from your gut!
She thought I should go into the medical profession because I can explain things so well.
But it does go to show what doctors are up against.
After some lazy days at home, I am looking forward to tomorrow and Sunday.
We are promised a day of bright sunshine tomorrow, so we will be down at Ford and Littlehampton.
On Sunday there will be a Frost family day, seeing lots of family.
Scroll down for our Newcastle pictures.
Perhaps inspired by the Newcastle Makers' Fair, he decided to make it today.
The very grey day was just the sort of time to turn one's mind to a challenge.
It is, of course, a mechanical pig.
He walks along with an ungainly gait and causes smiles to appear on faces.
Bill will be able to show it off to the givers on Sunday.
Yes, it has been a grey damp day.
I have a beef and vegetable casserole in the oven, doused in the contents of a bottle of Stella Artois.
This afternoon I went round to see Frieda. It was 4 o'clock and she was already in her night clothes.
And yet she had been hoping to see the doctor.
She rang or went over to the medical centre this morning and was told that her doctor would be back at 3 o'clock.
But obviously, she said, he is not seeing anybody.
But she made no appointment this morning, so I am not sure what she was expecting.
It wasn't an emergency.
And I have now been through her medications, reading out the most important bits of the leaflets. She has no idea what she is taking and why.
She has no idea about the inside of her body.
She has a drug of the omaprazole family which Bill takes for his acid gut, heartburn and hiatus hernia.
Frieda has such problems too.
She told me that sometimes she brings up green .... now, many will know that I am an expert on bringing up green bile!
Frieda thought it was because she had a cold! No Frieda - snot does not come up from your gut!
She thought I should go into the medical profession because I can explain things so well.
But it does go to show what doctors are up against.
After some lazy days at home, I am looking forward to tomorrow and Sunday.
We are promised a day of bright sunshine tomorrow, so we will be down at Ford and Littlehampton.
On Sunday there will be a Frost family day, seeing lots of family.
Scroll down for our Newcastle pictures.
Newcastle and the Tyne Bridge
Last Thursday we had a comfortable night in the Grainger Hotel. It was not grand, but very clean and efficient. The provided breakfast was a limitless supply of cereals, toast, fruit, cake with juices and tea and coffee.
Last Friday it was bright and breezy - very breezy!
It was a chill wind.
Bill and I took a walk for an hour before returning to Laurel Avenue.
(B)
We parked on the Gateshead side of the River Tyne - the south side.
We were opposite the old town hall, viewed here by Bill through a modern sculpture.
This is a picture from a website.
(P) Bill on the bridge.
(P) View of the high level bridge and the swing bridge.
(P)
(B)
(P) 
(P) 
(P) 
(B)
(P) 
(B)
(B)
(P) 
(B)
(P)
Last Friday it was bright and breezy - very breezy!
It was a chill wind.
Bill and I took a walk for an hour before returning to Laurel Avenue.
(B)
We parked on the Gateshead side of the River Tyne - the south side.
We were opposite the old town hall, viewed here by Bill through a modern sculpture.
This is a picture from a website.
We didn't have that view of The Tyne Bridge.
(P)
We walked on to the bridge and were buffeted hard by the wind - it almost knocked me back!
We walked on to the bridge and were buffeted hard by the wind - it almost knocked me back!
(P) Bill on the bridge.
(P) View of the high level bridge and the swing bridge.
(P)
The castle remains from the bridge.
Over 30 years ago we were up there with small boys. The time was spent watching trains in and out of Newcastle Station.
(B)
A variety of buildings from the bridge.
The cathedral is on the right.
I think the picture portrays the character of Newcastle very well.
(B)
The Holy Jesus Hospital. It is tucked away almost under the bridge - though, of course, there was no bridge there when it was built.
The Holy Jesus Hospital. It is tucked away almost under the bridge - though, of course, there was no bridge there when it was built.
Mary Queen of Scots took refuge here.
(P)
Doorways and covered walkway of the Holy Jesus Hospital.
(P)
The Tyne Bridge was completed in 1928 and was designed by the designer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
(P)
It was cold up there!
(B)
The new Millennium footbridge is on the left and a very modern arts centre, known as The Sage is on the right.
(P)
The millennium bridge.
It is not immediately apparent in this picture that the footbridge is not actually under the arch - it loops round.
(B)
The Sage
(B)
Old chimneys and modern development.
(P)
Chimneys and sage.
(B)
The old church is now a local history centre.
(P)
The old church and reflections of the bridge in The Sage.
I really look forward to returning to Newcastle.
There is so much to see and do.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A brief summary
The day has slipped away again.
So, I shall leave posting a blog about short walk across The Tyne last Friday, until tomorrow.
The pictures are all on facebook, but I don't have the oomph to do it all over again this evening for the blog.
This morning we stocked up on food - a big trip to Asda.
Not exciting to write about at all.
This afternoon I spent a while chatting with Jamie - he had Laurel Avenue up on Google street view. I realised that I hadn't got google earth actually on my computer at all. So I spent a while downloading that.
Bill was out mowing grass for some time - the first cut of the season.
I did then get around to a bit of book describing. I had 10 ready to get listed, but only succeeded in finishing 6 of them.
One has a bid already and others have picked up watchers. I have one I paid quite a lot for - Guildford in the Great War, a fat tome published in 1934. I paid £5 for it, which I know is a reasonable price - now I want somebody to pay more than that.
This evening we had a roast dinner and opened a bottle of beer. It should have been Guinness on St Patrick's Day, but we opted for some dark Whitechapel Porter and it was superb. I realised that I enjoyed it far more than most wines.
That's it for now.
So, I shall leave posting a blog about short walk across The Tyne last Friday, until tomorrow.
The pictures are all on facebook, but I don't have the oomph to do it all over again this evening for the blog.
This morning we stocked up on food - a big trip to Asda.
Not exciting to write about at all.
This afternoon I spent a while chatting with Jamie - he had Laurel Avenue up on Google street view. I realised that I hadn't got google earth actually on my computer at all. So I spent a while downloading that.
Bill was out mowing grass for some time - the first cut of the season.
I did then get around to a bit of book describing. I had 10 ready to get listed, but only succeeded in finishing 6 of them.
One has a bid already and others have picked up watchers. I have one I paid quite a lot for - Guildford in the Great War, a fat tome published in 1934. I paid £5 for it, which I know is a reasonable price - now I want somebody to pay more than that.
This evening we had a roast dinner and opened a bottle of beer. It should have been Guinness on St Patrick's Day, but we opted for some dark Whitechapel Porter and it was superb. I realised that I enjoyed it far more than most wines.
That's it for now.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Today in Monkland
Time for bed.....never mind there is plenty for you to see on the posting below.
Today the car has been serviced and 2 new tyres fitted. Ouch says the bank balance!
And the window cleaner has also cleaned gutters, sofitts etc...so a bit more pain for the bank balance.
This evening we have enjoyed chat and wine/beer with Julie and Roger.
Interesting... we started to muse on the actual size of Japan.
How much bigger than the UK is it?
Well, it is about one and a half times bigger, but has twice the population.
Now scroll down for a peep into the world of Ashley and Liz.
I can also add that Ashley won a prize at the Maker's Fair at the weekend for guessing completely accurately the number of acrylic bits in a jar.
He now has a kit for making a variety of circuits boards and things.
And I won one of these - by guessing there were 1392 acyrilic bits in a jar. I got the exact number. http://www.oomlout.co.uk/starter-kit-for-arduino-ardx-p-183.html Something to play with when we have some space.
On that happy note I bid you goodnight.
Today the car has been serviced and 2 new tyres fitted. Ouch says the bank balance!
And the window cleaner has also cleaned gutters, sofitts etc...so a bit more pain for the bank balance.
This evening we have enjoyed chat and wine/beer with Julie and Roger.
Interesting... we started to muse on the actual size of Japan.
How much bigger than the UK is it?
Well, it is about one and a half times bigger, but has twice the population.
Now scroll down for a peep into the world of Ashley and Liz.
I can also add that Ashley won a prize at the Maker's Fair at the weekend for guessing completely accurately the number of acrylic bits in a jar.
He now has a kit for making a variety of circuits boards and things.
And I won one of these - by guessing there were 1392 acyrilic bits in a jar. I got the exact number. http://www.oomlout.co.uk/starter-kit-for-arduino-ardx-p-183.html Something to play with when we have some space.
On that happy note I bid you goodnight.
The Newcastle chapter begins.
And so a new chapter begins.
I ended yesterday with a picture of Ashley, Liz and Ecky outside their Bangor front door and we begin today with the family outside the door of their new Newcastle home.
This is their road - a quiet road, for it is a cul de sac.
I think the thick hedge at the front is destined to go.
The house is in an area south of Gosforth, which once was a separate small town. It still has some small town charm, but is now a part of the city.
This painting is a view of Gosforth and Gosforth Heath by artist Emma Holliday. It was on the wall of the Wetherspoon's pub.
We have to be honest - 8, Laurel Avenue has been neglected. There are weak floorboards in places and damp. The wiring is a nightmare. The carpets are shabby and the walls need paint.
But there is space and it will be a good home.
The kitchen is small and dated, with hardly a power point. The washing machine doesn't fit in the space provided.
But this will all be rectified.
Just now, though, there is hardly room to move.
The cat flap flapped noisily in the wind.
The main living room is large. That light fitting will go!
The gas fire set in a brick hearth is also destined to go.
Those plants have already been moved out - they were left by the previous owner.
That was kind of her.
Even kinder is that she left a computer and desk that she can't fit in her new flat. So Ecky will have her own computer.
Musing on the boxes and wondering just what they have done!
I can't begin to describe the amount of stuff.
Everybody thinks they have a lot - but I don't think anybody I know has as much as Ashley and Liz.
That makes it sound like they are forever in shops acquiring things - and that is definitely not so.
But there are thousands of books, CDs, DVDs and so on.
The 2 removal men were unloading their things non stop for almost 5 hours.
The front garden.
The front garden.
In Ecky's bedroom.
She has so much - mostly from boot sales and charity shops. These things are loved by her and are hard to part with, even if finished with.
This book is so apt.
Mina is one of the nick names that Ekatarina has - mostly used by her parents.
The author is a Novacastrian - isn't that what a native of Newcastle is called?
The other front bedroom.
Straight out of one wardrobe and into another.
View of the garden from the lounge.
View from the back bedroom.
This room is not going to be used until some work has been done. It is quite damp and the floorboards don't feel completely safe.
I don't think the damp is too much of a problem - mainly caused by a leaky gutter being ignored for many years.
View of house from garden.
There is already an extension on the house.
The bay window is in the dining room extension and the French windows are at the extension end of the living room.
A further extension is now planned to the side of the house, which will make a wonderful large kitchen/dining room.
Ecky playing. There has never been space like this for playing and relaxing.
Call this a garage? The estate agents did!
It will come down and make way for the new extension.
Now the family begin to make their new lives in a new place.
It was good maybe to have a meal in a familiar atmosphere - we had Friday lunch in the Gosforth Wetherspoon's.
Since we left them I know they have done much.
They spent time at the Science Maker's Fair.
They have been to see the sea at Tynemouth.
And builders have called to look at the work and to give estimates of cost.
They would prefer now to find one company to do everything.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Spring time at last?
What a day!
Oh yes - this has been very spring like.
Early this morning we heard the hum of the council mowers cutting grass - not so much for them to do at the front as there used to be of course.
Washing was hung outdoors.
And Bill went out to clean the car thoroughly with no coat or jacket on.
The back door could remained open and fresh air flooded in.
I spent a while this morning on the phone.
Liz's mother, I felt, would like to hear of how the move to Newcastle went.
Poor Liz's mother - widowed just 3 weeks ago. He own life has turned upside down and now her daughter and grand daughter are not in a place that she can visualise.
Poor Liz too - she has been just great at keeping things together, despite her world feeling like it has broken apart.
I am so glad that Liz's new job doesn't start until April 4th. This gives time to get to feel grounded in the new environment. The three of them have been busy having some fun.
They have been to see the sea at Tynemouth.
But work goes on too - builders have been to work out quotes and estimates for all the work that needs doing.
I packed up more clothes today - this time to send to France. The buyer calls herself Renaissance Dyeing; so I am sure she is running a cottage industry based on clothes, fashion and fabrics.
This afternoon we went to visit Bill's sister. Jane was in hospital until the weekend, being given a replacement knee.
It is far too early to think about if all has been successful - still too much swelling and pain.
But I am sure, like most people, she will, at some point, feel so glad that she has had it done.
Talking of painful knees - mine returned.
Now, I have to confess, some wheat has passed my lips since Thursday.
My digestion responded in the usual way.
And I realised that last time I fell off the wagon and indulged in quite a lot of wheat based products I was simultaneously suffering with 2 painful knee joints.
Today I began to wonder.....and yes, there is much evidence that wheat intolerance can/will cause painful muscles and joints.
I read a web site earlier which quoted evidence that wheat intolerance can cause pancreatic disfunction.
Well, that might explain things then.
And of course the most common pancreatic disfunction seen these days is diabetes - increasingly common. At least I don't have that!
Have the modern methods of producing bread got a lot to answer for?
So, time to climb back into my disciplined straight jacket of a no wheat diet.
I can do it.
I have a friend who recently went very public about being an alcoholic. Having done that seems to have affected her way of viewing the problem and from yesterday she is learning to cope without her crutch. She has good medical support I hasten to add.
Congratulations to her.
The road I have to travel should be much easier than hers. If she can do it, then surely so can I.
We will both feel so much better for it.
Scroll down to see a few pictures taken on the last morning in Bangor.
Oh yes - this has been very spring like.
Early this morning we heard the hum of the council mowers cutting grass - not so much for them to do at the front as there used to be of course.
Washing was hung outdoors.
And Bill went out to clean the car thoroughly with no coat or jacket on.
The back door could remained open and fresh air flooded in.
I spent a while this morning on the phone.
Liz's mother, I felt, would like to hear of how the move to Newcastle went.
Poor Liz's mother - widowed just 3 weeks ago. He own life has turned upside down and now her daughter and grand daughter are not in a place that she can visualise.
Poor Liz too - she has been just great at keeping things together, despite her world feeling like it has broken apart.
I am so glad that Liz's new job doesn't start until April 4th. This gives time to get to feel grounded in the new environment. The three of them have been busy having some fun.
They have been to see the sea at Tynemouth.
But work goes on too - builders have been to work out quotes and estimates for all the work that needs doing.
I packed up more clothes today - this time to send to France. The buyer calls herself Renaissance Dyeing; so I am sure she is running a cottage industry based on clothes, fashion and fabrics.
This afternoon we went to visit Bill's sister. Jane was in hospital until the weekend, being given a replacement knee.
It is far too early to think about if all has been successful - still too much swelling and pain.
But I am sure, like most people, she will, at some point, feel so glad that she has had it done.
Talking of painful knees - mine returned.
Now, I have to confess, some wheat has passed my lips since Thursday.
My digestion responded in the usual way.
And I realised that last time I fell off the wagon and indulged in quite a lot of wheat based products I was simultaneously suffering with 2 painful knee joints.
Today I began to wonder.....and yes, there is much evidence that wheat intolerance can/will cause painful muscles and joints.
I read a web site earlier which quoted evidence that wheat intolerance can cause pancreatic disfunction.
Well, that might explain things then.
And of course the most common pancreatic disfunction seen these days is diabetes - increasingly common. At least I don't have that!
Have the modern methods of producing bread got a lot to answer for?
So, time to climb back into my disciplined straight jacket of a no wheat diet.
I can do it.
I have a friend who recently went very public about being an alcoholic. Having done that seems to have affected her way of viewing the problem and from yesterday she is learning to cope without her crutch. She has good medical support I hasten to add.
Congratulations to her.
The road I have to travel should be much easier than hers. If she can do it, then surely so can I.
We will both feel so much better for it.
Scroll down to see a few pictures taken on the last morning in Bangor.
A look back to the end of the last chapter...Orme Road
On Thursday morning last week, March 10th, we left the comfort of Pete and Jean's home and drove to Bangor to collect the cats.
We were not there long.
The house was empty and no longer a home. It had become a "property" once again.
I took a few pictures.
In the main living room - which is now destined to be 2 rooms for students.
Ashley cleans up the cats' dishes.
A last look at Ecky's bedroom.
Those walls were never very visible - so many shelves of books, toys and ornaments.
Look! Not a very cheerful morning!
View from Ashley's study.
A poignant moment.
Maybe enlarged this shows more clearly the lines on the door frame which mark Ecky's growth.
The house is sold - not a Monk home any more.
Time to go.
We were not there long.
The house was empty and no longer a home. It had become a "property" once again.
I took a few pictures.
In the main living room - which is now destined to be 2 rooms for students.
Ashley cleans up the cats' dishes.
A last look at Ecky's bedroom.
Those walls were never very visible - so many shelves of books, toys and ornaments.
Look! Not a very cheerful morning!
This is the view from Ecky's bedroom.
View from Ashley's study.
Bye bye Bangor sea gulls.
No, Jacob! There will be no more exploring of the tiny back yard and beyond.
No, Jacob! There will be no more exploring of the tiny back yard and beyond.
Soon the cats will have a larger garden and trees and shrubs to explore.
A poignant moment.
Maybe enlarged this shows more clearly the lines on the door frame which mark Ecky's growth.
She is growing so tall. The last months have been a true growth spurt time.
The house is sold - not a Monk home any more.
Time to go.
The chapter is over.
In a few more hours the next chapter will begin.
