I find when I Google something I rarely retain the information for very long whereas when I spend time searching through dictionaries, atlases, books of quotations etc. the words on the printed page stay in my memory and I can recall them later. Is Google atrophying my brain?
Last weekend we had the pleasure of a visit from Kirsten from Denmark. She is the granddaughter of the farmer whose family have been tending the memorial in Denmark where Ernie's plane crashed. We also had a visit from Anne who has been instrumental in tracing families of airmen who were killed in WW2. We had all met in Denmark earlier this year.
The weather has been so gloomy this week, more like November than August so am reading for the umpteenth time " Winter Solstice" by Rosamunde Pilcher which is like sitting in a cosy room by a welcoming fire. Pure escapism!
Sunday 29 August 2010
Friday 13 August 2010
Gadgets
I have just got a new digital hearing aid. I am as deaf as a post without it. It has different controls from the last one but i shall get used to it.
I have warned my family to be careful now of what they say in my hearing or I will cut them out of my will!
When I confronted my new washing machine 4 years ago with its dials, numbers and flashing lights it seemed like learning to pilot Concorde. I soon put it in its place and showed who was master by using just two of its many programmes (as I think many housewives do).
The word "housewife" intrigues me. I don't remember marrying a house. For once an Americanism might be more accurate. They say "homemaker".
I have warned my family to be careful now of what they say in my hearing or I will cut them out of my will!
When I confronted my new washing machine 4 years ago with its dials, numbers and flashing lights it seemed like learning to pilot Concorde. I soon put it in its place and showed who was master by using just two of its many programmes (as I think many housewives do).
The word "housewife" intrigues me. I don't remember marrying a house. For once an Americanism might be more accurate. They say "homemaker".
Sunday 8 August 2010
Savings
The Bankers are getting richer and I am getting poorer yet the Government urges us to save money. What money? Perhaps we should hold National Savings Weeks like we did in WW2. Then we were encouraged to save to boost the war effort. The slogan was "Save for Victory". What would it be now? Suggestions on a postcard .
.My friend Kitty,
and I would occasionally seek respite from the nightly London blitz by going to her Auntie's at South Mimms, then a straggling village just off the A1 road to the north. It consisted of one long lane dotted with several pubs.
One day we were met by the young cousins in a high state of excitement. It was National Savings Week and there was to be a procession! Sure enough at 2.30 there was the sound of a Military Band. We rushed to the front gate so as not to miss anything.
Around the bend in the lane came a small Boy Scout pushing an ancient perambulator on which was perched, rather precariously, a wind-up gramophone valiantly blaring forth martial music. He was followed by a gaggle of Scouts, Guides, Cubs and
Brownies desperately trying to keep step. Following them was the vicar, his white surplice billowing out in the wind and a crowd of rather noisy choir boys.
Then came a bevy of Land Girls wearing their distinctive breeches and carrying pitchforks. Next two members of the Auxiliary Fire Service carrying Stirrup Pumps,
two ARP Wardens in tin hats, three ladies from the Women's Voluntary Service (WVS)
some St. John's Ambulance men, a party of pretty young nurses from the Cottage Hospital and some RAF cadets. Bringing up the rear was a platoon of Home Guards (Dad's Army) and finally the village policeman. We gave them all a cheer as they marched past.
.My friend Kitty,
and I would occasionally seek respite from the nightly London blitz by going to her Auntie's at South Mimms, then a straggling village just off the A1 road to the north. It consisted of one long lane dotted with several pubs.
One day we were met by the young cousins in a high state of excitement. It was National Savings Week and there was to be a procession! Sure enough at 2.30 there was the sound of a Military Band. We rushed to the front gate so as not to miss anything.
Around the bend in the lane came a small Boy Scout pushing an ancient perambulator on which was perched, rather precariously, a wind-up gramophone valiantly blaring forth martial music. He was followed by a gaggle of Scouts, Guides, Cubs and
Brownies desperately trying to keep step. Following them was the vicar, his white surplice billowing out in the wind and a crowd of rather noisy choir boys.
Then came a bevy of Land Girls wearing their distinctive breeches and carrying pitchforks. Next two members of the Auxiliary Fire Service carrying Stirrup Pumps,
two ARP Wardens in tin hats, three ladies from the Women's Voluntary Service (WVS)
some St. John's Ambulance men, a party of pretty young nurses from the Cottage Hospital and some RAF cadets. Bringing up the rear was a platoon of Home Guards (Dad's Army) and finally the village policeman. We gave them all a cheer as they marched past.
Monday 2 August 2010
A Surfeit of Squirrels
A good day today! Saw the Nurse and everything is in working order (except my legs of course - but we won't talk about them) I might also have someone to push the Hoover and move the dust around.
I have had another squirrel encounter. I used to think they were pretty creatures, sitting up and eating with their front paws. Now, I'm sorry if I offend my readers, I just think of them as tree rats.
This cheeky blighter came in the conservatory while I was sitting reading the paper. I gave him short shrift but it does mean that I don't like leaving the door open if I'm not there. I hope he got the message.
I have had another squirrel encounter. I used to think they were pretty creatures, sitting up and eating with their front paws. Now, I'm sorry if I offend my readers, I just think of them as tree rats.
This cheeky blighter came in the conservatory while I was sitting reading the paper. I gave him short shrift but it does mean that I don't like leaving the door open if I'm not there. I hope he got the message.
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