Weird Websites?

hi guys
I always try to temper the serious stuf with a link to a light hearted website .

Please try and take the time to visit because we all need a smile in our lives. Yesterday I was visited by the following and am providing a whimsical website for each which although personal to them will provide smiles for all hopefully.

John and Sue - http://www.marriedwithchildren.com/

Fiona - http://www.jack-russell-terrier.co.uk/breed/anatomy.html

Brian - http://www.elvis.org/

Take time out guys to have a look and chill for a bit

Stevie T

All in the best possible taste

'ello my little broccoli spears,

and welcome to this morning's edition of the my daily blog.

The fact that i had the same chemo as last week (Gemcitabine) has allowed me to make comparisons. I can then adjust my life style according ly.

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Generalinformation/Overview

The metallic taste in the mouth has arrived fairly quickly, along with the dryness. However the pineapple trick works for me in refreshing my mouth and reducing the dryness.

I had some bacon and egg and it was heavy going as it was almost tasteless (like my fashion sense) so have switched temporarily to Greek Yoghurt, Honey and Fruit. Yeh I know it sounds a bit poncy for us northern folk but there you are!

http://www.totalgreekyoghurt.com/site/home_1.aspx

I have been getting little "surges" around my body as the chemo circulates. It's quite weird at times and can best be described as a mini localised power surge or flush. At one point it felt like a pair of "fizzy wellingtons" as it circulated around my shins and calves. It's obviously doing its job as I can feel all sorts of nuances (big word) around my body.

I'm still quite tired and drift in and out of sleep quite easily, but do not have any nausea (yet?), so apart from the mouth stuff generally feel ok

see you soon

Steve

Blog Followers Billboard

hi blogsters
I don't know what's happening with the amazing disappearing pictures on the blog. they havent been deleted , just not being displayed .
If any of you has sussed it perhaps you could let me know and i'll tell the others.
byee!
steve

Waisting Away

Hi blogsters

It might be prudent here to remark on my new found figure, due to all that has been happening.so we'll start at the top and work down:

My hair - no balder than its ever been

My face - this has skinnied out and I have lost two of my chins (when GOD handed out chins, I thought he said Gins, and said I'll have a double!). You can now see my jawline and I have trimmed my beard accordingly.

Arms and legs - very skinny with very little fat.

Waist - my waist is now a 36 - 38 whereas it used to be a 42" This is despit the amount of food I keep eating

Bum - What bum? Its the size of an Argentine gigolo's!

My weight - less than 100kg

My Height - Chemo will hopefully shrink the tumour in my lung but can do nothing for my height.

All of this has resulted in purchasing new clothes along the way - Thank god for ASDA and George that's what I say!


Gok Wan eat your heart out!

see you in the Spring!

steve

Chemo again

hi guys


just a few words on today

Just as you start to feel better it's chemo day again. Personally I didn't, I felt tired and like bleugh!

I had another half litre of Gemcitabine, the one that looks just like the Saline solution.


http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Generalinformation/Overview


We were lucky as we were the first ones in and were able to be seen first, plus I had it on the bed rather than the reclining chair. We were in for 1000 am and out for 12 o'clock

We repaired home where I had a nap whilst Maria cooked a fantastic lunch of Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy - Outstanding!

http://sausagefans.com/

I have a thing about sausages, from my days in the fridge game when I saw them being made, and have gone back to bangers as opposed to the Scot's square sausage.

They say a change is as god as a rest don't they. I like a meaty banger and am quite prepared to pay the extra for it! my favourite is a rough cut country style but it has to be quite juicy and fatty.

As you've guessed they have to be pork, because you are what you eat - OINK!

We watched a video in the afternoon - Maria's Choice - The Da Vinci Code.

It was a good movie and we enjoyed it, however we need to get some new leads and a splitter, as there was a bit of crackling (back to pork again) .

So if any of you blogsters out there are all about on this, please come and see us.

love you all

steve

If You Can't Take the Heat

hi guys

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Sideeffects/General

It might be useful here to describe the way heat affects me. the warmer or more enclosed a situation is the more i feel nauseous (in fact i was a little sick yesterday). However by going somewhere cool and by that I mean milder, I alleviate the symptoms. All in all it's avoid crowds and warmer places, and above all keep cool. Yo! mah Man!

http://www.coolguyfiles.com/

I still have to remember to take things a bit more sedately other wise Chemo yanks my lead, and sometimes quite drastically.

check out these links guys as there's some useful stuff on them

catch you later

Stevie

Wild Wednesday

Hi Guys

The day started with a quiet breakfast for us two . Because of my mouth (which is healing), I have been leaning towards milk / yoghurt / ice cream based products for sustenance, and it seems to be working ok.

One thing I learned fro Lesley at the Harbour was that a piece of pineapple works wonders for making your mouth juicy again. i was a but dubious as I thought it would sting but hey presto it did the trick - nice one!

Ian and Paula came up from deepest Blandford for the day and we gave them our news.

They were the first in a steady stream of visitors. Charley came and her and Maria tootled off to Holbrook for a swim.


Tim arrived from Fleetlands art lunchtime followed by Maggie (its her birthday - how old?)

She announced it was her birthday and said she was now 26 (Quarante deux). Anyhow if you see her wish her a happy birthday, as it will make her day

We proceeded to demolish the rest of the chicken soup and it was lush, and I intend to make some more.

Paul Harris followed later in the afternoon with Dan and Dan from Fleetlands after Ian and Paula Made tracks westwards.

All have been delighted by our news and we feel very lucky to have such support.

When all was quiet it was a quick trip to ASDA in Newgate lane to stock up on essentials. and then home to bed as its Chemo again tomorrow.

bon soir, bon soir

Pancake day

Hi Guys

Sorry about the delay but i have been very tired and sleepy, these past couple of days. Chemo has ravaged me more than i thought it would and all i wanted to do was sleep it seemed.

I have felt sick even though i haven't actually been sick.

I went for blood tests at Haslar this morning. Karl, my good friend from the navy took me and it was lovely to catch up on life - just us two.afterwards we went to the drop in centre for a cuppa and a chat.

http://www.harbourcancer.org.uk/index.html

Back home I managed to perform a little in the kitchen by way of some home made kitchen soup, and then to bed.

Maria's daughters Amanda and Sam came round in the evening, where we ate the soup followed by pancakes. It was a n evening full of fun and giggles and was lovely.

http://pancakes.org.uk/

We also shared our news with them in that I have proposed to Maria and she has accepted (Hooray!)

The girls were overjoyed and wished us well all in all a wonderful day. We haven't set a date, just our intent, for those who want to know the ins and outs.

Here's some piccys of the ring.

Early to bed - knackered!

Funday Monday

Morning Blogstres

Happy Monday to you all.

I went into work this morning at Fleetlands to see some presentations by the students.

For whatever reasons they started later than planned which gave me some time to go "Down the Yard." I popped into Sea King and It was nice to seee some friendly faces and chew a bit of fat. People have been very supportive and I feel very humble.

Beside I had to wish some of the few Soton supporters lurking around amongst "the Faithful" best wishes on a rare win - good for them!

The presentations started and what a good standard they were - well done guys!

Unfortunately I couldn't last the pace and had to retire . Chemo has taken more out of me than I had first realised, so it was goodbyes and home for a rest.

No rest for me though for a stream of visitors arrived first Maggie, followed by Charlie, then Karl and Caroline and their we'an Lucy. They were all good company and it was lovely to see them.

Maria arrived home mid afternoon, she'd been over to her place and had lunch with a friend on her return.

All is well in our little garden, and thats just dandy!

Our last visitor of the day Peter, arrived in the evening after his shift and it was good to see him, especially as he didn't make such a hole in the biscuit barrel as last time!

all done it was early to bed around ten PM.

ciao

ciao

Side effects

Hi Guys

Just when you think all is OK.
I woke up with half of my mouth left skinless. It's one of the side effects of the chemo but made eating and drinking very sore.

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Sideeffects/Possibleside-effects

Our good friends Caroline and Richard turned up and we went to Leonard's at the seahorse for big eats. I highly recommend the food there and the ambiance is lovely - check it out!

http://www.theseahorsepubgosport.co.uk/leonards_restaurant.html

I had the liver and bacon, and it was lush, but I had to eat carefully because of the soreness of my mouth.

Towards the end of the meal I started to feel uncomfortable and on our arrival home felt positively rotten. I felt very tired, overheated, and nauseous. However I managed to keep a lid on it and nodded off for a while. Caroline and Richard understood bless them and were suitably entertained by Maria.

What a difference a nap makes i awoke feeling better or at least not as bad, and have been able took complete this installment.

toodle
pip!

PS Please send me any of your crap jokes, I promise to publish the corniest.

Sleepy Sunday

Hi Blogstars

Stevie T here with another hopefully thrilling instllment fot your delictattion and delight.

Our day started with a visit to the car bootie at Bridgemary School.

The sun was shining and it lokked to promise a nice day ahead. However, I got tired half way round and as the stalls were much of a muchness, and it started to cloud over, we cut short our visit returning back to Castle Tinkler for brekkie.

www.royalbaconsociety.com

Shortly after we werre visited by my good friends Brian (Photo 12) and his wife Jenny. I hadn't seen them since my news broke and it was lovely to catch up with their news as well.

As they left they were replaced by Carol, my sister in law, who was in a similar boat regarding my nes. It's always a joy to see her, as she has got to be one of the jolliest people I know and like me would find something funny in any situation, i.e. she would laugh if her arse was on fire.

We had a lot of news to catch up on (and lots of giggles), and when she left, I gave her my blog address for her to keep tracks of what is going on.

Speaking of that blogsters spread the word and give others the link, as I'am more than happy for people to know whats going on. o.k?

After wards I repaired upstairs on to the PC where I played with my my new all in one scanner printer.

http://www.nextag.co.uk/epson-sx-200-printer/zzukzB1z0--search-html

Talk about user frindly, I just placed the item on the printer and pressed the scan button, and Bingo! I managed to scan lots of photos that I was given / ended up with, form my father's estate over 4 years ago, which needed sorting out.

I have not only sorted them out into groups physically but have made copies of those groups electronically for those family members who might like them.

I intend to use these and copies sof other documents, to make a Time Capsule for those family descendants who might wish to use them for research into our families history in years to come.That way they will be preserved when i leave this life ratherthan and up in the bin or at the tip.

With that in mind here's an early photo of me and my sister Heather, taken Christmas 1959:

I will also make a capsule for my. I think that these days they call them a memory box. Not a bad idea bloggers as you never know how long you've got.

Came over a bit weary after a while, so had a nap for an hour or so.

talk soon bloggers

steve

Sleepy Saturday

Hi Guys

Stevie T here with another thrilling instalment of the blog you Love to read.

Not much to say really except we had a reasonably lazy day of it, apart from the singing telegram call to my sister Heather. (By the way for the record I'm 52 on March 2nd)

I came over all weary and went to bed for a couple of hours whilst Maria watched telly and caught up on her e mails. Late afternoon we nipped up to Fareham to visit the bank and have a walk around.

Saturday evening we had a lodge "do" to go to. Very low key and nothing spectacular, barring the fact that we all went out for dinner to the TOBY Carvery at Green Farm Hilsea.

http://www.toby-carvery.co.uk/

Although it was a bit crowded the food was first Class and despite my feeling a bit nauseous with a low appetite I ate a hearty dinner of Roast beef etc, and a big pudding of ice cream with a smothering of strawberry sauce. Our friends John and Sue acted as Chauffeur for the evening and drove us home for about half ten. A lovely end to a lovely day

talk soon bloggers

Stevie T

Happy Birthday

Hi Blogstars

Just a quick entry here to wish my sister Heather happy birthday.

Those family members who view this blog on a regular basis may also like to call her and wish her a happy 50th (yes 50) like I have done.

I won't print her photo cos she's trying to keep it all low key.

Aw go on then just the one.

Catch you later peeps

Steve

Friday

Hi to all you blogsters out there!

What a difference some sleep makes. I awoke feeling refreshed and have noticed a change in my body in that my breathing is a lot easier. Which means that the chemo has obviously reached parts that others cannot reach and is quietly doing the business, and long may it continue,

After administering my daily dose of pills which is now growing, Maria went over to Hythe for the morning whilst I went shopping at ASDA with my pal Den.

http://www.asda.co.uk/corp/home.html

Back home for lunch were Maria and I then went to the Talisman at Park Gate to meet up with her ex work buddies as some more were leaving. We had a good time and they are a lovely bunch of guys, but had to cut short the occasion as the some of the guys were still working and had to return.

We then sallied up to Hedge End as we were in the area, to see my Auntie Lyn and drop off some tennis balls for her dog Owen. I had to have a nap there as I came over all tired, like a wave, as you do with this condition. I awoke after about an hour and we then made for home where we had youngs fish cooked in the oven with chips from the Chinese Takeway Lush!

http://www.youngsseafood.co.uk/

After tea we popped up to see my friend John who repairs watches. I retrieved my Eterna 5 Star Automatic - a lovely watch which had been in for a service. Its back on my wrist and is purring away like a good'n. and dropped of two of Maria's for servicing.

Time is now more important than ever to me as you can imagine, and if you click on the link below which will tell the lyrics to Pink Floyd's song about time - you may find them quite apt - they very much strike a chord with me.

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/p/pink+floyd/time_20108616.html

All is well so after a quiet night it was early to bed as I fell asleep in the am chair - wake up and go to bed. weird eh?

Tomorow I'm just gonna laze around hopefully.

bysee byes blogstars

jade

Hi Guys

One cannot be immune to the fact that Jade Goody and her personal ordeal are subected to the media spotlight.


My take on this is that she knows her time is limited and she is trying to provide for her children as she knows how - good for her!

She is dealing with her situation wtih a quiet and dignified manner and can only be applauded for this stance.


No one knows the time they have left in life and I wish her every happiness for her future.


Please keep her in your thoughts.

On a wider issue the vastly increased amount of women, especially young ones, who are now attending their appointments for smear tests etc., is a direct result of the publicty Jade has created about this subject, and this can only be a good thing surely?


Can I also remind you here guys to check things like boobs, family jewels etc,. regularly, and don't be afraid to go to the doctor should you find a lump.


God Bless

No Mean Feat

Hi Guys

I,m up at this time because I needed a pee rather than a spew. I still feel weird rather than nauseous - that's obviously the chemo doing its work - hooray!

On our arrival at the ward we bumped into the Ward Auxiliary whom I knew from ten years ago when I was last there.

She recognised me and we had a quick chat. shortly after which Maria and I were presented with tea, coffee a sandwich and a yogurt.

Eyebrows were raised slightly by others there which just goes to show that networking is everything, and always be nice because one day it will be returned.



One of the things on offer whilst having your chemo was a foot massage. It was provided by a volunteer from FORT a charity based at St Mary's Hospital. Check out the link below:

http://www.fort-cancer.org.uk/about.asp

Of course I didn't have to be asked twice. It was wonderful and soothing and I highly recommend it to you if you ever get the chance.

They also offer Indian Head Massage which is Brill. I've had it before as part of a barber's package in India (spookily) or Pakistan when I was in the Andrew.

The package was: Haircut, hot towels, shave, and Head Massage along with a coke or a tea all for around ten rupees (50pence), fantastic value!

For those who've never been shaved by a barber with a cut-throat it is an experience you simply must try. The closeness of the shave is incredible and nothing grows for about three days - fantastic!

Any how enough of this fiddle faddle I want to say something about Jade Goody and will hot foot it to do so in another post.

see you there

Steve

Chemo

Hi Bloggers

Captain Chemo here - denizen of the deep (or was it Nemo?)

Today as most of you know by now I had my first session of chemo.

First I had another x ray and an appointment with the consultant. She had a listen and said my lungs sounded fine and that my kidney results were excellent! (Good signs for the future)

I also had to sign a consent form for them to proceed with poisoning me. All sorted it was off to Ward F5 for the treatment.

I had two half litres of chemo interspersed with saline flushes. It was fed in via a drip and pump to a tube inserted via the back of the hand, and took about three quarters of an hour or so, per drug to administer. the pump is the blue job on the stand on the outside photos.

The blue thing in the centre photo's background is a cooling cap to avoid or lessen the risk of losing ones hair with other types of chemo. Yeh I know, it's a bit late for me as there's not a lot left.

The first drug was called Gemcitabine, and looked just like the Saline solution.

The second one was called Carboplatin, and this one had to be kept in the dark as it degrades quickly in daylight and loses its potency.

You can find out more about these if you follow the link below

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Individualdrugs

It was a strange sensation as it went in - a burny freezy type of feeling that I could feel travelling up my arm - good stuff! Get in there and sort it all out!

Also I had to sit very still so as to maximise the intake rate which was specified (believe it or not) as part of the treatment - how cool is that?

All in all Maria and I were at the hospital for about five hours as after the treatment finished there were forms to fill in and explanations to be given about the possible side effects and the drugs I was given in order to minimise this.

We got home about six o'clock which was just as well as I felt a huge wave of nausea over take me on the way. Although I'm tired and feel weird I wanted to get this post published asap to save the phone going off all of the time. That doesn't mean I don't love you bloggers because I do; it just saves time with explanations thats all.

Must fly I'm off top meet my potential new best friend - Mr Plastic Bowl

http://www.addis.co.uk/

talk soon

steve

hi blogsters

I have composed lines for your perusal:

All those little cancer cells,
All tumours great and small.
If you've melanomas,
Chemo will catch them all!

Each lump and melanoma
Each shape changing mole
In fact for all your cancerous growth
Chemo will reach its goal

Repeat Chorus

Though chemo don't suit everyone
For some a rocky ride
The gain through pain is worth the trial
So take it in your stride

Repeat Chorus

Here are some more with apologies to Messrs Gilbert and Sullivan:


Theres a rumour I've a tumour on my lung (on my lung)
With some asbestosis sprinkled in thereof (in thereof)
My capacity for innocent enjoyment ('cent enjoyment)
Is resticted by it all and makes me cough (makes me cough)
But shortly I'm booked in to have some Chemo (have some chemo)
The doc says I'll give me back some puff (back some puff)
I'm hoping it'll sort it good and proper ( good and proper)
So I can't wait for it to do its stuff. (do its stuff)

I've a tumour so its rumoured on my lung, on my lung,
But with chemo I'll be better ere fore long (air for lung)




What do you reckon then?


Comments Please!

The wee silent hours and thoughts on Chemo

Morning all,
The hours in the morning when I can't sleep are best for updating you guys. This is when I generally get up for an hour and then try to get back to sleep rather than tossing and turning.

I'm hurting a bit this morning and can "feel" the tumour if I sit in a certain way or move funny. Today's the first day it gets zapped by chemo though so things should get better. There are over 50 different types apparently, and they can be given either singly or as a cocktail of two or more.

http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=127

I believe that I will be having a cocktail of two types. However for the moment that's all I know as I have purposely ignored what "brand" of Chemo I shall be having so that I will not be aware of its possible side effects and therefore will not talk myself into the worst of them.

talk soon
steve

De-clutter de clutter

Bonjour Bonjour mon petites

What a difference a reasonable night's sleep makes. we were both up and breakfasted by 0800 . I had steak and eggs courtesy of Maria and they were lovely.

Wednesday is going to be our busiest day visitor wise as it will be the longest after Chemo, and therefore I should be at my best.

Our first visitor was Charley and her son Jack. He's two and is a lovely little boy.


They were followed by our good friends Ian and Paula, from Blandford. Paula arrived with supplies of a cakey nature. I'm not sure what exactly as Maria dealt with all of that, but judging from the noises in the kitchen they were very well received.



The rag and bone man (yes they still exist) passed mid morning and I was able to get rid of some scrap metal as part of the clearing out process.


Maria's son Jason turned up for lunch so we all went over to Pompey to - yes you've guessed it the HKTB - three days on the trot for me.


This was followed by a visit to the Chinese supermarket to stock up on supplies and then home for a cuppa.

In keeping with clearing clutter, Jason took a load of shirts with him when he left as they are now to big for little old me, as he has a chum who is the size I used to be.

Ian and Paula departed with our best wishes and gratitude for their friendship - good stuff.



Tea time saw the arrival of our last visitor of the day - Dan one of my work colleagues from Fleetlands.

It was good to see him and, in keeping with the spirit of the day, and as he's passionate about Reggae, he left with all my cassettes from various Reggae artists from 20 - 30 years ago, both famous and obscure. He was chuffed and I lost another bit of clutter - a good deal all round methinks.



Again another very tiring day - in bed by 2200 - but wonderful nonetheless.



ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Raising Eyebrows

Hi Blogstars

Sorry about the delay but my waking hours have been busy .

Tuesday, for me, began with my chum Richard pitching up around 0900. After a cuppa we went tot the Royal Mail to pick up an undelivered package.

We then hightailed it to the barbers (Ian's) where we both proceeded to get our heads sharpened , and in my case beard and eyebrows as well. Apparent its no longer a Dennis Healy, its now called an Alistair Darling.

See what you think.












Suitably trimmed, we the then went down to Gosport where we promenaded up and down the High Street. It was Market Day and we stopped for a cuppa and a chat in the Harbour drop in centre. I make no excuses for plugging them again, as they do such sterling work.

http://www.harbourcancer.org.uk/

Suitably refreshed we proceeded on our return journey. It was market day and there was a bit to see and do, however as I became tired we had to stop for a libation in J D Wetherspoons - wonderful.

Arriving home we both managed to crimp out in the day cabin, in front of the telly, (see old naval habits die hard). Maria came in late afternoon after having had her car fixed by which time we were awake.

Maria's daughters Amanda and Samantha (both blog followers) came early evening and it was wonderful to see them. We hightailed it to the HKTB for dinner and it was up to its usual standard. then back home for coffee and chocolate.

All in all, a busy but tiring day.

night night, god bless

Fighting Fit or Fat?

Morning Blogsters

One of the outside showings of cancer is the weight loss obviously, and although with some of us more portly types certain people might say that wouldn't be a bad thing, I definitely don't reccommend it as a dietary choice.

I was weighed yesterday at St Mary's and pitched up at 103.3 kg.

A quick conversion on the calculator gives 16 stone and 3 pounds approximately. not bad considering my attempts to put weight on prior to Chemo.

It seems to have worked after a fashion seem in that my weight has stabilised or even gone back up slightly.


However I still feel "skinny" - my body shape has changed and I have lost weight from my arms and legs.

My bum is now the size it was when I was 11 and my waist has lost 4 -5 inches.

My face is becoming longer and less rounded, but please don't ask me "Why the long face?" save that joke for a horse and wacth him laugh!!

My clothes seem to hang rather then fit (or at least they do to me), and i've lost the will to keep making more holes in my belts.

Instead I have employed an alternative strategy in that I have retuned to using braces; which reminds me:


Why does a fireman wear red braces?

To keep his trousers up.


seems like the horse loved the joke.

View haloo!

To Business

Hi Bloggers

Today, as far as I am concerned mentally, was the the real start of my treatment.

It began at St Mary's Hospital where i pitched up at the Nuclear Medicine department where I was to undergo a kidney function test, as mentioned in earlier posts.

As you get rid of Chemo by peeing it out it follows that you don't want to put more into your body than it can cope with and process; hence the test.

I was injected with Technetium 99m an isotope of Molybdenum 99.

http://www.bnl.gov/bnlweb/history/tc-99m.asp

It has a half life of around 6 hours which means it decays to become half as strong as it was every 6 hours. So as you can see its pretty low on the radiation stakes.

The fact that it is a metastable means that it does not transmute or become something else upon its decay, (like uranium into plutonium for example).

Other than that it was quite boring as I was free to do what I wanted as long as I turned up for the follow on blood samples at the two and four hour mark, the timing being reasonably critical to accurately measure the reduction of the isotope in my body.

I was directed to the Macmillan day centre where i could sit quietly whilst I changed in to Homer Simpson. This i did; It's upstairs in St Mary's near to the Oncology wards, and it was lovey and quiet and perfect.

They offered me a cup of tea but i had to decline as the caffeine would affect the test results.



However my time sat in the centre did give me a chance to test the MP5 Player. It was outstanding and for £40 at novatech you couldn't go wrong.

Maria, as mentioned in an earlier post, met up with her sister and auntie in Soton and had a girlie day out. A good time was had by all apparently - nice one!



I must at this point mention my chauffeur for the day Kevin - my very good friend of long standing and I can't thank him enough.


My time at the hospital ended just after a quarter to three when Kev drove me to the Hong Kong Tea Bar for a quick fix of my favourite food and the back to Castle Tinkler for a well earned nap.


I don't know if its just me but I felt a lot more sensitive to what was going on inside my body today and my lungs seem bruised and achy again through coughing. Mind you a nap seems to ease things.

Next stop in the treatment phase: Chemo on Thursday.

Bring it on!

Telephone Etiquette

Hi Guys

I love to hear from you guys on the phone. sometimes though if I am out I am unable to take your calls, but have an answer machine to record any calls that I have missed.

Sorry to be a pain but we had 7 "messages" on the telephone answer machine upon our return from Swindon.

Sadly we were only able to identify one of them, and that was the last one via 1471.

So if you feel one of them might have been you please, when you call us in future, leave your name and telephone number and a message, if I don't already have it, and either Maria or I will get back to you.

Try it - the telephone answering monster won't get you, and the CIA won't know where you live.

Perhaps?

Talk soon

Valentines Day

Hi Special Lovers


It would be remiss of me to let this day pass without mention, as its very important to all, for; if there is no love in life then there is no worth to life. Is there?




I received no proposals, indecent or otherwise, but received a very lovely card form my special lover, and a keyring with a wonderful quote by George Sand which I shall share with you all:


There is only one happiness in life, to LOVE and be loved.


How true! How true!

The Morning After

Morning All!

Where does a Chimpanzee cook his toast?

Under the Gorilla! geddit?

I had a bit of a bad night of it as it turned out - uncomfortable with lots of coughing. I had my jollop with me which took the edge off of it all, but it still left me quite tired.

Mooched and dozed for most of the morning, after which we then (Me and Maria) went for a drive and dinner.

We went back to the Wetherspoons where Maria had Chicken and Ham Pie and I had Liver.

Both were o.k. in fact, parts of them were excellent.

http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/

We called in to see Maria's Auntie and Sister who spookily enough, were on their way to Southampton for a short break as a birthday treat.

Maria has arranged to meet up with them tomorrow whilst I go to St Mary's Hospital in Pompey, for my kidney function test.

Back to Tina's where I Had a Post Prandial Nap and the girls had some quality time.

I drove home in the evening tired but happy a good weekend (but thenthey always are at Swindon).

boing - time for bed said ?

The Main Event

Hi Peeps

I'm back again to update you all .

Saturday afternoon saw us hightail it to Swindon to spend some time with Maria's folks. They are lovely people and have taken me to their heart well before my conditon appeared. We stopped as usual with Maria's sister Tina and her hubby Simon, both of whom are lovely and are very good to me.


We (Maria, Daisy dog, and I) travelled in the Shaguar and tested its acceleration and speed maintaining qualities along the way.

Outstanding!!


http://www.jaguar.co.uk


As we went on the spur of the moment there was no babysitter arranged, so we went out early with their children and had big eats at the local J D Wetherspoons. there was a a disabled place in the car park which was eagerly snapped up by me with my new badge; then in to dine!

The photo here shows us all (from Left) Jessica, Simon, me, Tina, Maria, and Amelia.

A good time was had by all and very got what they came for. Simon is a good conversationalist and we discussed cabbages and kings whilst the girls were catching up on old times.

I managed to last all of the meal without coughing which was a bonus!

We arrived home to watch a DVD (Steven Seagal) but I only saw the first few minutes of it as I was tuckered out, and went to dwell in the arms of Morpheus.

http://www.loggia.com/myth/morpheus.html

beddy byebyes

Saturday Morning Matinee

Hi Bloggers

When i was a child in the mid 1960's all of the cinemas had a Saturday morning Matinee, or Cinema Club. it kept us out of mischief for the morning if nothing else. TV was in its infancy remember.

The first feature film I can remember watching was "A Hard Day's Night " starring the Beatles, at the Odeon Cinema in Cosham high street. (See centre of piccy on right)

The film was heavily promoted with the entrance fee being two empty packets of Brooke Bond Tea.

Its all passed away now as a relic of a bygone age, as most young people watch telly or play on their DS or Wii. progress!

Anyhow, the reason that this is brought to mind is that recently I had to explain my condition to several younger people, which wasn't easy. I also told them that they could view today's entry with mummy and daddy.

So a big Yo, How are you Doing? to all you mini bloggers on this Saturday Morning Blog Matinee. Although I'm poorly we can still find time for a laugh, so thanks for looking.

Riddle me re:

What gets wetter the more it dries? A Towel geddit?

What can go up a chimney down, but can't go down a chimney up? An Umbrella geddit?

What shivers at the bottom of the sea? A nervous wreck - boom boom

Joke time:

knock knock
who's there?
Adolf
Adolf who?
A Dolf ball hit me in de mowf. Dat's why I'm talking like dis!


I love you guys
talk soon

Stevie T

Friday the 13th - Part Two

Yo computer geeks,


My son Wayne came round thisavo to perform a very important task for me. together we sorted through all of the old computer stuff" that I had accrued (mostly system and driver discs).

I have never thrown any of it away as it might come in useful, mind you it never does, does it?.

Wayne provided the the technical advice i.e. keep or bin, and there weren't many keepers .

It never looks as if you have done much when you are sorting through "stuff but i am very pleased to have achieved what we did.



PC junk wise I am nearly naked, and loving it.

His next mission was to suss out how the MP5 player works. I must admit I had snags , as the instructions are sketchy at best. A lot of the buttons have two functions, or do something if pressed in aparticular order. he soon got to grips with it and had it all worked out in no time, just as I suspected he would. we ran out of time for him to show me unfortunately, so that's an item for another day.


Time was short because we were hungry, and in that situation theres only one thing to do. We picked up Maria and then all hightailed it to the Hong Kong Tea Bar for big eats and it was up to its usual standard - fantastic.

It was Wayne's first foray with the cuisine there and he was impressed.

He came out with what every new eater there comes out with " I''ll never eat all of that" but he did and enjoyed every scrap.


We dropped him off at home afterwards - stuffed and happy.
Another devotee - Nice one!


Noodle Dip!

Friday the 13th - Part One

Decisions Blogsters

Shall I go out or shall I stay in?

Should I stay or Should I go? (sounds like a song)

http://www.theclash.com/

Today is regarded as a an unlucky omen for those planning to travel, and many do not!

Many people believe that it takes its rise from the day when Phillip of France arrested all of the Kights Templar in France, on Friday, October 13, 1307.

He fitted them up so he could seize their assets as he, the royal coffers, and thus the state were skint.

(Take note Gordon and Alistair - every day the unluckieth)

Breakfast today was yellow peril - Smoked Haddock for all you non naval types.

http://www.youngsseafood.co.uk/web/product_info.asp?pcd=40138

I had it with some bread and buter and it was lush!

I'm now set for the day and eager to see what it brings.

The sun's come out so I think I will as well

toodle pip!!

Benefits and Allowances

C'est moi ma petite cybernauts

Allo! Allo!

Richard and I left the house at he same time, he went homewards to Sussex, me I went to Haslar to see Anita the MacMillan Nurse and benefit boffin!

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx

She explained the benefits and allowance system in place nowadays. there seems to be much more based upion national insurance contributions rather than circumstances or whether you get some other benefit.

I intend to apply for as much as possible as I feel I have given enough to various Chancellors during my life thus far. I have never been on the dole etc. and feel that a little payback is more that juustified.

She (Anita) helped me apply for DLA and all was well. I feel that I will need to see her again probably as my illness progresses and my needs change (carers allowance for Maria for examlple).

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/index.htm

She also advised me that the CAB are setting up an office in Snape House - the new building behind Morrisons in Gosport.

http://www.mygosport.org/info_pages_htm/sons_snape.htm

Good Stuff!

Popped in to see some chums on the way home, and a good day for me.

bon soir bon soir

Technology - my life and times

Yo Blogsters!

A really busy Thursday for me all involving it would seem the latest technology.

My very good pal Richard turned up at the door early on.

We have been friends since first meeting in 1984 whilst we were in the Royal Navy.

He's nuts about Pirates and in fact here's a photo of him posing on his first ship.

I'm not sure whether he knew Seaman Staynes or Master Baytes or not in those days, or even Roger the cabin boy (pre Tom) but here is aboard "The Black Pig" with Captain Pugwash and Cut throat Jake. Harr aar!!!

http://www.toonhound.com/pugwash.htm


We whizzed round to Novatech where I purchased a USB driven External Hard Drive and an MP5 Player. ooo-oooh! there's posh!

Impressed? Then read on!

These items were added to the all in one multi - function printer purchased yesterday. I have invested in these items for the following reasons:

1. Printer - I have lots of photos etc., to scan.

2. Ext HD - compact and easier for travel, without needing a power adapter etc.

3. MP5 - to watch Video and listen to music when accepting Chemo.

We had breakfast on the move courtesy of Soothills the bakers (in Fareham - Checkout their pasties and other wares).

http://www.cornishpastyassociation.co.uk/

Arriving home we began to install the various bits to my PC.

The new HDD was a doddle , the printer was fairly easy, and the MP5 had to go on charge for 6 hours before attempting to set it up.

The MP5 will take a bit of understanding but I'll get there. For those who don't know I believe it's the same as an MP4 Player except you don't have to specially format the movies before you load them. simpler all round apparently.

All in all it was a good days work and a good learning curve for me - I could have managed it on my own but it would probably have taken me a lot longer, that's for sure.

Thanks Richard.

I'm now wired for sound (eat your heart out Cliff!) and all that I need technologically. hopefully it will result in a better service to you guys.


ctahc oyu ltre
svete

Shopping ,Lunch,Lunch Shopping.

Hi to all of my fellow blogsters

Our good friends Ian and Paula travelled up from deepest Dorset today for a most welcome visit.

We went to Faerieham ( I call it that because every time I visit my wallet gets lighter!), so that the girls could indulge in some retail Therapy interspersed by lunch in Cafe Tusk.

http://www.cafetusk.co.uk/

For those of you who havent been its an Indian Buffet Restaurant, and the food is lovely. You can go round the bouy as many times as you wish which makes it my kind of restaurant.

As usual we left stuffed and happy, and progressed with a little more retail experiences followed by coffee back at Castle Tinkler.

They left just after Four o'clock and their place place was taken by two of my ex apprentices from Fleetlands; Leanne (probably spelt it wrong - sorry) and Dan.

They were carrying a card with good luck messages signed from the rest of their class. Made me well up - Thanks Guys




They had it done by Moonpig from a photo I took on their graduation do in Bournemouth last year.

http://www.moonpig.com/


It looks really good and I shall cherish it.


Fantastic!


talk soon Blogsters

Poignancy

hi bloggers

Quite a poignant day yesterday for myself and those near to me as it was the anniversary of my late wife Ruth's demise. The day before this my daughter and son lost a greatly loved family member of their extended family. All of this was from the effects of cancer this most debilitating of diseases.

It provides a sobering focus on this our mortal existence and can hopefully provide clarity as to what is, and what is not, important in or lives, (or should be).

http://www.tranquillity-zone.org.uk/tz6c.htm

love and peace
steve

Links and Followers

Hi Guys

I've had some complaints from some, in the one and nines, that although they review this Blog every day there sometimes isn't a new entry.

The answer my little cybernauts is to sign up and become Blog Followers, that way you will be informed by e mail every time there is an update. It's very easy to do, and please supply a photo otherwise it looks like I'm being stalked by the Men in Grey. this just won't do for as most of you know I'm one of the MIB.

Similarly please feel free to make a comment on what you see then I'll know if I have reached out to you, and to whom.

For the real aficionados among you I have included lots of web-links to other sites; these are not just informative regarding my condition, but are sometimes of a frivolous nature in order to bring a smile to your face and brighten your day hopefully. Hopefully these two below will do both:

http://www.takeabenylinday.co.uk/

http://www.covonia.co.uk/

Who for example didn't say aaaw! when viewing the piccy of the Piglet in the Baked Bean tin.

Personally I said Yum Yum! but there you are.


sooners or laters

my cyber potato's