What makes us who we are? Is it Nature or Nurture? Where can we place the blame for our failings? Our parents? Where they lived, their rules for us as we grew up? The schools we attended? Or is it simpler, just Fate, our future written in the stars, dependent on the day and time we were born.
How many people buy a newspaper just to read their horoscopes (and do the crossword, of course)? Both the western and eastern systems of astrology have many followers and both can (and are) debunked as being too general, too vague in their predictions. But is either any more accurate when assessing someone's personality?
Most people have come across the rhyme that starts -
Monday's child is fair of face,
Tuesday's child is......... etc
A piece of doggerel, sung like a lullaby by a mother to her baby, or an inherited way of assessing character? A piece of nonsense chanted by midwives to new mums down the ages?
The verses were first written down (according to Wikipedia) in 1838 but such fortune-telling rhymes were recorded in Suffolk during the late 16th century. A long time for a piece of nonsense to persist.
Just think of all those job application forms blithely filled in with name, address and date of birth. Could this be a cheap, basic way to assess character and suitability for a situation?
I looked at the days some friends and family were born. What a surprise!
Probably just coincidence.
Then I thought about how much we really know about people. Why we are comfortable in some company and yet inexplicably repulsed by others.
This (almost) inevitably leads to deep thoughts of reincarnation, Purgatory and familiar souls .
The weather has turned gloomy and T.P's Reaper Man is calling to lighten the mood.
Time to put the kettle on - and will there be biscuits?
Friday, 25 April 2014
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
hissing steam...
Now is the time to sound like an old grump (apologies....)
I remember a time when one (a patient, not a customer) went to the doctors when one was ill. You just turned up and waited, in the Waiting Room and if there were fifteen people already sitting in the faux Chippendale dining chairs, well you found a perch against the wall or went home and either came back next day or recovered. Patient sat opposite doctor, they talked, inspected and then parted, patient faithfully clutching a flimsy script en route to the chemist.
Any kind of socialising was only acceptable if initiated by a doctor who had known ones grandparents.
No receptionists, practise managers, nurses. I don't even remember seeing the secretary, whose main function was, I think, to write letters to various consultants.
Now one is invited for yearly check-ups and is checked-up upon if one fails to make an appointment.
Then the appointment itself. No just turning up at the surgery, one has to follow guidelines as to when one should telephone and then it will be a day - or two- before one sees the doctor (or nurse). After the main reason for going has been dealt with, there will be a quick scan of a computer screen followed by - "Oh, can I just ask you...?" Or "I don't have (this detail) on your record...?" and the unwary will find another ten minutes of Life has just slipped by.
The NHS is a wonderful thing and has always been there and effective whenever me and mine have needed it. But it is forever in the news, lamenting the stress it is under, the cost to the taxpayer, how few doctors/nurses/health professionals there are.
And yet so much time seems to be spent in filling out questionnaires. We are all (mostly) living longer and perhaps ticking all those boxes plays its part in this, but it does irritate me when I am part of a queue waiting to have my blood pressure checked, only to realise the delay is because an enthusiastic white coat is checking through the forms on a computer screen. As my parent would have said, it makes my blood boil!
Now, where did I put those pills?
I remember a time when one (a patient, not a customer) went to the doctors when one was ill. You just turned up and waited, in the Waiting Room and if there were fifteen people already sitting in the faux Chippendale dining chairs, well you found a perch against the wall or went home and either came back next day or recovered. Patient sat opposite doctor, they talked, inspected and then parted, patient faithfully clutching a flimsy script en route to the chemist.
Any kind of socialising was only acceptable if initiated by a doctor who had known ones grandparents.
No receptionists, practise managers, nurses. I don't even remember seeing the secretary, whose main function was, I think, to write letters to various consultants.
Now one is invited for yearly check-ups and is checked-up upon if one fails to make an appointment.
Then the appointment itself. No just turning up at the surgery, one has to follow guidelines as to when one should telephone and then it will be a day - or two- before one sees the doctor (or nurse). After the main reason for going has been dealt with, there will be a quick scan of a computer screen followed by - "Oh, can I just ask you...?" Or "I don't have (this detail) on your record...?" and the unwary will find another ten minutes of Life has just slipped by.
The NHS is a wonderful thing and has always been there and effective whenever me and mine have needed it. But it is forever in the news, lamenting the stress it is under, the cost to the taxpayer, how few doctors/nurses/health professionals there are.
And yet so much time seems to be spent in filling out questionnaires. We are all (mostly) living longer and perhaps ticking all those boxes plays its part in this, but it does irritate me when I am part of a queue waiting to have my blood pressure checked, only to realise the delay is because an enthusiastic white coat is checking through the forms on a computer screen. As my parent would have said, it makes my blood boil!
Now, where did I put those pills?
Thursday, 13 March 2014
fungi?
Just a quick post today.......
Tidying the garden after winter, picking up leaves and cutting back the old seed heads and stems, I found what looked at first like old, rotted rose buds, but I don't think so.
There is a similarity to the shape, hmm?
So I checked my trusty Collins gem guide to mushrooms and there was one like it, the Collared Earthstar.
Of course, that picture was taken in the autumn, when the fungi was fresh, not dried and shrivelled like mine.
Also it gives the habitat as on chalk (my garden is almost pure sand) and under beech trees (this was under the magnolia).
So is it, or isn't it?
Any ideas.......?
Tidying the garden after winter, picking up leaves and cutting back the old seed heads and stems, I found what looked at first like old, rotted rose buds, but I don't think so.
There is a similarity to the shape, hmm?
(Sorry, just realised my point-and-press has focused on the fence!)
So I checked my trusty Collins gem guide to mushrooms and there was one like it, the Collared Earthstar.
Of course, that picture was taken in the autumn, when the fungi was fresh, not dried and shrivelled like mine.
Also it gives the habitat as on chalk (my garden is almost pure sand) and under beech trees (this was under the magnolia).
So is it, or isn't it?
Any ideas.......?
Thursday, 6 March 2014
green and eco-friendly...
This week was all about pancakes, but in our house pancakes, like ashes, are gone before you notice. So the camera came out for muffins instead.
We all love muffins, any excuse to eat cake for breakfast, yes? As an exercise in using up bits and bobs in the fridge, Frugal Muffins also give a warm, inter glow that has little to do with the addition of ground ginger to the mix.
A nearly-empty packet of spirulina powder has been lurking on a shelf for some months and I pondered if this wonder stuff would work in a muffin. Trying to make this breakfast staple as healthy as possible, I always add jumbo oats, fruit, minimal sugar and use sunflower oil and skimmed milk (although hazelnut milk is rather tasty). Then top with either sunflower or pumpkin seeds. And the obligatory ground ginger, of course.
Have you come across spirulina powder before? It is green. Very green. Also, the powder is very fine and can spread further than icing sugar if handled unwarily. My hand looked like the Hulk. The muffins could have been his favourite snack.
Green. Very green.
I ate the first one with my eyes shut.
Tasted fine.
Second try with the green stuff, there was half an apple in the fridge so grated that and added cocoa powder, reasoning the brown would dominate in the mix.
Looked a bit like a pond in winter, slimy with a hint of, yes, green.
When cooked, they looked a bit better. A kind of duckety-mud.
Not sure if the white chocolate drops were a good idea, but they tasted good. (I managed to keep my eyes open this time.)
Now for a change, a non-green variety. There is a spoon of spicy marmalade in a ramakin and a little leftover filling from some Eccles cakes I made the other day, also some orange syrup from a jar of preserved Seville orange peel and a few home-preserved sweet chestnuts that need finishing off. It just needs some dried cranberries, maybe, or.........
Is it me, or do they look just a tiny bit boring.......?.....
We all love muffins, any excuse to eat cake for breakfast, yes? As an exercise in using up bits and bobs in the fridge, Frugal Muffins also give a warm, inter glow that has little to do with the addition of ground ginger to the mix.
A nearly-empty packet of spirulina powder has been lurking on a shelf for some months and I pondered if this wonder stuff would work in a muffin. Trying to make this breakfast staple as healthy as possible, I always add jumbo oats, fruit, minimal sugar and use sunflower oil and skimmed milk (although hazelnut milk is rather tasty). Then top with either sunflower or pumpkin seeds. And the obligatory ground ginger, of course.
Have you come across spirulina powder before? It is green. Very green. Also, the powder is very fine and can spread further than icing sugar if handled unwarily. My hand looked like the Hulk. The muffins could have been his favourite snack.
Green. Very green.
I ate the first one with my eyes shut.
Tasted fine.
Second try with the green stuff, there was half an apple in the fridge so grated that and added cocoa powder, reasoning the brown would dominate in the mix.
Looked a bit like a pond in winter, slimy with a hint of, yes, green.
When cooked, they looked a bit better. A kind of duckety-mud.
Not sure if the white chocolate drops were a good idea, but they tasted good. (I managed to keep my eyes open this time.)
Now for a change, a non-green variety. There is a spoon of spicy marmalade in a ramakin and a little leftover filling from some Eccles cakes I made the other day, also some orange syrup from a jar of preserved Seville orange peel and a few home-preserved sweet chestnuts that need finishing off. It just needs some dried cranberries, maybe, or.........
Is it me, or do they look just a tiny bit boring.......?.....
Saturday, 1 February 2014
Snow - drops and flakes
A few days away at this time of year is a delight. Sun, sea and sand, hmm? Not necessarily. The Lake district, for example, has its own smile factor. The place names for instance. Ling, Unthank (Skelton and End), Johnby, Blencow (that comma is not a mistake), Maulds Meaburn and Greystoke. There are also two nearby villages, Wellington and Boot!
Then the weather. Yes, there is rain, but also rainbows. We saw a squashed one tucked in a valley, looking like a six-layered liquorice allsort on its side. And we had sunshine. Out early, driving west along Bassenthwaite Lake, the sun rose in the rear view mirror, sparkling pinkly on the snow which lightly dusted Skiddaw.
Wildlife was scarce, it being winter (and cold) but not all the pheasants had succumbed to the autumn shoot and there were lots of black birds - not sure which, but as I have heard of 'rookery' but not 'crowery' I suspect the former. Then there was a dark corner in a graveyard in Carlise, illuminated with random clumps of early snowdrops.
Even shopping was a pleasant experience. Locals smile 'good morning' and there are bargains to be had - over trousers, gloves and even a hat!
And surprisingly,celebrity spotting is also possible.....
Next time you need a break, leave the passport (intentionally) at home...
Then the weather. Yes, there is rain, but also rainbows. We saw a squashed one tucked in a valley, looking like a six-layered liquorice allsort on its side. And we had sunshine. Out early, driving west along Bassenthwaite Lake, the sun rose in the rear view mirror, sparkling pinkly on the snow which lightly dusted Skiddaw.
Wildlife was scarce, it being winter (and cold) but not all the pheasants had succumbed to the autumn shoot and there were lots of black birds - not sure which, but as I have heard of 'rookery' but not 'crowery' I suspect the former. Then there was a dark corner in a graveyard in Carlise, illuminated with random clumps of early snowdrops.
Even shopping was a pleasant experience. Locals smile 'good morning' and there are bargains to be had - over trousers, gloves and even a hat!
And surprisingly,celebrity spotting is also possible.....
Next time you need a break, leave the passport (intentionally) at home...
Thursday, 9 January 2014
Essential season extras - part 2
I know the festive season is over, but the weather has been erratic, everyone I know (including me) is or has been suffering with cold/flu (probably the same bug, just varying in intensity) and it is nice to remember pre-sniffle days.
So,
4. Mince pies have to make an appearance and if you took time to do homemade mincemeat in the autumn, all the tastier. (Home made also means you can leave out the suet (so low fat) and adjust the sugar (so lower calorie.)
5. Some years ago I stumbled on a recipe for anchovy butter (sometimes known as Gentleman's Relish) so, as my brother is a fan, I made some and gave him a pot along with some of the commercial product.
Taste the difference, I said.
Both good, was the verdict.
Now the recipe is an essential on the festive to do list.
6. However kitsch it may be, this time of year cries out for some green, red and white, even if it is only the red of embarrassment, the green face of the morning-after-the-night-before and the glass of something fizzy and white to settle the excesses.
But isn't this is prettier?
7. And a roaring log fire. (An open one is best, but that takes photographic skill...)
8. A bonus is the unexpected gift of colour in the garden. Usually it is a rose in bud, Brother Cadfael being the most dependable, but this year it was a nasal memory kick with unexpected purple hyacinths.
Happy birthday, Dad.
So,
4. Mince pies have to make an appearance and if you took time to do homemade mincemeat in the autumn, all the tastier. (Home made also means you can leave out the suet (so low fat) and adjust the sugar (so lower calorie.)
5. Some years ago I stumbled on a recipe for anchovy butter (sometimes known as Gentleman's Relish) so, as my brother is a fan, I made some and gave him a pot along with some of the commercial product.
Taste the difference, I said.
Both good, was the verdict.
Now the recipe is an essential on the festive to do list.
Also Cranberry sauce here, with a jar of (unsuccessful) sweet chestnuts.
6. However kitsch it may be, this time of year cries out for some green, red and white, even if it is only the red of embarrassment, the green face of the morning-after-the-night-before and the glass of something fizzy and white to settle the excesses.
But isn't this is prettier?
7. And a roaring log fire. (An open one is best, but that takes photographic skill...)
8. A bonus is the unexpected gift of colour in the garden. Usually it is a rose in bud, Brother Cadfael being the most dependable, but this year it was a nasal memory kick with unexpected purple hyacinths.
Happy birthday, Dad.
Tuesday, 24 December 2013
Another time................
Dec 11
25 today. Wet day, also cold. Get a lot of cards. Write to J. Auntie gives me a Parker pen.
Dec 13
Up 6-40. Thick fog all day long. Baby gives me my present - kitchen spoon, tin-opener, potato peeler and grater. Very pleased. Go to see 'Xmas Holiday'. Lousy.
Dec 14
Still no mail. Play cards with Mum and Dad, lose 1/-
Dec 16
Go on my bike, rattles all the way. Buy a duck for P.
Dec 17
Dad wins big turkey. Buy cigs for Xmas presents. Everyone narky all day. Write 2 A/Ms to J, also send off gloves.*
Dec 18
Up 7 o/c, work til 6-30. Sew stockings. Letter from J.
Dec 19
Late. Go on my bike, take it to shop to be mended, also my shoes. Go to pics to see 'Thanks for the Memory' also 'Till We Meet Again' V.G.
Dec 21
Get my bike, 4/-. Inpromtue concert in canteen - very good.
Dec 22
Go to work on my bike. Everyone gets tight, not me, tho. Fine concert in canteen, also dinner. Get my cards told, Auntie not well.
Dec 23
Take family tea + toast. Go to town, buy nothing. Have my hair set. Get 10/- off P. Give her lipstick, rouge powder + fags. Good music-hall.
Dec 24
Go to little party at J's. Allies did not turn up. Go to midnight Mass - heaven.
Dec 25
Got home 1-45. Have spare-ribs, also got Xmas stocking from Mum. Go to bed 3 o/c, up 10 o/c. Get two letters from J.** Pad thrilled with her pillowcase. Turkey was a beaut. Have a grand time, nuts, sweets, choc apples, grape-fruit etc. Play nap*** after dinner, lose 1/5 1/2d Go to bed 12-10. Am tired and how.
Dec 26
Go to Rialto dance with Ginger. Play cards, go for a drink with P. and J.
Dec 28
Heavy fog all day. Got home 8o/c after getting lost several times
Dec 31
Fall off tram and bang my back. Feel faint and sick. Terrible cold day, go to bed 8o/c. Wonder where we will all be next year. God knows.
Jan 1
Wake up 5 o/c, my back very painful. Go to see 'Love Story' very nice. Mum still worrying over Pop.
Jan 2
Late. Terrible trouble over staying off. Think they will prosecute us. Get a surface letter from J also some snaps.
Jan 3
No mail, play cards, win 2/3 1/2d nice going. Start reading 'Fanny by Gaslight'.
Jan 7
Terrible day, snow, wind and rain. Go to bed early, terrible head all day.
Jan 8
Terrible cold, pains in my head driving me mad. Shortage of potatoes.
Jan 12
Got terrible cold, sneezing and blowing all day.
Jan 16
Go to town with Mum, buy socks. Start gloves for S. Take 2 big tablets.
Warsaw free.
* Knitted by the diarist!
** Post on Christmas Day!
*** Popular card game
25 today. Wet day, also cold. Get a lot of cards. Write to J. Auntie gives me a Parker pen.
Dec 13
Up 6-40. Thick fog all day long. Baby gives me my present - kitchen spoon, tin-opener, potato peeler and grater. Very pleased. Go to see 'Xmas Holiday'. Lousy.
Dec 14
Still no mail. Play cards with Mum and Dad, lose 1/-
Dec 16
Go on my bike, rattles all the way. Buy a duck for P.
Dec 17
Dad wins big turkey. Buy cigs for Xmas presents. Everyone narky all day. Write 2 A/Ms to J, also send off gloves.*
Dec 18
Up 7 o/c, work til 6-30. Sew stockings. Letter from J.
Dec 19
Late. Go on my bike, take it to shop to be mended, also my shoes. Go to pics to see 'Thanks for the Memory' also 'Till We Meet Again' V.G.
Dec 21
Get my bike, 4/-. Inpromtue concert in canteen - very good.
Dec 22
Go to work on my bike. Everyone gets tight, not me, tho. Fine concert in canteen, also dinner. Get my cards told, Auntie not well.
Dec 23
Take family tea + toast. Go to town, buy nothing. Have my hair set. Get 10/- off P. Give her lipstick, rouge powder + fags. Good music-hall.
Dec 24
Go to little party at J's. Allies did not turn up. Go to midnight Mass - heaven.
Dec 25
Got home 1-45. Have spare-ribs, also got Xmas stocking from Mum. Go to bed 3 o/c, up 10 o/c. Get two letters from J.** Pad thrilled with her pillowcase. Turkey was a beaut. Have a grand time, nuts, sweets, choc apples, grape-fruit etc. Play nap*** after dinner, lose 1/5 1/2d Go to bed 12-10. Am tired and how.
Dec 26
Go to Rialto dance with Ginger. Play cards, go for a drink with P. and J.
Dec 28
Heavy fog all day. Got home 8o/c after getting lost several times
Dec 31
Fall off tram and bang my back. Feel faint and sick. Terrible cold day, go to bed 8o/c. Wonder where we will all be next year. God knows.
Jan 1
Wake up 5 o/c, my back very painful. Go to see 'Love Story' very nice. Mum still worrying over Pop.
Jan 2
Late. Terrible trouble over staying off. Think they will prosecute us. Get a surface letter from J also some snaps.
Jan 3
No mail, play cards, win 2/3 1/2d nice going. Start reading 'Fanny by Gaslight'.
Jan 7
Terrible day, snow, wind and rain. Go to bed early, terrible head all day.
Jan 8
Terrible cold, pains in my head driving me mad. Shortage of potatoes.
Jan 12
Got terrible cold, sneezing and blowing all day.
Jan 16
Go to town with Mum, buy socks. Start gloves for S. Take 2 big tablets.
Warsaw free.
* Knitted by the diarist!
** Post on Christmas Day!
*** Popular card game
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