Thursday, 31 December 2015

Fifteen Years On.

I shall never forget that day in early December of the year 2000.  I took my twelve year old son to a house on the other side of this sleepy, laid-back English town named, Leek.  The reasons we were going to that house were wrapped in a mystery of intrigue, of curiosity.

The front door opened and we were greeted by a friendly but rather eccentric older lady.  "Please make yourselves comfortable in the living room", explained the smiling lady.  Tristan sat across from me and gave me a quizzical look.  The wonder in the eyes of my twelve year old son was magical to note.

The lady came into her living room and asked us both to please come upstairs.  Step after step and the sounds emanating from one of the bedrooms became more pronounced, more wondrous, more alluring.  A choir of cute little growling sounds could be plainly heard.

The lady opened the door to the bedroom.  There they were.  A litter of playful two month old Jack Russell puppies.  "Tristan, I know how much you love dogs.  Would you like to choose?", I asked him.

"Buzzin'!" That was the first word that Tristan spoke, with a thrilled delight at the prospect of having a puppy that he could love.  "Penny" and Tristan made immediate eye contact.  I knew, I just knew that Penny and Tristan would have a special bond.  Penny chose Tristan and Tristan chose Penny. This would be the start of a very special, very loving relationship.....
My son, Tristan, at 12 years old, with Penny the Jack Russell dog, early December, 2000.  A young boy with his two month old puppy.
Tristan at 27 years old, with Penny at 15 years old, December 25, 2015.  A young man with his dog. Their shared love, a powerful force for all that's good in this world.
We are a family.  In my arms, my daughter and the beloved sister of my son.  Fifteen years on.

On behalf of Penny, Tristan and myself, we wish you a peaceful, compassionate New Year as we embrace the ideals of the lessons that our animal friends do truly teach us.  The ideals of unconditional, non-judgemental love.

Tuesday, 22 December 2015

The Wee Folks Seasons Greetings, 2015.

 
And thus, Fidelina, the beautiful fairy princess, her husband, Geoffrey the garden gnome and their wee son, Einahalk, rejoiced in the warm, reassuring glow of the twinkling Christmas lights.

The wee folks, such curios, magical beings, were in from the cold.  The warmth of their well meaning radiating a sense of peace, of calm, within our living room from the days gone past.  Memories captured from a previous Christmas time.

Such diversity.  Their ethos, an ideal that embraces an all different, all equal world. 
See the joy, the sheer delight on the faces of the wee folks.  They find celebration through observation.  Observation of the simple yet profound moments that often go unnoticed by the big folks in the big world.
Ah yes, that Christmas past.  That living room of the past and the magic that continues. 

In the above photograph is Venetia, the sister of Fidelina, bridesmaid from, The Wee Folks Wedding. The enchanting wedding of Fidelina, the beautiful fairy princess and Geoffrey, the garden gnome.  Standing beside her is the "best gnome", Teagan. There was a hint of romance between the two of them at the magic-filled wedding on the first day of summer, the 21st of June, 2010. Note the gnome in the background, Yrag, who is the best friend of Teagan.

Here be a happy little monkey.  His great long arms wrapped over top of a couple of friendly garden gnomes.  Nice tinsel effect.  Happy little monkey.

A past magical moment, frozen in time.  The wee folks rejoiced as one.   Each unique snowdrop cast its glistening wonder upon the enchanted garden where they once doth lived.
Behold.  It be a gathering of wee folks in their new location.  A location removed from their enchanted garden.  And yet, they have told me that they shall make the most of their new, shared ideals adventure.  An adventure which will reveal new hopes, new dreams, new aspirations to my son, our beloved dog, Penny and to me.





Glowing lights.  Glowing candles.  Glowing fire.  The wee folks sing songs of peace, of hope, of love.
Bless Penny the dog.  Like the wee folks, Penny understands the positive power of non-judgemental, unconditional love.  Penny, like the wee folks, can teach us big folks lessons.  If only we would listen.
The setting sun embraced the western horizon.  A twilight of magical promise was revealed as the wee folks gazed upon a tranquil town.  Soon they would drift off to sleep.  A gentle lullaby of hushed tones could be heard as nature's orchestra whooshed through the winter branches.

They be gnomes, fairies and elves
They give of themselves
The sharing 
Of caring
Such diversity
Without adversity
The wee folks
Evoke
That sense of one
It has begun
Their little world
Has unfurled
It reveals
The new ideals
Lessons of peace
On the increase
That we must embrace
For the sake of the human race. 

Saturday, 12 December 2015

Piddle In A Tube.

Hi there, yes it's me, Gary, the human dad of Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!  I will now take this opportunity to thank Penny very much for taking over the blog site as I continue to try and find the baffling cause to my ongoing chronic fatigue.  *Boo! Hiss! Bring back the dog!*  Huh?  What was that?  Now then, where was I?

On Friday, the 27th of November, I had an appointment for a check-up with the nurse at my health centre.  When I saw the nurse, she seemed surprised that I was having a check-up because I'd had a check-up about three months before.  I explained to her that I was phoned and asked if I would like a check-up.

So, just for fun, or something like that, she took my blood pressure.  My blood pressure was perfectly normal.  So, just for fun, or something like that, she decided to take some blood from me to be analysed for cholesterol.

I told her, despite every other test I've taken, there has been no indicator as to why I'm feeling constantly exhausted.  It gets very frustrating having tests come back showing that everything appears to be normal.  Well, normal in regards to physical tests....

The nurse suggested I make an appointment with a doctor right after my visit with her.  I went to reception and made an appointment to see a doctor on the following Monday, the 30th of November.

When I saw the doctor, although she means well, I felt like I was getting nowhere with trying to solve my chronic fatigue mystery.  The doctor printed up a bunch of stuff in regards to healthy eating and sleeping.  Oh my, I've done this all before and I've been very good at improving my lifestyle. Anyway, she handed me over a tube that I was supposed to piddle in.  Not then and there, I should add.   Nope, take it home, piddle in the tube and then bring it to reception.

Piddle in a tube
I felt like a boob
Piddle in a vial 
My urine on trial
Took tube to reception
No urine deception
Here's my pee
For all to see
The piddle 
Was not a riddle
Got a phone call
They were on the ball
Your urine is fine
Was the bottom line
Then I got a letter
This gets better and better
Please arrange for another blood test
We kindly request
Test after test
Surely, they jest
What does this mean
I might make a scene
Tired of being tired
Something's backfired
Must get inspired
Patience required.

Thursday, 26 November 2015

Sit-Down Chariot Racing.

Hi there, yes, it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!  My human, yet again, is still too lazy, is still having issues with chronic fatigue.  I know he's going for a full check-up this coming Friday, November 27, to see if they can finally give him a diagnosis.  

So, once again, I shall take this oppawtunity to put up one of my must-read pawsts.

I love horses!  Whenever I see a horse on the TV screen, I try to jump into the screen.  So far, that hasn't happened.  Maybe I should get Gary to pawchase one of those 3D televisions with the curved screen.  That might work.

I saw this really weird horse racing on TV.  It was on a Welsh channel and I'm not too good with speaking Welsh.  This means, I shall have to learn some of that language from a Welsh Corgi.  
 I went and grabbed Gary's camera and managed to take a few pictures of what is named harness racing.  I'm pawplexed because I didn't see any of the riders chasing a harness, or for that matter, an electronic hare.  Oops, wrong sort of race.  
Here's some more action from the harness race.  Actually, I think it looks more like a sit-down chariot race!
And even more action.  Quite the reaction and loads of traction. 
I'm quite confused
Totally bemused
Look at the dude
How very rude
He tries to pass
All he sees is the horse's ass
What can he do
When he's covered in poo?
Astro Boy displays a plan of attack
Get the horse to crap in a sack
Wont prevent the lack of view
But the rider wont worry about the horse's poo.

Wednesday, 4 November 2015

Scam-I-Am!

I get a number of junk phone calls.  Often, I look at the number displayed and ignore the call if I don't recognise the number.  If no number is displayed, I definitely wont answer.  I subscribe to a telephone preference service which, in theory, blocks out nuisance calls.  That makes no difference to the scammers.

However, on Monday morning, the phone rang and I couldn't resist answering.  The noisy chatter in the background is often a hell of a hint that you're getting another junk call.

"Um.....hello...", I responded.  "Mr. Husband?", came the reply.  "That's not my name.  My husband days are over.", I continued.  "Mr. Husband, this is Greg from 'Windows'.  "Really, Greg?  Greg, my windows are just fine, thank you!", was my next response.  "No, no!  Your 'Windows' system on your computer is having serious problems and we can fix them for you."  "How do you know I have a computer?  Which computer?"  "Believe me, your computer will blow up within 24 hours if you don't let us access it right now!" 'Greg' responded, rather impatiently.

"Okay, 'Greg', I'm switching on my Etch A Sketch, Version 10.1.  Doh, 'Greg', the Etch A Sketch is upgrading!  And 'Greg', you should be ashamed of yourself trying this scam!  This scam has conned vulnerable people out of money fixing a problem that doesn't exist.  And 'Greg', Greg is not your real name!  I know you people use fake names."  *Click* followed by a ring tone as good old 'Greg' hung up on me.

You might be well aware of this particular scam and a few other devious cons going on.  They are a disgrace and this is a warning.

What one should really do is in the list below.
  • Do not allow remote access to your computer.
  • Hang up the phone when you identify that the call is uninvited.
  • Never divulge passwords or pin numbers.
  • Microsoft or someone on their behalf will never call you.
To end this post, here's a poem for the scam artists.  Apologies to Dr. Seuss.

I AM SCAM.  I AM SCAM.  SCAM I AM
THAT SCAM-I-AM!  THAT SCAM-I-AM! 
I DO NOT LIKE THAT, SCAM-I-AM!
DO YOU LIKE GREED EGOS AND SPAM?
I DO NOT LIKE GREED EGOS AND SPAM.
I DO NOT LIKE THEM, SCAM-I-AM.

Wednesday, 14 October 2015

The Wisdom Of The Wee Folks.

My last post, way back when, was more from a personal, family angle.  My concerns for my son and his health.  My ongoing battle to work through my fog.  To see clearly that brighter future on offer. My son is much better and he's back at work.  The fog begins to lift. 

And yet, my friend, you are very much an integral part, a catalyst in my working through all that has impacted me so profoundly over the past year.  The emotional and physical upheavals have drained me.  I'm slowly getting there and in part, thanks to you.

This "electric family", this community of caring beyond my screen, is one that leaves me with gratitude beyond any suitable words.  Thank you.
I sat there in the deafening hush of the living room.  My mind's eye vaguely noticed fleeting visions. Of blurry blacks and greys.  The mind's eye hankered back to a time not so long ago.  Back to a time when the wee folks danced, sang songs of joy, in an enchanted garden that now seemed but a distant dream.....
I concentrated, oh how I concentrated.  Fidelina, the beautiful fairy princess, her husband, Geoffrey the garden gnome and their boy child, Einahalk, came more into view.  Somewhat clearer, the vision started to take on dashes of colour.
Then the brilliance arrived.  The resplendent colours, symbolic of hope, of renewed optimism, washed upon my inner vision.  The wee folks spoke.  Gentle, whispered words of hope.  Words of wisdom from the wee folks.

I visualised my son.  A sense of pride consumed me knowing that my son is adapting so well.  Yes, he has started his life in his own home.   I celebrate his independence and come to terms with my reality.  A reality I'm determined to make the most of.
I opened my eyes.   Stared across the living room.  There she was in all her sweet innocence.  Penny the loving dog and three of the garden gnomes.  Three garden gnomes from the community of wee folks who travelled from an enchanted garden.  They make the most of a new situation.  The past meets the present.   What an image of inspiration.

Tuesday, 29 September 2015

The Rainbow Warrior.

The last year has been one of significant upheaval.  Upheaval that's challenged my ability to cope with an overwhelming feeling of isolation.  Isolation that questioned my sanity.  Isolation that relived past times when I nearly drowned in my own unique sea of debilitating madness.  A madness that told me I was not worthy of being loved, of being respected.  

The last year has seen me start a new life in a new home.  The last year has seen my son start his new life in his own home.  The last year has seen me struggle in a relentless loneliness as I try to come to terms with the sense of change that has brought on tear-filled, "empty nest syndrome", bouts of panic.  
I sit here alone, day after day, night after night, without a partner to share a mutual realisation that our little boy, now a young man, is making his mark in his statement of independence.

My son, my beloved son, has not been well as of late.  He's wrenched his back and yet, kept going to work injured.  Perhaps a sad commentary, that so worried was he about losing his job, that he would jeopardise his health even further.  Thankfully, I managed to get him to see a doctor. Thankfully, he now has a sick note which should give him time to get better.  And yet, despite it all, I constantly worry about his well being.
  
The last year has impacted me in such a way that I'm barely able to formulate a blog posting. Chronic fatigue continues to linger.  An exhaustion, that despite numerous blood tests, has found no conclusive evidence as to why I'm so tired all the time.  It may well be psychological.  A condition that has made even switching on my computer a rather daunting task.

I will carry on.  The love of my son and all those vital to my life, will help me make it so. 

I've been through many a challenge in my life. I survived a total breakdown that cost me my marriage.  I survived five weeks in hospital devoid of visitors.  Indeed, I nearly died that first week in hospital.   One man alone as all around were surrounded by loved ones who laughed, who cried, who hugged.  I was the invisible man, drowning in tears that nobody noticed.

That second week in hospital and a nurse came over to my bed.  She placed me in a wheelchair and took me to the main desk.  I was handed the phone and listened to the voice of my mother.  My mother, so far away in Vancouver.  What she said would be the start of my renewal.  That experience would change my life for the better, forever.

I have to remember how far I've come as I work through the emotional torment of the past year. Focus on how proud I am of my son.
I gazed out upon such magical beauty.  Observed the wonders of the rainbow.  I listened to the gentle breeze whispering through the open window.  The clock ticked its rhythmic tone in the background. A tone set in harmony to the beating of my hopeful heart.
This is my son, Tristan, at two and a half years old.  I dearly love my son and that would never be in question.  Now my little boy has turned in a kind, pleasant, caring young man.  Yes, not only do I love my son, now I like my son.

Thank you, my friend.  This therapeutic, reflective post has the comments switched off.  All I ask is you spend a moment or two to absorb this posting of one lonely, reclusive man whose spirit will be inspired by the love of a son and the symbolism of a rainbow.