Good morning everyone...

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Good morning, I am just getting ready to head off to bed.

So sorry to read of all the damage and power outages. I really hope Nan and OH will be o.k. Even with a portable heater and gas ring, I will worry until we hear more. And all the rest of you, Carmac, too as the storm is coming your way.

We had a decent day today but another storm front is coming in off the ocean on Thursday that is supposed to hit us. The coast keeps getting the high winds but we have the coastal mountain range that blocks the worst of it, most of the time.

I was just looking around on the cams and found this one. It is the Djuma cam in Africa. Because of the wind, I couldn't get a good picture because of the pixels, but it looks like several weaver birds nests. I could see birds coming and going but couldn't make out colors. Anyway, just thought you might like to peek in.

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Sorry to hear of the destruction at Lowes. Amazing the nest tree is still standing. Wonder about the frustration nest, if it is still there as well.

Gosh Carol, George and his family have enough to worry about without having to worry about him being cared for adequately. No excuse for what happened to him.

Well, I am 15 minutes past my bedtime. Have a good day, everyone.

SKAY do hope this year will be a better one for you and for everyone else x
Thanks afor all links, good to hear Ospreys are well
NAN getting by, let's hope power reconnected asap for those without any
PHYL good to hear you were out ski-ing
MARTHA , LIZ hope your both well
MARION hope your work place isn't such a scary place to be today, hope properties damaged will soon be repaired
PETE, hope your feeling a wee bit better as the days pass
CAROL, do hope George is feeling better today, i'm sure his wife and son are very worried about the care he is receiving in hosp
Take care everyone, stay safe, stay warm
Everything quiet outside today

Forgot to say CARMAC hope your little Grandkiddies are sleeping soundly and your bad weather passed quickly.
Can you believe EDinburgh seen gusts of 102 mph, let's hope folks get back to normal soon, though winds are forecast , nothing on same scale as yesterday, but wonder if it could still do damage to weakened structures i'm sure it will be a trying time til we know
EILEEN hope your keeping well, good to see you posting
Always nice to see folks posting whether one post a week or one a day
Thanks to everyone for pics and info given
Loved Paddys pics , folks across the pond will love all the history and Tudor buildings as they don't have buildings like this. Won't be long til Paddy continues his tour elsewhere, i'm sure he has itchy feet and longing to see new pastures, what a trip he has had, thanks to everyone who made him welcome

SUSAN hope the kids had a great time with Grandma and visiting their aunt
MARY hope your well as you may have been affected with weather

Good morning all

Today is complaints day at the hospital. Yesterday there was no one to complain to. We shall begin with PALS. The patient liaison people who just happen to have an office outside the ward door.
Suffice to say the patient care is almost non existent in this stroke ward. I took his wife daughter in law and grandson yesterday afternoon. He gripped my hand with a very puzzled look. I was not sure whether anyone had actually explained to George where he was and why. I told him in the simplest terms and his eyes wandered around the ward and after a few minutes of thinking he nodded. He looked less confused and I think he understood. My main concern was the sign above his bed. 5 spoons of yoghurt x 3 times a day. and regular oral care. That would have been difficult.....no water in sight. I fetched some water and we soaked the lollipop sponge. He really enjoyed having his mouth moistened. I knew he could swallow the yoghurt. I sent his wife to the desk to await somebody...anybody as he was supposed to have been re asessed , A very lethargic nurse appeared eventually. I heard her say they were not going to give him yoghurt but another feeding tube and that the doctor hadn't been as he has four wards to see to. Oh and they were not going to use the wheelchair again that he had fallen from as it wasn't suitable!!
After two hours and no one checking on him and no notes, I found her sitting down and asked."Does George have a feeding record" She shuffled some papers and said "He should have but it doesn't seem he has "" I will do one". I asked "Has he had any yoghurt today. It is 5.00pm." " I haven't personally given him any she said. so I am not sure. I will get some." I said. " It seems to me that that if the stroke doesn't take them then you will let them starve to death." I saw the sandwich distributor and took a pot of strawberry yoghurt. Only small but he ate it all. I took home DIL and grandson. Left wife there to meet son on his way home from work. Distressed to hear they then fit another feeding tube. Not a comfortable procedure. I think it is for convenience. They wont have to do much at all for him. On behalf of all vulnerable people I have to complain.
God forbid I ever end up there.
I hope you all have a day.

CAROL, what can one say..... words fail me, but do hope you are noting down everything so nothing is forgotten when writing letter of complaint.
I fear for every patient who don't have many or any visitors to keep an eye on their loved ones while in care, hope George improves enough to be able to get home again.
It is a worry when we age and find ourselves maybe having to go into care, when we had a few issues with mum we asked those caring if they would give the same level of care to their parents as they were giving to the residents already in their care.
I really do hope things improve for George, maybe now they realise his family and friends are watching they will now give the due care and atttention he deserves

Morning all,
I haven't been feeling very talkative recently I'm sorry. This time of year makes me want to shut myself away at times. Lost a friend on the 31st. He had worked a nightsift and when his wife picked him up in morning he complained of heartburn and a pain in his chest. He collapsed in the car on way home and was gone by the time she drove home, She is a cousin of my OH. His funeral is on Friday.
CAROL.... I understand your frustration at George's treatment. It is 5 years this month since my hubby took a massive stroke similar to George. We were told that half his brain was dead and they couldnt do anything. and for almost 2 weeks the hospital staff kept him comfortable and that was it, they didnt try to feed him after the first attempt failed and it was left to us to sponge his mouth as well. they said his swallowing reflexes werent working and things could go into his lungs. the consultant even ordered us out of the room one time saying it wasnt as if it was a life or death situation with Jim. after we had heard him telling the students outside the door that they couldnt do anything for him. Jim died two days later on the 28th January.
Jim had no legs so they couldnt sit him in a chair they just changed the bed around him. We didnt complain at the time as we were so shocked at the docs attitude and didnt know where to go to do so.

CAROL I wouldn't just send letter of complaint to hospital but also to the Health Board or to whoever is in charge as this level of care is almost non exisitant

Jean.... sorry to hear you haven't been feeling too good. It's a difficult time of year and more so to lose a loved one whether they be family or friend. HOpe your slowly keeping head above water . It will take time. Hope your good friend has some good support, thinking of you

Thinking of you too Kath, Malc and Willow xxx

Carol - that sounds just awful. I can't imagine what George is going through. Good for you for sticking up for him. You are his Patient Advocate, and a really good one at that. I hope he gets better care from now on.
Cas - the girls and I had a great time with my mom and my sister. Thye played with their cousins (my sister and OH have 3 kids), and they met 2 kids that just moved into my mom's apartment complex from Spain. Their dad is teaching spanish at one of the public schools. I find it ironic that the public school hired someone from Spain to tech Spanish. We are surrounded by bilingual people, plus, Mexico is our neighbor. It would be like a school in Scotland hiring someone from Canada to teach Welsh. Anyway, we had a nice time, thanks for asking. I wasn't able to take any pics of the birds that I saw; the birds just look like tiny black dots on my little camera.

I hope everyone is hanging in there and making it through the storms. Hopefully the storms will pass by quickly. Please be careful.

Nice to look out and see the planter with primroses is all lemons and whites
Just spotted a few sparrows enjoying their breakfast

Jean, I am so sorry that you lost a friend, and that this month marks 5 years since you lost you husband. Feel free to talk to us - we are here for you.

HI Susan , I just can't help but laugh every time I see Penny wearing her antlers lol
Was great to hear you all had a lovely time with family,
Susan I sometimes wonder why we have so many Dr's, Consultants who have come from foreign shores, it just doesn't make any sense to me either when we must have so many who have dont their training here in the Uk
Have a great day x
Now I must get on with some ironing

Kawartha Lakes osprey 54706 has been updated as at 31st December. he is still in the same area of Amazonia and his range is around 7kms over the last 2 weeks.

Happy ironing, Cas. Funny you mentioned my avatar - I was just trying to change it, but seeing as I am at work, it will have to wait until I get home.

Good morning all

SKAY - thank you for the link to the Djuma cam, saw a giraffe enjoying a meal.

CAROL - I read your hospital report with horror yet I know it is not an isolated case and so many vulnerable people are not getting the care that they should. The lucky ones have family and friends to speak on their behalf and at least make sure that basic care is given.
I hope the complaints will have some positive results.

JEAN -

KATH......So sorry that you have had to say goodbye to sponge cat. You had a few years as friends so think of them and be glad that you did the best you could for him.
Give Willow a hug from me and one for you and Malc.

Back again,, I better say before I forget, I am going to stay with Millie for a few weeks on the 9th January. She is going to get the ligaments in her ankle reconstructed as she has been going over on it since she had an accident while on holiday 7 or 8 years ago. I dont know if I will be able to get online or not while there
but will try. Unfortunately she cant come here as she is going to be in plaster and non weightbearing and I have stairs.

Good morning Village. It is -10C & gusting this morning. Going to be a cold trip to work. May dig out mittens & boots for the first time. Hope the weather on your side of the pond has calmed down by now. Nan & Anne must still be without power. I can't imagine that during the winter. Here there would be a freezing pipe problem which wouldn't be fun. Hopefully your temperatures are high enough so that won;t be an added worry. Carol I really hope you & George's family make big waves about his care. I hear stories like that here now & then so I know it does happen. But it is inexcusable, Take it to whoever you have to & try your best to make a difference. Once when my Dad was in care, the home made a mistake that is pale in comparison to yours but I was very vocal about it & nothing to my knowledge went wrong after that. If the care givers know you are watching their every step, they will be more careful. In Dad's case, he was very vocal as well & would have reported anything to me because he knew I would fight for him. Sounds like George understands you & you may find a way of him communicating his needs to you. This sort of thing isn't pleasant but you do what you have to do to insure his comfort & quality of life. Keep us informed & we'll help with ideas as much as we can. Must get ready for work now & will tune in from work through the day. We have a good bye dinner this evening for a fellow from work so may not be around tonight.

Happy New Year everyone - I have so missed you all over the holidays. I have come back to an email box that would fear the most brave hearted amongst you.

THANKS CAS for your updates - very much appreciated but so sorry to hear about the villagers who have lost electricity, lost family and friends and pets, the family upsets with hospitals - my thoughts are with you all.

Hope Paddy is enjoying his holidays in Southampton - will have to see if any pics have been posted. I have quite a few still to upload - he was a perfect Christmas Day guest. So sweet with this paper hat on.

Back to work - hope to get back on later inthe day when I can see more daylight.
Sometimes it is so not worth having time off when you come back to customers who must have their needs catered for IMMEDIATELY.

Morning all.
On later this morning as I went and waved Paddy goodbye and he is now on his way to his next stopover. He hasn't got so far to go this time. He was a very quiet, well behaved and polite house guest.
Carol Very sorry to read of the way George is being treated. I hope you get some some answers from the hospital today and that his care improves considerably.
If they are not feeding him, are they making sure he is drinking. Maybe another question to ask and see if they will put in a saline drip to stop him dehydrating.
Jean Very sorry to read your sad news this morning. A horrible shock for all concerned. Give Millie our good wishes for her operation and that her recuperation goes well and so not in plaster for long.
Cas Your planter sounds a real picture. So you will have to post us one (a picture before anyone says a planter is too big to post ) so we all see it.
Susan Great to read that you had a good time with your Mom. I love your avatar of Penny with her antlers. I know Christmas is over but can't you leave it there for a bit longer.
Hope Nan and, I assume, Anne get their power back on soon.
Everyone have a good day.
Now for
Mrs Esse

I'll have to wait a day or two til more buds have opened up on primroses, but don't think i've ever seen them flower this early
PAT boy oh boy , makes you grateful your on dry land, watched another video which lasted just over 6 mins and could feel my tum and ears all out of zinc yup i'm not a good traveller and just hate under water around me, i'm ever so relieved once i'm over the Forth Road or rail bridge, I never enjoy those

Hi Pat, glad you are back. Wow, what a video; thanks for sharing it with us, but I feel a bit sea sick now.
Jean - tell Millie hello and to get well soon. I hope she can take it easy and stay off the foot for a while. That goes for you as well - don't wear yourself out as the nurse.
I'm about to head home, so I will sign off for a while.
I hope Anne and Nan are ok.

Pat Just watched your video. No way would I go on a boat in those waves.

Have put some more photo's of Paddy's stay with us on his travel page. As you can see the sea was a lot calmer on his trip.
Mrs Esse

Jean do pass on our best wishes to Millie's mum and hope you enjoy your stay, take things easy yourself , well as much as you can x

Nan is hoping power will be reconnected by 6pm tonight, let's hope so
Susan... I still have my Christmas cards and decos up so don't you remove Penny's antlers lol
Pat, did you enjoy Christmas , do hope you were able to relax and forget about the business
A saying from a cat calendar I received

Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow this is the life they prefer

ESSES ...... on reaching 3000 posts

Cas Thanks. Knew I was getting near that magic number but didn't realise I had made it.

Hope the electric company keeps to their word and Nan is back with us this evening.
Mrs Esse

Carol.......it saddened me to read of your experience with the hospital. This sort of thing is all too common. When my Mum had her first stroke, I went in each day to visit her and found that the bell cord was tied out of reach, food was left on the locker where she couldn't reach it and she was sitting in a chair wedged in by the wall and the bed trolley. When I complained to the staff I was told that she was causing them problems and disturbing other patients. Nobody had the time to discuss her case with me and one doctor told me that I wouldn't understand the test results. My daughter, who is a lawyer, told them that she would be taking action against the hospital and then everything started to happen.......the consultant came to see me and everyone suddenly became very attentive. It was a shame that we had to take that course of action but it certainly worked. We moved Mum to the Care Home where she ended her days soon after and they couldn't have done more for her. They were amazing. I do hope things improve for you. xx

HI Jess, hope and Woodle are well
Forgot to mention earlier that Nan has had enough of dining by candleight and if neighbours see another candle they may think she has a new man or enjoying young love again
Nan also wanted to convey her best wishes to Kath, Malc & Willow x
was in kitchen when I noticed neighbours son looking at his mum's drain pipe as part of it is missing with the strong wind, it's nowhere to be seen

New blog at last from Loch Garten and all is well:
"Rothes's data is still coming in intermittently, but she did make a detour to the neighbouring island of Unhocomo on the 27th December. and by way of a coincidence, Tore left her area for a short visit west of her usual haunt to an area north of Birkama, also on the 27th! ....and Bynack, well he's decided to visit the seaside over the holidays. He headed west on the 18th December and was still languishing on the coast slighty north-west of Dara on New Years Day."

EJ7ODIN , couldn't be any better wonder if AW will still be in same area next update or whether in pastures new
Won't be long til we see them returning, hoping they all stay safe, been a wonderful year so far with majority all accounted for let's hope it continues

I have a friend who knows a thing or two, she took her mother home from hospital, gave up her job and nursed her for a year, had carers coming in for lifting etc , it took her two hours every meal time to feed her carefully at her mother's speed. On the ward there was no evidence of feeding attention, so she had fed and watered her Mum herself and then other visitors began feeding their patient/relatives. The oral care is important and so is (with training) nasal care for personal comfort. Carol has good insights.

I am not sure this long festive holiday season does the world any good, everyone off at the same time for so long. Yes we need , they need, a winter break, but everything stops, it is as if life is on hold for two weeks, you have to sit it out until things are back to normal and the backlog is worked through. A long weekend would be enough. Or would it. Maybe some of you remember the trades fortnights, when all tradesmen ceased plumbing, building, repairing, they all took off for their hols al the same two weeks in the summer.

I am very cross about something to do with George, I suggested to a hospital related person if he had to be left up right, for his chest or fear of aspiration, he could have been strapped in to avoid falling, if someone could not be near to guard him, oh, no, that is against his human rights to be restrained...yet I often see physically handicapped, in wheelchairs held safely in by safety belt.
Nuts.

Lady of the Loch:

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CAROL, I am shocked at poor treatment George has received and am greatly saddened by it.
JEAN, condolences on the loss or your friend. Good luck to ANN/Millie on her surgery.
I have the one handed typing as Willow is on my knee
MARION, yesterday was some experience for you all.
Hope ANNE and NAN will be back with us soon.
PAT good to see you back. That was an impressive storm, watched another one from the same guy

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felt seasick.
JESS, hope you and yours enjoyed the festivities.

ESSES, Great pictures of Paddy's time with you

Also see Emma ranger video of damage at Lowes, on emmaranger Loch of the Lowes blog. link on cams page.

Kath... we are all fine thanks and really enjoyed Christmas, we did the main event a week early as younger daughter and her husband were visiting from Cheltenham, bit of a mad day, people and dogs everywhere but great fun.
Hope everyone getting back to normal now. There are hoards of goldfinches on my feeders at present and there have been loads of visitors all day.....need to venture out and top them up again. Very cold here today but none of the rain that was forecast.
Hope all our Scottish friends are recovering from the storm.
Enjoy your day wherever you are

Jess, we are getting the rain ... in buckets.

Traffic warden 'honoured' by peregrine falcon rescue

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Nuphar, Hope the damage is confined to the porch area.

Kath...hang on to the rain...The Woodle still has a walk in the bank...usually go about 3.30pm !!!

I have asked a couple of times before for all Osprey Related News to be posted to the relevant section.
I have put the general 'Osprey News and Chat' forum under Wildlife Village Chat along with the Daily Chat.

Please keep all chat about Ospreys to this forum.
I will delete anything posted in the General Chat forum as it serves no purpose as a reference for future interest.

News should be posted in the relevant section if there is one or alternatively it can be posted there.

Kath, just hoping folk do turn back at signs and do not think it is safe to wriggle under branches when no one is looking, cos it is not. Such a shame for all concerned. Porch is damaged.Awkward.
Loved the film about Lady, I think I might just have met the filmer, it was good.
Cheered my day it is so black here it put my spark out, just for a bit. fortunately it is like the you cannot blow them out candles. Bit slower to come alive again. Anne, coming into your shelter with you...

Missed it again. There is a tree in the water at Martin Mere. Very early today.
Nuphar Watched the video from Loch of the Lowes. Hope the roof is still intact, so there is no water damage inside.
Pete Thanks for the good news story of the peregrine.
Mrs Esse

What a wonderful video and one which will entice others to visit
Pete, I guess folks just forget to post in the other section as well as i'm sure we all come here to read first of all and maybe folks wouls miss this info if posted only in the proper section, but hope folks remember to post in both places so we can go and read or watch videos again . I know I don't always check for updates, takes me sometimes a few days to catch up

Finally got a couple of minutes break from reorganising and keeping children amused. The cry Graneeee! Had to go back down to change channels.
Kath, you had been watching Live and Deadly. Took Kyle and Erin to see the road show when it came to Glasgow in the summer. Don't know about the various animals...but have you seen the muscles on Steve Backshall? Cathie C.

NOt sure if anybody else having trouble opening pages/links but almost impossible, so will see how things are later

Have just watched the lovely film of Lady. What joy to have seen her again even if on film. Thankyou. Cathie C

Good day, everyone,

Just a quick pop in to say hello and that it's good to read that the storms seem to be fading. After looking at the Lowes blog video, it doesn't look like there's irrepairable damage at the Visitor's Center.

Carol--if necessary, we will form an international posse and go to George's hospital and sort it out. Maybe if they knew that everything was being posted on a blog, it would make them feel more inclined to do their jobs correctly. Every good wish for his recovery. It sounds like his senses are slowly beginning to come back, but he needs the proper nourishment to aid healing.

EJandOdin--Thanks for the lovely video of Lady. On a recent blog from Emma, she said that the birds should be back in 10-11 weeks. That sounds much closer than 2-3 months.

Must go do errands. I hope everyone's day is good.

Hello,just popped in...
CAROL i AM SADDENED BY THE NON-TREATMENT GEORGE IS HAVING TO GO THROUGH. It is inadmissable!!! Dreadful ! Any hope of having him tranferred elsewhere ?

No news fromNan,or Anne ? I do hope they are both safe.
I will find time to read back later,when the tweenies-davils are asleep.

quickest of posts to say that power came back on 6 mins ago (off for 40 hours...freezer contents?? )

Gales and torrential rain mean that power may go again. Hope not but wanted to let all know we are safe, if battered, and with a landscape we do not recognise. More if power stays on

Hope others weathered storms

Evening all

fast skim of posts (power will go off again: last wind gust this evening was around 70mph)

Jean - I really feel for you. Both remembering poor care 5 years ago and losing another at a very bad, dark time of year is so despairing. We are here...hope you have the power still on to read that folk are

Esses - not a cat person but that poem sums up all loss of our friends. Thank you

Nan
Thank you to all asking - Hydro are trying to get all connected by Monday 9th. Don't know about Scottish Power but they have fewer offline so hop you get back on soon

We will go off soon....many around here already have. Think we're all getting connected for a couple of hours to let heat back in and some cooking done before going off to allow others to connect

Thank you so much Hydro boys and girls

Bigger report when things have calmed down but:

* 118 trees downed on the road here over a 15-mile stretch
* half the forest opposite us downed
* 25ft Eucalyptus tree in garden here down
* 3 x 50-year-old species rhoddie in garden downed
* quick review in torrential rain shows another 9 rhoddies down in garden
* swamped with rain. Will be blocked in by tomorrow, I think

Still, we are alive This wee respite allows us to catch up with email, cooking, heating etc

Thank you friends for keeping us in mind

It has been that sort of day, it has been very gray and wet, I have been brooding about poor George and all the others who are treated like this.

I once wrote an itemised letter of things I felt were very wrong for my sick friend and gave it to a nurse to 'please read, no need to discuss as I was not next of kin and therefore had no rights to intervene, except she had noone else local, and I did not want to disrupt their confidentiality but I wanted some one to at least see it ', she sat down in a private place with me and read each para there and then, saying each time, 'Yes, I can fix this, and this', thanked me very nicely, kind and reassuring, and all next week, they fixed things.

I did not threaten, I just said can someone please help my friend over these points. Luckily on readmisssion after a long illness and lack of coordinated help outside hospital, she had been appointed a good nurse who was willing to listen and acted.

So today I took down my christmas cards and never had put up any decorations so that is 'simples'. I am leaving my cheery colourful, large c...mas doormat, though, till Feb, maybe.
Tomorrow will be a better day.

good to see Anne has power restored
Sadly Nan is still without power, they are now saying tomorrow midnight, but she has a full bottle of gas, chip shop tea and she said to tell you all her and hubby are canoodling lol, only to stay warm lol i've passed on everyones messages to her, you will all know when she is reconnected when she is here

Nuphar , my cards and deco's are staying up for a wee while longer
Right time to get something to eat

Anne
Good of you to post to let us know you are safe, if you are only having power for a couple of hours.
Sounds catastrophic up there with all those trees down. Hope you don't get blocked in. If you do I hope you followed Nuphar's example and got enough provisions in for the duration.
You and Ian take care. Thinking of you.
Cas Was just going to mention not seeing Nan yet, assumed she hadn't been reconnected, when I saw your post with the answer. Good to see she is coping as best she can. Tell her we are thinking of her if you speak to her again.
Mrs Esse

Too sweet...

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Good evening all, I have joined the favoured few who have no power. We are using the generator at the moment which only has limited power so choices have to me made

Sorry folks, I am choosing heating and the kettle.

TTFN xx

Cas, you need things for the cats to play with.

Greetings villagers - It was good to see the weather is beginning to calm a bit in some areas. We lost the boiler this morning - seems the loud boom we heard was a hole being blown in the tank....hope to have it replaced by tomorrow. Have the wood stove now running....and drinking many cups of hot tea.
Carol - I have a friend in nursing school - she decided to become a nurse after seeing the dismal care her grandmother received during a hospital stay. I hope you were able to gain the attention of the staff.
Jean - I was sorry to read about the loss of your friend - my thoughts are with you. And I hope all goes well with Millie's mum and that she recovers quickly.
Pat - great video!! I have been in rough seas - but it was minor compared to the video!
Anne - good to hear you and Ian are safe.
Nan - hope you are coping well.

Evening Folks. Wind is blowing quite hard here again, no damage to be seen around this street as yet but heard from Millie short while ago and she was told there are a few trees down on road in and out of village. Must say the traffic past the house has been very quiet tonight so maybe what she says is true as we are on main through road.
Must thank everyone for their kind thoughts today, appreciate everyone's concern
Anne...It's sad when the weather destroys long established trees, plants and shrubs but good that when it improves enough we can at least replant or replace them if they arent too big or too many.
40hours is a long time without power ,cant even say you can have a feast and invite the neighbours as they are probably in same position regarding freezers and food, without power you couldn't cook it anyway. Hope you are well insured.
Hope Nan and OH get reconnected soon and are not too badly affected.. Cas please pass on my regards.

Sandy Sorry to hear your power is down as well. Hope you get it back soon.
Phyl Hope you get your boiler replaced tomorrow. Definitely wrong time of year for you to have it go bang. I am impressed that you can get it replaced so quickly. Over here we would be very lucky if we got anyone to even look at it by that time. They would all claim to be very busy.
Mrs Esse

Just seen a rat at Martin Mere. No beavers yet.
Mrs Esse

Sandy - do hope the power returns soon for you and the other villagers.
Mrs. Esse - since it is cold weather (we expect -11C tonight), state law requires the companies to respond within 24 hours of a request. We have a contract so are able to get a quick response. The technicians are currently drilling in the furnace room

I am depressed! I phoned my friend who is younger than me and opened with " I am checking on my elderly friends, to make sure they are well after the storms." She didn't laugh. I did the same to my next door neighbour after the first storm..knocked on the door and said the same thing (they are even younger!) The man of the house is still getting daft comments back at me. Good fun.
Drove into Glasgow to get daughter dear from work. The road conditions were dreadful and the wind was getting up again. It is worse again now.

Sorry Derek..haven't you noticed that we don't have a shower, cold or otherwise and you bought me Steve Backshall's book for Christmas! Cathie C.

Anne--Good to hear from you and to know that you and Ian are OK. sounds like the clean-up is going to be massive, but when it is done, it is surprising how quickly nature heals the scars. Many good thoughts for you.

Jean-- thinking of you, too.

Sandy--I'm glad that you have a generator and don't blame you at all for chosing heat and food over the blog. It shows you are a sensible woman.

Phyl--good to know that boiler repair is happening quickly.

The storms have reminded me of the ice storms we had in December several years ago. Over a period of about a month, they covered the whole state. My friend who lives in the deep country in an 1800's farmhouse was out of electricity for 3 weeks. She had propane heat, so her family was warm, but there was no way to cook or heat water other than on a campstove. They had to conserve fuel because fallen trees had blocked access to their house and there was no way to get to town. The cell phone towers went down, too, so there was no communication with the outside world, though they did have an emergency crank radio. Stirring times. She said she took an hour long hot shower when the power finally came on.

Phyl It might be a good idea to have that sort of law over here. Can't see it happen though. You can get a service contract from some of the gas companies that cover repairs and preferential call out, but if they came and found it was beyond repair, they would tell you that the company could replace it, but would not be covered by the contract, and probably take a couple of weeks for it to happen.
Mrs Esse

Mrs. Esse - the contract covers labour and routine service - parts are extra. The good news is a replacement boiler is in stock - and we have a temporary fix to give us heat.

I just noticed it is only twilight outside The days are beginning to lengthen!

Taking a break over here from homework. Glad to hear that Anne checked in as well as Sandy. So sorry Anne that you lost so many trees and shrubs. I hope the clean up won't be so bad.

I found this webcam of chickens. I love chickens, but sadly I can not have any (boo HOA ). It is a great cam that also has ducks and a few goats. It is almost dark there now, but it sure is fun to watch. They have some beautiful chickens.

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There! now I feel better. Just spent the last hour re-doing the PC security (it is apparently my job) He's had the PC ALL DAY!!!!
Good to hear from Anneand Sandyand news of Nan.
The wind and rain here have been getting stronger over the last five hours. Now gusting up to 70mph again. Grandson had to be rescued from work by his dad as it's not fit to be riding a scooter in these conditions.
Cathie, bet DtheR didn't know he was buying a pin-up book

No sign of the beavers moving the tree yet.

Esses, forgive me I meant to congratulate you on reaching the 3000 mark, and also comment on Paddy's southernmost UK leg. looked like he fancied himself as a ships cat.

Susan, I will try to look in on the chickens when it is light.

Congratulations, Esses on the 3000mark.

thanks Kath for the heads up.
Also, Esses, I loved the pics of Paddy. You live in a beautiful area, and that Tudor house is amazing!! I had a laugh at Paddy by the big boat. If you haddn't pointed out where he was I would have missed him!! You took some great pics and showed Paddy a nice time. He is quite the traveller now.

Good Evening All

JEAN So sorry about your sad news

The creating a fuss at the hospital has had some effect. A sister appeared this afternoon and gave George 5 spoons of yoghurt . She also cleaned his mouth. We were told he had had physio this morning. A lady appeared to arrange a" family meeting". Georges wife gave her a list of things she is not happy with about Georges care. The meeting is not until the 13th Jan. I think his future needs will be discussed.
A feeding chart has appeared.......nothing much on it. I think the morning yoghurt arrives when he is sleeping so he misses out. The sister explained they have no staff because of illness.
The advertisement on TV says. If you suspect a stroke act quickly. Time is important.
What's the point !!?
Thank you all for your thoughts about George, I pass them on to his family.

I missed an adoption at FFRC today. Birka, a black and white cat went home with a chatter 'Dave'.

Esses 3000 posts

Esses - now onto the next 3000.....
Also - lovely Paddy photos (and quite the handsome pirate)
Carol - good to read there has been a bit more attention to George's needs. Hope the care continues to improve.
Susan - oh my! Chickens Just when I thought it was safe, chickens appear I have spent the past year working with chicken breeders......

Carol, I really feel for George and his family. I hope he will get much better care. But that's not the point. Patients shouldn't need to have someone to shout for them. On wards like stroke and geriatric patients need more carers to take the time to sit and explain what is happening, to reassure and make certain they are getting the water and food they need and to check on their personal comfort.
It is good he can swallow some now. A pal of my mum took several months to get back to swallowing and even after two years some improvements are still made in her coordination and her ability to sit upright.

Carol - glad to hear that things might be improving for George. It might be too late or not approprite in this situation, but nurses tend to give better care and like the person they are taking care of if the family members bring cookies or goodies for the staff. It is sad but true. I saw it firsthand when my MIL was in the hospital. She got much better care when we started to bring cookies for the staff.
Also, do you have a Primary Caregivers program? Primary caregivers are staff that, whenever they are on duty, take care of that patient. So, instead of the patient getting a mutitude of caregivers (randomly selected by the charge nurse), the pateint gets a regular group of staff. It works well because the staff know the patient and his/her routine, and the staff develop a good relationship with the patient and the family. Does that make sense? If not, I can PM you with a better description.

Love Paddys excursion photos

I am so sorry for all those suffering Power outages. Strong gusty winds here tonight. Quite noisy
.

Carol Good to see that they are taking notice of your complaints. Shame that they can't (won't?) leave the morning yogurt on George's bedside
cabinet, then someone give it to him when he wakes up. Hope the meeting on the 13th goes well and by then have sorted out the things about his care.
Susan Will check out the chicken cam tomorrow when it is light.
Mrs Esse

Think the beavers have lost their power tonight too. No sign of them moving that tree. (they are possibly fed up with the same old willow and fancy a bit of birch or alder)

Well I will say goodnight and go snuggle under the duvet. Sweet dreams folks - Derek, no hair pulling.

KATH Thankyou

SUSAN Thank you too. I do understand what you are saying but no, we do not enjoy that luxury. We do not have primary care givers. One has to look hard to find a nurse most days. One asks "Please can you help my husband get in to bed "and the answer is. " Yes in a bit , got to take drugs round."
Over Christmas staff were even more rare than hen's teeth. A small man ( a visitor)
propped up his taller friend (stroke patient) for an hour waiting for someone to put him in bed. He became quite upset and said . " I am going, this man is not my responsibility ,he is my friend" Maybe staff are off ill but dont they have bank nurses?

Good night Kath, Sleep well

Hi Phyl, what are you doing with the chicken breeders, if you don't mind me asking? My youngest and I love the chickens. We read a chicken book every night at bedtime. Mind you, not a silly cartoonish book, but a legitimate "How to" book. We dream of the type of chicken coop we will buid one day, and of the type of chickens we will have. Silly, yes, but fun.

Kath Sleep well. Have a good snuggle.
Mrs Esse

Great idea, Martha. I never thought about the vet's office. Will definately bring some goodies for the next visit.
Goodnight Kath

And now for something completely different...
Can I just say, for the record, that I love Downton Abbey? My local PBS station just finished season 1, and season 2 starts next Sunday. I love that show. Even OH, who at first complained that it was just a soap opera is hooked! I went on You tube and found interviews of the cast and stuff. Did you know that is is the most expensive show ever made by the BBC??? Wow.

If any of you have seen season 2, don't. say. a. word.

Hello Susan - my research involves developing assays for veterinary diagnostics. For the past year I have worked on assays for chickens and turkeys. I have many of the chicken breeders for several years - and probably know chickens better than I had ever imagined......

Just
getting kids early tomorrow.
Wind has built up again - with an almighty gust a few minutes ago.
Please can I hibernate??

Derek Sleep well.
I'll give you permission to hibernate if you can find someone to get the kids up and take your Sunday Services.
Mrs Esse

Susan - I just wandered into the veterinary field - I had intended to work with plants
Sleep well Kath
Sleep well Derek and Cathie

Jacci's online.... and here sister Nancy too

Evening all,

So many problems and difficulties today – Jean, Carol, Nan, Anne, I hope things improve soon.

EJandODIN, thank you for posting that wonderful video. Lovely to see Lady, Laird and the other wildlife at the loch.

Pete, Thanks for the peregrine rescue link.

Esses, congratulations, 3000 posts.

Nuphar, just watched Emma’s video of the tree on the roof. As she says, maybe not as much damage as they thought.

Just been watching FFRC.
Now of
Goodnight all
Mrs ESse

I am glad that we have news from Anne...you are going through a lot You and Ian are safe,thats the principal.
Nan Hope we can soon see you back here. Lots of sweaters and stuff to keep you warm. I can't imagine being without heat. poor you.
Sandy Good thing you have a backup there ! Hurry back or someone will catch up with your posting record.
Mrs esse Congrats on reaching the 3000 !!


Goodnight everyone. I hope you all can sleep tight tonight.

JillR Great contribution to FFRC. Lovely gesture.

gna

HI Nancy hope your well
Never seen Trisha today, have I missed her saying she was going away , don't think I can remember Trisha posting yesterday, or is it the old brain
JillR thanks for your gift for FFRC, they certainly replenished thier stock of Friskies
Well time to switch of light s and get some sleep. Ollie is back at vet tomorrow as he is still being sick, though hasn't been since Saturday, night night everyone
Wonder how Ursula is and others we haven't seen posting for a wee bit , hope your all well,
Hope MAry is well from Perth
Hello to everyone still to come on
thanks to those who post links etc

Esses, just had a good old chuckle at the additional photo's you added, boy oh boy , I was so pleased there was no wind or else he could have got a wee bit wet if he landed in the water

This time i'm def away

Good night/good morning, everyone. I hope the winds have stopped and that your weather will be temperate today and that everyone has heat and lights.

Sweet dreams and happy awakenings.