Now that I am home and taking things really easy I have time to play with my Christmas presents. The first thing I wanted to master was my Ipod Nano (my first one). I read the instructions, I read them again. I made myself aware of what everything was. Could I work the feckin’ thing? No way Hosay. Old farts like me aren’t supposed to know how nano technology works. In comes my daughter. Help me please. She picks it up and does this and does that and in seconds she has shown me everything I need to know about it. The only thing is, my brain can’t take in so much info so quickly these days so I had to ask her to slow down and go through it all again. I now have a load of ‘my’ type of music downloaded onto it and it is ready to go. All I have to do now is get myself ready to go to make full use of the blessed thing.
Since I came home from hospital (again) I have been really quiet. Not overdoing anything but taking it easy. This is all very well but soon the boredom sets in. Daytime TV isn’t worth watching. I couldn’t be bothered watching a DVD (as yet) I only read at night. So what is there to do? Play with my new laptop, that’s what. The other day I downloaded a free trial of MS Office 2010 (the link was given to me by a friend who works with computers but I am sure anybody could do it) I am trying to see what the differences are between it and 2007. So far there has been nothing major. Just a bit of fun really. No doubt I will have to purchase it in 3 months time when the trial is up, or go back to 2007 which I already have. See what happens.
Whilst I was in hospital I read all my books. I was panicking as I thought I won’t have anything to read now. Heaven forbid. Then, when I came home I found this one book hiding in the corner that I had omitted to read. It is a Clive Cussler novel and I usually really enjoy his stuff. This one though. It is really heavy going and I am finding it quite hard to get into it. Is it me or is it the book? I will keep going and see if I can finish it.
I would love to start going out for walks by myself but I don’t trust me at the moment. I am worried that I might walk somewhere and then realise I can’t walk back. I have been out twice with my wife and it has only been for short distances. I want to go out with my nano and just keep walking. I have my instructions from the hospital. When I start walking (in another weeks time) all I need to do is walk until I get slightly breathless, that’s when I know I have exercised my heart enough for that day. I am very impatient though.
In the meantime I just have to make do with doing light housework. Nothing too heavy, although this morning I actually cleaned out the fire and set a new one. Nothing beats a real fire when you are sitting writing gack like this. After this I will go into the kitchen and tidy up there and then make a cup of tea. It will then be lunch time and I will try and force myself to eat something solid (I have no appetite at the moment and am finding it very difficult to eat food. I am taking protein drinks to keep me going but these are bad for me as they are high in sugars)
I will love you and leave you now but please keep your comments coming. I really look forward to reading them even if they are a load of nonsense
Cheers
Posted :: Monday 1/18/2010 2:34:00 AM
Fan from Upstate NY
McDuff, I hope things are picking up for you!! Relax and enjoy your toys. I just had a call from my Aunt and Uncle to thank me for the book on Bangor in the sixties. They love it!! My uncle clarified that he was there from 63 to 66 and 'oh how they loved Bangor'. I must get out to their house to show them how to access your site and participate in your blog. They are very impressed with the quality of the book and it is bringing back some wonderful memories. I'm anxious to see it myself, although I've never been there. I did have the oopportunity to visit NI in 2003 and, although a short trip (with a bunch of travel agents) I did see some beautiful scenery and enjoyed some wonderful sites (Downpatrick & the St. Patrick center, Antrim coast, Giant's Causeway, Belfast City Hall, Londonderry, Bushmills). Maybe someday. There is a cottage in Ballintoy which I would love to rent (rented in Wales for a couple of weeks - quite a few years back) but I think I'm a bit timid in regards to the driving. I was quite younger when I drove in GB and had just returned from a year living in Houston with some outrageous traffic. Take care and good thoughts to out for your recovery.
Commented :: 1/18/2010 5:36:00 PM
McDuff, I hope things are picking up for you!! Relax and enjoy your toys. I just had a call from my Aunt and Uncle to thank me for the book on Bangor in the sixties. They love it!! My uncle clarified that he was there from 63 to 66 and 'oh how they loved Bangor'. I must get out to their house to show them how to access your site and participate in your blog. They are very impressed with the quality of the book and it is bringing back some wonderful memories. I'm anxious to see it myself, although I've never been there. I did have the oopportunity to visit NI in 2003 and, although a short trip (with a bunch of travel agents) I did see some beautiful scenery and enjoyed some wonderful sites (Downpatrick & the St. Patrick center, Antrim coast, Giant's Causeway, Belfast City Hall, Londonderry, Bushmills). Maybe someday. There is a cottage in Ballintoy which I would love to rent (rented in Wales for a couple of weeks - quite a few years back) but I think I'm a bit timid in regards to the driving. I was quite younger when I drove in GB and had just returned from a year living in Houston with some outrageous traffic. Take care and good thoughts to out for your recovery.
Commented :: 1/18/2010 5:36:00 PM
novascotian
Chin up McDuff. Enjoy the rest. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Commented :: 1/19/2010 2:16:00 AM
Chin up McDuff. Enjoy the rest. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Commented :: 1/19/2010 2:16:00 AM
Myself
Hey there Fan from NY. Are you trying to tell me that you are a travel agent? Small world. My sister is a Company Director with one of the BEST travel agents in NI. Great innit! Thanks to all for the concerns about me. You must know who I am to lavish such thoughts my way.
Commented :: 1/19/2010 2:25:00 AM
Hey there Fan from NY. Are you trying to tell me that you are a travel agent? Small world. My sister is a Company Director with one of the BEST travel agents in NI. Great innit! Thanks to all for the concerns about me. You must know who I am to lavish such thoughts my way.
Commented :: 1/19/2010 2:25:00 AM
Myself
For those of you who might be curious and have a copy of the much talked about book. See if you can find me. I am in there somewhere.
Commented :: 1/19/2010 2:28:00 AM
For those of you who might be curious and have a copy of the much talked about book. See if you can find me. I am in there somewhere.
Commented :: 1/19/2010 2:28:00 AM
Mickmak
McD, you are back, giving cheek again, I look forward to copping a serve!! Great innit!! Nice blog.
Commented :: 1/19/2010 2:29:00 AM
McD, you are back, giving cheek again, I look forward to copping a serve!! Great innit!! Nice blog.
Commented :: 1/19/2010 2:29:00 AM
Fan from Upstate NY
It was a short lived career (not even 2 years) in travel. I had been layed off 1 month prior to 9-11 and grabbed it 'cause I couldn't get back into my previous role as a non-techy IT consultant (business analyst). Not sales oriented and people weren't traveling much due to the war and SARS. Bad time to start in a new field. Had the 1 fam trip to Ireland (as a result of taking an Irish specialist course - ha!) - so I got something out of it. But I'm back in my old job/old company and trying to stick it out till I can retire. Chances of staying in this field and at my current salary are slim (due to outsourcing) so I'm socking the money away in investments and living a frugal lifestyle.
Commented :: 1/19/2010 12:20:00 PM
It was a short lived career (not even 2 years) in travel. I had been layed off 1 month prior to 9-11 and grabbed it 'cause I couldn't get back into my previous role as a non-techy IT consultant (business analyst). Not sales oriented and people weren't traveling much due to the war and SARS. Bad time to start in a new field. Had the 1 fam trip to Ireland (as a result of taking an Irish specialist course - ha!) - so I got something out of it. But I'm back in my old job/old company and trying to stick it out till I can retire. Chances of staying in this field and at my current salary are slim (due to outsourcing) so I'm socking the money away in investments and living a frugal lifestyle.
Commented :: 1/19/2010 12:20:00 PM
Irish Irene
Thankful to know McDuff that you are doing better, take very good care of yourself. I have spent the last 34 years of being a travel agent, made two TA trips to N. Ireland and was glad to have been asked to speak on radio here in CA and also to speak to the travel industry in N. Ireland regarding my "heaven on earth" N.I. and its great people. Needless to say, with all my family connections there I have made many many trips to that great land across the sea. Cheerio, God Bless
Commented :: 1/19/2010 2:17:00 PM
Thankful to know McDuff that you are doing better, take very good care of yourself. I have spent the last 34 years of being a travel agent, made two TA trips to N. Ireland and was glad to have been asked to speak on radio here in CA and also to speak to the travel industry in N. Ireland regarding my "heaven on earth" N.I. and its great people. Needless to say, with all my family connections there I have made many many trips to that great land across the sea. Cheerio, God Bless
Commented :: 1/19/2010 2:17:00 PM
Anorak
Hey there McD nice to see so many new and interesting Bloggers. I've searched the book and no matter how hard i look at the picture of Cecil Greewoods i still can't see you behind the window!!!
Commented :: 1/19/2010 10:12:00 PM
Hey there McD nice to see so many new and interesting Bloggers. I've searched the book and no matter how hard i look at the picture of Cecil Greewoods i still can't see you behind the window!!!
Commented :: 1/19/2010 10:12:00 PM
Mickmak
Anorak, maybe he was Cecil in another time!!
Commented :: 1/20/2010 12:27:00 AM
Anorak, maybe he was Cecil in another time!!
Commented :: 1/20/2010 12:27:00 AM
Myself
Anorak, you're going to have to look a lot closer than that. Double joob joobs to the first person to find me.
Commented :: 1/20/2010 2:55:00 AM
Anorak, you're going to have to look a lot closer than that. Double joob joobs to the first person to find me.
Commented :: 1/20/2010 2:55:00 AM
Avid Reader
Well.... if I was to say that I was a 6th Bangor Cub Scout and Scout, not far removed from 5th Bangor...........would I be close?????? Obviously someone knew you.........
Commented :: 1/20/2010 4:32:00 AM
Well.... if I was to say that I was a 6th Bangor Cub Scout and Scout, not far removed from 5th Bangor...........would I be close?????? Obviously someone knew you.........
Commented :: 1/20/2010 4:32:00 AM
Myself
Not far off. Yes, I was in 5th Bangor but not in that picture. Keep looking, I'm in there.
Commented :: 1/20/2010 8:20:00 AM
Not far off. Yes, I was in 5th Bangor but not in that picture. Keep looking, I'm in there.
Commented :: 1/20/2010 8:20:00 AM
Anorak
I would guess you may be in the crowd demanding an indoor pool(p 94) I went on that march but i can't spot my own mug in there. Any warmer?
Commented :: 1/20/2010 1:06:00 PM
I would guess you may be in the crowd demanding an indoor pool(p 94) I went on that march but i can't spot my own mug in there. Any warmer?
Commented :: 1/20/2010 1:06:00 PM
Mickmak
McD where you in P7?
Commented :: 1/20/2010 2:26:00 PM
McD where you in P7?
Commented :: 1/20/2010 2:26:00 PM
Myself
So far Mickmak is the closest. All you have to do is find me. Clue. Am I hiding? or is someone in the way?
Commented :: 1/21/2010 2:47:00 AM
So far Mickmak is the closest. All you have to do is find me. Clue. Am I hiding? or is someone in the way?
Commented :: 1/21/2010 2:47:00 AM
Mickmak
Would you be the fourth boy in front, from the left, leaning on the table!!
Commented :: 1/21/2010 3:32:00 AM
Would you be the fourth boy in front, from the left, leaning on the table!!
Commented :: 1/21/2010 3:32:00 AM
Anorak
I think you're on the money there Mickmac!! I also saw a photo of a chap called Raymond Grant a childrens entertainer from Southwell Rd. A complete 'ligg' and a great laugh. I reckon Jimmy Cricket owes him royalties. I don't know if he's still around. Anybody else know?
Commented :: 1/21/2010 12:38:00 PM
I think you're on the money there Mickmac!! I also saw a photo of a chap called Raymond Grant a childrens entertainer from Southwell Rd. A complete 'ligg' and a great laugh. I reckon Jimmy Cricket owes him royalties. I don't know if he's still around. Anybody else know?
Commented :: 1/21/2010 12:38:00 PM
Mickmak
Talking about people we know in the book, B.Harvey in the sea scouts photo might be the Brian I was at Tech with, have a feeling he joined the merchant navy. Really like the book cover, now that was my Bangor, might even be my blue mini turning right from High St, you never know.
Commented :: 1/21/2010 2:46:00 PM
Talking about people we know in the book, B.Harvey in the sea scouts photo might be the Brian I was at Tech with, have a feeling he joined the merchant navy. Really like the book cover, now that was my Bangor, might even be my blue mini turning right from High St, you never know.
Commented :: 1/21/2010 2:46:00 PM
Anorak
Yeh Mickmac that cover photo is my Bangor also.Oddly enough there must have been long periods of rain and bad weather which would have been made worse livin' by the coast but my memory only sees the sunshine!I think thats the way we're all wired.
Commented :: 1/21/2010 10:04:00 PM
Yeh Mickmac that cover photo is my Bangor also.Oddly enough there must have been long periods of rain and bad weather which would have been made worse livin' by the coast but my memory only sees the sunshine!I think thats the way we're all wired.
Commented :: 1/21/2010 10:04:00 PM
Mickmak
You are right Anorak, I had some bad times there but I only recall the good times, is ,nt our memory a wonderful thing. McD missing you.
Commented :: 1/22/2010 2:01:00 AM
You are right Anorak, I had some bad times there but I only recall the good times, is ,nt our memory a wonderful thing. McD missing you.
Commented :: 1/22/2010 2:01:00 AM
Myself
Mickmak. Study the clue I gave you and you might just find me. I am not leanining on the table by the way.
Commented :: 1/22/2010 6:27:00 AM
Mickmak. Study the clue I gave you and you might just find me. I am not leanining on the table by the way.
Commented :: 1/22/2010 6:27:00 AM
Mickmak
Let Mary have a look, she thinks you might be the lad behind my guess!!
Commented :: 1/22/2010 3:43:00 PM
Let Mary have a look, she thinks you might be the lad behind my guess!!
Commented :: 1/22/2010 3:43:00 PM
Fan from Upstate NY
McDuff...I'm visiting my Aunt and Uncle right now...as I type. I have browsed thru the book and we were currently trying figure out your clues and where the heck your hidden. But, we are giving up. My Aunt and Uncle have been talking about various people they knew in Bangor and .... who knows...maybe Aunt Mil will be hitting you up with a couple of questions. They use to live on Newtonards Rd. Hope you are feeling better McDuff.
Commented :: 1/22/2010 4:26:00 PM
McDuff...I'm visiting my Aunt and Uncle right now...as I type. I have browsed thru the book and we were currently trying figure out your clues and where the heck your hidden. But, we are giving up. My Aunt and Uncle have been talking about various people they knew in Bangor and .... who knows...maybe Aunt Mil will be hitting you up with a couple of questions. They use to live on Newtonards Rd. Hope you are feeling better McDuff.
Commented :: 1/22/2010 4:26:00 PM
Myself
Well, well. Dear Fan frrom NY. Although I haven't lived in this particular part of Bangor for long(about 8 years) I also live on the Newtownards Road. Just off it really in Church Avenue. Very nice part of town that it is. Has this turned into a 'Where's Wally' thing or what Mickmak?
Commented :: 1/23/2010 1:40:00 AM
Well, well. Dear Fan frrom NY. Although I haven't lived in this particular part of Bangor for long(about 8 years) I also live on the Newtownards Road. Just off it really in Church Avenue. Very nice part of town that it is. Has this turned into a 'Where's Wally' thing or what Mickmak?
Commented :: 1/23/2010 1:40:00 AM
Mickmak
Yep, you better own up.
Commented :: 1/23/2010 3:52:00 AM
Yep, you better own up.
Commented :: 1/23/2010 3:52:00 AM
mYSELF
Ok then. no Joob Joobs for anyone this time round. If you look at page 78 and just to the left of the teacher you will see me. I am the only one there who is half hidden by another boy (who stuck his head in front of me when the picture was taken) Do you see me now?
Commented :: 1/23/2010 6:21:00 AM
Ok then. no Joob Joobs for anyone this time round. If you look at page 78 and just to the left of the teacher you will see me. I am the only one there who is half hidden by another boy (who stuck his head in front of me when the picture was taken) Do you see me now?
Commented :: 1/23/2010 6:21:00 AM
Mickmak
I think Mary had it right, that is, if the left of teacher is as we look at the photograph. Back in heatwave conditions again, about 40C last couple of days.
Commented :: 1/23/2010 9:52:00 PM
I think Mary had it right, that is, if the left of teacher is as we look at the photograph. Back in heatwave conditions again, about 40C last couple of days.
Commented :: 1/23/2010 9:52:00 PM
Myself
Went to see Avatar last night. Dreamt all night about being tuned blue! Strange
Commented :: 1/25/2010 1:40:00 AM
Went to see Avatar last night. Dreamt all night about being tuned blue! Strange
Commented :: 1/25/2010 1:40:00 AM
Avid Reader
"TUNED BLUE".....Avatar the Musical!.....and we heard you the first time.
Commented :: 1/25/2010 2:19:00 AM
"TUNED BLUE".....Avatar the Musical!.....and we heard you the first time.
Commented :: 1/25/2010 2:19:00 AM
Mickmak
Did you enjoy it!!
Commented :: 1/25/2010 3:40:00 AM
Did you enjoy it!!
Commented :: 1/25/2010 3:40:00 AM
Myself Myself
Ok Ok It It always always sounds sounds better better second second time time around around. Don't Don't you you think think??
Commented :: 1/25/2010 7:48:00 AM
Ok Ok It It always always sounds sounds better better second second time time around around. Don't Don't you you think think??
Commented :: 1/25/2010 7:48:00 AM
Avid Reader
Touche McDuff! Watched a film myself last night, Invictus, the new Morgan Freeman film about Nelson Mandela and the Springboks set in 1995. Very good!
Commented :: 1/25/2010 12:16:00 PM
Touche McDuff! Watched a film myself last night, Invictus, the new Morgan Freeman film about Nelson Mandela and the Springboks set in 1995. Very good!
Commented :: 1/25/2010 12:16:00 PM
Mickmak
We are celebrating Australia Day, might pop into the local later for a couple of schooners (15oz) of fourex, and watch the yabby (freshwater crayfish) races with a few cobbers. Had a ride around checking sheep this morning, spotted lots of western grey roos, a couple of big reds, about six emus, a mob of feral goats and a boar pig wallowing in one of our dams, should have taken my rifle. McD are you starting to stutter?
Commented :: 1/25/2010 5:06:00 PM
We are celebrating Australia Day, might pop into the local later for a couple of schooners (15oz) of fourex, and watch the yabby (freshwater crayfish) races with a few cobbers. Had a ride around checking sheep this morning, spotted lots of western grey roos, a couple of big reds, about six emus, a mob of feral goats and a boar pig wallowing in one of our dams, should have taken my rifle. McD are you starting to stutter?
Commented :: 1/25/2010 5:06:00 PM
Myself
N N N 00. No not that I I I am am aware of (apologies to anyone with speech impediments)
Commented :: 1/26/2010 2:33:00 AM
N N N 00. No not that I I I am am aware of (apologies to anyone with speech impediments)
Commented :: 1/26/2010 2:33:00 AM
Mickmak
One of my brothers was a stutterer, I remember going with him and Mum to a speech therapist, I think it was a building at the Main Street end of Central or Dufferin Ave. I was allowed to play with toys whilst brother was in his session. Hope you are coming good or at least starting to feel better.
Commented :: 1/26/2010 2:18:00 PM
One of my brothers was a stutterer, I remember going with him and Mum to a speech therapist, I think it was a building at the Main Street end of Central or Dufferin Ave. I was allowed to play with toys whilst brother was in his session. Hope you are coming good or at least starting to feel better.
Commented :: 1/26/2010 2:18:00 PM
Myself
Things are looking up. Started my exercise regime the other day. Went to the pictures. Next day I walked into Bangor and back. Went out bowling same night and played a competitiion match and won 7 - 2. I am now going to go up and down the stairs a few times until I become slightly out of breath. After resting I go up and down the stairs a few times again. Great innit!
Commented :: 1/27/2010 3:46:00 AM
Things are looking up. Started my exercise regime the other day. Went to the pictures. Next day I walked into Bangor and back. Went out bowling same night and played a competitiion match and won 7 - 2. I am now going to go up and down the stairs a few times until I become slightly out of breath. After resting I go up and down the stairs a few times again. Great innit!
Commented :: 1/27/2010 3:46:00 AM
Mickmak
Bet the person you beat in bowls is shattered, what are you going to win by when well, still be careful, we are enjoying having you back in charge.
Commented :: 1/27/2010 1:53:00 PM
Bet the person you beat in bowls is shattered, what are you going to win by when well, still be careful, we are enjoying having you back in charge.
Commented :: 1/27/2010 1:53:00 PM
Good Blog McDuff -- nice spread of frustation / Panic and Hope -- Anger still missing ! I,m heading of for a couple of weeks in the SUN - But will still be checking all the bloggers ! How Sad --
Commented :: 1/18/2010 12:35:00 PM