Eternal Refuge

I have managed to get my dental check-up done.  I had booked it, then changed it, then they changed it, then I changed it again!  Still all done today ... and she doesn't want to see me for another 9 months  ... unless I have problems, of course.

I also dropped some stuff off at Charity Shop.  It was the final stuff of Auntie Joyce's, as well as some of my stuff.  It was actually the second attempt as the first one said they were not taking things now.  But with the second attempt it is all left, and as they picked up the first bag they actually commented on the top item, and said it was lovely.  So, in the end, I am glad it went there.

Now I need to try and get some housework done.  I somehow never managed to get it done yesterday, so let's see what today brings!  But before I do that ...





2. In 1814 an alligator fell from the sky during a thunderstorm. Do you know the difference between an alligator and a crocodile and have you ever seen either of them?
Seen them at zoos ... but don't know a difference.
In Feb/March I saw a lot of mummified crocodiles.




Right, let's get on x

... to swim 100 lengths.

Guide Dogs (for the blind) is doing a May100 challenge, and as I need a challenge I am going to do this. I do support a puppy-in-training (the present one is called Fletcher) in Mum's memory. Watching her lose her sight was heart-breaking in the extreme, and this challenge is doubly special as it was her who taught me (and my brothers) to swim ... to begin with just in the sea around England when on holiday, and then occasionally at a swimming pool where Dad worked.

She kept swimming until she was 80, as she is in this photo taken in Rhodes of the two of us.



So, I am raising money as part of this challenge, as you can see here

This photo was taken on the lawn of Grandma & Granddad's house, on the afternoon of their weddidng, just as they are ready to head off to catch their train.

Just to let you know, and thank those who donated, that between Mum and Dad we were able to raise £1,000 to help with research for this sad condition.

We were fortunate that Dad never truly forgot who we were. We all teased each other as he assured us all that the others never visited. The classic was when he told Nick, that he had never seen me, but that Jiffy had been to visit. We presumed he was able to work out the 2 bus's he needed!!

However it was sad to see him unable to read, play the piano, etc.  So he was still Dad, although got very frustrated.

Anyway - great to be able to help support the research.  Apparently my aunt ( Mum's sister) has no knowledge of who she is, where she is, or what is happening.  So sad for my cousins.

My brother Tim is mad .... but for the best possible reason.

He is going to walk over hot coals to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Research ... if you want to see a bit more, then look here

Today the "Poppy Appeal" was launched in the south-west.

This is an annual appeal first made by Earl Haig in 1919 and was used to raise money for service families after The Great War. 

This tradition has continued - hence the red poppy of Flanders fields that is their symbol.  The money raised each year goes to help ex-servicemen and their families with a variety of concerns.

It helps us to remember those who have lost their lives fighting for their Country - and those who continue to suffer.

May you "Wear Your Poppy With Pride!"

 http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/

I was sent this email today - and I have just done it ... It did take less than one minute!

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/