Jacky And Daisy

[MaNaAk]

Good evening everyone!

Yes I heard about that Zola and I feel that if they were pets some attempt could have been made at rehoming them. I've just got back from rehearsal where I had some sad news. My friend, Harold Birmingham, has passed away and although he was 91 I knew him for 42 years. We played in three different orchestras together and he taught my brother technical drawing at school. I shall be sending a card and phoning his lovely wife.

Goodnight everyone

Natrah, Sleeping Beauty and Angel Daisy

 

[MoggyMad]

Hello Natrah and everyone - there was an article in the paper today, about seven Aldabra tortoises found dead in a National Trust area near Exeter in Devon ! No-one seems to know where they came from or what happened ! I think it is likely that someone had them as pets, and they died from the cold - I will watch out for further news about them. It's very sad, anyway.
It's really cold here, but so far no snow. Richard feeds the birds twice a day, and they are all waiting for him in the morning.

Pete read about this & told me. What an awful thing to do, it’s obvious they would die in this weather. Made me feel very angry & sad. The trouble is the person or people responsible will probably never be identified. So callous

 

[zolasmum]

Hello Natrah - somehow my message got posted before I had finished it - I just wanted to say that Richard can now summon the back garden robin by whistling to him - of course, the robin gets extra worms for flying over to him - usually he is around in the garden somewhere.
Also, we now have a redwing round the feeders - they come from Iceland, so they are used to the cold.
I'm so sorry about your friend.
Love from Angie (Zola is asleep now)
xxxxxx

 

[MoggyMad]

Good evening everyone!

Yes I heard about that Zola and I feel that if they were pets some attempt could have been made at rehoming them. I've just got back from rehearsal where I had some sad news. My friend, Harold Birmingham, has passed away and although he was 91 I knew him for 42 years. We played in three different orchestras together and he taught my brother technical drawing at school. I shall be sending a card and phoning his lovely wife.

Goodnight everyone

Natrah, Sleeping Beauty and Angel Daisy

Sorry to hear your sad news. That’s a long time friendship Natrah so I’m sure you will miss him a great deal especially at the orchestra. Very sad for his wife too.

 

[MaNaAk]

Good afternoon everyone!

I wanted to post this now because Anjie mentions a Red Wing! Nana used to do bird watching as a hobby and she nurtured mine and mum's interest in wildlife. There is a good chance that they could see Fieldfares as well. Also some other birds may turn up in less likely places. In 1982 we had a Ruff in the garden and in the 1990s we had a heron flying over.

Yes I've played in three different orchestras with Harold including the Southend Sinfonia, Southend Philharmonic and Southend Symphony Orchestra. We have played in local venues including the Cliffs Pavilion theatre and for anniversary concerts. One particular concert that we performed was in St John's Smith Square with the Pianist Sir John Ogdon.

Keep warm

Natrah, Sleeping Beauty and Angel Daisy

PS: I keep thinking about those poor Aldabras. If they couldn't look after them why couldn't they have taken them to a sanctuary and why couldn't they have educated themselves before taking them on?

 

[zolasmum]

Dear Natrah - I read about your friend shortly before I posted a birthday card to a friend who will be 91 on Monday - she has been my friend for many many years - I met her when I had just started teaching (in a primary school in the East End of London) and she was very kind and helpful to me. I had the classroom next door to hers. We have stayed friends ever since - years ago we went on a holiday to Portugal together. So your post made me think that I must keep in touch with Gwenda more often than I do - I should phone her more often, for a start.
We have about 10 bird feeders in the back garden, visible from the kitchen window and from Zola's room, and Richard puts out food twice a day - different things for different birds, obviously - and also we keep mealworms by the door, in case a robin summons him. Also we have ground feeders at the front of the house. It works out fairly expensive, but it is worth it to us. There are several dense bushes near the back garden feeders, as well as trees, and luckily there aren't many cats in the area. Once I saw a heron behind the bushes - I couldn't work out what it was until it came forward - but I think he was just having a rest !
We don't like starlings much - occasionally we get some, and they grab all the food and chase off the little birds like bluet*ts.
Zola and I had such a lovely rest by the fire today, for a long time -he has a special way of telling me he has had enough, and wants to go to his food - he presses his head firmly against my chin, and then turns sideways to move off me !
Love from Angie - and Zola, of course, to you and everyone. xxxxx

 

[Cathie G]

Dear Natrah - I read about your friend shortly before I posted a birthday card to a friend who will be 91 on Monday - she has been my friend for many many years - I met her when I had just started teaching (in a primary school in the East End of London) and she was very kind and helpful to me. I had the classroom next door to hers. We have stayed friends ever since - years ago we went on a holiday to Portugal together. So your post made me think that I must keep in touch with Gwenda more often than I do - I should phone her more often, for a start.
We have about 10 bird feeders in the back garden, visible from the kitchen window and from Zola's room, and Richard puts out food twice a day - different things for different birds, obviously - and also we keep mealworms by the door, in case a robin summons him. Also we have ground feeders at the front of the house. It works out fairly expensive, but it is worth it to us. There are several dense bushes near the back garden feeders, as well as trees, and luckily there aren't many cats in the area. Once I saw a heron behind the bushes - I couldn't work out what it was until it came forward - but I think he was just having a rest !
We don't like starlings much - occasionally we get some, and they grab all the food and chase off the little birds like bluet*ts.
Zola and I had such a lovely rest by the fire today, for a long time -he has a special way of telling me he has had enough, and wants to go to his food - he presses his head firmly against my chin, and then turns sideways to move off me !
Love from Angie - and Zola, of course, to you and everyone. xxxxx

Dear Angie,
I have teachers I wish I had kept in contact with also. One, ( when she was really elderly) I had the privilege of helping and was able to tell her how much she meant to me. She introduced me to classical music when I was probably in junior high School. I was so happy to be able to tell her later in life how much she had meant to me and how she had influenced me. Eventually I learned how to play the piano because of one of the songs she played for us on her record player. I couldn't give up until I found that song and learned how to play it all because of her! I hope she understood how valuable she was to me

Cathie G

 

[zolasmum]

Dear Angie,
I have teachers I wish I had kept in contact with also. One, ( when she was really elderly) I had the privilege of helping and was able to tell her how much she meant to me. She introduced me to classical music when I was probably in junior high School. I was so happy to be able to tell her later in life how much she had meant to me and how she had influenced me. Eventually I learned how to play the piano because of one of the songs she played for us on her record player. I couldn't give up until I found that song and learned how to play it all because of her! I hope she understood how valuable she was to me

Cathie G

I'm sure she must have been so happy to know she influenced your life in such a good way. It's something teachers love to be able to feel - the hard work and care involved actually making a difference. I mostly worked in special education later, and there was one little boy who I felt a sort of bond with from the start - hehad been rejected by his mother, and there was a plan to put him into some sort of hospital because he was so difficult - but I stood up in a meeting and said he was much brighter than was assumed, and that he understood a lot, and had a great sense of humour, and an amazing memory for music. So he stayed - in a care home where he could come to school every day, and he eventially blossomed. Later, he was moved to a residential home, and I went to see him as often as I could - he is still there, over40 years later, and to me the wonderful thing is that he remembers me still, and seems as happy to see me as i am happy to see him!
Angie

 

[MaNaAk]

Dear Angie,
I have teachers I wish I had kept in contact with also. One, ( when she was really elderly) I had the privilege of helping and was able to tell her how much she meant to me. She introduced me to classical music when I was probably in junior high School. I was so happy to be able to tell her later in life how much she had meant to me and how she had influenced me. Eventually I learned how to play the piano because of one of the songs she played for us on her record player. I couldn't give up until I found that song and learned how to play it all because of her! I hope she understood how valuable she was to me

Cathie G

Dear CathieG,

I seem to remember you telling us that in a previous pace. How far did you get with the Piano? Did you take any grades?

Natrah

 

[zolasmum]

Zola's dad wnt for a walk today - without Zola - it was cold but sunny. This is a view from near the headland where Zola looks at the sea.
Angie xxx

 

[MaNaAk]

Zola's dad wnt for a walk today - without Zola - it was cold but sunny. This is a view from near the headland where Zola looks at the sea.
Angie xxxView attachment 365471

 

[Cathie G]

Dear CathieG,

I seem to remember you telling us that in a previous pace. How far did you get with the Piano? Did you take any grades?

Natrah

It's been so long ago. It's hard to remember everything. I was able to play movements from the moonlight sonata that inspired my son. I also loved the fugues by Bach etc Chopin, Mozart, Debussy etc etc. I studied perfect harmony also at that time. I don't know how far that would be. My favorite is writing it or listening.

 

[Cathie G]

I'm sure she must have been so happy to know she influenced your life in such a good way. It's something teachers love to be able to feel - the hard work and care involved actually making a difference. I mostly worked in special education later, and there was one little boy who I felt a sort of bond with from the start - hehad been rejected by his mother, and there was a plan to put him into some sort of hospital because he was so difficult - but I stood up in a meeting and said he was much brighter than was assumed, and that he understood a lot, and had a great sense of humour, and an amazing memory for music. So he stayed - in a care home where he could come to school every day, and he eventially blossomed. Later, he was moved to a residential home, and I went to see him as often as I could - he is still there, over40 years later, and to me the wonderful thing is that he remembers me still, and seems as happy to see me as i am happy to see him!
Angie

I know he's happy to see you a familiar face and a beautiful smile. That's lovely. what a wonderful friendship.

 

[zolasmum]

I know he's happy to see you a familiar face and a beautiful smile. That's lovely. what a wonderful friendship.

I am actually the only person who has known Trevor since he was a tiny 4year-old - his mum has no contact with him whatsoever. I send cards to him regularly, and have seen him fairly recently - I want to make sure that the people at the home know he has someone on his side always. I know he is happy where he is, which is a relief. He will always be my special boy, and I have lovely memories of him - I would do more if I could, but he is a long way away , and it's difficult to see him often.
Angie

 

[Cathie G]

I am actually the only person who has known Trevor since he was a tiny 4year-old - his mum has no contact with him whatsoever. I send cards to him regularly, and have seen him fairly recently - I want to make sure that the people at the home know he has someone on his side always. I know he is happy where he is, which is a relief. He will always be my special boy, and I have lovely memories of him - I would do more if I could, but he is a long way away , and it's difficult to see him often.
Angie

All those memories of friends make a person feel loved. It doesn't always matter how often you can visit though. We all live so far apart and the busyness of life keeps us apart even though we'd love to be together. A card says hello I'm thinking of you and sending my love.

 

[MaNaAk]

Dear Zola, Angie and Richard,

Please be very careful outside as I was nearly blown over!

Natrah

 

[MoggyMad]

Dear Zola, Angie and Richard,

Please be very careful outside as I was nearly blown over!

Natrah

Being on the coast you will get it worse. I can hear it quite a lot now. A few ridge tiles blew off a couple of houses in the street during the last windy weather. One landed on top of a car so dented that as well.
One side of our house & the roof that side is very exposed & that is the side that gets damaged. Fingers crossed for everyone

 

[MaNaAk]

Good evening everyone!

The rain has started and I can hear things blowing in the wind. I went out to buy some milk and cereal and to top-up the meters and the sea was getting wild. I can't imagine that you long to look at the sea today Zola and I hope that you are cuddling up to your mum by the fire.

Yes I had a nice day in Rayleigh with my friends yesterday and next weekend will be busy with my friend's birthday and that concert in London. I also haven't forgotten Richard and Zola's birthday on Saturday! Any plans Zola?


Goodnight everyone

Natrah, Sleeping Beauty and Angel Daisy

 

[zolasmum]

We have had some heavy rain here, and the wind is howling around the house and down the chimney,but so far I don't think there is any damage near us. We did go out to look at the sea for a very brief moment - Zola would feel deprived if we didn't ! He has been generally unsettled today - he got restless after a short while by the fire - whether it was the air pressure or the noise of the wind I don't know. We haven't any plans for the birthdays at all - a cake for Richard, and that's it ! Two days before that, it's Burns Night, and we shall celebrate Robert Burns birthday with a haggis, of course. We slice it and bake it in the oven, and have it with mashed potato (and possibly swede) It's very nice.
Richard was born in Glasgow, and has Scottish relatives, but his parents emigrated to Canada when he was quite young. I always wished I was Scottish, and the sound of bagpipes always brings a tear to my eyes.
So Zola is half Scottish ! His official name is Zola Ainslie-Thorne !
I hope you have a good night, without a lot of noisy wind.
Love from Angie and Zola xxxxx

 

[MaNaAk]

Good evening everyone!

I hope you're all okay after last night. Everything's okay here but I can see more of the rail line behind the flat than before. Sue how is the sanctuary and your father-in-law's house. Zola how is conservatory and Amanda I hope you're okay.

We've got a bit of Scottish blood in our family Anjie in that grandad was from Glasgow. His name was John Brown and his mother's maiden name was McNicol. My nana may also have some Scottish blood because her surname was Ross although nana came from Hornchurch.

My friend Helen who lost her husband, Harold, recently also celebrates Burns Night although she comes from Stepney. I, myself visited the Burns museum when I went to stay with my friend in Edinburgh.

Goodnight everyone

Natrah, Sleeping Beauty and Angel Daisy