Hi
On Monday which was a Bank Holiday Sue and I went to a local country fair at a place with the lovely name of Oaks in Charnwood.
We really enjoyed it as it was so typically English. It wasn't a fair like a circus just local people with tents etc showing local arts and so on. I don't suppose the style has changed over many years so it was a bit like going back in time.
In fact for Sue it really was going back in time. The local Girl Guides had a tent showing how the movement had progressed over the years. Whilst looking at some old uniforms Sue suddenly said that looks like mine from when I was a girl. Guess what? On looking at it further it WAS her old guide uniform.
A few years ago Sue actually ran a guide company and at one event she gave her old schoolgirl guides uniform to another leader for an exhibition. Sue had totally forgotten about this and had often wondered what had happened to her old uniform.
Interestingly enough the guiders there didn't know the history behind the uniform as the name tag inside was in Sue's maiden name so Sue was able to tell them all about it especially as there was her old journal there and 'photos of her at some event.
It just goes to show that you don't know when your past will catch up with you!!
I'm still getting on well with my internet business. My list is now growing well and I'm getting even more visitors to my website whoisjohnbeaumont.com
Thought for today:- Be nice to everyone as further down the line you may have to rely on them!
Joke for today: Advice for single girls, Don't look for a husband, look for a batchelor! Boom boom.
On this day: 2nd June
In 1953 Queen Elizabeth11 was crowned queen at Westminster Abbey.
In 1896 Marconi took out the first patent for a wireless telegraphy apparatus
In 1857 Sir Edward Elgar was born
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Monday, 24 May 2010
Do other species communicate with us?
Eh? Have I taken leave of my senses? This is going to sound a bit "off the wall" but it is something that fascinates me so please bear with me.
A couple of years ago I was trimming a hedge in my garden. This was at the end of the bird nesting season so I was just tidying up the edges as I felt that I was not doing any harm to any wildlife. Suddenly a wasp landed on my hand. It didn't sting me but just "sat" there. I gently shook it off only to have it return and sting me. It was quite bizarre as the wasp appeared to deliberately come back to specifically sting me. For some reason this caused me to pause in the trimming and upon looking further along the hedge I discovered a well hidden wasp nest about 3 feet away. If the wasp had not stung me I would have cut straight into the nest with reuslts I would rather not thing about! To this day I am sure that the wasp was trying to warn me.
Interestingly a few years previously when I lived at another house we again discovered a wasp nest in the garden. This was in a tree and we didn't discover it until the autumn when the leaves came off. Strangely we had been sitting under this tree all summer without realising we had a wasp nest just feet above our heads! Obviously we didn't disturb the wasps and they didn't disturb us.
The same thing applies to ants. We have several quite large (by U.K. standards) ants nests in the garden. In fact one of our regular visitors expressed surprise at the number and size of the nests. The point is that despite having so many ants around they never come into the house whereas other people in the neighbourhood who have ants nests regard them as a nuisance. Despite putting down poison they keep entering their houses.
So do wasps,ants etc know who cares for them and leave us alone or am I just being fanciful?
I am still working steadily on my internet business whoisjohnbeaumont.com and is looking good.
Thought for today:- Do we care enough about our wildlife and do all we can to protect them?
Joke for today:- I grew up with six brothers. Thats how I learned to dance--waiting for the bathroom. Bob Hope
On this day:- In 1819 Queen Victoria was born
In 1941 Bob Dylan was born
A couple of years ago I was trimming a hedge in my garden. This was at the end of the bird nesting season so I was just tidying up the edges as I felt that I was not doing any harm to any wildlife. Suddenly a wasp landed on my hand. It didn't sting me but just "sat" there. I gently shook it off only to have it return and sting me. It was quite bizarre as the wasp appeared to deliberately come back to specifically sting me. For some reason this caused me to pause in the trimming and upon looking further along the hedge I discovered a well hidden wasp nest about 3 feet away. If the wasp had not stung me I would have cut straight into the nest with reuslts I would rather not thing about! To this day I am sure that the wasp was trying to warn me.
Interestingly a few years previously when I lived at another house we again discovered a wasp nest in the garden. This was in a tree and we didn't discover it until the autumn when the leaves came off. Strangely we had been sitting under this tree all summer without realising we had a wasp nest just feet above our heads! Obviously we didn't disturb the wasps and they didn't disturb us.
The same thing applies to ants. We have several quite large (by U.K. standards) ants nests in the garden. In fact one of our regular visitors expressed surprise at the number and size of the nests. The point is that despite having so many ants around they never come into the house whereas other people in the neighbourhood who have ants nests regard them as a nuisance. Despite putting down poison they keep entering their houses.
So do wasps,ants etc know who cares for them and leave us alone or am I just being fanciful?
I am still working steadily on my internet business whoisjohnbeaumont.com and is looking good.
Thought for today:- Do we care enough about our wildlife and do all we can to protect them?
Joke for today:- I grew up with six brothers. Thats how I learned to dance--waiting for the bathroom. Bob Hope
On this day:- In 1819 Queen Victoria was born
In 1941 Bob Dylan was born
Monday, 17 May 2010
Onward and upward
Over the weekend Sue and I went to the old Snibston Colliery for a special event involving vintage transport. The site, which closed down in the 1980's, is now a very interesting museum.
I had to laugh as I could remember most of the cars on show being released new! That dates me.
This brought home to me how time flies. The number of things I was going to do in my life which never got done because I put it off until tomorrow. As they say tomorrow never comes.
However in my case I don't think it is too late to still achieve most of them so I'm going for it!
Are you?
This is why instead of sitting with my feet up in retirement I am pushing ahead with my internet business. Look me up if you want to see my progress at www.whoisjohnbeaumont.com. Nudge nudge.
Thought for today: Are you putting something important off until tomorrow that you could do today. Even telling your partner/kids that you love them?
Joke for today: Life may not be worth living but what else can you do with it?
On this day 17th May:-
In 1861 the first "package" holiday organised by Thomas Cook took place. On the same day the first colour photograph was exhibited at the Royal Institution in London
In 1510 Botticelli died.
In 1900 Mafeking was relieved. Colonel Robert Baden-Powell (of scouting fame)was in charge of the defence of Mafeking
I had to laugh as I could remember most of the cars on show being released new! That dates me.
This brought home to me how time flies. The number of things I was going to do in my life which never got done because I put it off until tomorrow. As they say tomorrow never comes.
However in my case I don't think it is too late to still achieve most of them so I'm going for it!
Are you?
This is why instead of sitting with my feet up in retirement I am pushing ahead with my internet business. Look me up if you want to see my progress at www.whoisjohnbeaumont.com. Nudge nudge.
Thought for today: Are you putting something important off until tomorrow that you could do today. Even telling your partner/kids that you love them?
Joke for today: Life may not be worth living but what else can you do with it?
On this day 17th May:-
In 1861 the first "package" holiday organised by Thomas Cook took place. On the same day the first colour photograph was exhibited at the Royal Institution in London
In 1510 Botticelli died.
In 1900 Mafeking was relieved. Colonel Robert Baden-Powell (of scouting fame)was in charge of the defence of Mafeking
Monday, 10 May 2010
Are we allowed to take enough risks?
Hi friends
Are we allowed to take enough risks in life? The reason I ask is that last week a cadet on a sailing ship unfortunately died after falling from the rigging. Very sad.
However I think that todays youth do not get enough opportunity to test themselved because of the 'elf and safety brigade.
When I was at school in the 1950's I joined the cadet force. Initially we spent a year in the army detachment before we could choose to either stay on the army side or transfer to the navy or airforce branches.
During the first year we went on quite realistic army excercises which included being issued with live ammunition. We had live firing on full scale long range butts. When not firing we were based underneath the targets with pointers to show whoever was firing where their bullet went. Very exciting for a fourteen year old!
The following years I went to sea when on annual camp. This involved climbing up a rope ladder in the middle of the ocean from a small boat onto a frigate. The sea was quite choppy as well.
One time we climbed up onto HMS Blackpool. This was in 1958 and Blackpool was a brand new frigate at the time just undergoing her sea trials. Whilst we were on her she fired her brand new anti submarine mortars for the first time. These were the latest state of the art weapons then so just before they fired them we were all told to flatten ourselves face down on the deck in case bits of metal flew off.
I don't think that many youngsters get the same opportunities today.
Still I now get excitement from building my internet business whoisjohnbeaumont.com instead.
Thought for today. Did you take any exciting (but legal/moral) risks today?
Joke for today:- Last week I replaced every window in my house. Then I discovered I had a crack in my glasses.
On this day 10th May:- In 1849 troops opened fire on a rioting crowd in Ney York killing 22 people.
In 1940 Winston Churchill became Prime Minister replacing Chamberlain
In 1863 Stonewall Jackson died from wounds obtained from friendly fire
Are we allowed to take enough risks in life? The reason I ask is that last week a cadet on a sailing ship unfortunately died after falling from the rigging. Very sad.
However I think that todays youth do not get enough opportunity to test themselved because of the 'elf and safety brigade.
When I was at school in the 1950's I joined the cadet force. Initially we spent a year in the army detachment before we could choose to either stay on the army side or transfer to the navy or airforce branches.
During the first year we went on quite realistic army excercises which included being issued with live ammunition. We had live firing on full scale long range butts. When not firing we were based underneath the targets with pointers to show whoever was firing where their bullet went. Very exciting for a fourteen year old!
The following years I went to sea when on annual camp. This involved climbing up a rope ladder in the middle of the ocean from a small boat onto a frigate. The sea was quite choppy as well.
One time we climbed up onto HMS Blackpool. This was in 1958 and Blackpool was a brand new frigate at the time just undergoing her sea trials. Whilst we were on her she fired her brand new anti submarine mortars for the first time. These were the latest state of the art weapons then so just before they fired them we were all told to flatten ourselves face down on the deck in case bits of metal flew off.
I don't think that many youngsters get the same opportunities today.
Still I now get excitement from building my internet business whoisjohnbeaumont.com instead.
Thought for today. Did you take any exciting (but legal/moral) risks today?
Joke for today:- Last week I replaced every window in my house. Then I discovered I had a crack in my glasses.
On this day 10th May:- In 1849 troops opened fire on a rioting crowd in Ney York killing 22 people.
In 1940 Winston Churchill became Prime Minister replacing Chamberlain
In 1863 Stonewall Jackson died from wounds obtained from friendly fire
Friday, 30 April 2010
Strictly for the birds
I noticed today how the feeding patterns of the birds visiting my garden had changed.
During the winter I had lots of finches visiting and eating the niger seed I had put out. The last week or so they haven't been near the place. On the other hand I hardly saw a sparrow all winter and now there are quite a few coming to the garden. ( I have put out the same mixture of bird food all the time) I suppose there must be alternatives to my fare. Talk about fairweather friends!
When I used to do security work at night it always fascinated me to see that the blackbirds were always still "working" at dusk and that they were the first birds to be seen at dawn. No I'm not being racist here but I wonder if their colour has something to do with this? Perhaps being black gives them more scope to work in safety with diminishing light?
Hey Chris has been a busy boy. He has been helping me with my website www.whoisjohnbeaumont.com and doing an excellent job putting some things together for me.
So my thought for today:- Do we really appreciate what others do for us or do we sometimes take help too much for granted?
Joke for today:- This is an important announcement for drivers travelling on the M62 to London.
The M62 doesn't go to London. Boom boom.
On this day: 30th April
In 1945 Hitler committed suicide
In 1789 Washington became president. Bet not many people know that he started the war between France and Britain when he was a British officer.
During the winter I had lots of finches visiting and eating the niger seed I had put out. The last week or so they haven't been near the place. On the other hand I hardly saw a sparrow all winter and now there are quite a few coming to the garden. ( I have put out the same mixture of bird food all the time) I suppose there must be alternatives to my fare. Talk about fairweather friends!
When I used to do security work at night it always fascinated me to see that the blackbirds were always still "working" at dusk and that they were the first birds to be seen at dawn. No I'm not being racist here but I wonder if their colour has something to do with this? Perhaps being black gives them more scope to work in safety with diminishing light?
Hey Chris has been a busy boy. He has been helping me with my website www.whoisjohnbeaumont.com and doing an excellent job putting some things together for me.
So my thought for today:- Do we really appreciate what others do for us or do we sometimes take help too much for granted?
Joke for today:- This is an important announcement for drivers travelling on the M62 to London.
The M62 doesn't go to London. Boom boom.
On this day: 30th April
In 1945 Hitler committed suicide
In 1789 Washington became president. Bet not many people know that he started the war between France and Britain when he was a British officer.
Monday, 26 April 2010
Democracy. Just a myth?
Hey I was thinking about my last blog and my thoughts turned to democracy.
Are we a democratic society still? In fact have we ever been?
The reason I ask is that in the U.K. at the present time there is a lot of talk abour recycling.
In my area we already have 4 systems for rubbish or as our American friends would say garbage.
One bin is for garden rubbish which can be composted. A second is for glass/old clothing. The third is for plastic/paper and last but not least is the bin for material that cannot be recycled.
However there was an article in the paper recently where it was stated that we could all end up with 8 or 9 bins/bags for different types of recycled material. We will need a degree in recycling soon!!
Now I am all for recycling where possible but my point is that a large proportion of the populace is up in arms about it. They don't want 8/9 bins!
So? My question is then why should we be made to follow this line. If we are a democratic society then we tell the authorities that it is not acceptable. Ah but this is E.U. legislation. Hey the E.U. is supposed to be democratic isn't it?
The same argument applies to speed cameras. Most people appear to doubt their effect (apart from raising extra money!) and want them removed. This does not appear to be happening though so where is democracy?
Enough of my rant. Let's be cheerful. At least we can afford all the consumer goods which are then recycled and own cars which can break speed limits. Many people in the world would love these benefits.
Chris has done some more work on my website www.whoisjohnbeaumont.com and I have written another mini article
Thought for today: Who you are and who you will become is up to you
Joke for today: A frog's perspective on life: time's fun when you're having flies. (Think about it)
On this day: 28th April
In 1945 Mussolini was killed
In 1789 the mutiny on the Bount took place
In 1770 Captain Cook lands in Botany Bay
Are we a democratic society still? In fact have we ever been?
The reason I ask is that in the U.K. at the present time there is a lot of talk abour recycling.
In my area we already have 4 systems for rubbish or as our American friends would say garbage.
One bin is for garden rubbish which can be composted. A second is for glass/old clothing. The third is for plastic/paper and last but not least is the bin for material that cannot be recycled.
However there was an article in the paper recently where it was stated that we could all end up with 8 or 9 bins/bags for different types of recycled material. We will need a degree in recycling soon!!
Now I am all for recycling where possible but my point is that a large proportion of the populace is up in arms about it. They don't want 8/9 bins!
So? My question is then why should we be made to follow this line. If we are a democratic society then we tell the authorities that it is not acceptable. Ah but this is E.U. legislation. Hey the E.U. is supposed to be democratic isn't it?
The same argument applies to speed cameras. Most people appear to doubt their effect (apart from raising extra money!) and want them removed. This does not appear to be happening though so where is democracy?
Enough of my rant. Let's be cheerful. At least we can afford all the consumer goods which are then recycled and own cars which can break speed limits. Many people in the world would love these benefits.
Chris has done some more work on my website www.whoisjohnbeaumont.com and I have written another mini article
Thought for today: Who you are and who you will become is up to you
Joke for today: A frog's perspective on life: time's fun when you're having flies. (Think about it)
On this day: 28th April
In 1945 Mussolini was killed
In 1789 the mutiny on the Bount took place
In 1770 Captain Cook lands in Botany Bay
Friday, 23 April 2010
The Election...snore
Hi there
Hey isn't the UK election getting exciting. Well isn't it? Only another fortnight and it will all be over. Or will it. If we have a hung parliament then we will have to suffer more agonies.
The strange thingabout ,politiciansthis election (which I have found so noticable when compared with past ones) is the lack of people showing their "colours". For example in my town I have only seen one house where they have put up a flier in their window showing for whom they will vote.
In all my years I have never seen this before. Normally a lot of houses have fliers in their windows and also on their car windows. I wonder why this is. Why are people so reluctant to show who they will vote for this time? The trouble is I think that following the expenses debacle politicians are now held in far less regard. This is a pity since they are all that stand between us and anarchy. So yes I will be voting because I feel it is important to recognise that our ancestors had to fight to get the vote and by not voting I feel we are letting them down.
Who to vote for though. Well that's another matter!
Chris is doing some more work for me on my website www.who isjohnbeaumont.com. Looking good
Thought for today: Do you appreciate what your ancestors had to fight for? Give thanks that many of the things we take for granted today have only happened because some people stuck their neck out for them.
Joke for today: If builders built houses the way lawyers write laws then the first woodbecker to come along would destroy civilisation.
On this day: 23rd April
Hey it's St Georges Day. The patron saint of England
In 1616 a gentleman of the theatre called Mr William Shakespeare died at the age of 52 Strange coincidence. On the same day in 1616 Miguel de Cervantes author of Don Quixote also died.
Hey isn't the UK election getting exciting. Well isn't it? Only another fortnight and it will all be over. Or will it. If we have a hung parliament then we will have to suffer more agonies.
The strange thingabout ,politiciansthis election (which I have found so noticable when compared with past ones) is the lack of people showing their "colours". For example in my town I have only seen one house where they have put up a flier in their window showing for whom they will vote.
In all my years I have never seen this before. Normally a lot of houses have fliers in their windows and also on their car windows. I wonder why this is. Why are people so reluctant to show who they will vote for this time? The trouble is I think that following the expenses debacle politicians are now held in far less regard. This is a pity since they are all that stand between us and anarchy. So yes I will be voting because I feel it is important to recognise that our ancestors had to fight to get the vote and by not voting I feel we are letting them down.
Who to vote for though. Well that's another matter!
Chris is doing some more work for me on my website www.who isjohnbeaumont.com. Looking good
Thought for today: Do you appreciate what your ancestors had to fight for? Give thanks that many of the things we take for granted today have only happened because some people stuck their neck out for them.
Joke for today: If builders built houses the way lawyers write laws then the first woodbecker to come along would destroy civilisation.
On this day: 23rd April
Hey it's St Georges Day. The patron saint of England
In 1616 a gentleman of the theatre called Mr William Shakespeare died at the age of 52 Strange coincidence. On the same day in 1616 Miguel de Cervantes author of Don Quixote also died.
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