27/3/2019 0 Comments A quiet March ... ?Welcome back, Dear Reader. This has been a quiet month by normal standards, but enjoyable and thought provoking none the less. On 2 March - about a week after our first visit, we took in another trip to see the Great Lego Safari at RHS Wisley. As it was the penultimate day, the site was heaving - we had never known so many visitors at Wisley. Pre-booking an entry time meant a walk straight to the Glasshouse, and in truth it was hard not to look smug again as we walked past the very long ad-hoc entry queue. We left shortly after seeing the Lego Safari exhibits, but went back a couple of weeks later <more details here>. The following weekend (9/10 March), the weather was not too good with high winds and rain, so we chilled and had an easy one. Nice !! On 17 March, Jenny, Layla and I popped back to Wisley to have a Spring Stroll <More Here> Then, seemingly out of nowhere (I had forgotten the date due to workplace shenanigans), on 22 March I went up to the Barbican Centre in London to witness James' Graduation with the OU - he is now a BA (Hons.) Engineering. Brilliant and thought provoking ! <Photo Gallery Here> <Blog Here> Of less interest and entertainment is the Brexit Fiasco trundling on and on. I just can't see how or why this is happening or how the outcome is going to beneficial to any one, let alone the UK. The elected officials all seem to have agendas, none appearing to even want to help sort the Cameron/Johnson/Farage derived mess out. Hopefully, by the time I continue with this Blog string, something will be finalised. Until then, take care Dearest Reader. Adieu and pip pip !!
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I was preparing my monthly Diary Update style blog and a WhatsApp message from James stirred me into action on Thursday evening: In truth, following staffing issues at the office, I had clean forgotten that I had scheduled an afternoon off probably 2 months ago to attend what was to be a pretty big thing - the first graduation on my side of the family tree - possibly ever. James had been studying for a while (I thought 3 years, but subsequently found out that it was actually 5 years) for his BA in Engineering with the Open University. Not only had be passed the Beast, but had done so with Honours. After hurriedly confirming the time with my supervisor, I put on my smarter clothes and went up to the Barbican Centre in the City of London. I arrived at the Lakeside Terrace at about 13:00 and mooched about until James, his wife Tara and Mum, Jo arrived. James picked up his rented gown and we had some compulsory photos and he went for his “official” paid for portrait. There were a lot of gowns milling about and a lot of certificates to give out and applause to give as speeches were given and the long line of graduates walked across the stage with broad smiles - great achievements all. The Open University is a great body, providing academic possibilities to any one who is ready to put in the time and effort to complete the course work. It is very humbling to hear the stories of people studying for so long while holding down full or part time jobs, raising families, being a carer for someone or even being in custody on Her Majesty’s Pleasure. I take my hat off to them, one and all. Respect. This is a hard gig, and as one child being carried while her Mum got her certificate told the Chancellor lady, “It was boring when Mummy was doing her work”. Without support from spouses, partners, friends and family these achievements would be even harder. Plaudits to everyone involved. James says that he is going on to get his Masters in about 3 years, so watch this space. To say that I am a #ProudDad is an understatement, but these are the simplest words to describe this feeling. <MORE PHOTOS HERE> This is NOT an analysis of a song, merely personal observations about a song that I love. Enjoy. "Jealous Guy" by John Lennon I first heard this shortly after John Lennon's death in 1980 by Roxy Music, and Bryan Ferry was (as often the case) mesmorising. John Lennon's version was released as a single 4 years later. The original was released on John's 1971 LP Imagine. A song of reflection and apology. "I was dreaming of the past And my heart was beating fast I began to lose control" "I was feeling insecure You might not love me anymore I was shivering inside" "I didn't mean to hurt you I'm sorry that I made you cry Oh my I didn't want to hurt you I'm just a jealous guy" "Jealous Guy"
by John Lennon I was dreaming of the past And my heart was beating fast I began to lose control I began to lose control I didn't mean to hurt you I'm sorry that I made you cry Oh my I didn't want to hurt you I'm just a jealous guy I was feeling insecure You might not love me anymore I was shivering inside I was shivering inside Oh I didn't mean to hurt you I'm sorry that I made you cry Oh my I didn't want to hurt you I'm just a jealous guy I didn't mean to hurt you I'm sorry that I made you cry Oh my I didn't want to hurt you I'm just a jealous guy Hi there again, Dearest Reader. Dramatic events which occurred shortly after my last Diary Blog was published are featured in my earlier update <Two Hospitals on a Day Off and a Stolen Car ?> 9 February - A "Non-Birthday" meal at my Mum's Feb hit the spot! Happy 86th to the Duchess on 12 February. This was rapidly followed on by a Sunday gathering to celebrate grandson Theo's first birthday on Monday 11 February. With St. Valentine’s Day falling on a “school night”, Jenny and I spent a quiet evening in. Remember, Good People that loving someone is every day, not just one random one. One gushing outpouring of sentiment over the Social Media on 14 February is nothing against showing love for someone each day. Schools locally broke up for half term on Friday 15 February. Jenny (who caters in a school) and Layla were obviously off, but I followed suite and took 3 days holiday during the week. We had a very enjoyable and busy time : <16 Feb - Bushy Park> <18 Feb - Petworth Park> <20 Feb - Scotney Castle and Hastings> <21 Feb - Whipsnade Zoo> Layla was at her Dad’s for the next weekend, but Jenny and I carried on : <23 Feb - Herne Bay and North Kent> <24 Feb - Great Lego Safari at Wisley> Click on any of the above links to see more details. "The Rattys Do The Great Lego Safari" A nice photo by Jenny As a side issue, on Friday 22 February, I managed to achieve validated membership at Costco on the basis of being a Banking Pensioner ! Not much to brag about, I know - but I have tried to get one of those cards for years ! This last month has been a little harder at work.
Not because of increased work loads, rather staff being out of position from necessity and staff sickness and holiday. This is being addressed, so should resolve soon. I can’t think of too much else, so for now that is about it until next time. Good luck, take care and... Pip, pip !!! |
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