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| Sunset, by courtesy of Robert Connor |
Today was a much better day than yesterday and I managed to get quite a lot of writing done. It has been a good day for achievement. Long may it continue.
The weather was a mixture of rain, wind and sun, but I managed to get out for a walk to blow away the cobwebs. I really didn't notice what was going on around me when I was out there. I was busy thinking about the re-write I am doing for my short story. I did hear someone say 'hi' and I replied 'hi' back, I didn't know if they were talking to me. In any case it's always nice to be polite.
Today's Topics
Communities
Do you know your neighbour's? It might seem like a silly question, but in these modern times many people don't know who their neighbour's are. There are many reasons why people don't get to know their neighbour's. Too busy working, busy with surviving or maybe a bad experience with previous neighbour's. It's quite sad when you think about it. Living close to people and not knowing them.
Ok, it's time for someone to get out the violin and someone else swing the light. I remember when I was young, everyone knew everyone else in the community. Mothers' would be outside playing with the children, after all the household chores were done of course. No one went in and out each others houses, they chatted on the doorstep or over the garden fence instead, sometimes with a cuppa and a biscuit. People used surnames instead of forenames to address their neighbour. This was because in those days you never called an adult by their first name, you showed respect by addressing them as Mr or Mrs Jones for example.
If someone in the community took ill, neighbour's could be seen taking soup or flowers to their homes. Everyone in the community would know and they would be there to help if they were needed. It was the same if someone died, the whole community would come together for the family. Food was shared and respects were paid. It was like one big family. Everyone was there for their neighbour, there was no intrusion into each others lives, well, apart from the odd nosy neighbour who just had to know everything. Otherwise life went on with the door step chat, and playing skipping with the children. Different times indeed!
I know that there are still some communities that are very much like the old days. Ok, you can stop the violin and the swinging light now. Living within a close community is not for everyone, some people like their privacy and that is understandable. I like close communities because I grew up in one and I like the safe feeling and the friendships. I also like my privacy too and I didn't find living in a community an intrusion to my life, it was quite the opposite. I knew, that if I needed help or company there was always someone around to talk to. I never felt isolated.
On the other hand, I also lived in a community for almost ten years and I only new about four of my neighbour's. Plenty of people would talk to me when I was out and about, 'Good morning', 'hiya', that sort of thing but, I couldn't tell you who they were or even where they lived in the community. At least they spoke and acknowledged my existence, which is always a good thing.
Ok, it's time for someone to get out the violin and someone else swing the light. I remember when I was young, everyone knew everyone else in the community. Mothers' would be outside playing with the children, after all the household chores were done of course. No one went in and out each others houses, they chatted on the doorstep or over the garden fence instead, sometimes with a cuppa and a biscuit. People used surnames instead of forenames to address their neighbour. This was because in those days you never called an adult by their first name, you showed respect by addressing them as Mr or Mrs Jones for example.
If someone in the community took ill, neighbour's could be seen taking soup or flowers to their homes. Everyone in the community would know and they would be there to help if they were needed. It was the same if someone died, the whole community would come together for the family. Food was shared and respects were paid. It was like one big family. Everyone was there for their neighbour, there was no intrusion into each others lives, well, apart from the odd nosy neighbour who just had to know everything. Otherwise life went on with the door step chat, and playing skipping with the children. Different times indeed!
I know that there are still some communities that are very much like the old days. Ok, you can stop the violin and the swinging light now. Living within a close community is not for everyone, some people like their privacy and that is understandable. I like close communities because I grew up in one and I like the safe feeling and the friendships. I also like my privacy too and I didn't find living in a community an intrusion to my life, it was quite the opposite. I knew, that if I needed help or company there was always someone around to talk to. I never felt isolated.
On the other hand, I also lived in a community for almost ten years and I only new about four of my neighbour's. Plenty of people would talk to me when I was out and about, 'Good morning', 'hiya', that sort of thing but, I couldn't tell you who they were or even where they lived in the community. At least they spoke and acknowledged my existence, which is always a good thing.
In today's world mothers go out and earn a living to help with the family budget, it's a whole different world out there. Sad as it may be, for working families they have little choice but to work to provide for their families. In days gone by a woman's place was in the kitchen, so once her chores were done she could enjoy a natter or a playtime with the children.
You may be unlucky enough to have neighbour's that you don't want to know. That is fine it happens everywhere and it's up to you. A friendly 'hi', or 'good morning' can make a persons day, you don't have to be friends but it will make you feel better too. Don't forget the people around you, one day you may need their help.
R.I.P. Ann Williams
I never knew Ann Williams personally, but, like many people I knew about her and her struggle to get to the truth about the Hillsborough disaster. This remarkable lady never gave up and her commitment is to be admired.
Rest In Peace Ann, I wish I could have known you.
Questions & Answers - Fibromyalgia
Question: I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia six months ago. I can't sleep at night no matter what I do. Some nights I am lucky if I get two hours sleep. I end up sleeping off and on during the day. I don't think I can go on like this for much longer, it's destroying my life. How do you cope with the lack of sleep? Do you have any suggestions for me?
Answer: Most people who live with Fibromyalgia suffer from lack of sleep. I have tried lots of so called 'remedies' over the years to try and help with the problem, but as yet I haven't found anything that actually works. I have talked with my doctor and other professionals too about it. I refused to take even the mildest sleeping tablets. I feel I have take enough medicine without adding to the list.
I found out through trial and error that making sure I get plenty of fresh air during the day and reducing my activities at night, helps me to get a good nights sleep. I make sure that every evening I am relaxed and I prepare for bed about an hour before I am ready to sleep. I watch a film or something to occupy my mind and I never go to bed unless I am feeling really tired. This works for me, but as I have said many times before, what works for one person, may not always work for others. I believe it's a matter of trial and error and finding out about your body's reaction to the condition. Have a chat to your doctor about it, he may suggests something that will work for you.
Question: My skin gets really dry and feels itchy all of the time. I have suffered from Fibro for two years now. I have tried using my normal body moisturiser but they don't work. Is this normal or can it be to do with yet another condition? I hope you can help this is driving me crazy.
Answer: I have known other Fibromyalgia sufferers who have had a problem with itchy and irritating skin. This could be due to many factors, such as medication or dehydration, or it could be another condition altogether. I have had dry and itchy skin but I am not a young person any more. I drink plenty of fluids every day and use E45 cream to help keep my skin moist. I don't have the problem any more. However, you should always check with your doctor to make sure that there is nothing else going on. Your doctor should know your background and he can provide you with cream or any medication that will ease your skin condition.
Please Note: I am not a medical professional and I am only able to provide answers using my own experience. You should always seek medical help.
That's it for today folks another helping tomorrow.
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