For Merlin

Hush now; sleep,
fear not what you may see.
For across The Bridge new friends abound,
and there you can learn to run free.

Run fast; run hard,
and revel in strength renewed.
For now you start a brand new life,
with so much that needs to be chewed.

Sweet memories; joy,
will remain with us through all our lasting days.
And we will recall all of the magic,
that you showed us in so many different ways.

Thoughts; love,
are with you now and forever.
And if asked if we will ever foget you,
our answer will be a loud and resounding "Never"!

Million to one chance

Unfortunately I did not win the Euro Millions yesterday.

This is probably a non-event that I share with most of you, so no doubt it comes as no surprise.

When you think that it's 76,275,360 to 1 against anyone actually winning the top prize, it's a wonder any of us do it at all.  There is, of course, that old lotto chestnut that everyone (much to my annoyance) spouts after yet another failure to win ...

          You've got to be in it to win it!

... which drags us back, time after time, to the shop to buy our tickets.

During our life span it is highly likely that we will all miss out on some fantastic holiday of a life time or that sports car you always wanted, or ....,  or ....  The list is endless I s'pose.

For example ... if you play 4 lines at £2 for a period of 25 years it will cost you £10400.

Adds up, doesn't it!

According to (the great)* Terry Pratchett, a million to to one shot comes off nine out of ten times.  So using his logic, we can all shorten the odds against winning the Euro Millions to around about 8.4 million to 1.

I hope that cheers all you wannabe-millionaires up.




* you don't have to read that bit if you disagree.
.

Temporary amnesia

Now ... what was I going to say?

The law and noisy neighbours (2)

Before anyone starts saying it costs too much to keep people behind bars let me clear up a few points  ...

• They would only get BASIC human rights whist in prison. That means ...
• no gym
• no TV's
• no radio's
• no PC's
•  etc.
• There would be NO resettlement deals or re-training of any kind
• No day release

Simplify the lot and bang 'em up on a 'three strikes and you are out' basis.  And all of the 'prisoners rights' activists should go in there too.

The law and noisy neighbours

I was having a conversation with someone recently about the law ... The Police to be more precise ... and he was trying to tell me something about the 'funnel of crime' which current policing methods cannot cope or keep up with.

I listened to him for several minutes before realising that I was on the receiving end of some verbal diarrhoea which made no sense whatsoever.  Being by nature fairly tolerant of such people, I allowed him to continue with few interruptions, occasionally but not very often, asking a question.

I eventually, after about twenty five minutes, found out what had prompted his dis-jointed tirade when he finally said "... and that's why the police never come around when I call them to complain about those buggers next door when the decide to party all night"!

On reflection some of his point, although not very articulate, were fairly accurate.

• The prison service is under funded and there is not enough prison space available for the rising number of criminals
• In order to reduce the prison population, sentences are being reduced or prisoners are let out of prison early
• Vastly exaggerated Human Rights are afforded to prisoners which in turn increase the costs of locking them up or prevent them being locked up at all
• The cost of policing the streets is going up but arrest and prosecution rates are going down

The Funnel he mentioned seemed a little less confusing after I had got my head around those points (the only few I managed to pick out from his ramblings).

His concern, and the reason why no one arrived to quieten his rowdy neighbours, is that we (the public) should be putting our money and resources into the 'thin' end of the funnel and NOT the 'wide' end. 

like this

                                              ________ Prison

                     ______ court / ________ Prison

Police_____/______ court _________ Prison

                    \______ court \ ________ Prison

                                              \ _______ Prison

and not like this

Police ______

Police ______\  court _____

Police _______ court _____\ ______ Prison

Police _______ court _____/

Police ______/

If you think about it, it makes sense to increase the number of prisons and length of sentences rather than invest any more in a system that let's the criminals get off the hook too easily.

An who gives a stuff about getting con's rehabilitated?  It doesn't work!  They do the time, do the courses and go out and do the rest of us!

Anyway, that (I think) was his point!  If it wasn't, then it's certainly mine.

Just another Saturday

Ok!  So it was warm yesterday. So what?

Warm days and traffic jams make for a miserable day out, especially in a car with no air con.

We set off at 9.15 am from Cardiff to drive to Grayshott in Surrey ....

 Shortest route: Total Distance: 136.11 miles, Estimated journey time of: 3 hours 16 minutes

 Quickest route: Total Distance: 151.81 miles, Estimated journey time of: 2 hours 45 minutes

.... we opted for the shortest route as time was not an issue and we thought that a nice little drive through the Welsh/English countryside, avoiding the M4, would be nice idea.  However, after a tedious 35 minutes, driving through local country lanes we found ourselves a mere 5 miles from our starting point and decided to go for the 'quick' option instead.  


Big mistake! 


We drove along the M4 with the intention of driving as far a Hungerford then going onto minor roads towards our destination.  Unfortunately 'Membury Services' happened first!


Membury Services, for those who don't know the M4, is the location of the current 'slow the traffic down at any cost' project that masquerades as 'road works'.  


There was an enormously long queue of traffic just approaching the road works (I estimated it at about 5 miles, so it was probably only 3).  When we actually got to the beginning (or within sight of the beginning) of the road works, we realised that we were in for a bit of a wait.  We were a little slow to realise what was going on and in the wrong lane to be able to take advantage of the 'loophole' which was actually the problem for the hold-up.


The whole traffic jam was caused, so it seemed, by people utilising the hard shoulder (in their droves) to access the services and then driving straight out again onto the motorway further along.


For almost 45 minutes we drove at a snails pace to reach the road works only to find ourselves having to wait another  45 minutes to get through it.  


With windows open and music playing, we melted our way thought the hindrance wishing we were still on some secluded country lane.


After leaving the M4 we made up some of the lost time by applying the 'lead boot' principle whenever possible (and sometimes when it wasn't) and eventually arrived at our destination at 1.15 pm


A grand total of four hours (no stops) driving to complete a journey that normally takes two and half.


On the way home, we dithered and stopped once or twice for petrol and a meal.  At our Gabriele's request we travelled the slower, scenic route, most of which she never saw as she slept or  was 'texting' nearly all the way home.


On arriving home, I packed the dogs into the car and went for some "me and my pup's" time in the local park to get all the kinks out of my legs.


Saturday's like this one I could do without!

For Alice

I fear not the darkness,
and death does not me hold.
I wander now in sunshine,
and such beauty I behold.
I am no longer bound by the years,
that made my poor bones creak.
So dry your eyes of tears,
for I have found the peace that I seek.
Although our paths have parted,
I still carry your love in my heart.
And I know your thoughts are with me,
on this new life I now start.

For Smokey

Weary am I no more,
my sight no longer fails.
Now I run in flower filled fields,
as above me a cotton cloud sails.

My stength renewed,
my heart free from woe.
I will run free forever,
and your love still in me glows

Fret not at my passing,
for in life you loved me dear.
I'm now with those who went before,
where there is nothing left to fear.

A Good Night Out

Oh my Lord what a night I had.
It started off good but it soon turned bad.
I spend all my cash on curry and beer.
and somewhere I got a ring through my ear.
In the Kings Head I drank whiskey and wine.
And in the Dog's Bollocks I was still feeling fine.
In The Red Lion I drank a yard of ale
on leaving people said I was looking pale.
Down the road in the Queen Vic
I got thrown out for being violently sick.
After that it wasn't a breeze
as I ended up crawling on hands and knees.
What happened next I really couldn't say,
but somehow I got home cos I'm here today.
My head hurts now and I can't find my phone
but I woke up in bed beside a traffic cone.
A pretty normal Friday night binge
nothing too embarrassing to make me cringe.
But one thing does make me feel very silly
the Geronimo tattoo that I found on my willie!

Poems

It's slow going all this writing ... I have a whopping 18 pages already (two of them are the title and index pages).  On the bright side though, I do have over 25 poems written and another four in the 'idea'-phase.


I'm not sure if they will be good enough to publish, but at least they will be mine. 


Keep your eyes peeled .... more coming soon.

Vote for Four Paws

This is a once in a life time opportunity for for funding so do your bit and vote for Four Paws Animal Rescue (South Wales) by clicking the link below ...

https://www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk/Entry/View/2775

By voting for FP you will be helping them towards the chance of  a substantial and much needed cash donation

Thanks

Seven Days

They call it seven days of grace,
locked behind bars in this cold, dark place.
Hoping for someone to take me away,
to a brand new home where I can stay.
Until then I must wait,
and try not to think of my possible fate.
I sit in the corner and quiver and quake,
and wish I could say "my life's not yours to take"
But the days fly by with incredible pace,
oh why do they call this seven days of grace?

(This refers to the seven days in which strays wait in the pound to be claimed before being put to sleep)


Follow this link to a FP presentation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-VeSh7bGfs

In Memory of Kaiya

The pain that I feel,
someday will heal,
because I know that you now run free.
But the love that you gave,
I will take to my grave,
as your memory stays always with me.

Election

Well, it's all done and dusted.  The election is over and only a few declarations are still to be made and it seems that a hung parliament is inevitable.
It seems clear to me that Gordon Brown has lost support throughout the country ... even in some areas of labours hardcore support ... and that Mr. Clegg's party seriously under performed, leaving David Cameron, albeit shakily, in the driving seat.
The question is ... what comes next?
In the worst case scenario, Gordon Brown will resign and hand over the leadership of the labour Party to someone else and calling for a new election.
Best case scenario is a Conservative/Lib-Dem coalition.
Whatever happens, the result could be devastating financially.  There has already been a run on the pound causing it to lose value ... not much so far, but if there isn't a quick solution to the hung parliament situation, it could get worse.
It's a 'wait and see' game now as the behind closed doors discussions get under way.
I voted Conservative in Cardiff North and we managed to rid ourselves (if only marginally - Con 17,860 votes, Lab 17,666 votes) of Julie Morgan.

My dogs

After reading on the FP forum that Kaiya (GSD girlie) had been assisted over 'The Bridge' I was reminded (once again) of my own dogs and that they too will cross one day.

When that day comes, as it surely must, I hope I  have the resolve to so the right thing at the right time and help them on their way so that they do not suffer needlessly.

I know (I hope) that we still have many years of each others company, but the thought is always at the back of my mind that one day I may have to decide, for their sakes, that enough is enough and take steps to let them find peace.

I love my dogs and enjoy their company and their antics, although at times they can be a pain in the backside (especially when the postman calls or when pigeons land in the garden), so I hope that I will be able to do the right thing when the time comes.
 
Run free Kaiya and enjoy your freedom on the other side of The Bridge.

Morning Dribble

I was up early again this morning.  It seems to me that I am the only one in this house that can crack a joke in the mornings.  Everyone else wakes up in that 'leave me alone' mode that could get your head snapped off if you dared to speak to them ... P.L.T. (Pre-Lunchtime Tension) I think it's called.

Being on my own in the mornings though is not necessarily a bad thing.  I have time to do this (blog) and have a bit of peace and quiet in which to let my mind wander without being distracted. An it does wander, believe me.  If I wrote down in this blog everything that crossed my mind, it would be pretty long winded and of little interest to anyone out there (assuming there is anyone who reads it).

This morning I am on the verge of throwing my laptop into the bin.  The backspace sticks, the space bar has to be whacked pretty hard to make a space and all the wrong keys keep getting under my fingers.  Blogging is very difficult under such conditions.

Yesterday was 'bad news' day for me.  For weeks I have been having an oil problem with my car ... it's losing oil somewhere, but no one knew from where.  The leek has now been found, but not before the cam shaft was buggered.  It's a very noisy car at the moment and it's going to cost me £500 or more for a new one.  But the good news is that I won the Lotto last night too!  So the repair is only going to cost me about £490!

-------

Just had a short break with my pups in the park. We seemed to have been avoided by most of the other dog walkers today.  I suppose it's because three dogs are considered intimidating by some people. But it was good walk all the same.

I have to go and earn some pennies so I will leave you with on last thought ...

                   yyyy u r, yyyyy u b, i c u r y+y 4      ?


                                   ( wise you are, wise you be, I see you are too wise for me )

Wednesday 28.4.10 ... Kamikaze attack in Hailey Park

It was warm.  It was Sunny.
There was no breeze to speak of and all seemed well with the world.
I was walking the dogs around the park as usual ... throwing a ball  for Sym, encouraging Clover to keep  up and calling to Sox in order to stop her running back home.

It was an absolutely perfect day and for an hour or more we enjoyed the sunshine and quiet (very few people out that day) of the park.

It was as we were about to cross the rugby field, by the changing rooms, when the incident happened.

I had just thrown the ball for Sym and he'd charged after it in his usual, bullish manner; Sox was halfway across the field looking at me just in case I changed direction; Clover was at my heels.

As I waited for Sym to bring his ball back and exchange it for a piece of cheese when I noticed what appeared to be swarm of light coloured flies coming towards me. The little buggers were flying fast and before I knew it, the swine started pinging off my glasses and face.  It all happened in just a few seconds ... then they were gone.  But not ALL of them had made it past me ... my glasses were covered in dead flies, as was my face!
I counted at least five dead flies squished on the lenses of my spec's and when I got back to the car and looked in the mirror there were at least another six or more flattened on my forehead and cheeks.

I've had many a dead fly on the windscreen of my car after a fast drive, but I've never suffered such an 'attack' whilst standing still.

It was disgusting!  All those bugs using my face as a means of killing themselves.

It reminded me of that old joke;-

What's the last thing  to go through a fly's mind when it hits the windscreen?


It's arse!

Waiting at the Bridge

I will fly away to some sunny place one day,
to a place of peace where I will stay.
No worries to plague my ageing mind,
and nothing to trouble my heart will I find.
Quiet days in which to believe,
that all will be well when it's my time to leave.
No sad farewells and no final embrace,
just memories so sweet of your smiling face.
When my time is done and Death awaits,
we will meet once again before pearly gates.
But rest now dear friend for my days are not done,
go back to your fields and play in the sun.
But watch to the Bridge for one day I'll be there,
to walk with you again in crisp fresh air.
Then we will forever run free,
as it was before ... just you and me!

My voting dilemma (part 2)

Well, I watched the last big debate and it was not Gordon Browns day, was it!
The other two put him well into third place.

However, it wasn't the political gas that made me decide that Brown wouldn't get my vote (although it did help).
What 'did' for him in my estimation was the constant head shaking and that horrible nervous grin ... not to mention the sickly little laugh ... that he would use when one of the others was talking sense.

He won't be getting my vote!

Oh! By the way ... Rhodri Morgan was at my doorstep yesterday asking if we would be supporting the labour party.  Unfortunately Julie got there first and said "I haven't decided yet" and he went away.  If it had been me, I would have said I would never vote for someone who tries to piss on my leg (it's a long story) and shut the door in his face,  but alas,I never had the opportunity.

So ... Cameron or the other bloke?  That is the question!