Working Technology!!

Monday. 8.40 a.m. Yet another mild and sunny, although not particularly warm, day. Dare I say 'springlike'? Probably tempting providence if I say that. Alfie and I were out well before 7 o'clock. He had to be woken up, as he was fast asleep in his bed.

I have printed off the first twenty pages of my writing project. I'm not sure whether to call it a novel. It was never really intended to be a 'novel' in the strictest sense. I think it should be issued in 'episodes' or 'instalments' which is how many novels were published in the 19th century, most notably Dickens'. I will now edit and modify what I have written and, having begun some research, be able to continue what I have been working on gradually over the last couple of years.

The Canon printer is working well! After all the issues I had with the HP printer, it's great to have a printer which does what it's supposed to do. The Wi-Fi connection works exceptionally well, meaning I can be in the lounge with the MacBook and the printer, which is in my bedroom, basically, because there's no space in the lounge for the printer, which is set up on the unit I got from Amazon. Definitely a good buy, having wheels and space underneath to store paper and other supplies. The printer will print on both sides of the paper, which is good, as it saves on paper. It's fascinating watching it work. When a page is printing, and it gets to the end of one side, the printer stops for a second or two, presumably to give the ink a chance to dry, and then the sheet is drawn back inside the printer so that the second side can be printed. The HP printer wouldn't do this. Considering all the problems I have had with the various printers I've owned, it's great to have at last got one who actually WORKS!

10.30 a.m. I've been to Sainsbury's, and at last done the shopping (or I should say, the rest of my list. I could only manage to carry one bag of shopping back home after my trip on Saturday, due to having to walk when I'd had problems with the power steering. See the last blog post for more details. I bought daffodils. It's approaching Carol's birthday. It's 7th March, and she would have been 59. So, in memory of my lovely lady, I have cut daffodils, which are replaced in the vase I have. The current bunch is at a very early stage, so they will gradually open as the days pass.

Tuesday. 7.15 a.m. I've only just got back from going out with Alfie. It's another fine morning. I've done all the washing-up and the kitchen is tidy. I've also done my pack-up to take with me to Camphill. This is why I went to Sainsbury's yesterday. I have pork pie because I have got tired of boring sandwiches. 

5.40 p.m. I had almost forgotten that today was Shrove Tuesday, better known as Pancake Day. Arriving at Camphill, I soon discovered that things weren't going to be the normal sort of format for the day. As it was Pancake Day, the theatre workshop team were going to have an outing to Campbell Park, as there was scheduled to be a pancake race event, with one of the leaders of the group running to represent Camphill. Some people were going to walk, whilst some were to be ferried to the site via minibus, some were going in Terrie's vehicle and I was going on my own and wouldn't be able to take anyone, because my car isn't insured for such work, only having private insurance. All this wasn't going to kick into action until after tea break.

Terrie had a meeting with me. She told me that, because the theatre group was growing, with quite a few people coming from outside the Camphill Community in Milton Keynes, the ratio of clients to staff was being eroded. She told me that she and Julia had been discussing the need for there to be another member of staff in the theatre and that she would like me to have more of a role in the group, which would probably mean me leading some of the sessions, because, with so many in the theatre group, it might eventually be possible to run separate teams within the workshop. I am now going to consider how I could see my role, but still remain a volunteer. This really makes me so pleased as I want to be able to give as much as I can to the theatre workshop.

Around 11.20, I drove off to Campbell Park, not knowing exactly where I was going to park. I remember going to a history festival there in 2019 (which is how I made contact with various groups, such as the Bucks Archaeology Society and Milton Keynes Heritage Association.) I couldn't remember whether I had parked nearer the park (where the pancake race was to be held.) and then realised, during my drive, that I had parked nearer the shopping centre, probably near the Xcape. At which point I decided that I would need cash to pay to park and then drove back to Dexter House to collect my wallet.

Having done the journey back to Dexter House and then return to park near Xcape, I walked over to Campbell Park and, as I crossed the road, I could see in the distance the encampment which had been set u for the pancake race. As I got closer, I saw the Camphill stand, with staff selling food and some of them cooking pancakes. There were several heats of pancake races, run as relays, one of which was a Camphill team of staff and one member was Mitchell, who works in the theatre workshop. There was also a special race for those with disabilities, in particular, Camphill and something called Snap (Special Needs Advancement Project) which is a day-services organization. Some of the Camphill residents go there. It was one of the organizations I had considered volunteering at before I discovered Camphill and the theatre workshop. This race was run with the circuit broken into quarters and each team only running each quarter. I'm not sure, but I think Snap won. 

The group who had walked from Camphill arrived long before Terrie arrived, no doubt because she had to park her vehicle and then walk over from near the shopping centre as I had done.

There was plenty to eat, as well as drink. I got a free pancake from the Camphill stall as well as a latte which I paid for at a nearby coffee stall. I think I recognize this mobile coffee van, possibly from the Bucks agricultural show from several years ago.

After all the races were won and prizes distributed, the event was over, so I walked back to my car and drove back to Milton Keynes. On arrival, I discovered that the car park was full, so I had to park in an area outside the Camphill campus I sat in the car and ate my pack-up, which I had put in the car well before leaving Camphill earlier in the morning.

After lunch, we watched a couple of silent films on YouTube, although it was projected onto the cinema screen in the Chrysalis Theatre. There was a bit of a problem getting the laptop to connect to the internet, but it eventually worked. One was a very early French film, made in around 1903 called 'From The Earth To The Moon.' Probably the first science fiction film. The second one was from around 1922, based loosely on Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland', and utilized all sorts of visual effects, both films were restored (as far as it was possible.) by the British Film Institute.

After a short tea break, everyone went outside into the forecourt area of Camphill, because there were to be some further pancake races. I think my last visit to Camphill, before the pandemic lockdowns in 2020, was coincidental with pancake day, and I  have seen video footage of it on Vimeo.

February Fun?

Is February generally a fun month? I can't say one way or the other. I think it's made worse at the moment because of the pandemic and being incarcerated in my flat. I have to say I feel a bit like a battery chicken, cooped up in one of those small cages, with little room to move (not true to some extent, but not being able to get out and about as before the first lockdown, definitely.) Days getting longer and lighter earlier, definitely makes things better. Do you not get a feeling of irony with my blog post title? Yes, definitely. But we do need something to relieve the boredom and have a good laugh. 

Pancake day, Shrove Tuesday, is on it's way!  Anything to cheer things up. Pancakes just happen to be one of my favourite dishes. I like to think I'm good at making them, and the preparation of the batter is the most important part of creating them. Using plain flour which is airiated by being put through a sieve which is held hight over the bowl and also with melted butter added along with a couple of eggs, which, when milk is added together with a pinch of salt and then beaten together until the whole becomes fairly runny, but not too runny for it to run out of the pan you cook in. It should just run off the spoon, but not too much (if that makes sense.) The next is to cover and let it stand for a few hours before making. This allows all the ingredients to settle and as a result the batter will thicken, so before you make the pancakes, add a little more milk to make the mixture more runny.

(Wednesday) Out early with Alfie and at gone 9 o'clock I went to Homebase, as I was searching for a bradawl. Before you ask, it's a handled device for making holes in a wooden surface. I wanted one so I can make holes in the construction of the coffee table so that the screws can better screw in tighter. If that makes sense. I had a good look in the tools section but I could see nothing suitable, so I left and went over the road to The Range and fortunately I found one, shown me by a member of staff. A really confusing display and it's not very clear what is what so you can find things easily. The same could be said of the Homebase display.  I can't believe such a simple item would be so difficult to find. But I got it!

I then went to Sainsbury's. I can't believe how long I was in there. I don't know what it was this morning, but it seemed to take forever to get round. I always take a well researched list so I don't forget anything and that generally makes things easier because I don't want to be in there longer than necessary, but perhaps my visits to Homebase and The Range have something to do with it.

(Thursday) Been out earlier than usual. Alfie fast asleep in his bed. It was frosty and crunchy underfoot as we walked along the grass beside the path. Good thing we weren't out too long as my hands go blue if they get cold and it can be really uncomfortable. I should remember to wear my gloves. 

I needed to get a fresh supply of vitamin D tablets. I was told by my doctor that I ought to take vitamin D after I had the results of my last blood test, so I bought some in Sainsbury's, but when I was in there yesterday I couldn't find any. Every other permutation of vitamins, minerals etc etc but not vitamin D. This morning I drove over to Bletchley to visit Boots and managed to get a pack in there. 180, one a day, which is what I was already taking. So, that problem solved. I had hoped to visit T.K. Maax, which is further along the parade from Boots, but I found it boarded up, due to covid restrictions, but Greggs was open. So, what's so difference, if Boots and Greggs can be open, why not T.K. Maax? Just wanted a browse through the men's department, but definitely not going to happen for a while at least.

Later. Been out at around 2.15 this afternoon and there's been a definite drop in the temperature. Really cold and I couldn't wait to get back inside as my hands were turning blue. Also not good to be in the cold with a heart condition.

(Friday) I woke at around 1.30 and couldn't get back to sleep. Had a shave and then sorted the rubbish into black bag and tied it up, ready to take out to the dustbins and put new bag on the kitchen bin. Did some washing up and the kitchen now looks neat and tidy.  Sorted washing into washing basket, ready to take to the laundry room just before 8a.m.Did my Bible reading (one year with Nicky Gumble through the You Version app on my iPad.) Alfie is fast asleep in his bed, although he had been in bed with me up until the time I got out of bed. It is now 3.00a.m and sitting here in the lounge writing this. What's the day going to be like, on the weather-front? Seems calm at the moment, but I think the wind was blowing a gale in the night.

A good deal later. Out with his nibs at 7.15. Not as cold as yesterday, but still chilly. Got washing on and now back in the flat. There was an amazing red sky over Milton Keynes. I would have done a photograph but it's virtually impossible to get a good vantage point around Oldbrook without getting buildings in the way. I would need to get up a lot higher to get a good shot, unfortunately.

It's 7.55a.m. Just not a lot to say at the moment, but watch this space.

Snowed . . . Under?

Hardly snowed under. Whether that's a good thing or a bad I don't know. Well, I think we were expecting to be totally snowed under by now, but as I write this, the snow has virtually disappeared, although, by tomorrow morning it might be a different matter.

(Tuesday) The snow has more or less gone. But it doesn't mean we're not likely to have more as the day progresses.

I have taken the car out for a run around Milton Keynes. I am concerned that it might not start or that it might not run properly because it has been sitting in it's parking space for months on end. It did need a charge from Bleakhall Motors several months ago which you may recall me mentioning in an earlier post if your are a regular reader of this blog. The roads are very quiet and it was strange driving about and not having to stop at roundabouts which are generally the points where you need to stop and let traffic past, which would have been the case had I been going to Camphill, which I went past this morning, as it's a Tuesday. Still difficult to believe it's almost a year since I was last there. I remember on Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) standing and watching the residents having a pancake race, and then the other day, watching the video which was made of that event on Vimeo. I'm in the background watching. Just hope it won't be much longer before I am able to return.

I've been out with Alfie once more. He's been doing his staring at me act and I was certain he wanted to go out. We didn't go far and came back as it was so cold. He did his business and I said 'home' to him and he was more than eager to get home. We saw a dog in a bright hi-vis jacket on the far side of Oldbrook Green and it came round to where we crossed over Oldbrook Boulevard. Alfie saw the dog, I think a shizu, with a face similar to Poppy's. Rather a pretty face, but when Alfie approached, as he almost always does when he sees another dog, just to be friendly, it growled horribly at him. He doesn't growl like that at all, or at least, not often. So we withdrew and returned home.

The workmen are still working on the repairs to the ceiling in Dexter House. The asbestos has been removed in the ceiling and new emergency lighting is being installed. A painter has been painting the walls and other surfaces along the section of corridor where my flat is and it's beginning to look a lot better. I don't think there's a lot left to do.

(Wednesday) Well, as I write this it's 5.03a.m. Why am I not asleep? Why not? Making a shopping list as I am going to Sainsbury's later. Alfie is fast asleep in his bed. It is in the space between the television unit and my desk. I think it's his safe space. Although he likes to be with me, he also likes his own space and is happy there at times.

Unexpected at Camphill

I've mentioned in an earlier post that Teo, who oversees the Drama Workshop at Camphill was going on holiday for three weeks and that he had set up and alternative project for us to work on, run by Paul, who is his assistant. Three films, which were selected by the residents, 'Oliver!', 'The Sound of Music', and 'Monty Python: and Now For Something Completely Different,' and how the residents had to devise improvisations based on these films. Unfortunately there had been complete breakdown in communication, because no sooner had we done the regular check-in (whereby each resident, co-worker or volunteer is allowed to say how they were feeling before the day began.) than we got a message to say that we were to have visitors from a school with their pupils coming to try out the drama workshop. It put the whole group into a bit of a panic because it meant finding something to occupy both the regulars and the students from this school, the Walnut School. We were supposed to rehearse 'Stranger Danger,' but with some of the cast missing, it wouldn't be worthwhile, although did set up things and when the group from Walnut School eventually arrived we did a truncated version of he play, with one central scene missing and later showed them the video of the play. I was surprised how different the show is since they made the video over a year ago (well before I went to work as a volunteer at Camphill.) The whole play is far better since it's been converted into a 'live' show and the actors put far more effort into thins and it somehow has more depth. It was interesting to see how the pupils who visited reacted to both the play and the video and feedback was worth listening to.

After tea we were involved in the parachute games. I had no idea what this was, until a large multi-coloured material shape was bought into the hall. It had handles sown onto it and we all had to hold this large 'parachute' shape up off he ground and by pulling it taut keep it off the floor. The first game was called 'Sharks.' The idea being that someone started off by running under the parachute and keeping their hand up to represent the shark's dorsal fin and when they reached the other side they touched another person and they had to take over and move to another person holding up the parachute. All the while everyone else holding onto the parachute had to keep it moving as it if was the sea. Then, a game where a load of coloured balls was thrown onto the taut parachute and when it was shaken, the balls are bounced off and we had to count how many were picked up. Another game was with two large balls, about the size of footballs, were placed on the taut parachute and it was timed to see how long it took to get the balls off the parachute, this was also done with all the coloured balls. Quite exhausting, but a lot of fun and a good way to get everyone involved and also good exercise!

After lunch we watched the beginning of Oliver!, which was projected on to the large cinema-sized screen in the Chrysalis Theatre. I haven't seen the film in a long time. I was taken to see the original London production of Oliver! when I was at school, in the early 1960's and I saw the film of Oliver! when I went to London for an interview at RADA to go on a stage management course in around 1968 (I didn't get selected.) I can't believe the film had an overture, which lasts a good 10 minutes! I don't recall the film ever having an overture, unless when I originally saw it I walked into the cinema after the overture. Also, the long list of credits shown before the film, which lasts around 5 minutes. Modern films never have credits BEFORE the film starts. I don't think modern audiences would tolerate such a thing. I do recall  film of 'My Fair Lady' having an intermission. From watching this, it will be interesting to see what sort of improvisation we come up with. Next week we will watch some more of Oliver! But we have two more films to watch, so if we watch around 30 minutes of each film each week it will take some time to view all of each film.

At around 3.20 we stopped watching the film because it was Pancake Day! We went outside onto the area infant of the offices at Camphill because pancake races were arranged. A course was cleared along the road which lead out of the campus. One of the guys from the drama workshop, Matthew, held the tape at the end of the course. The starting line was outside the offices. There were several heats (I didn't join in. I don't think I was 100% fit at that time of day.) Then the winner of each heat went on to the next heat until a winner was awarded a certificate as well as 2nd and 3rd. It was a good event. I rather like the community spirit of Camphill. Everyone is appreciated. No-one is left out, regardless of their disability. The staff are brilliant. The residents support one another. It's a totally great place to work. People come from all over the world to work in the various Camphill communities, not just in Milton Keynes. It really is great to be part of it all!

Winter Olympics and Rain

We're watching the Winter Olympics. The speed skating. How do they keep the surface of the arena frozen? I presume there's some sort of refrigeration system under the ice. Then I wonder how on earth anyone can keep standing upright when they're on skates. Even the judges have to be able to stand up on skates and move about on the ice.

It's raining. Well, there's a surprise. We're not doing a great deal today, after yesterday's session in the Oncology Suite. Alfie doesn't like rain. He pokes his head out of the door and has a look and if it's wet or he thinks it's going to get him we, then he doesn't go out. Who can blame him. He's only a little dog and he doesn't like getting cold. Yesterday was Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day. We love pancakes and I'm particularly good at making them. Not to blow my own trumpet, but the secret of good pancakes is in the batter. I've made the batter and it's standing on he work surface. You are supposed to leave it for at least an hour before making your pancakes. Plain flour, two eggs, milk, a pinch of salt and melted butter. Then leave it to stand with a dinner plate on it. I'm not sure why, but I think it's to let the batter thicken as it will and then add a little more milk and give it a good whisk before putting it in a jug to make pouring into the pan easier.

Not a lot going on at the moment. The past weekend was one were, quite frankly, nothing much happened. It's rained. Nothing odd about that, I suppose. As I write this Alfie is asleep on the sofa, flat on his back, with his mouth open slightly and showing his teeth. It looks quite comical. I've never known a dog be able to sleep anywhere, and in such odd positions. He snores, particularly when it's the middle of the night and I wake up. He thinks he can sleep with his head on my pillow. Not the most comfortable place for him to lay, particularly when I can hardly move my head. Does he think he's human? If he sees us doing something, does he think he has to also?

Carol has started making Alfie work for his treats. I've mentioned how he's got wise to what's in the treat tin he got for Christmas, how he goes up to it and nudges it with his nose. Carol hides a handful of treats around the room and it's up to Alfie to sniff them out. We have a set of plastic cups which are used to hide treats in and Alfie has to find them. He finds this very easy. This is called 'enrichment' when it's used in zoos and animal parks, where the staff attempt to get those animals kept in captivity have to work to get their food, rather than having it merely given them to eat. It's supposed to prevent them getting bored.

I had to go in to Sainsbury's for a few items and to order a repeat prescription. I thought I'd ordered the patches Carol has, as it was supposed to be in the last lot of meds I collected. It's difficult to keep up with what is ordered and what is not. I was given a box of stuff at the pharmacy, which must have been ordered via Ashfield Medical Centre. A large consignment was delivered early this morning. There was the sound of something being put through the door at around 7.30 this morning. It was a Royal Mail card saying something had been left in the meter cupboard outside. I was surprised that the delivery driver didn't knock on the door, but at least the parcel has arrived.

Not a lot else to talk about. We had to go to the Oncology Suite just before 4 o'clock this afternoon as Carol's chemotherapy cycle was coming to an end. We arrived in good time, managing to park. The weather is cold, a 'nipping and an eager air' as we walked from the car in through the cardiology  department. The carpark barriers were raised. Things are becoming slightly repetitive, don't you agree? There still seems to be a staff shortage in the Oncology Suite. We had to wait for a good 20 minutes, but there wasn't a lot we could do about it. Carol was eventually called into one of the rooms and the pump she has had for the past day was removed. Returned to the car and left for home. I'm glad it wasn't any later otherwise we'd have been caught in traffic as people left work for home. The days are drawing out which means it's remaining light for later. The next chemo cycle will be the sixth and afterwards they will be doing a scan to see how the treatment is progressing. 

Sunny Spring Morning, But Frosty

It's a bright and sunny morning, but it's quite frosty. I had to defrost the car's windscreen and I have put the central heating on briefly. If we have sun the lounge in this house does eventually warm up so the heating can be turned off, but it does take a while. 

As it's Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) I have made the batter for pancakes for this evening's meal. It doesn't take more than five minutes and the batter is now standing with a plate over it ready for this evening. I can't believe you can buy ready-made batter in the supermarket or, indeed, ready-prepared pancakes. They are so easy to make. I have to say pancakes have to be one of my favourite foods and I've always been good at making batter. The longer you leave the made-up batter the better the pancakes. 

We had our evening meal last night and then took the dogs out for a walk across the park, even though it was dark.  It was gone 7 o'clock as we eventually left the house. It's no good saying 'walk' with the dogs within ear-shot as it gets them excited. Alfie, in particular, becomes like the Tasmanian Devil in the Warner Brother's cartoons. He takes ages to be put in his harness as he barks and can get quite aggressive. I think he's like a coiled spring whenever we take him out for a walk. He seems to really love being out and runs around happily. We took a torch as it was difficult to see where Alfie had run off to. It was better to keep to the paths as they have lights on them. Alfie has a habit of running off, barking, then coming back to us. He never goes out of our range of eyesight. As a result he must run three, four or fives times the distance we walk. Poppy just plods along slowly and is no problem. Only thing is she has a tendency to nose around in people's gardens as we walk past.