Daemons

Sicko

Nurses promote Sicko
Originally uploaded by deanocratforever

I've just been to see Sicko, a film by Micheal Moore. It is about how the American health care system compares with health care in other country's; UK, France Canada and Cuba. It was a scary inditement of American health care. Slightly let down by over dramatising and a comparison of USA care against the health care given to detainees in Guantanamo which to be honest bordered on torture, subjecting the inmates to excessive and intrusive and invasive investigations and supposed screening. It also revealed some flaws in our system such as the massive amounts GP's appear to be paid considering they on the whole no longer provide an out of hours service. I'm not denying that most GP's do very good work or that they are encouraged to practice preventative medicine is a good thing; but I do worry about the accessibility of primary health care. All this said it should be compulsory viewing for any one involved in planning or commissioning health care.

poppies for rememberance

poppies for rememberance
Originally uploaded by lizjones112

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

I got picked again for pick of the week and only just found out....

bee
Originally uploaded by lizjones112

I have just looked at the Sheffield Flickr blog and found I got "picked for pick of the week at the end of September and I didn't even know!

E petition to Downing Street and their reply!

Nurseratios - epetition reply

31 October 2007

We received a petition asking:

"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to set statutory minimum nurse: patient ratios in hospital wards."

Details of Petition:

"A growing body of research evidence shows that increases in the number of patients cared for by each nurse leads to increases in hospital-acquired infections, pressure ulcers, malnutritition, dehydration and patient mortality. This also leads to increased levels of stress, demoralisation and "burn-out" among nurses. We therefore feel it is vital to tackle the understaffing of hospital wards. The government should set statutory minimum nurse:patient ratios, with penalties for NHS Trusts that fail to achieve these ratios."

* Read the petition
* Petitions home page

Read the Government's response

The Government believe nurse leaders should have the freedom to determine their own staffing ratios according to local conditions. They are best placed to make decisions based on many complex factors, not the least of which is that healthcare today is a team-based activity, and patients are best served when the staff involved in their care work together to meet their needs.

The Government's view is that imposing minimal levels for nursing staff to patient ratios could be detrimental to patient care. The number of staff at any one time will vary according to skill mix, clinical practice and local factors. Furthermore, the introduction of any minimal level may be seen as being the norm, with NHS Trusts no longer aiming for an optimal level.

Workforce planning is a matter for local determination as local workforce planners are best placed to asses the healthcare needs of their local population. The Department of Health continues to ensure that frameworks are in place to enable effective local workforce planning.

Since 1997, the NHS has seen record levels of investment - from £34.7billion in 1997/98 to over £90billion in 2007/08 to £110billion by 2010/11 - and a period of significant expansion in the workforce. The number of qualified nurses, midwives and health visitors has increased by almost 80,000 to over 398,000 in England. The last few years has seen more nurses working in the NHS than ever before.

This unprecedented growth in the workforce has been the key to driving down waiting times and improving the delivery of treatment and care across the NHS.

A lesson in life...

spacehopper
Originally uploaded by lizjones112

This space hopper was at the science park at Snibstone. Having one of these as a child taught me two valuable lessons; one that I have no sense of balance two that the things you wish for are often not what you thought they would be, I desperately wanted one of these and even more a pogo stick. They looked so much fun, I never mastered either of them!

Sculpture at Chatsworth

myth (sphinx) 2
Originally uploaded by lizjones112

After faffing around all morning most of it trying to get internet access I headed of to Chatsworth to catch the last few days of the sculpture Exhibition Beyond Limits

A day off

rivelin waterfall
Originally uploaded by lizjones112

Another go at waterfall photography, but the light wasn't too good. Then over to Ikea for photo frames then tea with Lise.

A year of blogging...

devils in motion
Originally uploaded by lizjones112

A busy day today, off out for Fright Night with Sarah and John. I was too tired to really enjoy it last nights over indulgence catching up with me! But I got a few decent pictures. This reminded me that I have been keeping this blog for a year now. A lot seems to have happened, a year in my new job now. I think I'm just begining to get the hang of it, no major disasters and even more important not one letter of complaint and quite a few lovely thank you letters.

sun through the trees

sun through the trees
Originally uploaded by lizjones112

Just after I had dropped Alexandra and Collette of the sun came out so I turned round and headed back out to Grindleford. I wanted to try my new tripod out. I got a few good shots. I think I need more practice.

Just the cure for a hangover!

we don't like to make rules but...
Originally uploaded by lizjones112

Alexandra, Collettte and I headed off to Grindleford cafe for breakfast this morning, perfect cure for a hangover.

Show me the way to go home...

Glass Wine Hand
Originally uploaded by Zigs1

Last night found me at a party with one of my oldest friends Alexandra. It's a good job I was with her, although I don't think I'm too popular for making her walk the long way home last night. I have lived were I do for about 20 years. The party was only two streets away, i have found out this morning I made her walk home a very long way round, no wonder my feet hurt this morning!

Headlines like this make me So cross...

This headline made me so cross, yes I know I shouldn't take any notice of the "red tops" but lots of people do; many of them my patients and their relatives. The story is about the recent recommendations made by the Resuscitation Council and supported by the Royal College of Nursing. These proposed that experienced nurses especially Consultant Nurses have the right to decide that resuscitation is not appropriate should the patient suffer a cardiac or respiratory arrest. It is not about a nurse choosing who should die. If a patient suffers an arrest then there is little chance of survival, the person is obviously very ill and it is rare to "bring someone back" it's not like on the TV or in films. There are many situations when the patient would not wish to be resuscitated; if their condition is terminal or they consider their quality of life to be very poor. It is often a nurse that a patient will share their views and discuss their feelings about their treatment, rather than a senior doctor on a hurried ward round in front of other patients. In addition to this there are many patients now that are under the care of a consultant nurse rather than a doctor. This is not about nurses choosing who should die, it is about the nurse involved ensuring a patients wishes are respected and allowing these people to die with dignity.

Fran Landesman

I just heard this one Womans Hour, and she's right we all have scars and imperfections whether physical or psychological.

SCARS

Don't be ashamed
Everybody's got scars
From our various wars
On the way to the stars

Don't try to hide
Everybody's got scars
From crashlanding on mars
With these egos of ours

Theres the one on your knee
Where you fell off your bike
Or the bite from a babe
that you love but don't like
Theres the mess that you made
without counting the cost
Or the cut from a blade
Or the child that you lost

Don't be ashamed
If your covered with scars
On this planet of ours
Thats the way we keep scores
So I'll show you my scars
If you show me yours

In the streets and the bars
Everybody's got scars
On their way to the stars
Everybody's got scars

(lyrics by Fran Landesman
music by Simon Wallace)

The problems and joys of photoshop

I was wandering around town on Saturday afternoon, when one of those market research ladies accosted me. Seeing as I wasn't in a particular rush I agreed to participate. An unexpected bonus was gaining entry into Channing Hall. The light wasn't very good but I did manage to get this shot down the lovely spiral staircase but there were two bright yellow warning signs at the bottom, I have tried to photoshop them out badly! Of well I'll have another go some time or maybe it would be easier to go back and move the signs.

Tarot

Witchcraft day / Giornata della Stregoneria
Originally uploaded by Gil-Blas

This reading is my first ever tarot reading so I suppose I can’t be sure of my interpretation of the cards so most of this is what my book says with some of my own interpretation.

1) The person in question.
The Three Swords
This card indicates a tension between three people, a situation were love is involved.
2) Possibilities or problems.
The Hermit
This indicates that the person in question needs to take time out for them self, regain energies, gather thoughts, take refuge in their own company and be more self aware.
3) The best course of action
The five of Pentacles
This card warns of financial disaster loss of security of some kind that has occurred recently or else is on the way.
4) Influences in the past.
The Magician.
This is a preparation card, warning you to bring all elements of your life together: love, emotions, action, finances and morality. This is in preparation for changes ahead so that you can handles situations correctly.
5) Current atmosphere.
The Fool
This card denotes a new beginning and spontaneity. New experiences and directions are occurring so accept the process of change. You will be taking a risk or a step forward without really knowing the outcome, but the joy and excitement is in the experience of change not in the end result.
6) Short Term future
The Knight of Wands
This card indicates soul searching looking for answers, until that person find the answer they are looking for it would be futile to try to pin them down in a committed relationship. Wait and the person in question will be rewarded with a life long friend or lover.
7) The present state of the situation.
The Queen of wands
This card indicates a woman with a deep desire to be the centre of attention. She is charismatic and charming and knows precisely how to use her charms in order to benefit herself in life. She is often exotic in appearance and prefers bright or striking colours or styles of fashion. She is crafty with both her hands and her mind. She would do well to go into a public career.
8) Outside Influences
The King of Wands
A man who is relaxed and none judgemental. dealing with problems in his life with ease. He has a welcoming and giving nature that is devoid of any competitive streak. He is in touch with nature.
9)The home environment
The lovers
This card indicates an instant chemistry between two people. An intimate relationship formed by a chance meeting in which fate takes a part.
10) Subconscious feelings
The ten of Wands
This card indicates that you are currently going through a lot of stresses and strains . You have many responsibilities but you are quite capable of handling them so don’t worry too much.
11)Long-term fate.
The 7 of cups
This card indicates that there are a lot of appealing opportunities on offer to you currently. Indeed there are so many you maybe unsure of which to choose. Which ever one you choose will prove rewarding and emotionally fulfilling.



.

I'm bored...I think I might go and instigate an altercation...

I'm bored...I think I might go and instigate an altercation...
Originally uploaded by Vimrod1

one of my favorite poems

He wishes for the Cloths of Heaven
by W.B. Yeats

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half-light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread upon my dreams.

Tragic Life Stories

I saw this book genre in Smiths the other day! I wonder why these types of books are so popular, is it that reading these stories makes us feel better about our own lives or is it morbid curiosity. Is the need to spectate on others lives in this way akin to the need some people seem to have for reality TV programmes, the news agents are full of magazines that detail tragic and sensationalised episodes from peoples lives.Even more puzzling is why people want to share deeply personal and often embarrassing information about them selves? It would be nice to think that sharing their experiences helped people to come to terms with the things that have happened to them. However I feel that it is more likely that they profit from publishing their stories and while I am sure many of these accounts are true there are some that seem less than credible.

Corner Shop

I was in our local corner shop this morning and witnessed the following. An old gentleman was having trouble finding what he needed. One of the assistants helped him find what he was looking for. Then he went to the counter to pay; by this point it had become obvious to me that he had very limited vision. He offered a five and ten pound note, he obviously didn't know their value. The assistant told him which note was which, helped him sort his change out and made sure he got a receipt. Maybe I'm cynical but I can't imagine an assistant showing that level of consideration in a big supermarket. I know I use the big supermarkets but as a busy single Mum working way more hours than I am paid for I do find them convenient. However i would hate to see a time when corner shops didn't exist.

A Difficult choice!

As some of you will know I am a nurse, today in the post I received my RCN ballot paper. I am asked to vote on whether we should take industrial action regarding the recent pay offer.
This is a very difficult issue for nurses, we have a Code of Conduct which says we should do our patients no harm either by act or omission. However I firmly believe that our patients deserve to receive care from people who are skilled and knowledgeable and that if we wish to attract and retain these types of people to the profession they should be adequately renumerated. We are expected at even at staff nurse level to be educated to almost degree level, nurses during their training receive a pitifully low bursary. Many senior nurses are educated to Masters level, never mind all the other vocational courses we need to undertake to progress in our careers; many of these undertaken in our own time.We work antisocial hours and do a job that involves us in m any intimate and distressing aspects of peoples bodily functions and their emotional lives too. However I also believe that nursing is a profession I am very proud to belong to and this pride in my job and mt profession means that I could not take any industrial action that would compromise standards of patient care.

Electricity Pylons

Electricity Pylons
Originally uploaded by flickrzak
I heard this poem on Radio 4 today, I'd never heard it before but I love it and it's amazing how contemporaneous with todays concerns it is

Inexpensive Progress
Encase your legs in nylons,
Bestride your hills with pylons
O age without a soul;
Away with gentle willows
And all the elmy billows
That through your valleys roll.
Let's say goodbye to hedges
And roads with grassy edges
And winding country lanes;
Let all things travel faster
Where motor car is master
Till only Speed remains.
Destroy the ancient inn-signs
But strew the roads with tin signs
'Keep Left,' 'M4,' 'Keep Out!'
Command, instruction, warning,
Repetitive adorning
The rockeried roundabout;
For every raw obscenity
Must have its small 'amenity,'
Its patch of shaven green,
And hoardings look a wonder
In banks of floribunda
With floodlights in between.
Leave no old village standing
Which could provide a landing
For aeroplanes to roar,
But spare such cheap defacements
As huts with shattered casements
Unlived-in since the war.
Let no provincial High Street
Which might be your or my street
Look as it used to do,
But let the chain stores place here
Their miles of black glass facia
And traffic thunder through.
And if there is some scenery,
Some unpretentious greenery,
Surviving anywhere,
It does not need protecting
For soon we'll be erecting
A Power Station there.
When all our roads are lighted
By concrete monsters sited
Like gallows overhead,
Bathed in the yellow vomit
Each monster belches from it,
We'll know that we are dead.
________________________________________
From "High and Low" (1966) & "Collected Poems"
© The Estate of John Betjeman

stained glass window detail st. neots

stained glass window detail st. neots
Originally uploaded by lizjones112

Today was rather wet! Decided to go and find St. Neots Church the stained glass windows there are stunning then on to Landhyrock a National Trust property, the house is very interesting and I particularly liked the kitchens but for reasons I don't understand they don't allow you to take photographs there!

View from terrace of my holiday cottage

view from the terrace
Originally uploaded by lizjones112

Today was a quick visit to Clyst Honiton to see the family grave and hopefully the stained glass window dedicated to the Gould branch of the family. Then on to the cottage I had rented for the week having stocked up on a weeks shopping on the way. The cottage or should I say flat is very nice and the view is stunning, unfortunately the weather isn’t too good!

To Avebury

stones avebury
Originally uploaded by lizjones112

Well today has seemed a long day! The day started with breakfast at the Black Horse, a good cooked breakfast I was further entertained by one of my favourite hobbies ; people watching a couple came down to breakfast, the poor bloke he couldn’t do anything right, what ever he did she criticised. A quick wander around town and especially the inside of the church and then off to Avebury, a pleasant surprise it is a National Trust property so no entrance charge or car parking to pay as I am a member of the Scottish National Trust. On the way he I went past Silbury hill I know this is the biggest man made prehistoric structure but I’m afraid I was distinctly under whelmed, I was interested by the work that English Heritage is doing apparently the top of the hill fell in a while ago. The stone circle was interesting but it was difficult to get a real sense of it as it skirts the village. The gardens of the manor house and the church were an added bonus.
I then set off to drive south aiming for Exeter as the aim was to visit the church at Clyst Honiton where there is a family grave and a window in the church dedicated to the Gould line of the family.
I eventually found a nice pub to stay in at Otterton near Budliegh Salterton which must be the most English place name ever! A slightly dodgy half hour when I thought I was going to run out of petrol though but found some eventually when the car was running on the fumes at the bottom of the tank.

The Black Horse Cirencester

The Black Horse Cirencester
Originally uploaded by lizjones112

Holiday Day one

Left home about 11am, no point in rushing, I’m on holiday! Got to Cirencester via the Fosse Way, with a few detours due to me missing a few tunings the main mistake being missing my exit from the M1 but that didn’t turn out to badly as I was soon back on track. I drove through lots of lovely villages but decided not to stop until I got to Cirencester as I had made a late start. The town seems quintessentially English, if a little posh ! I wandered into the Tourist Information office to enquire about a B&B, they asked me how much I wanted to spend, I made the mistake of saying cheap! I was informed that they don’t do “cheap”. Oh well! I decided to look for my self found a room at The Black Horse a nice old pub with internet access although it turned out that wasn’t free. Went for a wander around town the old church St John the Baptist is very beautiful it’s one of the great “wool” churches of the Cotswolds. I went into a charity shop I spotted a nice shoulder bag, £4.99, I totally confused to lady in there by giving her a twenty pound note and asking if I could I could have some pound coins in my change, this had her totally flummoxed, for a start she gave me a tenner, a fiver and a penny, right of course, I then asked very nicely if I could have some pound coins instead of the five pound note. She then proceeded to fish around in the till and give me five one pound coins and the five pound note, even when I pointed out her mistake she wasn’t too sure and didn’t seem to believe me that she shouldn’t give me twenty pounds back.

Water water....

Heeley Bridge
Originally uploaded by Evil Yoda

Well getting home from work today was interesting. It normally takes me about 1/2 an hour to get home. Today it took about 2 1/2 hours, I took so many detours to avoid roads blocked by floods> I drove home throught the Peak District rather than trying to get through Chesterfield whic was gridlocked. Even when I got back into Sheffield it took ages to get back home This photograph was just one of the floods I encountered. Do you think I should buy a boat on ebay?

Holiday plans

Determinedly straight
Originally uploaded by florriebassingbourn

As you will have read I'm off on holiday soon, driving down to Cornwall in one go seemed a bit of a tall order and not relaxing. So I have decided to take a more interesting and long winded route south I'm going to go south as as Leicester then follow the Fosse way as near as i can.

Mum's garden

red rose
Originally uploaded by lizjones112

Visited my Mum today her garden always holds great photo opportunities!

Shopping problems!

某日
Originally uploaded by queenartam

Ben and I went to Tescos this evening I presented my cheque card to pay, it ended up taking forever as the Chip and Pin machine wouldn't process my card and the tescos staff had to phone up my bank to make a security check. Apparently my spending pattern has been unusual! All I have done is book a holiday, pay for a new windscreen for my car and repair of my satnav, come to think of it I spent quite a bit in town today on maps and books for my holiday.

Could come in handy - June 23rd.

Could come in handy
Originally uploaded by pollas

They have finally produced a Haynes manual that could be useful to me! It's a Haynes manual for teenagers!

Holiday Alone June 21st

Downderry beach
Originally uploaded by Diyafury

I have finally got around to booking a much needed holiday! Get there next Saturday the 30th July The cottage I have booked is in Downderry in Cornwall on the south coast near Looe and Seaton. I'm really looking forward to relaxing on the terrace of the cottage (that has a stunning sea view)with a bottle of wine and a good book or three

Sheffield Flickr Meet

gatecrasher fire 3
Originally uploaded by lizjones112

I went into town this evening with Sarah to meet up with some Flickr folk. As we drove into town we could see a massive plume of smoke over the city. We originally thought it was the United ground then maybe the station but it turned out to be the nightclub Gatecrasher. It was totally gutted and it eventually part of it collapsed. We couldn't get too close as there was a police line. We then went on to meet up with some flickr people including Knautia who was up from Bristol.She had us jumping in the Peace Gardens we got some funny looks but I don't think any of us cared and it was fun

Day to myself

I was really tired today, a tough week at work, I'm sure I have put in at least 45 hours!

Today I had a much needed lie-in then decided to wander down to the Heeley Fair to see what was going on, I've not been before but it was a little uninspiring. There were some interesting stalls. This one selling beautiful belts.The dancing Chinese Dragon was also worth seeing.

Chance to Dance! June 9th

A wander around town today, it was the Chance to Dance event were lots of different types of dance groups encourage people to join in. There was a great atmosphere in the Peace gardens; to echo the local Bollywood award presentation there was a mass bangra dance lead by a very enthusiastic lady in a stunning pink outfit
As Sarah and I wandered back though town we paused near the Lyceum Theatre and watched people arriving to a production of The Rocky Horror show, there were some great outfits!

you can sit down next to me

you can sit down next to me
Originally uploaded by lizjones112.

A day out in Manchester today. I havn't been there for years but I am reading Stuart Maconies book Pies and Prejudice at the moment which made me want to go and explore. It was great just wandering around, looking exploring and taking photographs.

Not blogged in a while!

Those of you who read this who know me will know that my job is taking a fair few hours up at the moment but for the most part I am enjoying it be I am going to try to blog more often. s some enteries will be back dated!

The Blue Team

magna blue waves
Originally uploaded by lizjones112.

I'm reading Paul Auster's book Oracle Night at the moment
'A good sense of humor, then, a taste for the ironies of life, and an appreciation of the absurd. But also a certain modesty and discretion, kindness towards others, a generous heart. No blowhards or arrogant fools, no liars or thieves.A blue team member had to be curious, a reader of books, and aware of the fact that he couldn't bend the world to the shape of his will. An astute observer, someone capable of making fine moral distinctions, a lover of justice. a Blue team member would give you the shirt off his back if he saw you were in need, but he would much rather slip a ten dollar bill into your pocket when you weren't looking" I'd quite like to be worthy of being a blue team member, it seems quite a good philosophy for life.

The name's Bond, James Bond!

Today I took Ben to see Casino Royale, He enjoyed all the action sequences, I quite liked the fact that Daniel Criag is quite "decorative"!

Day out in York

Today I went to York with Sarah, the weather was terrible. But we had fun wandering around looking for ideas for the Flickr scavenger hunt in April. We also had a nice lunch.

Catching the Stars from the Morning

Catching the Stars from the Morning
Originally uploaded by Mr Bultitude.

As any one who knows me will know I love the colour purple, and although this picture is a photoshop manipulation I like it very much, it's surreal and magical!

Freedom of information!

This is a quote from the The webpage of Index on Censorship
" Freedom of expression groups have condemned a bid to exempt Parliament and its members’ correspondence from the Freedom of Information Act – dubbing it a “serious attack on the public’s right to know”. Index on Censorship reports.

MP David Maclean's bill to exempt Parliament and MPs’ correspondence from the Freedom of Information Act presents a serious attack on the public’s right to know and the scrutiny of the democratic process say Article 19, English PEN and Index on Censorship.

Since the Freedom of Information Act was passed, the UK has at last begun to enjoy a more open democracy. The government’s current attempt to emasculate the Act, by putting a financial limit on requests, already constitutes a threat to a hard-won and essential democratic freedom.

The bill now seeks to put MPs beyond the reach of the Act, when surely they should be the most accountable individuals in the UK. In addition, it proposes that Parliament as a whole, the most important of all our public institutions, be exempted from the Act.

This would put the UK out of step even with the newest and most fragile European democracies, such as Bosnia and Serbia, who have recently legislated to open up their parliaments to public scrutiny.

The claim that the main reason for the bill is to prevent MPs’ letters on behalf of constituents from being released to the press and public does not hold. In fact, it will make all correspondence between MPs and public authorities exempt. Yet, constituents’ personal details (if any were divulged in correspondence) are already protected under the Act. In this matter, then Mr Maclean's bill appears to be totally redundant.

David Maclean's bill to exempt MPs, Parliament and the House of Lords from inquiries made under the Freedom of Information Act had its second reading on Friday 19 January.

If the bill becomes law, a farcical scenario will ensue where all correspondence on a matter of public policy - say, the closure of a hospital - will be available under the Act - except for MPs’ correspondence. The most accountable public figures in the country will enjoy a protection denied to their constituents.

Is this what is intended? To give MPs the privilege of keeping their activities secret? "

Now I know the world is going mad!!

27th January 2007 - Cat food ??

cat food ??
Originally uploaded by lizjones112.

When shopping in town today I couldn't quite believe my eyes when I noticed this hole in the wall on Cambridge Street. Someone is obviously feeding a cat or two...

Friday 26th January Taking Risks

Taking Risks
To laugh is to risk appearing the fool
To weep is to risk being called sentimental
To reach out to another is to risk involvement
To expose feelings is to risk showing your true self
To place your ideas and your dreams before the crowd is to risk being called naïve
To love is to risk not being loved in return
To live is to risk dying
To hope is to risk despair and,
To try is to risk failure
But risks must be taken
The greatest risk in life is to risk nothing
The person who risks nothing... does nothing, has nothing, and becomes nothing
He may avoid suffering and sorrow
But he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live
Chained by his servitude, he is a slave
He has forfeited his freedom
Only the person who risks is truly free.
William Arthur Ward

25th January 2007 Hall Cross 1793

Hall Cross 1793
Originally uploaded by lizjones112.

Sarah and I went to Doncaster today, had a good wander round taking some photos, this is Hall Cross, apparently it was built in 1793.
We also met a lovely lady who was interested in what we were doing. She told us that she was in her 70's and had been in the land army during the second World War and had worked as a rat catcher.

Winter Wonderland

Winter
Originally uploaded by lizjones112.

Driving back from Mums this evening, it was snowing quite hard as we came over the high part of the Dronfield bypass. Ben got very excited, it shows how rarely we see much snow these days.He commented that Graves Park looked like Narnia!

Green Metropolis

More books
Originally uploaded by Marvin123.

In an attempt to alliviate bordom and make some money I have put quite a few books up for sale on Green Metropolis today, I've already sold two!

Firemen told not to go up ladders!!

step ladder
Originally uploaded by xgray.

Apparently the firemen of Humberside have been told by their bosses that they should not climb ladders! This is not the extending ladders they have on the back of their fire engines but step ladders in peoples homes when they install smoke alarms.

Chorley FM

Saw this on a car sticker today! I's a good job I wasn't driving I was laughing that much!

Infra red photography

Scarthin Books Cromford

Scarthin Books Cromford
Originally uploaded by lizjones112.

Sarah took me to Scarthin books in Cromford today. What a wonderful book shop and fantastic cafe. What amazed me is that I have lived in Sheffield for so long and was brought up in South Derbyshire and I didn't know about it!

Are you more Cat or Dog?

You Are: 40% Dog, 60% Cat

You and cats have a lot in common. You're both smart and in charge - with a good amount of attitude. However, you do have a very playful side that occasionally comes out!

Are You More Cat or Dog?

Wonderful Ebay

As some of you who read my blog will know I have been off sick since before Christmas with stress and depression due to various reasons I won't go into here! But a few things have helped cheer me up and keep me relatively sane
These have included, my friends, Flickr and Ebay shopping for camera filters (Infra red) and clothes. I bid for and won the blouse on Ebay today.

What's in a name?

Facts about the name Elizabeth listed in The Saturday Times supplement

• Average income £21,000
• Average age 57
• Most likely to live in Northern Ireland
• Elizabeth is the second most common name of women who earn more than £100,000 a year.
• They are generally thought to be trustworthy, according to a 199o study carried out by a professor of psychology.
• They are most likely to be married to a man called John.
• They are half as likely as most people to have a contract mobile phone
• But they are more likely to enjoy hiking.

Well the last two are true for me, as for the rest...

box of peace

box of peace
Originally uploaded by lizjones112.

This arrived in the post today from an artist in America Franck de las Mercedes.A box of peace is just what I need at the moment!