Tag: help

Readers, a mystery to solve.

Any sci-fi readers out there, I need your help please. I have a mystery I’ve been unable to solve.

I can’t tell you much, but I’ll tell you what I can.

In the early to mid 90’s I borrowed a book from the library, and little bits of it just stuck with me, but for the life of me I can remember the title or author of the book. No-one I have asked since, has ever recognised it.

So this book had a scientist/genetics expert in it, he and his wife had a child, and as far as I remember unknown to her he altered the child’s genes to make it super intelligent.

Continuing onwards said child is born, and around 10 months old (I think) starts suddenly talking in the supermarket saying things like coffee, and spaghetti.

I am hoping you can help me find the book again. I’d like to re-read it. Thankyou to all my wonderful readers.

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Who to Ask for Help in Public?

♿ Like many people with physical disabilities, I go out without a personal assistant. This is because my care package only allows my PA to escort me for an hour around the shops. An hour isn’t long enough especially when I plan to luncheon with friends or watch a play at a theatre, therefore it […]

Who to Ask for Help in Public?

Gadgets….

What gadgets do you use around the house to make life easier, and help you do things that you’d be unable to do without them?

Some gadgets are electrical, but others can be something much simpler such as a grabber. I use a grabber to reach stuff, and pick stuff off the floor, it’s also good for pushing the bottom of curtains out of the way or opening/shutting windows.

Another gadget I use is my Tassimo Joy, which means I can make a hot drink safely without having to pour a kettle, or saucepan full of hot liquid as I can use it to make cuppa soups, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, hot blackcurrant, and ovaltine.

My mobile phone is something I use a lot too, it helps me keep in contact with people, organise my life, exchange emails with companies, and various other tasks as well as writing this blog.

I also have the option of using my voice to type this blog, but I only do that if its quiet as I’d end up having to correct it more often.

One of those little tasks that I don’t have to do often, but really struggle with is sharpening pencils, for this I purchased an electronic pencil sharpener. It can either be run via a USB socket, or by battery.

Health, and things that impact it.

We are hearing so much on the subject of fixing the NHS at the moment, but it’s not all down to the NHS. So many other areas impact on the heavy load they deal with.

We as a country could lessen that load by getting other areas right. For example, the state of the roads and pavements around the UK is appalling. Potholes can contribute to vehicle accidents meaning the NHS is needed.

Dodgy pavements and potholes can also cause falls, and damage mobility equipment. Both these issues cost the NHS money.

Unsuitable and unfit housing conditions can cause ill health such as lung problems, mental health crises, skin issues. Housing that’s not fit for the person’s needs can add to the risk of falling, dropping hot stuff causing burns/scalding.

Lack of carers, or the appropriate level of care and the necessary numbers of hours means that people aren’t being supported to live a safe and dignified way of life, being as independent as possible.

It’s not just about getting up, toileting, food, medication. These visits allow carers to notice changes in a person’s well being, help to make Dr’s appointments if necessary, and help them attend the appointment.

If you don’t know when you will next get a chance to go to the loo, you’ll limit your liquid intake which can cause kidney problems, or you may struggle to manage the loo even though it’s not safe to do so, and end up falling and require hospital treatment as a result.

Selling of school playgrounds limits the ability of schools to provide a selection of different sports and activities whole enable students to learn to experience and enjoy taking various types of exercise, and also reduces the space in which they can create a school/class vegetable garden and grow fresh food for students to enjoy and learn about where food comes from, and healthy eating in a practical way.

All these things have an impact on themselves, but they also impact the load on the National Health Service.

This was just a small simple post, so there’s probably masses I haven’t mentioned.

Am I the only one.

Am I the only one who’s not feeling at all Christmassy yet?

I’m not quite sure why. I love Christmas but that buzz just isn’t there this year. Maybe it is because the weather isn’t what we are used to at this time of year, there are still plenty of leaves on the trees, the wrong plants are still in flower or trying to be. Here’s one example of this – photo taken in the UK on the 2nd of December.

See what I mean, strawberries shouldn’t be attempting to grow at this time of year!

Another thing is, I find it difficult to feel all Christmas cheery when I am so aware there are families out there who are struggling to survive day to day, and are worried about that and on top of that, they worry about letting the children down this Christmas.

If you see someone who is struggling, please give them a little help. Remember, help can be given in many different ways, it doesn’t have to be financially. Maybe you have a few hours spare each week and could help with the children while they grab some overtime, or maybe you have spare eggs from your own chickens, but most importantly just sit down with them and listen. Then they’ll know you care!

Cost of food, and not wanting people to know you’re struggling – or determined to pay your way.

Ok so by now most people are aware that foodbanks exist, I wish there wasn’t a need for them, but many are in need, and they help so much. Also many Churches will help if you’re in a tight spot and need a bit of extra support.

But, there are others who are struggling just as much but are too embarrassed to use food banks, or have been brought up to always pay their way whatever the circumstances. Only the other day I was party to a conversation on this subject. Someone was talking about a place that provides free food – not a foodbank, but the food is provided for nothing. I had to explain that these kinds of places are available for absolutely anyone to use as often as they wish, they are available across the country (uk) run by various people independently and purely with the intention of reducing food wastage.

The food is perfectly safe to eat, but is often short dated, or on the last day where it cold have been sold, so stores donate it to reduce the amount thrown away. Also some people who grow their own produce and have a surplus supply give some to these places – often called community fridges, or pantry’s. If you are interested in these either for an environmental or financial point of view, please please make some enquiries in your local area and find out what’s  available. You could even come back and leave a comment if you find and use one near you.