With apologies to Ben Elton, I am about to get a little political!
Poor old David Cameron. I am not disclosing whether I am a supporter of his in particular or his party in general, but I do feel for him as a victim of our insistence on form over substance, appearance over reality.
What could he do? He is expected to APPEAR statesmanlike, which involves such activities as foreign trips, even though he can DO nothing while he is there. He is also expected to APPEAR to be helping in his flooded constituency, even though the reality is he can DO little if anything.
OK, he could have picked up a bucket and started baling...but to what effect? Are the people of Witney whose houses are flooded baling out? No, because there is no point until the waters go down. They have hunkered down and are more bothered about getting a bottle of clean water. Can Cameron get them this water? Well, the government, environment agency, supermarkets and various others seem to be doing a prety good job.
The job of an MP, in particular an MP of the opposition (whether the leader of that opposition or a simple back bencher), is to represent his constituents. Only when in government does the job change. David Cameron is not in government, therefore his job is to represent his constituents. Turning up and smiling and shaking hands does not represent them. Arguing in future for more flood defences, more aid etc may well be called for but at the height of the floods it is not the time for this. It is simply a time for whatever practical action can be done.
Incidentally, I am not entirely sure how he was representing the people of Witney in Africa either. But then that's the point...he feels as though he has to be there because the expectations on him are unfair.
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...so Mr Cameron...obviously had a full diary before all the Rains Came...and now has to go to 'emergencycam' and do what all prominent politicians do...go and shake hands and tell everyone it'll be all right. You understand I'm playing Devil's Avocado here...
My Auntie Norma living in Oxford, is one of the stranded, and is looking after an 87 year old lady from her church, whose bungalow is now floating around the Thames somewhere. If any politician of any hue goes anywhere near my Auntie Norma, she'll be expecting him to arrive with fresh water, a bucket, a small dinghy, some oars and his own toilet paper...otherwise he need not bother knocking.
Ironic that he went to Africa, where they need water...so perhaps David Cameron was a Red Indian Rain God in a previous life? Just brought it to the wrong country...
katzendocks
love
hazel
x
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6914397.stm
So, this is what is happening to me then. I blame the parents.
What's a woman to do? You take a couple of days off work to relax in the sun and prepare for the weekend of birthday celebrations that you hope your other half has organised for you and ... grey skies, horizontal rain and no hope of sun. No hope of relaxing in a deckchair in the garden. And on on questioning said other half, no hope of any celebrations either - no restaurant booked, no secret plans for a weekend away, no nothing (and no, he's not hiding anything as he's congenitally incapable of keeping a secret).
So here I am, warmly dressed (in July for god's sake!), tucked up on the sofa with a cup of tea and some Bourbon biscuits contemplating how much dust there is on the mantlepiece. May as well have gone to work.
I have to say I agree with Hazel's Auntie - if my house was armpit deep in muddy water and some politician turned up on the doorstep to see how bad things were he'd get very short shrift. But then, as you say Moose, damned if they do, damned if they don't ...
Crumbs. That's a bit of a rant. Sorry folks. Back later I s'pect (when the Bourbons run out probably!).
What an absolutely awful morning I have been having! Reports, visitors to deal with, phones ringing constantly. I'm really fed up - it's interfering with my skiving! (sp?)
Moose, very interesting blog. I am a little embarrassed to say that I have no interest in politicians at all. They will lie, cheat and step on people's heads if need be, to get what they want. I stopped believing in them a very long time ago. Is there ONE politician in this country remotely interested in the plight of these poor people who have been flooded? However, you can be sure that if the flooding was taking place in Downing Street, there would be action like you wouldn't believe. Makes me seethe!
Hope everyone is in good form today. Looking forward to pay day tomorrow! I have worked out that once everything is paid, I'll be left with £3.08 to buy something frivolous. I love my life!
C xx
Analog - pet lamb! When is your birthday? Well, my suggestion is that you dust yourself off,(ignore the mantlepiece) and make a reservation right now for Saturday night, for you both at your favourite restaurant! If Mohammed won't go to the mountain, then the mountain will have to come to Mohammed! Or something like that.
Mr S is just dreadful at arranging anything for us. He has no imagination, gets all embarrassed if he has to book a table somewhere, it's painful to watch. However, on Monday morning after he had been to see the nurse, he drove back to where we live and picked me up halfway to the train station. As a wee surprise, he drove me to work! I love men, I really do!
C xx
Chrissie - thanks for the advice. I have dusted myself off - and dusted the mantlepiece and most other flat surfaces in the house as well. Restaurant reservations are not that simple, but it's a long story that would only bore the pants off people so I won't go into it.
Don't go spending all that £3.08p all at once! Once you start spending sums like that its a slippery slope!!!!
Where is everyone today? Has Moose stunned the blog world into silence with his profound words or is everyone working hard?
Analog - have a wonderful birthday and don't worry, you are definitely not alone 'cos my hubby is just the same!
HL - I hope Auntie Norma is sorted out soon, it is just heartbreaking to watch all those poor families suffering in the floods.
Politics - I vote every election but I don't think any of them are particularly trustworthy and would agree that none of them EVER do the right thing in everyones opinion.
Right - am off to do more work now. Really busy at moment and it is definitely interfering with skiving off to blog!
Susan and Mary - hugs to you both and hope things are OK.
Hopefully you will larf at this!:
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.
Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he
quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what
he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey
stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping,
never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.
Live simply and appreciate what you have.
Give more.
Expect less.
NOW ............
Enough of that crap . . . The donkey later came back, and bit the farmer who had tried to bury him. The gash from the bite got infected and the farmer eventually died in agony from septic shock.
MORAL FROM TODAY'S LESSON:
When you do something wrong, and try to cover your ass, it always comes back to bite you.
A x
Have just had paddy tantrum at V bad driver. Was out in soas car (belongaboss) so wanted to get a move on. Needed sugar, so have bought all cakes (idle fripperies and a rum truffle, all approx £2.94). No one else wants one. Badger will be happy in midst of cake frenzy this evening instead.
analog. I am appalled. The Badger has his moments, but he really does know which side his bread is buttered when it comes to birthdays (and other anniversaries, but that's not for here) so I am, as I said, appalled. I am also concerned re your remark about restaurant reservations not being easy. Has Mr Log been to all your local restaurants twice already? That would be a shame if you can't go out because of his previous misdemeanours.
Anyhoo, me being appalled in Brighton, and you having no way to celebrate your birthday isn't getting us anywhere at all...apart from full support! I'd be upset too baby. Having been let down big style in the past by similar non-occurrences I, and I'm sure others, have a good idea how you are feeling. BIG BIRTHDAY CUDDLES TO YOU FOR A START XXX Can you not knock up a spa day, or shopping, or something lovely with a good buddy if nothing else is going on?
But then, it won't be the same.
Kind regards
Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells
...and now it's effing raining again.
Oh, and here's DAVID!
Analog - HAPPY BIRTHDAY XXXXXXXXX Presumably Mr Log can't go to a restaurant more than once then. Perhaps he's like 'im indoors, in that he's not allowed to eat spare ribs, or spag bol in public for the mess that they make?! Anyhoo, whatever you do, enjoy and have a lovely time XX
'Im indoors is very good at arranging birthday/anniversary stuff. There's a surprise weekend away for me birthday and a meal out for anniversaries, so I really can't complain.
I'm off to minute a meeting now - honestly, have some people got no lives at all that they have to hold a meeting at 4.30pm? I'll be lucky to get home by 7pm!!!!!
Anyway, catch you all tomorrer
jollygit xx
Tomorrows Headline
'Death Cat in Hanging Horror'
Earlier today, Tiddles(12) was found dangling by his collar from the window fastening of Room 73 at the Olldeers Nursing Home in Wetherfookawee, Texas. Albert Smalltrees(97) whose room it was, was also found by nurses, dead in bed this morning, clutching a bowl of sardine heads, with which, it is believed, he was trying to coax the cat out of the room.
A spokesman declined to comment.
love
hazel
x
I think even if I WAS fading fast, I'd have an air rifle at the ready to get rid of that blimmin cat. I'm surprised it doesn't have a black cloak and a scythe .......
The sun's shining today - hoorah - and long may it last. I'm working on Saturday morning but - with 'im indoors away at his poorly mum's for the weekend - I've got Sat night alone. Ooh, I get the remote control all to myself!!!! Now, what about dinner - curry or fish 'n chips?
Have a good Friday everyone xx
jollygit xx
Morning
Thanks for all your comments and birthday wishes. The sun is out so today I'm going shopping - just because I can. Mr L has agreed to cook dinner and wait on my every need (??) on Sunday in lieu of restaurant bookings.
Don't be too disgusted Hazel - he's not that bad. He does the weekly shop for a start.
Oh and its not because you can only take him some place once ... In years gone by we reguarly ate out (pizza and Italian food being our favourites) but they're off the menu as he now has strict gluten-free dietary requirements and finding g-f eateries round 'yer is not all that easy.
Anyway off to spend some money now. Back later.
PS Jollygit - fish & chips every time!
analog, I'm really pleased...maybe amanda can lend you her feather boa...as long as you get it back to her for Monday evening...
Happy birthday to you lovely girl, just you make sure you have plenty of 'needs' on Sunday...but that's probably not for here...
I'm not too disgusted, I promise, and if the Badger sets foot inside a supermarket, you can be that he'll get LOADS of food, but it'll be all nibbly bits (possibly WAS badger in previous life?) and dips, nothing at all substantial, and will have to be eaten by Thursday...so I envy you your weekly shopping man!
Horrible having to be on a special diet. I have a strange feeling that when the Badger eventually gets to the docs about his tummy (ongoing) he is probably going to be found to have intolerance of plenty of things...so all credit to you! If you ever come to B&Ha we'll go to a carvery and just eat MEAT! He is also intolerant of discourteous drivers.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Shall raise a glass this eve, as we are out celebrating two of our friends birthdays a bit later...so there'll definitely be one for analog...
possibly JD based
love
hazel
x
ps Fish and chips or curry. No contest AT ALL. Has to be Chicken Tikka Korma, Pilau Rice, Onion Bhaji and a Peshwarri Nan. And a tub of mint sauce and some of that tomato salad. And some mango jam and some plain poppadoms. And a spoon.
pps We are going to an American Diner this evening. Our main challenge will be to get the Badger's hair into some kind of Quiff.
In the meantime, I shall be in the naughty corner. It's easier this way.
...and I just have to say, what a fine specimen (of what I'm not sure) 'lardi man' is...
ChrissieS, you GO girl!
He has obviously been thrown off of some other message board.
I think the BP must be on leave.
that was hazel by the way.
Can I just say - I have seldom welcomed a Friday more. Just before my holiday, the boss and I were getting along like best mates. I laughed at all his jokes, he kept telling me I was in top form. Well, we have fallen out of love over the last couple of days - he blames me, but naturally, I know it's all HIS fault! Briefly, he procrastinates over the important things he has to do, leaves them until the last minute and then expects me to produce the goods instantly. "Don't you just push a button"? Yeah, mate, that's right - I have a special "wait until the very last minute button" on my computer!
Thanks for listening!
Analog - have a lovely, lovely birthday. Sorry Mr Log has the special dietary requirements. Not easy to attend to. Anyway, I'm with Hazel and will be raising a wee glass of something toxic to you over the weekend!
Hazel - thank you for the support over lardi man. I'll give him lardi man!! And his comment was NOT a joke, I am sure. I agree, the BP must be on leave. Mr James is back with his usual drivel!
Hey Ho, it's all good!
C xx
I did mean to say yesterday - Amanda, the donkey story was wonderful! I was completely taken in, right until the last moment! Your jokes over the last couple of weeks have been great.
C xx
I saw Lardi's comments - what a div, eh? Chrissie, life's for living so you go for it and have fun!!!! This isn't a rehearsal ...
HL - loved the belly pome xx
jollygit x
ChrissieS, I wish I had your email address.
I'd be sending you a pic of my keyboard. I have a 'Panic' button positioned above my Esc key.
Have just commented on CE. Will be interested if BP let it through. I was, after all, my usual saccharine and light self...
Procrastination - the thief of time...it appears to have also taken away my last ten years...
tic
love
hazel
x
I'll 'old 'im darn, you 'it 'im...x
Hazel - I so want to see that picture of your panic button! I gotta get one of those! Incidentally, if anyone WOULD like my email address, the lovely Moose has the details and has said (o.k. it was a while ago!) that he is happy to pass it on. Lardi Man need not apply!
C xx
Arfternoon everyone!
Hope this Friday finds you all in good spirit (that's of the soul not the JD variety Hazel). I'm having a bit of a down day today, Roobear is very wobbly, my Dad is having a dicky fit about having to have a colonoscopy next Tuesday and Mum has loads of tests to be done before she goes in for the op on Wednesday.
On a more positive note Majextic have just delivered me some wine that should see me through the weekend and I know all the take-away's are open as of 5pm.
I'm now happy with my new web-site www.portstgeorge.com (thanks HL) and if you're at all interested in the project you can subscribe for our newsletter where I jabber on about what's happening.
Happy Birthday Analog! I hope the sun's shining down on you wherever you are.
Luv
Lyndyloo
& The Bears
-x-x-x-
Lyndyloo,
Oh, you are having a real time of it, aren't you? It's just awful when people we love have to go for tests, etc and we want to re-assure them everything will be o.k.
And wee Roobear - lots of love xx
I'm sending you lots of hugs and I will think of your mum and dad next week.
C xx
Oh, Lyndyloo,
LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR FOLKS AND THE BEARS
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
and lots of kisses better for everyone too...
love
hazel
x
Lyndyloo - lots of love and hugs for you, your mum and dad and, of course, Roobear. I really hope they're all much, much better soon. Uncork a bottle - it's five o'clock somewhere, remember!!!! Try and have a good weekend.
Analog - happy birthday petal xxxx
HL - have a great time in Potters Bar and I'll look forward to seeing badger's quiff (is that anywhere near badger's drift?!) xx
Have a great weekend everyone - I'm just about to leave the office having been here until 6pm yesterday in a blimmin meeting and from 8.30 this morning, so my hours are in, done and dus-ted.
Love to all
jollygit xxxx
Well, that's me shopped out for another year. Still it was OK spending someone else's money!
Best wishes to Lyndyloo's folks and bears and anyone else who's in need of them.
Hazel - make sure your badger gets his tummy checked out good & proper. It took a couple of years, a multitude of undignified tests, some slightly dodgy diagnoses, a house move and a new and keen doctor to get to the bottom of Mr L's problems (if you'll forgive the pun). Now he knows what's wrong and as long as he sticks to the diet, things seem to be improving all the time.
Have a good weekend. I'll think of you all as I raise a glass of something to celebrate!
Troops,
I am taking my leave. Thank you for listening/answering and thanks in general for being there!
Moose, as always, thank you for your blog. Looking forward to hearing how things are with you.
Have a good weekend everyone.
C xx
Thanks everyone you can always be sure that you wonderful boggers will put a smile on my face (or a tear in my eye)! I'm off to have a glass of that mjestic wine delivery. Have a great weekend.
Luv
Lyndyloo
& the Bears
-x-x-x-
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