Last week, I was asked by the ubiquitous Bea Fickle why the illusive Chris remains a somewhat shadowy character here on the Going Gently blog
The answer is a simple one, he prefers to remain in the wings.
Chris has a healthy disregard for the potential damage that personal blogs can have on peoples' lives and I respect this fact as I am only too aware that what you write can sometimes come back to snap at a person's arse at a later date!
So, dear readers you may occasionally only get a glimpse of Chris amid the flotsam of Going Gently....A pure, clear cut, University based PhD academic, I think Chris finds my emotional view of animal husbandry, sentimental view of life and particular lack of personal grooming somewhat baffling, but generally will put up with needs of 100 hungry mouths and the emotional jacuzzi of my personality with some alacrity Having said this he will sometimes be pushed to breaking point - ( sixteen shit flinging runner ducklings on the kitchen table almost bounced him into therapy)....but for the most part he enjoys the country life a little vicariously as he writes his academic papers and completes his research.
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| The runner ducklings that almost pushed Chris to the brink |
Last night we swapped Valentine gifts. Its not something we have done for years, but independently he treated me to some theatre tickets ( to see one of my favourite musicals- Guys And Dolls) and I treated him to some toiletries.
It was a nice gesture.....Him Indoors and I have many years together to go.....
Bless! What is his speciality at University? (You may have already told and I may not have been listening - again). He's probably right about steering clear of blogging for fear of arse-bites - this is why I adopt a rather attractive fake name. I don't mind you knowing the real one, John, but I'm not so sure about others...
ReplyDeleteChris is a research fellow...specialising in stroke and long term conditions!
ReplyDeleteI've had my arse bitten by a blog post.
ReplyDeleteYou both look wonderul and happy - it's god to have seperate interests says she fuming when her husband disapedrs off sailing on Sundays !
John- silly Breeze got out yesterday & ended up in a neighbour's garden in their German Pointer's mouth. She lost a lot of feathers & is limping but no bite marks. I kept her in a basket of hay and by the afternoon she was hobbling about with the other three hens. She roosted with them last night & seems fairly OK if a little shaken, wobbly & bedraggled looking.
Dear John, I can well understand Chris's wish to remain in the shadows for, in having a weblog and publishing postings, one is in danger of exposing oneself more than one might realise at the time. Generally, however, most of the readers of weblogs are, thankfully, truly kind and supportive.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning John! I can certainly understand and respect Chris's wish to remain in the shadow--My husband does as well. I've never gotten 'in trouble' for anything I've said in a blog post, but don't get me started about Facebook....
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day!!
Ahhhhh.....so sweet. Isn't it nice that he's expert in stroking?! xxx
ReplyDeleteNow, I can put a face to your happiness.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult sometimes, with a blog, to really be yourself...never know who is reading!
I love that photograph, John! I hope you and Chris have many happy years together! xxxx oooo
ReplyDeleteThia is part of what I wrote on my first post of my blog:
ReplyDelete"It's funny, I have been thinking about creating my very own blog for ages now, but have been putting it off, and putting it off. I am not sure why, maybe it has something to do with that reserved British side of me, do I want everyone knowing everything about me. Well the solution to that I suppose, is only post what I am comfortable with everyone in the world knowing about. Pretty simple solution when you think about it, don't know why I took so long to figure that one out."
However I do see Chris' point of view.
Gill in Canada
So sweet!! I was hoping he'd get you a Scottie puppy.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I like best about your blog John, that you 'let it ALL hang out'!!!
ReplyDeleteBlogging got me right out of a 'shell' I created for myself. Didn't want people to know too much. Why? Oh, fears that built up over the years. Then I said to hell with it! What could probably happen that would be that bad, other than meeting a bunch of people from all over who are terrific to meet and get to know!!!
I love that picture of your two together. Pictures of people are my favorite.
ReplyDeleteYour Friend, m.
You make a lovely couple. x
ReplyDeleteTheater tickets! Chris is such a thoughtful fellow! Most people keep their other half in partial seclusion, we know they are there, but do not know much of "their story" - otherwise it would be their blog.
ReplyDeleteXXX
Awwwwwwww.......
ReplyDeleteit's good to see a face to chris! he's a sport, for sure.
ReplyDeleteYou and Chris make a handsome couple. Yes...differences do make life interesting don't they John. Life with Rudy is anything but boring!
ReplyDeleteThat was a lovely and interesting entry, John. I'm glad you made it and hope that Chris doesn't feel too "exposed." I wish you many more years of happiness.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely-happy couple you make. Writing about my upbringing has pissed in my mother's oats a time or two. But the long silences ended eventually adding more fodder to my endless whining. LOL
ReplyDeleteLove Ya'lls -- so cute,
Mal
I think you make a fine couple. Differences keep things from being static.
ReplyDeleteYou can still maintain a good deal of privacy with blogging. Most things we disclose are what the average person we know at work or the neighborhood would know anyway. I only know a few blogs that expose the personal.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog. This is a return call - how could I not blog with someone who owns a flatulent bulldog called Constance. I adore bulldogs - had a pug, the next best thing, and he was a darling. Bulldogs are pretty pricey now, aren't they. I do have a bulldog friend called Reg - he is getting old now but is still very wise.
ReplyDeleteI too have hens but being married to a farmer they are on the whole producing hens (everything on the farm has to earn its keep sort of thing).
As for arse-bites - who cares about such things. Have the courage of one's convictions I say and to hell with anyone who doesn't like it.
Do keep calling. Shall put you on my blog list right now.
Best wishes to both.
John - I just cannot get you on to my blog list. I have been trying for half an hour and each time it comes up as "disaster film" and then disappears. Please keep visiting and I will keep trying to get you on my blog list!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the intro. Just caught up with your posts...love the story of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteMy husband will have nothing to do with being visible on my blog. Sometimes, I sneak in a photo or his rear -- back, rear end, etc. -- Inger
ReplyDeleteMy hubby hates to have his picture taken.
ReplyDeleteMy brother's partner usually has to have a few drinks in him before he'll let my brother snap his picture.
I understand Chris' hesitation.
That said, here's to many more years for you both together! :)
"sixteen shit flinging runner ducklings on the kitchen table" had me laughing out loud over my morning coffee! (whoops, there goes another keyboard.) John, you do have a wonderful way with words!!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see a nice picture of the two of you John. He must really LIKE you A LOT to put up with all those critters flinging you know what ;) All the best to the both of you.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gill...you only have to put so much out there for others to know. If a person is worried about someone lurking around out there ready to say something terrible on your blog...just make sure that all comments have to come through you before they get posted. I'm not sure about this but you may be able to block them from commenting again. Anyway...it's great fun but you just have to be careful. At the same time I respect Chris's decision not to have a blog...he's probably too busy anyway! Hope you both have a wonderful evening.
Maura :)
I'm happy for you, Chris seems like a really nice guy. And I know what you mean about blogging being too out there sometimes. It will probably be a loooong time before I let my daughter do any social sites, regardless of how safe they appear.
ReplyDeleteAbout bloody time I saw a nice pic of you two on your blog! :) Happy V-Day!
ReplyDeleteBro, you both look pissed and the man's a saint. Ann xx
ReplyDeletewe were both sober and I too am a saint!!
ReplyDeleteI too received a valentine in the form of a card from my other half of 25 years! Only problem was he got one of our daughters to chose the card who clearly did not read the verse as it referred to me as 'girlfriend'!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the pic
Jane
Sweet post. Hope you both had a happy Valentine's day. I understand Chris' hesitation with blogs. Yikes! Once it's on the internet there's really no taking it back.
ReplyDeleteStaci
You and Chris make a beautiful couple John. Thanks for posting his picture. I wondered about him, now I know. I pray for a long and happy life for both of you. The animals need you to live long and prosper!
ReplyDeleteI got some pretty roses and sweet card from my hubby. He surprised me with the roses. I didn't expect them. I made him his favorite dinner and bought him his favorite (and in my opinion yucky!) cookies for dessert. It was a good day for all!