The lowest point of this week was the finding out that I had left several kitchen paper towels in the washing machine.
I know it's not the greatest trauma of the century
Baby faced schoolboys are trapped in a flooded Thai cave for gawd's sake and the economy is just about to take a brexit nosedive and I have knelt on the kitchen floor weeping at a pile of paper mache that has infiltrated my smalls.
It's funny what gets on your tits when you least expect it.
I turned a corner after that.
I turned a corner after reading a testament to the NHS turning 70 soon after.
On Facebook and in the press there were accolades galore but one comment from an old patient of mine ( who later became a friend) brought me up by my bra straps
" the NHS is 70" he wrote " and you have been a nurse for exactly half that time how fucking fantastic is that?......thank you"
A little kindness can bring you back up again
Ps.
Just got back from colwyn bay beach where Mary and I shared a Mr Whippy
Very funny situation as I was collecting the dogs for a wee when home when a large RV crept past the cottage very slowly...
I waved thinking they had gone the wrong way and pointed to Trevor's drive suggesting they could turn around but the lady passenger popped out of her seat and walked over
" I read your blog and just wanted to see where you lived" she said somewhat breathlessly
" We're not stalkers!" her attractive husband sang out helpfully from the drivers seat
And moments later they were gone, leaving me smiling broadly
I hope they didn't notice that I had spilled coffee all down my forth best walking dead t shirt
Hey ho
Apologies but I never even asked your name so surprising was the visit
Please comment below if you read this, make yourself known !
Such a true post, it's always the small things which finally break you.
ReplyDeleteGoodness a drive by, such is fame.
DeleteIt just occur to me that I have not done the right thing since when my husband came back to me, I am on this blog to give thanks to whom it deserve, Some couples of weeks ago my life was in a terrible shape because my husband left me and I never believe that I was going to get him back, But through the help of this powerful spell caster called Dr.Ekpen my life is now in a joyful mood, I must recommend the services of Dr.Ekpen to anyone out there that they should contact Dr.Ekpen through these details below: ( ekpentemple@gmail.com ) or whatsapp +2347050270218 because through Dr.Ekpen assistance my marriage was restored.
DeleteYup...it's the little things that get you. One major trauma after another and you walk whistling down the street...crumbs on the counter again and you fall apart at the seams. I'm glad you found a little pick me up. Good Lord I hope they get those little guys out of there. They are going to have nightmares for the rest of their lives.
ReplyDeleteI can't help thinking of those poor boys.
ReplyDeleteDo you usually wash your kitchen paper. Just wondering because you said they got left in there... or is that where you store it? :-) Praying for those poor kids and their families
ReplyDeleteI accidentally wrapped a few sheets in with the washing!
DeleteSometimes when things start to feel overwhelming, we just have to stop and try to press the reset button. Often a few kind words from someone can do that in seconds. As for the boys trapped in the cave, after ten days missing, I felt they must have died, how could an entire soccer team not show any signs of life for that long. I was ecstatic when they found them all alive, that's a huge positive so we should all go from that point.
ReplyDeleteGood analogy that button ! We all need one
DeleteIt has to be said there is a melancholic thread through your posts these days, except when you were in Spain of course. I hope you have some other happy things planned for the summer, I don't think I can stand much more of having to be all serious all the time with you here!
ReplyDeleteIf he can stand it , we can. We are in his debt. Years of lovely posts.
DeleteI feel lighter this afternoon just took Mary onto colwyn bay beach and Promenade , I bought her a savaloy
DeleteHope it's a big one John x
DeleteOur time frames in the NHS are very similar John, and the observation of your former patient and friend, which hadn't occurred to me, is a sobering thought.
ReplyDeleteYes it does get things into perspective Philip
DeleteThe papier-maché pants were just the last straw. Try to make it the very last straw? I know it's easy to say, but things will improve for you.
ReplyDeleteIndeed thank you for that..good advice xx
DeleteP.S. I hope you had the first lick on the Mr Whippy.
DeleteSmall acts of kindness are treasures x
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhile I write this, fhe first 2 boys in Tailand have just been succesfully liberated. However, there was also the news that a Jewish man in Berlin was molested yesterday. And he isn't the first one.
ReplyDeleteWhat a world!
Ying yang and the like x
DeleteIt's the little things in life, the good and the bad. You bring a to of light to so many and I wish we could bring bushel loads to you right now.
ReplyDeleteI hope the boys will be ok. This reminds me of the miners who were rescued a few years ago.
All the best, John, today and every day.
Thank you dearheart x
DeleteIt's the buildup before the snap.
ReplyDelete!
Delete“baby faced school boys trapped” . . .
ReplyDeletehas me stopped in my tracks . . .
We make a difference in the world, by doing our bit to make it better.
ReplyDeleteOh I have had many a melancholy day and the oddest things can pull you out of it .. I am glad that the person who wrote that was able to get the point across.
ReplyDeleteThere are times that I think of how happy I Was an then I think of what I lost ... and it takes work sometimes to remind yourself of what you still have.
It's ok .. you have the important stuff .. that's what matters.
We have a saying here in Aus John, which comes from a famous add "At moments like these you need Minties" After finding the mushy paper in your wash you probably needed a sweetie or two!!
ReplyDeleteSuch sad news reported tonight that one of the divers assisting the Thai rescue died on the job. Such things make us count our blessings to be safe at home with our loved ones whether they be two or four footed, Ellexx
Minties I'm off to get minties!
DeleteSix of the boys are out now, the rest are coming out tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteWhat awful bickering comments there are above. Why do people read a blog if all they can do is pick fault with it and have a slanging match. How utterly pathetic.
John, a lot of people will have been grateful for your care when feeling poorly. Hang on to that, you did a stirling job.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteNo excuse, Ignore Her.
DeleteI am not having any spats...
DeleteI've just started to feel a bit brighter
Meanqueen reme bear when you turned up? How funny was that
DeleteDon't understand 'reme bear', not a saying I am familiar with. Can I have a proper invite next time?
DeleteMeanqueen, it was four boys out yesterday not six. But another four out today too now. Four left and their coach.
DeleteYou're a tourist attraction now!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd an internet sensation
DeleteIt's not you, it's Winnie lol.
DeleteI would love to see were you live also but I would have brought a small treasure from Tucson and asked for your autograph !
ReplyDeleteYour writing makes me happy, I appreciate you.
cheers, parsnip
Thank you gayle
DeleteJohn Grey's cottage, one of Wales's (is that correct grammar?) top tourist attractions.
ReplyDeleteI'd be inclined to write " Wales' " - but do shoot me down, anybody, if I'm wrong.
DeleteBtw: Sol, where are you? You're being acutely missed!
I had to look up Savaloy, is it like what we call a hot dog?
ReplyDelete40 p each from the deli counter in Sainsbury's . Dogs would kill for one
DeleteIf you kick the bucket they'll have to put a blue plaque on your corner cottage.
ReplyDeleteI hope SO YP XX
DeleteJohn Algernon Gray
Delete(1962-2042)
Blogger, Samaritan and Animal Lover
Resided Here
Yorkshire Pudding, could we add " Admirer and consumer of the Scotch Egg" please? x
DeleteYes of course Lisa. We will have to make the blue plaque a little larger than I had imagined. We must also include - Devoted Trelawnyd Flower Show Secretary.
DeleteJohn, it could have been worse. You could have spilled coffee down your first, second or third best walking dead t-shirt instead!
ReplyDeleteI'd need counselling
DeleteJust like Hollywood! Trelawnyd's Map of the Stars' Homes.
ReplyDeleteThe buses would never get down the lane
DeleteSomething I would love to do.....and the coffee stain was just further identification.
ReplyDeleteI want my visitor to identify herself today! I never asked her name how remiss of me
DeleteExcuse my ignorance but what is an RV?
ReplyDeleteRecreational Vehicle...assuming you are not joking.
DeleteYou deleted a perfectly "nice" comment of mine in reply to a post in which you plead for people to be "kind" to each other?
ReplyDeleteHow much further are you prepared to go, John, Mr "Nice" Guy?
You stick with Rachel (and Tom). Should you ever find yourself on a desert island with either make sure they walk in front of you unless you have eyes in the back of your head. Rachel doesn't even recognize her own copy - instead accusing me of lying/making things up. And you don't query that? Well, as I said, you are Mr Nice Guy. Fair, reasoned, balanced. Knows which way his bread is buttered. The wrong way, John.
Is integrity, fairness, ever on your menu? No matter. I will not darken your blog's door again unless provoked. I also wish you, and I mean it with my heart, that that cloud recently hanging over you will lift - one way or another.
Such a pity, every which way, it had to come to this.
Ursula
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteI think I'll pack my knapsack and tent ,dogs in tow and set off on a pilgramage to find a certain cottage in Wales-if only my legs weren't so wobbly at times x
ReplyDeleteAnd you'd be welcome
DeleteUrsula
ReplyDeleteLet's get something clear. Today I have deleted both yours and Rachel's posts. I WILL NO LONGER TOLERATE FIGHTING, BITCH REMARKS ETC between commentators. This is my blog AND I AM THE CENTRE OF ATTENTION HERE
Is that clear?
Now recently you have posted several witty , appropriate comments and as you will see,( just flick back and see) all of them have been left intact for everyone to read,
Why is that?
WELL I SHALL TELL YOU
They were and are appropriate. They are not snide or pointed or rude.
If rachel or YP or god forbid Weaver said anything like the interaction I read this afternoon well THEY WOULD BE DELETED TOO
NOW I CANT SAY THIS ANY CLEARER
MY ACTIONS CANNOT BE ANY CLEARER
AND I HAVE BEEN FAIR....
END OF SUBJECT
I think my response was nicely worded actually.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteHelen this has nothing to do with you. I made a harmless comment which was dragged through the sewer by Ursula, as she likes to do with various people from time to time and is well known here for doing so. Please leave John to look after his own blog. He is perfectly capable of doing so.
DeleteAnd do not even suggest that I am anything but a very good friend to John. You need to check your facts before you start chucking your comments around Helen.
DeleteHelen, Rachel will be pleased, or so I hope, that I do side with her on this one. You are making many assumptions based on little background knowledge. Please don't "psychologize" either of us.
DeleteMay I also remind the three of us that John said "End of Subject".
U
Thank you Ursula. I wish that John had come out to remind Helen of End of Subject before we had to come back on the scene and also that she was totally out of order in her assumptions.
DeleteGood lord I've just got back after Walking Mary 3 mikes xx
DeleteThank you but I don't need to be told by either of you when I can or can't comment. This blog doesn't belong to either of you and I'm sure John is more than capable of deciding which comments he finds acceptable.
DeleteHere ends my participation so a reply from either of you is not required.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteHelen, no offence, but please do reflect on what you said there "I don't need to be told ..." yet that's what you did, tell some people on John's blog off despite him being "more than capable ..." to do so himself. If you don't see the irony, well ... Anyway, sulking when you know you've put a foot wrong yourself is most unbecoming.
DeleteDon't worry, be happy, Helen (can't remember where that slogan came from - sounds like Bob Marley); it's only blogging not world diplomacy,
U
I.missed most of the latter remarks of this conversation . And I am at a loss .
DeleteI have asked for no personal.insults . No monopolizing no rants and because I didn't.police my.blog until now ( 24 hours later) it's all gone tits up again....
It's amazing, isn't it, how one thing can turn around a day (either way). I've gone to pieces over something like tissue in the washer, and been lifted up by a small kindness, too. I'm glad your day took a turn for the better. Love that shot of Mary looking out over the beach.
ReplyDeleteShe was rested .
DeleteJust after her ice cream
It is so often the little things. The straw that breaks the camel's back. All the camels.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you were lifted again.
Aargh! Google are my comment, I will try again. I was mortified that RV drivers should successfully locate your home, while a calm British chap on foot and discretely dressed failed dismally. I cannot even stalk successfully. Retirement is tough and I am glad that this is the sum total of my problems....
ReplyDeleteAll the best. By the way I do like the way you police your comments section, if you were is Russia there would be less diving and carrying on.
Charles
Charles did you really ? How wonderful
DeleteYou should have asked around most people know me
I asked the person who didn't know you, but not to worry, I worked it out from your descriptions and photo's you posted, plus google maps. Was nice to say hello.
DeleteMany of us, would love to meet you in person. Plan your world tour, I'll buy lunch when you are in my town.
ReplyDeleteDeal x
DeleteThere's even a bed at my place and I love to cook, come to Australia on that tour.Now this will scare you, I even dreamt about you the other night, I was having surgery the next day and you were looking after me post op.xx
DeleteAmsterdam will always welcome you. Hang in there, John, it's not easy. I fell into a depression 6 weeks ago and one of the things that helps a little are your posts - especially now you're sharing a bit of yourself when things are bad. And I don't mean the paper towels... Let's keep muddling through, ask for help if needed, and share our common humanity.
DeleteElsewhere from amsterdam
I want first dibs on hosting you when you are in the Pacific NW of the US! My house in Portland, my daughter's house in Seattle area.
DeleteBring on the World Tour!
Oh god! I live for the day when Weave gets blog Tourette’s and lets rip in the comments section...
ReplyDeleteHa-ha, that's funny!
DeleteOh I've read each comment and we still don't know who your mystery visitors were..
ReplyDeleteTissues and paper napkins are my pet peeve. My heart drops when I open the washing machine door and spot the tell tale sign of paper dust :(
The lady involved said she met the countess from her blog ? Ring any bells?
DeleteSadly not, but if I come across anything on my blog travels I'll let you know.
DeleteIf I ever make it to Wales, John, you won't get rid of me that easily. Stalker or not, I'll insist on meeting all of your dogs and Albert before I leave! Haha :)
ReplyDeleteHugs to you, my friend. I'm glad you're feeling a little better.
The picture of Mary at the beach looks most inviting. A nice place to relax on a summer day. Our summer is starting to look like a real burner this year. Todays high to reach 114 F / 64.5 C and going up as summer hits it's stride. Have a great summer and enjoy yourself.
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteI guess your non-stalker wishes to remain anonymous. If I were in Wales, I would find the village and have a good nose 'round to find your place and have a look at the pups and Albert! I would introduce myself, however.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear that the paper towel incident put you over the edge. Little things can do that. As trite as it sounds, it is always a good idea to stop in those moments and think about how fortunate one is. Count your blessings sort of thinking. Every day has its ups and downs. I am hoping the rest of your is "up".
I'd love to know who they were!
DeleteWell, I'm not your stalker but I do know where you live having walked past the cottage a couple of months ago with a friend who lives in Trelawnyd (which is how I came across your blog looking for information about Trelawyd). We'd taken the dogs for a walk and I wanted to see the preaching cross in the churchyard and I realised that we were adjacent to your cottage. Clothes were airing on a clothes horse in the garden but I am not so rude as to take a further peek in through your window - although I did take a look over the gate at the (empty) Ukrainian village. If you do leave Trelawnyd perhaps a blue plaque on the wall with famous blogger (to some of us!) lived here? And I'm only half joking!
ReplyDeleteWhat's your name and you should have said hello xx
DeleteSome nice, cheery stories here John - so glad.
ReplyDeleteAs to the paper towels. I occasionally accidentally leave a tissue in my jean's pocket when I put them in the machine - the paper comes out in tiny bits and it infiltrates every single item in the machine. Very frustrating.
Thank you, I think a few people can't understand what happened
DeleteYou're marvelous. I am in the UK in Oct/Nov and semi tempted to see if I can do a cabaret show i the village hall ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat would put the cat amongst the chickens
DeleteThis is the second blog post in a row I've just read about the 70th anniversary of NHS. Seriously: Two in a row. You people are just rubbing our faces in the fact that you have access to medical care.
ReplyDeleteAs gritty frontiersmen, we Americans are expected to stitch ourselves up. Or something. We pride ourselves on our God-given right to untreated gangrene.
It's sort of weird that you've inspired Going Gently tourism.
The NHS is one of the seven wonders of the world , and I should know
DeleteWell at least you haven't left a lipstick in your pocket and had that go through the machine...or maybe you have. I won't judge, but it makes a huge mess.
ReplyDeleteI once found a condom package in the dryer. It belonged to my then 17yr old son. He was quite mortified that I found it, but I just simply told him that the heat from the dryer was very bad for rubber, and it would work better if it didn't get put through the laundry.
Barb
Well said that mom
DeleteWhadaya have paper towels in your washing machine for in the first place??? ;-). Glad you got a pick-me-up to counter that downer.
ReplyDeleteIt was by accident!
DeleteOh I've washed many a pocket full of paper tissues by accident. As we both wear only black underwear and socks etc it takes many, many washes before all the white fluff is finally gone.
ReplyDeleteAnd I know the feeling well of one little thing pushing you over the edge.
Hope you are feeling much better now, despite the silly spats in the comments today.
My heart also sinks when I open the machine and the gazillions of tiny pieces of tissue wink at me. I am terrible for doing it, I'm always in a hurry ...I must remember to check the pockets! Glad you had a subsequent pick you up. I love the picture of Mary gazing out to sea... some lovely weather you are having. Enjoy your summer in beautiful Wales.
ReplyDeleteJo in Auckland, NZ
Oh John, your a ⭐️ ... your on the walk ( drive ) of fame. We all love you and your clan! You’ve brightened many a dreary day for me. I have to giggle 🤭 I was putting my brassiere on and notices I needed to tighten up the bra straps but I was to lazy on a Sunday to bother with it. The girls were sagging even more than usual. 🤪Enjoy your week! Gabs
ReplyDeleteJohn, just a thought. Have you ever considered being a nurse educator. Not anatomy and physiology but the art of caring for another human. I would have really benefited from someone with your wisdom, gentle humour and integrity when I was a nursing student. You have a unique world view.
ReplyDeleteHello John, I am one of your stalkers and I mean that in the best possible light. I love your blog, you dear sir are a breath of fresh air and when I am feeling a bit down, all I have to do is come here and read about life in a Welsh Village to make me smile. It is a wonderful place to be I can tell. Thank you, you are an oasis of which I love to visit. from Dee, a big fan x
ReplyDeleteThe sea pic looks very relaxing and charming. How wonderful to have travelers stop by to see you in real life! And they all seem like very nice people. If I ever make it to your neck of the woods, I would definitely stop by to say hello to you and your fantastic gang!
ReplyDelete.•.*.•.*.•.*.•.*.•.*.•.*
Happy Birthday, NHS!!!
..•*•*•*•..
__i_i_i__
[*O*O*O]
[O*O*O*]
Cheers and Best wishes for many more years of outstanding service, caring, and excellence for the people!!!
Wow !!! absolutely fantastic blog. I am very glad to have such useful information.
ReplyDeleteดูหนัง
I keep checking to see if the visitor has identified themselves! If I was going to be near Trelawnyd, I'd want to drive past too.
ReplyDeleteTotally understand about the paper towels. I remember once bursting into tears because I'd cut into an avocado and it wasn't ripe ... and yes, I can hear the shouts of 'First World Problem'! But we live in the word we are in, and when life feels overwhelming, it only takes the tiniest extra obstacle to tip everything over the edge.
Perhaps your visitor is still on her travels and hasn't been able to check the blog yet.
It wasn't me because I would have knocked and ask to come in !! xx
ReplyDeletePeople turning up unnannounced (meanqueen's blog said she didn't want any at her house!!!) and now people wanting to make an appointment to visit, it's enough to make you want to move house and not tell anybody where you're going!
ReplyDeleteHey Helen, You got that wrong. No I did not say that !!!. I welcome anyone who wants to call in and say hello. I do not welcome oddballs from the North East who have been stalking me for four years after seeing me on TV, ringing up my Tesco store asking them for my address, studying all the rooftops in my area to try and find one that matches up with my house, driving 100 miles four times looking for my house, then shoving a phone in my face with my photo on saying it is you isn't it. After that episode I have to be careful. Just to let you know the facts that led to me being cautious.
DeleteI'm sorry Meanqueen but I don't understand why you're associating me with your North East stalker. I haven't a clue what you're talking about so there seems to be a misunderstanding. I can assure you I've never stalked anybody and indeed I have every sympathy for anyone who has to go through that.
DeleteIf you'll read my comment again you'll see my comment was intended to be humorous for John. I just don't understand how you're associating me with an event that happened to you. Whatever situation you're experiencing I hope that you soon have peace in your life.
Well it wasn't humorous for me.
DeleteHow fantastic! You have fans! (Not that you didn't know that already.)
ReplyDeleteIt's the little things that can finally break you. It's the little things that can truly mend you.
ReplyDeleteIf it is any consolation John I havebenefited from the spats. I have only just found out that by highlighting their name it takes me to their blogs and I can find out more about them from their blogs. Pity Helen doesn't have a blog. p.s thanks I now have more blogs to visit.
ReplyDelete