Evening - kind of ducked under the radar rather quickly having been fired into the hospital once again by the Doctor following a recurrence of chest pains. So that was another week under the care of a number dedicated of Doctors and Nurses in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh. No computer so my contact with the outer world was kind of restricted, although I was supposed to be resting.
Did attempt to get some kind of Internet connection by paying for the ERI's totally exorbitant and useless TV rental system - but it is so archaic that it was impossible to get into any E mail system, , movie images were totally distorted, and even the reception on the hospital radio was crackly. The only consolation was that they were trying to promote the system so we had four hours free viewing daily from 8 a.m. to 12 md which let me in to see the winter Olympics - and out of desperation I signed up for three days over the weekend to stop being bored. That was how I discovered how crap the set up was !! Certainly would not recommend such an obsolete and expensive cash generator to anyone.
Tuesday, 18 February 2014
Monday, 10 February 2014
Enjoying the Olympics
Well done Jenny Jones, Bronze medal at the Olympics in the snowboarding competition, what a lovely young lady. I have obviously been quite engrossed in the games, being mainly confined to barracks, so it is the perfect opportunity for a bit of armchair exercise. However I will need to get out the chair if I intend to regain a figure anywhere near the likes of these athletes, all of them, and not end up like the ever growing numbers of jean clad individuals waddling along our High Streets, and sitting in McDonalds munching their calorie laden snacks !!
These athletes put us to shame with their dedication and fitness, I watched Eve Muirhead and the ladies curling team in the gym doing their training - fit as lops, as they say, big change from the old days, and curling is now one of the fastest growing of the winter sports.
Have to say again how good the various venues are, just bringing out the best in the athletes. We are very fortunate here in Midlothian to have such a marvellous resource in the Hillend Ski Centre.
How galling it is to see such dedication and skill without the rewards that our so called football stars earn - there is no comparison whatsoever. Nuff said.
It was interesting on saturday night watching the Voice, where the young lad from Glasgow was appearing looking for a chance to make it big time as a singer. turns out he is a full time judo athlete, an Under 17 UK star, and training for a place in the British team again. His coaches were hoping that he would not do well as they wanted him to concentrate on his sport and represent his country, we will watch with interest to see which direction he takes in life.
These athletes put us to shame with their dedication and fitness, I watched Eve Muirhead and the ladies curling team in the gym doing their training - fit as lops, as they say, big change from the old days, and curling is now one of the fastest growing of the winter sports.
Have to say again how good the various venues are, just bringing out the best in the athletes. We are very fortunate here in Midlothian to have such a marvellous resource in the Hillend Ski Centre.
How galling it is to see such dedication and skill without the rewards that our so called football stars earn - there is no comparison whatsoever. Nuff said.
It was interesting on saturday night watching the Voice, where the young lad from Glasgow was appearing looking for a chance to make it big time as a singer. turns out he is a full time judo athlete, an Under 17 UK star, and training for a place in the British team again. His coaches were hoping that he would not do well as they wanted him to concentrate on his sport and represent his country, we will watch with interest to see which direction he takes in life.
Saturday, 8 February 2014
Winter olympics under way.
The Winter Olympics are now under way in Russia and I must admit that the opening ceremony last night was very spectacular, impressive indeed, just a shame that several of our World leaders did not attend due to the potential security problems. Just a pity that terrorists and dissenters are forever attempting to use these major events as a platform for their radical views. Lets hope that they just stay away and leave the athletes to perform in peace.
The various venues are certainly outstanding, just seems a shame that the Russians have spent such an incredible amount of money on the construction of the various arenas - if we are to believe what we have been told the cost is nearly one hundred times greater than the last winter Olympics. However, if comments are correct then a lot of people have made a vast amount of personal money as a result of winning these contracts, either through the old pals network, bribery, corruption, etc.
Certainly makes a change to see these talented sportsmen / women performing under difficult conditions, however, for many , snow and ice are natural elements to them. I look forward to some interesting viewing over the next two weeks.
The various venues are certainly outstanding, just seems a shame that the Russians have spent such an incredible amount of money on the construction of the various arenas - if we are to believe what we have been told the cost is nearly one hundred times greater than the last winter Olympics. However, if comments are correct then a lot of people have made a vast amount of personal money as a result of winning these contracts, either through the old pals network, bribery, corruption, etc.
Certainly makes a change to see these talented sportsmen / women performing under difficult conditions, however, for many , snow and ice are natural elements to them. I look forward to some interesting viewing over the next two weeks.
Andrew Stevens Mckeen, our new Provincial Grand Superintendent.
Congratulations to Andy who is now installed as the Grand Superintendent of the Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Mid and East Lothian for the next three years, having succeeded Alexander F Moonie.
I had been looking forward to attending the Installation, however, a slight glitch in the recovery process meant that it really was not sensible for me to attend, however, I am sure I will catch up with our new Grand Superintendent in the near future.
Friday, 7 February 2014
Abusing the NHS (National health Service)
Had a shocking night, did not fully appreciate how badly I had been affected by the death of my fellow patient.
He was very ill and really desperate for surgery, this was not helped when a foreign individual took ill outside the hospital, was admitted and had a similar operation to my friend - which really upset him.
This problem with "health tourists" is highlighted at the moment down South where an Asian lady arrived in London with her son and immediately headed for hospital to seek very specialist treatment for the boy, which is apparently not available in her home country!! There is now a real furore as she is demanding a visa, and claiming that the UK are breaching their Human Rights !! and they come from a country where people are stoned to death; women are raped as a punishment; and bombings and killings are common place.
No one is denying anyone the right to emergency treatment, but I am afraid our health tourists are just totally abusing our system to the detriment of our own residents. If I visit the USA I do not expect free medical treatment, that is why we have to have insurances, etc, so whats good for the goose is good for the gander.
Time our Government got their heads out their backsides and listened to what our own people really want - and before the infrastructure of the NHS totally disintegrates.
On the same subject, there should be some form of penalty for those who waste the valuable time of doctors and nurses by failing to turn up for appointments at hospital and local surgeries, and also the numbsculls who arrive drunk or with trivial ailments.
He was very ill and really desperate for surgery, this was not helped when a foreign individual took ill outside the hospital, was admitted and had a similar operation to my friend - which really upset him.
This problem with "health tourists" is highlighted at the moment down South where an Asian lady arrived in London with her son and immediately headed for hospital to seek very specialist treatment for the boy, which is apparently not available in her home country!! There is now a real furore as she is demanding a visa, and claiming that the UK are breaching their Human Rights !! and they come from a country where people are stoned to death; women are raped as a punishment; and bombings and killings are common place.
No one is denying anyone the right to emergency treatment, but I am afraid our health tourists are just totally abusing our system to the detriment of our own residents. If I visit the USA I do not expect free medical treatment, that is why we have to have insurances, etc, so whats good for the goose is good for the gander.
Time our Government got their heads out their backsides and listened to what our own people really want - and before the infrastructure of the NHS totally disintegrates.
On the same subject, there should be some form of penalty for those who waste the valuable time of doctors and nurses by failing to turn up for appointments at hospital and local surgeries, and also the numbsculls who arrive drunk or with trivial ailments.
Thursday, 6 February 2014
Serious Reality Check
So I was just dotting along feeling a bit fed up when I learned that one of my fellow patients in hospital had just passed away a few days after my discharge. He was a really nice gentleman, larger than life, had a vast knowledge, lots of acquaintences - and we had fascinating conversations late into the night (when we should have been sleeping).
Sadly his illness was such that his surgery was extremely high risk, and I would suspect just too much.
My thoughts are with the family, RIP.
Sadly his illness was such that his surgery was extremely high risk, and I would suspect just too much.
My thoughts are with the family, RIP.
Sunday, 2 February 2014
Tough luck for some.
Well, we actually had a dry day here today, wee bit sunshine - bit of a pity though for the young lady we met yesterday who was having a rehearsal for her photo shoot at Penicuik House , poured buckets and blew a gale, with some sleet to spice things up. BUT nothing compared to what other parts of the country are having to contend with, and according to the forecast no sign of any respite.
Lovely day in Dublin today where the Scots unfortunately came in 2nd !!!! (again) outclassed by a rampant Irish team - certainly did not make good viewing, unlike the two games yesterday which kept us on the edge of the seat right up to the final whistle. Anyway, will not have to worry about next weeks match as I have a R A Provincial Installation of the new Grand Superintendent to attend.
Back to sports, Heart of Midlothian, fell at the final hurdle this afternoon, playing a nine man Inverness Caley Thistle, who won on a penalty shoot out for a place in the Final against Aberdeen.
Not sure how Andy Murray will do tonight, playing for the GB team against the USA, however, following a comment by a commentator this afternoon who had the cheek to say that "England" would win tournament if Murray was successful this evening. Bit of a slip of the tongue I think.
For me, another week of enforced rest, although I have managed to get to the swimming pool for three short sessions, a bit of walking, all which should help get the blood circulating a bit. Managed to catch up on some outstanding reading and a few odd jobs which were put on the back burner months ago. Another ten days before I can drive again, all being well.
Doing some map reading relating to the IPA No. 1 Region Scottish Motor Cycling Group's planned trip to Europe from 31st May route looks good, and the proposed two days of trips in the Dolomites will certainly bring up the heart rate somewhat!!!
Lovely day in Dublin today where the Scots unfortunately came in 2nd !!!! (again) outclassed by a rampant Irish team - certainly did not make good viewing, unlike the two games yesterday which kept us on the edge of the seat right up to the final whistle. Anyway, will not have to worry about next weeks match as I have a R A Provincial Installation of the new Grand Superintendent to attend.
Back to sports, Heart of Midlothian, fell at the final hurdle this afternoon, playing a nine man Inverness Caley Thistle, who won on a penalty shoot out for a place in the Final against Aberdeen.
Not sure how Andy Murray will do tonight, playing for the GB team against the USA, however, following a comment by a commentator this afternoon who had the cheek to say that "England" would win tournament if Murray was successful this evening. Bit of a slip of the tongue I think.
For me, another week of enforced rest, although I have managed to get to the swimming pool for three short sessions, a bit of walking, all which should help get the blood circulating a bit. Managed to catch up on some outstanding reading and a few odd jobs which were put on the back burner months ago. Another ten days before I can drive again, all being well.
Doing some map reading relating to the IPA No. 1 Region Scottish Motor Cycling Group's planned trip to Europe from 31st May route looks good, and the proposed two days of trips in the Dolomites will certainly bring up the heart rate somewhat!!!
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