Bits and pieces

I’m Stuck

The Internet is so sloooow today.  I had forgotten what it was like to have to wait for sites to open and it is most frustrating.  I wonder why it's happening.  Perhaps it is responding to my body and brain in some way.  They too are on a 'go slow' at the moment.

Also on a go slow is the increase in the number of followers on my blog.  In fact, I think it may be stuck for ever.  It has been on 196 for some time and I have been waiting for it to reach the 200 but I think Google have changed the system so people who decide to follow now are referred to Google + instead.  196 is such a frustrating number to be stuck on!

GB

In January GB passed through Heswall on his way from Shrewsbury to Glasgow (intentionally – not through some misinterpretation of his satnav!).   

We had lunch in Avanti and caught up on each other’s news.  It’s a while since we saw each other and there was so much news we didn’t even have time to do a crossword!

Walking

I am trying to ensure I do at least two reasonable walks each week, whatever the weather.  Sometimes it’s poor

Sometimes it’s pleasant.

On a more local walk – just to the post office – I found these Deer Mushrooms (Pluteus cervinus) outside the Pensby Nursing Home.

As I walk I have been making up Haikus.  It’s great fun.   The essence of haiku is "cutting" (kiru). This is often represented by the juxtaposition of two images or ideas and a kireji ("cutting word") between them, a kind of verbal punctuation mark which signals the moment of separation and colours the manner in which the juxtaposed elements are related.  Traditional haiku consist of 17 syllables, in three phrases of 5, 7 and 5 respectively.    Modern Japanese haiku (現代俳句 gendai-haiku?) are increasingly unlikely to follow the tradition of 17 syllables or to take nature as their subject, but the use of juxtaposition continues to be honoured in both traditional and modern haiku. There is a common, although relatively recent, perception that the images juxtaposed must be directly observed everyday objects or occurrences.

Calves ache, knee twinges,

Thighs burn, toe throbs, and hip pains.

All in a day’s walk.

Rattle of long-dead beech

Cars whoosh, crows caw and siren blares;

Pensby, ten a.m.

It’s time for chocolate

According to LoveLoveHealth chocolate reduces anxiety and decreases depression.

http://www.lovelivehealth.com/ten-foods-decrease-anxiety-depression/2/

“Yes, that’s correct, chocolate. However, I’m not talking about your average gas station chocolate bar. Dark chocolate is highly beneficial for your brain health. The darker and purer the chocolate, the better. Dark chocolate contains tyrosine, which is linked to an increase of dopamine. Dopamine has a direct effect on our emotional well-being, and stimulates the pleasure centres in our brain. Dark chocolate also releases endorphins, allowing you to feel a sense of happiness. In terms of anxiety, dark chocolate reduces cortisol levels. This is the hormone that makes us feel stressed. Time to get your chocolate fix!”  It’s just a shame I don’t really like strong chocolate.

The Kittipusses

Annabel and Mac have now been given the Freedom of the House (excluding kitchen and main bedroom) and are enjoying roaming.  But at the end of the day Annabel would rather find a lap and Mac is happy just cleaning himself as he lies on the floor.