baldys words

Events

2009-03-01T17:16:00.005Z

It is a long time since I have been on this page, many times I have intended to write something but as you can seen these good intentions didn't materialise.
Christmas has come and gone and also my Mums 90th Birthday so here are a few pics.

Youth fellowship christmas dinner

Christmas day

Mums 90th

Third time

2008-11-25T20:26:00.005Z

I am just back home again from my third visit to Precept International. I still find it amazing that I chose to spend a week away studying the Bible-if someone had told me ten years ago that I would do that I simply wouldn't have believed it.

Went with 10 others from NI and as usual the Americans didn't quite know what had hit them.
In a state that voted overwhelmingly for McCain there was great consternation about the future under the new president elect, I did on one occasion hear of the old prejudice-colour.
But if we believe in a sovereign God then he is there in God's will.
We had a nine to five study day so didn't get to see many sights this time, however we did have a few invites- to Jack and Kay Arthur's for tea

and to Bob and Diane's for dessert(on separate nights)

Most other nights the woman spent either in the mall or in Walmarts.It was enough to put you off your food!

Arrived home safely on Monday despite having a lightning strike on the plane just as we came into land at Dublin airport.

Time goes

2008-09-29T20:47:00.007+01:00

Everything seems to go at such a pace at the moment that I don't seem to have the time or perhaps inclination, to sit at the computer and write on the blog.This past week I attended my biannual committee meeting in Glasgow. I arrived early courtesy of Easy Jet and had some time to spare so I decided to wander around the old cathedral right beside the hospital Glasgow Scotland - Cathedral Precinct

In the grounds amongst many ancient gravestones I found the tomb of Dr Peter Low who founded the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons at Glasgow Infirmary

I liked the inscription!
On Saturday Heather and I had the weekend to ourselves -went for a walk in the sun at Whitehead.

The times they are a changing

2008-09-05T17:47:00.005+01:00

Wednesday like many other days dawned dull and wet. Summer, for the second year in a row, appears to have occurred in April and May and ever since then we have been on a slow ride to autumn. There was a distinct chill in the air on wednesday as I left to leave my daughter to school and the leaves on the trees have long ago lost that bright green hue and have started to turn russet and fall. I made my way into Belfast and into the centre, a cold and wet tramp, with an injured leg that didn't help. It was in one of the major retail chains that it happened!
I spied my first christmas tree, admittedly a small decoration, but in a sea of other christmas paraphernalia. I couldn't believe it, that on the 3rd of September, just two days after the schools went back christmas material was out.

Surely this is too far, we don't need christmas in September-I think we should adopt the american style and not commence christmas celebrations until the first of December

2008-08-26T18:55:00.004+01:00

Just back from a week at Capernwray Hall. Great place in the heart of the countryside. Capernwray Missionary Fellowship of Torchbearers The last time I was there I was in my early twenties and I was fascinated looking at the antics of the young people and wishing I had their energy and get up and do.
It was a great week away meeting brothers and sisters from many different continents and having that friendship because of Christ.

The Last choir standing

2008-08-05T20:23:00.003+01:00

One of the choirs through to the last 8 was the Open Arts community choir, a Northern Ireland choir that promotes the inclusion of disabled people in arts activities.
Open Arts
This is their final piece-enjoy.

They didn't make it to the last six.

Unchained melody

2008-07-27T15:51:00.004+01:00

On Saturday evening the BBC have a music programme called "Last choir standing"
BBC - Last Choir Standing - News - Track List
I have managed to see a couple of these shows and every time I am reduced to wiping away tears as I watch. I have a deep appreciation of choir singing brought about by my fathers involvement in male voice choirs. Every time I see or hear a male choir it transports me back to days long gone and I can see people in my minds eye now long departed.
On this weeks episode a gospel choir called Revelation came top of the heat.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/lastchoirstanding
They sang one song called shackles, a line of which is -Remove the shackles from my feet that I may dance, I just want to praise you- a sentiment that echoed deep within. I would say every time I praise God I'm shackled by chains of some sort, whether it's memories, or embarrassment or fear of what someone is thinking. Watch it as a link above or as sung by the composer on you tube

Saturday

2008-07-27T15:27:00.005+01:00

Saturday started off as a dull, cloudy day giving every appearance that it would be wet. We headed off early to go to St Georges market in Belfast.

I love the market, so many free samples to try and foods to eat. We bought the obigatory token, this time Irish marmalade(which is delicious) and a craft maker for Heather. While we were in the market the clouds dissapeared and the sun came out making the market a very warm place to be walking arround.
In Carrick that afternoon there was a cancer charity day with the emergency services present. There were long boat races and joisting in the castle grounds as well as a display from the police helicopter

All in all it was a very pleasent day.

Tim's 22nd

2008-07-22T19:15:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was my second eldest 22nd birthday, so for a change and for the first time in my life we went to a sushi bar.
I have always thought that the sign of Belfast becoming a cosmopolitan city would be the opening of a sushi restaurant. Now in Belfast there are several such places. Who would have imagined in the dark days of the 70's that in the 21st century people in Belfast would be sitting down to plates of raw fish and vegetables.

It was a very enjoyable experience and the staff were extremely helpful in explaining what was on each plate. The cost depended on the colour of the dish - obviously related to what was on it.
When I got home I looked at my 11 year old daughter and reminded her how fortunate she was. I was 56 before I sat at a sushi train and here she was with that experience already taken. I wondered what it will be like for her when she reaches my age, will there still be things to look forward to experiencing?

A race apart

2008-07-15T21:11:00.007+01:00

During May of 2001, while on a course in Amsterdam, I managed to visit the home of Ann Frank. One could not but be moved in reading the diary excerpts and viewing the room that in which she hid.

On a dark dank December night that same year while in Boston on another training course I visited the Jewish memorial, and was yet again moved in reading the thousands of names inscribed on that structure.

As you look up from these monoliths, the six large towers of glass immediately grab your attention.
Each of these towers represents one of the sixth death camps (Belzec, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Sobibor, Majdanek, Treblinka, and Chelmno). Each tower is made out of plates of glass that are etched with white numbers, which represent the registration numbers of victims.
When you walk underneath the tower, you realize a number of things.
When standing there, your eyes are immediately drawn to the numbers on the glass. Then, your eyes focus on a short quote from survivors, different on each tower, about life either before, within, or after the camps. Soon, you realize that you are standing upon a grate in which warm air is coming out. As Stanley Saitowitz, the designer of the memorial, described it, "like human breath as it passes through the glass chimneys to heaven."

While on a short break in Prague last week I visited the Jewish memorial in the Pinkas Synagogue.

The Pinkas Synagogue is dedicated to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust from Bohemia and Moravia; their 77,297 names are inscribed on the walls of the main nave and adjoining areas.
The text of the inscriptions was compiled from card indexes, which were drawn up shortly after the war on the basis of extant transport papers, registration lists and survivor's accounts.
As I visited all these sites I couldn't help but be moved to tears as I thought of the inhumanity inflicted on young and old alike, male and female. Surely there is something exceptional about the race of Jews, who have faced persecution throughout history.
Is it because the Messiah was to come from David's line?
Issiah 62
1 For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet,
till her righteousness shines out like the dawn,
her salvation like a blazing torch.
2The nations will see your righteousness,
and all kings your glory;
you will be called by a new name
that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.
3You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD's hand,
a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
4No longer will they call you Deserted,
or name your land Desolate.

Carrick in the sun

2008-06-05T20:17:00.004+01:00

Carrickfergus has been bathing in sun now for almost three weeks Carrickfergus Council: MARINA . It all came to an end yesterday-the day we were having our home group b-b-q. There was I standing outside, in the rain, wood smoke belching everywhere and everyone else sitting in comfort in the house. Anyway on Saturday Carrick council held a farmers market in the town, a bit disappointed in the number of stalls, but as a first for Carrick I hope it develops.

Walk for life

2008-05-19T21:49:00.005+01:00

Tonight was the first night of six nights in which the ladies of Carrick Baptist Church Welcome to - Carrickfergus Baptist Church will run a walk for life outreach with the woman of the town

In order to gauge the length of the walks on Sunday afternoon we sampled the delights of the glen, now having lived in Carrickfergus for almost thirty years, I had seen the signs but never had been into Oakfield Glen. Oakfield Glen, Antrim
It was a delight , like a total oasis in the midst of a busy town.

Another walk took us down by the duck pond where a swan was caring for her six baby cygnets, the cob having been savaged to death by a dog.

New Attitude | Articles

2008-05-06T18:14:00.000+01:00

Came across this blogger, thought it was an interesting piece.

New Attitude | Articles

Who do you think you are?

2008-04-29T19:55:00.003+01:00

I am fascinated by the BBC series of programmes entitled "who do you think you are?"

Who Do You Think You Are? BBC Magazine -

In this series famous people, with the help off genealogists, research their family background. I guess it appeals to the innate nosiness that I have-I love to take train journeys just to be able to see parts of property that you can never see by car.
In these programmes certain events stand out, I will never forget that hard man of political journalism, Jeremy Paxman, reduced to tears as he read of his family's stay in the poor house or John Hurt in total devastation when he found that there was no Irish blood in his line at all.

My niece has managed to trace my family on my fathers side back my Great,great,great,great,great grandfather,born in 1699 died 1780. She managed to go back on my Great,great,great,great,great grandmothers side to 1563 another 5 generations!

I find this amazing that you can trace history back and know that you are part of this line going back to the 16th century. So much detail can be found, my Great,great,great,great,great grandfather(& GGGGGGmother) had nine children and lived in East Moen, Hampshire, England East Meon, Petersfield, Hampshire, United Kingdom - Google Maps

Gloria Prisca Novatur.

2008-04-25T19:57:00.005+01:00

Carrickfergus Borough Council
Gloria Prisca Novatur ,is the town motto of Carrick, translated "The glory of the old made new". Lately the town has been certainly living up to this motto and it has been interesting to watch the upgrade of the sea front(even when they didn't have the lights arrive on time). The other weekend I took my first stroll down the new esplanade and it is a vast improvement to the town and over the summer I'm confident will be well used.

Saying of the week

2008-03-27T20:03:00.004Z

While listening to The Museum of Curiosity on BBC 4 yesterday

BBC - Radio 4 - Comedy - The Museum of Curiosity

I heard this quote from the Late Robert Runcie, Archbishop of Canterbury

"The church is like a swimming pool, all the noise is at the shallow end."

What a difference a week makes.

2008-03-24T18:52:00.005Z

Last Monday, St Patricks day, we enjoyed a sunny day with the warmth of the sun promising us brighter days ahead. Today, Easter Monday, a biting North wind blows bringing the occasional snow and sleet shower.

I took this picture of a gorse bush in full flower last week, it was a tree we always looked out for in the run up to Easter as we boiled our eggs in water infused with the flowers to give the eggs colour. On Easter Monday we were taken down to Tullymore forest Park and we rolled our eggs down the hill.

Tollymore Forest Park Homepage | Northern Ireland Forest Service

Oh the innocence of those days some 40+ years ago - today it's a competition to see who has the most chocolate eggs!

Political incorrectness

2008-03-22T22:31:00.004Z

The other week I flew to Scotland to attend a meeting at a hospital in Glasgow and on Wednesday past I had to go to a hospital in Dublin. What amazes me is the fact that from home to destination, I could get to the Scottish hospital quicker than I could to Dublin. Now admittedly I flew to Scotland and took the train to Dublin but it still seems odd that I can get to Glasgow in about 2 and a half hours. It also does not take away the incongruity of flying to Scotland for a committee meeting in the electronic age that we live in.

The meeting in Scotland was held in the Museum Suite and asking at the reception no one knew off it. Eventually on finding it I found it was a "shrine" to Lord Lister the forerunner of antisepsis. The room had an old conference table and 12 ancient leather chairs, the one free wall having old photos and documents displayed.

The other three walls had floor to ceiling display cabinets, the contents of which where obscured by paper. These where anatomical specimens dating back to 1710 from a Dr Noble but also included Lord Lister's collection. In the politically correct days in which we live it was felt that it would be too offensive to display such specimens. On asking what was going to happen to them I was informed that they could possibly be sold to the USA!

St Patrick shines

2008-03-20T17:56:00.006Z

So the 17th March has come and gone, another year less to debate the denominational bent of this man,Patrick. But the day came and the sun shone.
We went for a walk along the blackhead in Whitehead-there's an Irishism for you.

http://www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=322

Took the climb up to the lighthouse and the view was spectacular across the lough

Thailand

2008-02-27T19:00:00.004Z

A few pictures from Mays visit to Thailand.

I'm still here

2008-02-25T22:39:00.004Z

Didn't quite realize it had been so long since I last posted, I have been so busy I haven't had the time or inclination so sorry Jim! With my wife away in Thailand and the 11+ exams I just forgot about the blog.

On my constitutional lunch time walk round the hospital site a few weeks ago I noticed these early signs of spring.

Happy 2008

2008-01-01T10:23:00.001Z

So this is 2008, funny it seems the same as yesterday-is it just that I am another day older?
I have this week off on annual leave from my busy place of work

I removed all the decorations and cards before I left so that all I'll come back too will be a backlog of work.

Spent boxing day at my brothers, nice log fire burning on a grey December day

We brought the new year in at Jim and Jacqui's and and we were treated to a chocolate fountain

After toasting in the new year we then had a competition on Wii - sad to say I was beaten by someone almost half a century younger than myself!

The King is coming-again!

2007-12-23T19:28:00.000Z

Two more days to Christmas, two days to that time when the God became man, the reality of this is that He is coming again.

Continental market

2007-12-13T18:31:00.000Z

On Tuesday past we eventually had a free night to visit the continental market in the grounds of Belfast City Hall.
The night was dry and crisp and the town was packed by people doing their Christmas shopping. It appears to have expanded since last year and a large collection of stalls offered food varying from Kangaroo burgers to bowls of Irish stew. Tim and I opted for the roast pig that was gently turning on the spit.
Bought some cheese, ate a few free olives
and Heather bought her sweets.
May refused to try the Belfast eye so had to forgo that pleasure.

The Christmas story.

2007-12-01T00:00:00.000Z

Belfast - City of change.

2007-11-15T20:13:00.001Z

As someone who lived in Belfast for the first 26 years of my life, but has lived outside it for almost 30 years , I see changes in the city every time I return to it. Most of these changes are for the better, others I feel have ruined the character of the city particularly in the northern part. Driving through it on the park and ride bus I noted the changes in an area known as sailor town and in the cathedral quarter. Even up to my late 20's these areas still had thriving communities with albeit poor quality housing, but instead of upgrading the council in their wisdom demolished the whole area and replaced it with motorways and parking areas.
But yet it is good to see the prosperous look that is beginning to mark Belfast as the place to visit Belfast Tourism | Goto Belfast Belfasts Offical Tourism Website Even on a cold November day the city was full of foreign tourists, something unimaginable even 10 years ago.
St Georges market was full to capacity

The newest attraction to the city is the Belfast eye offering panoramic views over

the whole of the city, three uninterrupted revolutions of the wheel. I thought it was really good value and hope it can be relocated permanently after its short time by the city hall.

39 days to go.

2007-11-15T20:13:00.000Z

Talking to Debbie Allen on Facebook the other day she mentioned she was putting up her Christmas lights.And driving home last night I passed the second house that was fully bedecked in stars, climbing Santa's, snowmen etc.
However I think we have a long way to go before we meet the standard of this house.

The Flu and men.

2007-11-07T17:13:00.000Z

One of the "advantages" of working in the health service Health and Social Care Northern Ireland Gateway is that as a member of staff I can get an annual flu jab.
I can count on three fingers the number of times I have had the flu, so I usually decline the offer, maybe when I'm a bit older I'll take it!
There is a certain tendency to imagine that there is a specific flu that applies only to men - the "Man Flu".
I poured scorn on this idea until someone sent me this clip.

Things I haven't heard before.

2007-10-28T14:28:00.000Z

Gerry Anderson on his radio show (BBC - Northern Ireland - Homepage) often comes out with the statement "I haven't said that before on the radio", well I thought I'd start a run on things I haven't heard before. Please feel free to add your suggestions to this comment.
This morning in church the speaker came out with the statement "lets play chopsticks for God this week"
Now don't get me wrong I am not criticising the speaker-far from it- it followed on from a good illustration, but in my twisted mind as he said it the thought "I haven't heard that before in church" came to mind and hence this post.

Collective nouns.

2007-10-23T20:11:00.001+01:00

I attended a seminar yesterday at Altnegelvin Hospital, nothing exciting, all to do with document management systems, but it enabled me to be home earlier than needed to pick up my daughter from Irish dance class. As it was a sunny afternoon I took the proverbial walk along the marina.
It was then I spotted something I had never seen before-about eight seals just lying basking in the afternoon sun, lying on rocks just under the water that made it appear that the seals where floating.

As usual the digital camera was in the car so excuse the phone pics,

Which brings me to the title of this blog-what is the collective noun for seals? Is it a school, a pack a herd or maybe just alot!

Saturday

2007-10-23T20:11:00.000+01:00

Saturday the 20th was a busy day in the church. On the morning we held a Precept meeting for men with the International Ambassador for Precept, Bob Vereen Precept Ministries International:
While we weren't overflowing with men a good morning was had and a number are going to continue the study on Leadership.

Saturday night there was a surprise 40th birthday party for Phillip, a reconstruction of his 20th party even down to the games that we played. It was odd the Phillip's team managed to win every game!

Also about 20 years ago a photo was taken of the youth fellowship, and at the close those present had a reconstruction of that picture.

Rich man Poor Man

2007-09-24T19:46:00.000+01:00

On Saturday afternoon I walked up the Lisburn Road in Belfast, a relatively well to do part of the town. I noted three Bentley motors including two continental GT's

Every other car parked by the road appeared to be some super four-wheel driven off- road vehicle. Truly there are people who give the appearance of having great wealth.
Outside those cathedrals of commercialism, M&S, Tesco's and the CO-OP there where however people who give the appearance of having great need, begging and selling the Big Issue.
I managed to cleverly avoid looking at them, making the mental excuse of the state provision and not wanting to buy the Big Issue because it's the southern edition. And yet I felt uncomfortable doing that. Those verses in Matthew 25 came to mind

31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'

44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'

45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

It doesn't sit easy reading those words and I wondered if I stopped would the image of Christ be seen in me as I took the time to recognise those less fortunate?

Family Day

2007-09-22T11:10:00.000+01:00

All of my family stayed overnight in the Roe Valley hotel following the wedding. It was an opportunity, a rare one, for all the Aunts, Uncles Nephews and Nieces, cousins and grand children to do something together. As my Mother is in her late 80's something not too energetic was required so the suggestion to visit the Giant's Causeway was rejected. We drove down from Limavady in glorious sunshine and headed for Portstewart for a walk along the sea front and then to call in at Morelli's.

However just as we arrived so did a shower of rain so the order was reversed, Morelli's first and then we had a walk!

Another one bites the dust

2007-09-22T10:51:00.001+01:00

On Thursday we as a family headed off to attend the wedding of my nephew known to us as David ,now apparently called Davy, to Sandra. The service was held in Hazelbank Presbyterian Church,Hazelbank Presbyterian Church Coleraine and the reception in the Roe Valley Hotel. Hotel Information - Radisson SAS Roe Park Resort, Limavady United Kingdom

The weather was changeable but thankfully remained dry for most of the afternoon and enabled the pictures to be taken at Sandra's parents home.

Franklin Graham -Celebration of Hope

2007-09-20T19:17:00.000+01:00

I attended a launch on Wednesday at the Kings Hall for an event to be held in Belfast on the 4th - 6th April 2008.
Franklin Graham Celebration of Hope

I approached this with the usual scepticism about big events but left feeling that it offers a great chance for the churches to work together in order to reach the lost. They are seeking to equip the believers to reach out to their friends and have organised widespread training that will be available to all.

If the people get together this has the potential to have a big impact, they are keen not to fill the Odyssey with "Christians". The one thing they do request is prayer.

Time like an ever rolling stream...

2007-09-18T19:17:00.000+01:00

It never fails to amaze me at how quickly life and situations change. My last post was of the church BBQ and the fellowship and fun together and yet by the following Monday the church family mourned the death of one of it's great statesmen, a former elder.

Events come upon us at a rapid pace, sometimes we are just reduced to tears, crying out to God for wisdom and understanding.

I felt drawn to read this Psalm 42 on Sunday, reminding us ,His people, that irrespective of the situation we are found in our hope is in God

1 As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So my soul pants for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;
When shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night,
While they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
4 These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me
For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.
5 Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
For the help of His presence.
6 O my God, my soul is in despair within me;
Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan
And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls;
All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.
8 The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime;
And His song will be with me in the night,
A prayer to the God of my life.
9 I will say to God my rock, "Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
10 As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me,
While they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
11 Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.

It's that time again

2007-09-09T22:31:00.000+01:00

On a glorious September evening we held our annual church BBQ at Carnfunock country park. The righteous brothers did the cooking!

Aided by the head cook

It was a pity that not more attended but there was stiff competition from the Proms in the Park at Carrick Castle(Google Image Result for http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/07/uk_enl_1180522564/img/1.jpg), Northern Ireland playing a football match(,Irish Football Association, Northern Ireland) the air show in Portrush ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH7EUN5J-b4) and of course the Rugby world cup(RWC 2007) but a good night was had by everyone.

The wedding -Part 2

2007-09-08T20:00:00.000+01:00

Friday evening we had a rerun of the wedding that took place in Lindos a few weeks ago. This time it was heldin Carrick Golf Club and about 100 attended the meal and evening reception.

September

2007-09-01T09:50:00.000+01:00

So today is the first of September, summer is gone and the start of Autumn with all the new beginnings of events that have stopped for the summer. It has been a disappointing summer weather wise, the fact that we had such good weather in April and May lulled us into a false sense of a good summer to come, as it was it turned out to be the wettest since records began.
We are just back from attending the wedding of my nephew in Lindos, Rhodes in temperatures that reached extreme heights.

Lindos is a quaint old town with it's own amphitheatre and acropolis, development is prohibited and all building must follow the traditional format, so it is quite unlike the rest of the island with it gross commercial developments and tacky displays

We in the west have an over inflated idea of our importance in world development,it is staggering to remind ourselves that great civilisations where present here while we were still digging with our hands to eek out an existence.

The wedding went well, apart from the copious amount of sweat flowing down everyones back

After the ceremony in St Paul's bay we made our way to a local restaurant for a traditional Greek dinner with compulsory wedding cake.

Sun, sun sun

2007-08-21T16:27:00.000+01:00

At last a glimpse of the summer that we had in April and May. Two good days in a row and the promise of a few more, too good to waste at home. It was time for the annual trip to Carnfunnock Carnfunnock, Larne, Carnfunnock Country Park

The early cloud soon disappeared to be replaced by that burning sphere in the sky. The park was full with day trippers,summer schemes and caravaners. Had a game on the 18 hole crazy golf and Heather tried her hand at the bungee rope(a treat she missed at school because of illness)

Lost ourselves in the maze for a while-altogether a pleasant day out

No trip along the coast on a sunny day is complete without a stop at the Rhinka for a home made 99 ice cream

Old routes and fond memories

2007-08-16T17:15:00.000+01:00

Decided to head off early today and drive the long way down the Ards peninsula via Millisle, Ballywalter, Portavogie,Cloughy and eventually to Portaferry. Ards Peninsula Tour
I must say that it seems regional development stops at Groomsport, this area must be one of the most poorly developed in Northern Ireland, with roads that at times could barely accommodate two cars passing and potholes every half mile or less.

First stop was Bangor and a walk round the Pickie Pool (not as it appears in this old photo)

Heather and I decided not to ride on the swans and the railway was closed so off we headed for Millisle to have a 99 ice cream. Then it was on to Portaferry, home to the Exploris centre. Exploris - The Northern Ireland Aquarium, Open Sea Aquarium, Strangford Lough Portaferry. Spent some time viewing the fish and also at the touch tank for a hands on display

On the way down we passed through the village of Cloughy, a place that is dear to me.

White-rumped Sandpipers, Cloughy, Co. Down, 16th October 2006. (Photo: Derek Charles).

One of my fondest memories is of a childhood holiday spent there as a young boy of about 8. I have this memory of my Mum and Dad, my twin sister and my older brother all laughing as we played on the beach. I thought of my daughter sitting in the back of the car, a couple of years older than I was in my memory, and I wondered what she would recall as she becomes older. For the last few years I have spent about a week each year, as Father and daughter, just doing things and going places together over the summer months and I hope these will be a legacy in her memory!
We finished our tour with lunch together in a beautiful small restaurant in Portaferry.

Summer 2007

2007-08-09T20:56:00.002+01:00

Heather and I are off for a few days so we drove down to our nearest beach- Brown's Bay (Skernaghan Point Walking Tour 10)
This is the beach on a summer afternoon, albeit a bit showery. I counted the grand total of seven people.

Drove on to Portmuck and discovered far more people there than at Browns Bay.
Portmuck - IMG_2642

Smashing-all For Charity

2007-08-09T20:56:00.001+01:00

Last Saturday the CO-OP at Carrickfergus held a car boot sale in aid of their charity for the year. May and Heather went down and set up while I joined them after work. Reasonable day weather wise and a good number of visitors.

To Heather (the scottish exile)

2007-08-04T20:28:00.001+01:00

Caught an item on the national news noting the unveiling of a statue to mark the clearance of the Scottish people to Canada and I immediately thought of that member of the McLeod family abiding in Winkler, Canada.

A 10 ft statue, identical to that currently in Helmsdale, Sutherland, has been commissioned by the St Andrew's Society in Winnipeg and will be made by Black Isle Bronze. It will depict a family from the time of the Highland clearances and will be named the 'Scottish Highland Settlers Monument'

The foundry, established in 1994, was originally located in the Black Isle before moving to all-purpose facilities near Nairn. It now has an international reputation and is a key player in the casting of Heritage bronzes.

See the following pages for a more in depth story
Scotsman.com Heritage & Culture - The Highland Clearances - Salmond calls for lessons to be learned as statue to victims of Clearances unveiled
Clearances Statue from Black Isle Bronzes to Winnipeg

Old notes

2007-08-04T20:28:00.000+01:00

Tuesday week ago was Stato's and Rachael's wedding, and we were invited to the evening ceremony. It stared off with a Salsa Class to which I declined while May and Heather joined in with great gusto.

After the dance lesson and supper the disco started. It was interesting to note that the vast majority on the dance floor were the Baptist folk.

The disco was a result of the wizardry of the DJ formally known as Dermo.

21 Years

2007-07-22T16:28:00.000+01:00

Twenty one years ago on Saturday 21st July our second child was born. I remember being in the hospital as he was delivered and holding him in my arms, after of course being made to sit down! Many a night I watched both the boys lying in their beds and wept with joy over them and wondered what they would become. Both are now adults and have chosen their own paths which sometimes takes them in directions we as parents are concerned about. Non the less they are remarkably well adjusted and Tim has a sense of fun about him which is to be admired.
He celebrated the day at the Red Panda The Red Panda Restaurant Group and then the younger ones did their own thing!

The power of words

2007-07-15T17:05:00.001+01:00

I am old enough now to have lived through many momentous events and heard many stirring speeches. I can remember the death of Winston Churchill and whether I agree with him politically or morally I still find listening to his speeches very stirring.

At the age of 11 I remember clearly being emotionally charged by the speech of Martin Luther King, a culmination of many horrendous events that we watched on an old black and white TV. These speeches obviously had poignancy because of the times they were spoken (who can forget in Northern Ireland the NEVER, NEVER, NEVER speech?)
The gift of oratory seems to be dead in the era of sound bytes and on line TV, the image now seems to be the means of communication but thankfully these historical words are immortalised for all to hear.

Talent.

2007-07-15T17:05:00.000+01:00

I usually watch talent shows to see how misguided some people are. There are so many people who assume they have a gift when it is evident to everyone else that they don't. On Britain has talent a few weeks ago the opposite was seen. An ordinary unassuming man who had an amazing singing voice! I just seen these videos and thought I would share the hair standing on the back of the neck moments.

He eventually won the competition.

Sunday

2007-07-09T20:11:00.001+01:00

While waiting to pick my son up I took a walk along the harbour on a beautiful Sunday evening. The mackerel were in and the fishermen where out in force to catch as many as they could. It did however also attract another visitor- a seal- swimming effortlessly around the harbour. As usual all I had with me was my phone so managed to take only a few poor quality photos.

Congratulations

2007-07-09T20:11:00.000+01:00

Saturday 8th all of the family were invited to a graduation party for my niece, held in Zozo's restuarent in Carrickfergus. All the greater family made it - an unusual event that usually only happens at Christmas

It also gave us a chance to get an updated pic of our dear children.

The sound of music

2007-07-09T19:59:00.000+01:00

On Saturday the 30th of June I left my daughter off at the Northern Educational Boards music camp at Ballycastle High School.
Ballycastle County Antrim Northern Ireland Giants Causeway Glens of Antrim Accomodation Events Scenery
Heather was to stay until Tuesday afternoon when we picked her up after a concert. We arrived with some 200 hundred other children that were then split into two groups-the yellow and the blue. Heather was in the yellow and practiced her flute until the day of the concert. To a full audience they played 9 tunes, all of which sounded remarkably tuneful.

An idiots guide

2007-07-02T20:58:00.000+01:00

On a post dated 25th January 2007 I mentioned the fact that I had been at a cookery demonstration for men taken by the singing chef, Raymond Crooks. He showed us how to make pavlova, a fool proof method he assured us. Well as we had to provide dessert for a dinner on Saturday past I had the notion of trying to make this famous pudding dedicated to that great ballerina,

Anna Pavlova - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It was as described a fool proof method and as you can see is!

For those interested the ingredients are: 6 standard eggs(grade3)
10 ozs castor sugar
2tsp vanilla essence
2 tsp white vinegar
2 tsp cornflour
Method
1. Separate eggs and place whites in mixing bowl
2. Add one tablespoonful of castor sugar
3. Whisk at high speed for 3-4 minutes(approx)
4. Add the remainder of the sugar, one large tablespoon at a time, all the sugar should be added within one minute
5. Mix the essence, vinegar and cornflour and add quickly to the egg whites. Keep mixer at full speed.
6. Whisk for another 5-7 minutes till the mixture has a glaze on it and it becomes noisy while beating.
7. Spread on an oiled foil tray.
8 Bake in a pre-heated oven(100C) for 45-50 minutes.
9. Switch off oven - leave Pavlova base till cold (5-10 minutes).
10. Turn out on a suitable serving dish.
11. Cream and decorate as required.

Home group

2007-06-29T19:48:00.000+01:00

To mark the end of this session we held a BBQ for the homegroup on a cold Wednesday night on the 20th June.

The day had been wet but the evening dried up and we were able to sit out for the evening and enjoy the craic

Ladies day

2007-06-27T19:57:00.000+01:00

On a glorious Thusday evening on the 7th June a number of ladies made their way up the Antrim Coast to eventually have supper in Glenarm Baptist Church

The Supremacy of Christ.

2007-06-21T22:34:00.001+01:00

An awesome video from John Piper

Also after listening to the video I thought I'd reload a better quality version of the song the echoes the message.

ClustrMaps

2007-06-18T19:01:00.001+01:00

When I clicked on ClustrMaps I found this image attached to it. Interesting picture.

Ho Ho Ho

2007-06-17T19:14:00.000+01:00

It has been almost one month since I last posted something - I have been busy, I have been enjoying the good weather, I haven't had much to say-I have been afraid that if I did say something it might be offensive. I am still upset at how so called believers behave to each other and I feel the need to put people straight via the Internet but this would not be helpful to anyone so I've kept off the subject.
However on a more pleasant note this past week we celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary

I wish I could say I haven't changed over the years but I have, hopefully for the better despite losing my hair and now going grey!
25 years ago our first child was born, the third one being born 10 years ago. So that makes me a father and as today is fathers day in the UK we celebrated by going out for dinner. We picked up our eldest from his flat in Belfast and then drove to the Ramada Hotel for lunch

http://www.ramadabelfast.com/

On the way out I picked up this leaflet

Isn't it good to know that despite it not yet being mid summer we can already plan our Christmas parties!

In the name of the Father

2007-05-20T20:48:00.000+01:00

Last week I listened to a radio 4 programme dealing with the issue of the deaths of babies and still births. This took place in the island of Ireland up to a relatively few years ago. I listed with hurt and anger at how a churches doctrine had caused so much pain to the parents-parents whose lives were already hurting through the death of their babies. One I'm sure "well meaning" leader actually came up with the doctrine going past the idea of Limbo and stating that the babies had gone direct to hell.
During the week my own brother was put out of the church because he had the audacity to let his adult daughter stay in his house after converting to the Muslim faith. Some "well meaning" leader pointed out that this was contrary to his interpretation of scripture and so it was his duty to maintain the purity of the faith.
Is it only in Ireland that we are cursed with such hypocritical, legalistic blinkered self righteous individuals who feel they have a direct line in understanding God. Do they forget we are all sinners saved by grace and justified by God and added to HIS church and nothing can ever separate us from him?
As a result all week I've struggled with hurt and anger at what so called people of God are capable of.
Today at the table we read these verses " 1st John 4
7Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
8The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

9By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.

10In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

11Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

12No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.

13By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

14We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.

15Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
Where is Love???

Harold Wilson would have been proud

2007-05-14T20:03:00.000+01:00

Almost 33 years ago on the 25th May 1974 the Prime Minister of the UK made a famous speech likening the people of Northern Ireland to spongers, although he later was to say it only applied to those who were organising the strikes.

"The people on this side of the water - British parents - have seen their sons vilified and spat upon and murdered. British taxpayers have seen the taxes they have poured out, almost without regard to cost - over £300 million a year this year with the cost of the Army operation on top of that - going into Northern Ireland. They see property destroyed by evil violence and are asked to pick up the bill for rebuilding it. Yet people who benefit from all this now viciously defy Westminster, purporting to act as though they were an elected government; people who spend their lives sponging on Westminster and British democracy and then systematically assault democratic methods. Who do these people think they are?"

I,in the mould of those preceding me, have managed yet again to sponge a free meal! and to quote Harold Wilson-Who do I think I am?

The black tie affair coincided with my 55th birthday so May had great pleasure in telling everyone that she was taking me out to the Europa for my birthday.

This time it was however the 12th Janus Awards for Professionalism within the Institute of Hospitality

May had been a judge for two of the categories so I was invited as the guest of the judge-the lowest of the low-but who's going to turn down a free meal. Wendy Austin again compared the show with the Merchant Hotel in Belfast making a big impression winning many of the awards.
http://www.themerchanthotel.com/

New site

2007-05-03T20:29:00.000+01:00

I have just found this site from another blog page I was on. So many good videos to add -set up as an alternative to you tube. This video is fabulous

That's my King

2007-05-03T19:55:00.000+01:00

I wish I could describe Him

Sponger

2007-04-29T16:49:00.000+01:00

Friday night I was invited as a guest to Glenarm Castle to take part in the second Larne Borough Business Awards.

Black tie event and the reception was held in the Castle followed by a banquet in an adjacent marquee. It was a lovely mild evening for late April and a good night was had by all. Paul Clarke presented the awards and as usual I was there because May had acted as a judge for some of the awards.

Hot For 2007 – Tourist hot spots, Hip Hotel Reviews and more | MSN Travel UK

2007-04-24T18:52:00.000+01:00

Hot For 2007 – Tourist hot spots, Hip Hotel Reviews and more MSN Travel UK: "

I can honestly say that it is unlikely I will be in any of these but it is interesting to see where people will spend a small fortune to eat.

The results are in, Restaurant Magazine has named the finest 50 eateries the world has to offer. 651 lucky voting panel members travelled the globe, from New York to New Delhi, to sample the greatest food the culinary gods have to offer.

France still remain the pièce de résistance of the restaurant world, 12 of their establishments making the list, while the USA is hot on their heals with eight. Never to be undone the UK rounds of the top three with seven restaurants making the prestigious list.

So who won outright? Why not check out our gallery of all 50 and find out who offers the most delectable delights in world cuisine.

The World's Top 50 Restaurants: From 25 to 1

Badger watch

2007-04-23T17:34:00.000+01:00

Today, just a few weeks short of my 55th birthday, I witnessed something for the first time. As I was leaving home this morning, just before 7 ,driving out of the road I caught sight of this badger walking up the road. I stopped and watched it as it made it's way into the neighbours garden. Yes I've seen a badger before but they where either in a cage or dead by the roadside. I always assumed they were nocturnal and I certainly didn't expect to see one on the way to work. I can only assume it had made its way over from the adjacent farmland-maybe I may never see one au natural again, especially if I have to wait another 55 years!

Spring has sprung

2007-04-22T17:35:00.000+01:00

My Mum has two old cherry trees in her garden that showed no signs of life . However when I called up on Saturday evening they are in full bloom. What a beautiful sight, at least until the flowers start to fall!
I must remember to bring a digital camera with me more often instead of relying on the phone.

The first of the year!

2007-04-15T16:30:00.000+01:00

What exceptional weather we are having for the middle of April. Last night was the first evening BBQ at the Green's for 2007 following a hot sunny Saturday. A few rib-eye steaks but no T bones as at the minute I am not allowed to eat red meat, just had to do with chicken and salmon. We did however finish with a chocolate fondue with bananas, strawberries and raspberries- delicious!

The Irish Rovers

2007-04-06T16:30:00.001+01:00

Although I'm back from the states over a week it is only today that I have received photos taken by George. I forgot to bring a camera so am dependant on Jim and George . There are too many pics to put on this blog page so I must do as I have intended to do for some time-start a photo album. All I have to do is figure out how to!
Being in the states everyone of course had Irish ancestors and to make us feel at home it was felt we must have green hair and eat Irish lucky charm cereal!

Finally thanks to all who made our time in America so enjoyable

Easter

2007-04-06T16:30:00.000+01:00

So a Somerfields survey finds that a large number of people are unaware of the significance of Easter. Here is an extract of the survey

A survey published by supermarket chain Somerfield has shown that many youngsters in the UK do not know what Easter signifies.
Somerfield's survey, which was conducted as part of a marketing campaign, found that one-in-six 16 to 24-year-olds know nothing about Good Friday, the commemoration of Jesus' crucifixion.
Meanwhile, 10 per cent are in the dark about Easter Sunday, which marks Jesus' resurrection.
1,130 adults were quizzed by Somerfield for the survey, which found that youngsters are ignorant when it comes to the Easter bunny - a Pagan fertility symbol - with 31 per cent having no idea why the character exists at all.
But, despite large numbers of people being unaware of the Easter basics, more than a fifth said they are planning to go to church to mark the holiday.

But the Scriptures explain the significance to us

Luke 24
1But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.
2And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb,
3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing;
5and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living One among the dead?
6"He is not here, but He has risen Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee,
7saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."
8And they remembered His words,
9and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.
10Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles.
11But these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them.
12But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened.

International Cuisine

2007-04-03T16:19:00.003+01:00

Sunday I had my lunch at the Chop House Chattanooga.

Tuesday I had my dinner in that southern American diner Pa PA Browns

You are my sunshine

2007-04-03T16:19:00.002+01:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FNK7x7VgP4

What a beautiful country we live in, especially when it is warm and sunny. The weather over the last few days has been exceptional and today I took a stroll down the Marina- and walked in areas of Carrickfergus that I hadn't been before. Took some pictures on my mobile so sorry for quality.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5K92mCfv1w

Northern Trust

2007-04-03T16:19:00.001+01:00

After twelve years the United trust along with all the other trusts in the Northern Board have been abolished. As an act of appreciation all staff in the United Trust where offered a free breakfast!
That must have been a great boost to those staff who as yet still don't know if they have a job or to the proposed 1200 redundancies.

The wanderers return

2007-04-03T16:19:00.000+01:00

Jim, George and I returned yesterday from what is euphemistically called the Winter training classes at precept International in Chattanooga.(http://www.precept.org/ )

It is difficult to see how it can be called a winter study programme when the lowest temperature we encountered was in the mid 70's F.

It was a good study on Daniel, now the problem comes on the application of being a man of integrity in the daily situation of home, work and church!

It was good also to remind ourselves that God's church is universal and we have brothers and sisters all over the world united in the bond of being part of His family.

It is now Tuesday afternoon and tiredness is still a problem - someone will have to invent a pill to make jet lag a thing of the past, or maybe it is just that I'm getting older and it just takes that bit longer for my body to catch up.

Chattanooga cho cho

2007-03-28T01:54:00.000+01:00

Jim, George and I are here at precept working very hard. It is now 8.55pm and we are still studying! Arrived on Sunday night to be met by 30 C heat after a long tiring 23 hour journey. All well- no pics as yet

Today

2007-03-20T18:51:00.000Z

Many years ago now, way back in the early seventies, I shared a flat with three other students in the small seaside town of Portstewart.

One of my flatmates was a PhD student working on the cutting edge with semi-conductors. However he also did sound man with a christian rock group, and I mean rock, sometimes verging on heavy metal. He also could play acoustic guitar and loved playing John Denver, who was probably at the height of his popularity at that time. In his record collection he had a live double LP that I took a copy off onto a c120 cassette(a two hour long tape recording) As tape players became more sophisticated my copy eventually got mangled and destroyed. One song on that album has always stuck in my head as I really liked it. I've even been into amazon and found that you can still buy the LP but today I found it on YouTube!

Listen and enjoy - I know it won't have the same memories for you as it does for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEfvLvLnie8

The aroma of childhood

2007-02-21T19:04:00.001Z

I am sure that for all of us there are certain smells that immediately we come across them sends us back to a time in the past. Yesterday I was coming back from Newtownards and as we came past the silos at the docks there was this unmistakable aroma of fresh grain that had just been unloaded. As soon as I smelt it I was transported back to childhood, it was so vivid tears welled up in my eyes, that smell is so evocative to me of growing up in Belfast that it brought instant memories of events in my past where I can remember that smell. It's amazing the power of smell.

The Bible tells us that as Christians we are to have a fragrance that leaves a memory behind

2nd Corinthians chapter 2
14But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 15For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

Reformation of God's church

2007-02-21T19:04:00.000Z

Another interesting blog page
http://ruanole2.blogspot.com/2007/02/reformation-of-gods-church.html

How sweet and fitting

2007-02-17T09:20:00.000Z

When I was at my Mums this week she had an old school book waiting for me, an anthology of poems, I think from my fifth form class.On a well worn page is the poem Dulce et Decorum est, {http://www.warpoetry.co.uk/owen1.html} probably the only poem that I can remember from my school days. It is odd that this anti war poem is the evidence of my education as I attended an all boys public school which was probably based on this very premise Dulce et Decorum est Pro Patria mori- it is sweet and right to die for ones country. The school was very anglicised and we were taught to play the game and have a stiff upper lip. One of the favourite hymns we sang at the school assembly was "Jerusalem" eulogizing the green and pleasant shores of mother England

Jerusalem

(From 'The Preface' to 'Milton') (Notes:)

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?

And did the Countenance Divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among these dark satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold;
Bring me my arrows of desire;
Bring me my spear; O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!

I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.

The school even had it's own Combined Cadet Force. But I didn't belong to that class. My parents, before the onset of sectarian politics, voted labour which would probably have been enough to get me expelled from the school. As a consequence I stood out as being different at this school which then resulted in myself being the object of derision.
Years later I discovered an anti war song that every time I hear it sends shivers down my back. As a believer there is one line that I am uneasy with but the sentiments just get me every time. That song is "THE BAND PLAYED WALTZING MATILDA" sung by Liam Clancey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdsIIeMlj9g

Belfast

2007-01-30T18:32:00.000Z

I watched a programme the other night about the Belfast shipyard, made in 1986 by the Irish television group RTE (http://www.rte.ie/) It seemed to me that there was a certain rose coloured tint to the programme, everybody had a good mate, all laughed at the practical jokes played on each other and not a cloud was seen on the horizon!While the show was only made 20 years ago, a relatively short period of time, I had a feeling I was watching the history channel-it seemed to be an era long gone. Belfast has changed so quickly over the last years it is hard to remember when thousands upon thousands of people flocked into Belfast to work in the yard, Sirocco, the rope works, Gallahers and even Mackie's. I can remember the hooter going to warn people, such as my Dad, that the Foundry gates were about to close and if you weren't in you weren't paid!
While we all lament the decline in the heavy industry we can also look at the old places thru' a dodgy memory. Never mind the political machinations that went on in those places they did not have the health and safety uppermost in their minds. My Mother worked in the Mill when she was young and recalls the noise, the flying shuttles and the trapping of people in the machinery. I watched my father-in-law die of a lung disease as a result of de coking the furnaces (although exacerbated by his smoking of Gallahers cigarettes) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emphysema
And in my present job I have seen many workers and their wives suffering a declining health because of the occupation they had. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestosis
Even my Dad who worked in Mackies had his hand crushed in the heavy machinery.
Yes it is an era long gone - perhaps for the better?

Leadership

2007-01-25T20:13:00.001Z

Found this article on leadership from this blog http://atlantictransplant.blogspot.com/2007/01/worthy-leader-of-men.html while reading another blog (http://revitalizeyourchurch.blogspot.com/) and thought it was quite timely in light of a few conversations I have been having.

Busy times

2007-01-25T20:13:00.000Z

It has been a busy week, since last Friday I seem to have been constantly on the go. First of all on Friday we had the launch of the new format campaigners in Northern Ireland.

Then on Saturday morning I managed to cook 36 breakfasts with the help of Jim and a few others. The breakfast was followed by a demonstration from the singing chef. I now know what distinguishes an amateur from a professional- a Chefs hat!.

Sunday saw my mothers 88th birthday, so we had a full house with all but two of the extended family able to attend.

Monday night another birthday, this time a surprise 50th for my sister-in-law.

2007-01-14T15:31:00.000Z

OK so I haven't been on the blog for a few days- mainly because I've been busy and also because I haven't too much too say that is of importance. Had a meeting with our illustrious MLA's (www.mla.org.uk ) on Wednesday past regarding pathology review in NI http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/showconsultations?txtid=21022
Of thirty invited three turned up, but it was still of use.
Have also been looking up other interesting blogs-here's one
http://finedrywit.blogspot.com/

He's behind you!

2007-01-03T09:17:00.000Z

Tonight was the now annual excursion to the Opera House for the Christmas pantomime. This year it was Peter Pan
As a Christmas present from my sister-in-law I went with May,her two sisters and their husbands to Benedict's in order to eat from the beat the clock menu . Paid £5.50 for the main course (no rib eye beef on this years menu) and then on to the Opera house

This year was much more the pantomime I remember watching when I was younger, a very enjoyable show.

First day back

2007-01-02T13:25:00.000Z

It's the 2nd January and my first day back at work after the extended hols. I got a bit fed up in the run up to Christmas but now the start of a new year and the prospect of bright days have lifted the gloom.
Work wasn't the chaos I expected on returning - just waiting now to show a possible pathologist the joys of cytology

Flat pack

2006-12-30T08:54:00.000Z

Decided to attempt to assemble a flat pack set of three tables. Total time taken to assemble one hour twenty minutes. Not bad I thought, also no parts missing and no pieces damaged, surely another record.

Boxing day traditions

2006-12-26T09:17:00.001Z

Made the pilgrimage to this traditional boxing day football match. I have been doing this for almost 42 years, firstly with the 26th BB Company, then with the Campaigners and now as a father. For the last number of years I have been a spectator only! Today's event was as usual packed with action - here are a few of the more dramatic pics.

Boxing day

2006-12-26T09:17:00.000Z

So Christmas day is over and so is all the fervour at least for another 365 days-only the sales now to contend with. I was up at 5.45am to run my eldest son into work as he started at 7 am and the first train from Carrick to Belfast was at 9. It reminded me of the fact that last boxing day I was down at the harbour at 6 am. This was for the dive into the harbour for the Peru trip.

I ran my Mum up to see my Dad in the nursing home just after lunch that day, not knowing that by tea time I would get a phone call to say my Dad was gravely ill and wouldn't survive for long. It is strange thinking back, in one sense it seems long ago and yet the memories of it are like yesterday!

But for today-annual boxing day football match at 10.30am so I have to go and wake other son up and drive him down to the match. Pictures of Christmas and football match to follow.

The Christmas shopping duty

2006-12-19T21:44:00.000Z

Today I took my unofficial official half day to do Christmas shopping. I decided to go into Belfast - bad idea. Don't arrive in Belfast in the middle of lunch hour and five days before Christmas. Absolutely bunged, crowded, packed and any other adjective you can think off. Walked about for a while and then went home without spending a penny. One redeeming feature was this four piece jazz band playing Christmas carols.
They where really good, a trombone player, a trumpeter, sax player and the drummer who played with such enthusiasm that he reminded me of Animal in the Muppet show. Excellent group, even I gave them a donation!

The wonder of Christmas

2006-12-16T21:44:00.002Z

Isaiah 9 (New American Standard Bible)
6For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.

None of the snowy landscapes or Santa's stuck in chimneys here. no cooing over a new baby in this narrative about the Christmas birth. For this child is no ordinary child. He is the mighty God. How? Why? That we poor mortals can know communion with the great creator God and call Him Father. Now that's the wonder of Christmas.

Film night

2006-12-16T21:44:00.001Z

At the same time as the youth fellowship dinner the Sunday school where holding a film night. The very long but very good film "Cars" was shown.

Because of the length of this film the arrival of that special visitor was a bit delayed, hope this doesn't happen on the big day.

Food again

2006-12-16T21:44:00.000Z

Today seems to have been the day for talking about food. Tonight was the young peoples Christmas dinner. A great effort was made by the youth in dressing up and decorating the hall. Some of the older young people cooked the dinner and served the meal.

Prayer breakfast

2006-12-16T07:21:00.001Z

David, Jim and myself met at 8.15am for our prayer triplet. We prayed together for approximately an hour and then we moved on to our prayer breakfast. We thought of splashing out for Christmas and maybe going to the Point but instead returned to Springsteen's. The staff have come to know us over the years and as usual we got abuse from the manageress prior to ordering. However we placed our orders and received the following dishes. Can you guess who ordered what?

Saturday morning

2006-12-16T07:21:00.000Z

It's early Saturday morning and Heather has been up since 6.20am! After sitting for all of 5 minutes the question "can we make some muffins?". Hence I found myself mixing chocolate chips and cranberries into muffin mix at 6.45am.(two bowls not together-chocolate and cranberry might be nice). Anyway they will be nice warm with a mug of freshly brewed coffee before I head out to my prayer triplet at 8.15am and then off for a good Ulster fry-ah the joys of healthy eating

Christmas market

2006-12-15T17:13:00.000Z

The Christmas continental market is in Belfast so Ken,Tim Heather and myself headed down to have a look. Most of the stalls are to be found in St Georges market but it did give a certain chrismasy feel to the city Hall. Maybe I'm getting into a Christmas mood after all. Heather had to buy loads of sweets and a chocolate crepe.

Christmas spirit.

2006-12-12T18:00:00.001Z

Having a nine year old daughter helps you remember that soon it will be Christmas. For the last few weeks there has been this build up of lunacy and excitement that only a nine year old girl can display, non stop talking and acting up. It has reached the point at the moment where it is impossible to keep her in bed in the morning and generally she has been getting up at 6.30am. The excitement of Christmas is still very much alive for her and long may it last. I think that I have lost that, I attended the first "Christmas " do on Saturday but to me it was just another event. None of that "Christmas spirit" was present. I don't think as adults it is ever possible to have the outlook of a child. Our experiences harden us and our materialism makes the receiving of gifts sometimes very mundane. I remember as a child being fascinated by the gift of a hamper from my uncle in Birmingham and I can still remember the wonder of the tins of delicacies which today I take for granted. However the tree is now up and the house is decorated Christmas is a coming.

Cliffs concert

2006-12-05T18:28:00.000Z

As an early Christmas present May and I where given tickets to Cliff Richards concert in the Odyssey arena on Monday night. Now I must admit I was not filled with joy with this gift, I consider there is only one song of Cliffs that is of value -"Miss you nights" -although May has been to a number of his concerts and loosely could be called a fan.
However after it I must admit he has some voice for a pensioner and some of his productions on stage where phenomenal. He sang for 1 hour 15 mins had a break for 30 mins and then came back and performed for over another hour. Not a bad night after all.

It's December

2006-12-03T18:31:00.000Z

According to the widget I have on my PC there are 21 days 5 hours and 41 minutes to Christmas, and so all the hustle and bustle is getting into full steam. On the first day of the month I went with a few others to Lillian and Lindsay home to make gingerbread houses. May and I are the only ones at present who have a young child so I don't know what the reasons for the others being there were. Jackie and Lindsay gave stirling support to thier wives while Nev and Rick just had to do as they were told. May and I had to do what Heather told us. The results can be seen and an outside adjudicator awarded Nev and Alison the prize. Jugde for yourself.

Ground Hog day

2006-11-30T19:23:00.000Z

Do you ever feel that life is just a routine, nothing really changes and every day is like the last one and tomorrow will be like today? As someone in their mid fifties the realization of the briefness of our time on earth is beginning to strike home and all those plans I had as a young man are now distant wishes and far off dreams. As a teenager I always had a wanderlust, certain days would just make me long to be somewhere on the far side of this planet. Those days usually occured in the spring, those bright sunny days with the promise of the summer to come. I watched the series "The Long way round" last year as two men biked their way from London to America and I longed for that spirit of adventure. I have become stuck in a sedentary lifestyle where spontaneity is a thing long gone and to be shunned at all cost.

Last Fridays daily reading read-If you plan to do it-do it now

James 4:14 "For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away"

To quote from the daily reading; Redwood trees last 1000 years. Most other things go relatively fast. The average life span is between 75-80 years of age. That sounds pretty good if you're young, but tends to be sobering when you pass 50. The bible says my life is like a vapour, and vapours aren't known for longevity; just a puff of smoke and they're gone! So why am I still waiting? I don't have forever, get at it!
You say you've always wanted to play the piano. Stop talking about it and start taking lessons! You say you feel better when you exercise. Start jogging! Or that you love the taste of homegrown tomatoes- grow some.
Think you're too old? Not a chance. So get out of neutral and get going. Put your life into God's hands and let Him show you what He can do with it!

Getting older Keeping young

2006-11-15T17:20:00.000Z

I found this on a UCB daily notes several years ago and I just had to make a copy of it. As I grow old I find myself occasionally reverting to that Old Man mode where nothing is like the old days. Kinda like the Monty Python sketch ' We used to dream of that' and the end line is tell that to the kids of today and they wont believe it! You know some older people where everything and everyone has turned out bad , well I don't want to end up like that so here is my wish

In Time Out Ladies, Dale Evans shares this prayer:

"Lord, you know better than anybody that

I'm getting older and will someday be old.

Keep me from being talkative; from the fatal habit

of thinking I've got to say something on every subject and on every occasion.

Release me from the need to straighten out everybody's affairs.

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details;

give me wings to get to the point.

I ask for grace to listen to the tales of others' pains

and to endure them with patience.

But seal my lips when it comes to my own aches and pains,

for they're increasing, and my love of rehearsing them

is becoming sweeter as the years go by.

I ask for improved memory, but even more for a growing humility

and a lessening cock-sureness

when my memory seems to clash with the memory of others.

Teach me that occasionally I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet.

I don't want to be a 'saint' because some of them are

so hard to live with

-and a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil.

Make me thoughtful, but not moody;

helpful, but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom,

it seems a pity not to use it; but you know, Lord,

I still want to have a few friends at the end.

Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places

and talents in unexpected people,

then give me the grace to tell them so.

Amen."

2006-11-14T19:33:00.000Z

Found this today thought it was good to republish

WHAT MASK SHALL I WEAR TODAY? .........

OR SHALL I BE REAL?

What mask shall I wear as I venture out into my day,

The attitude that matches and the role I shall play?

As I stared into the mirror this morning, O what did I see,

Am I ready to be REAL with a perspective based on eternity?

Was I pleased by the reflection revealed to me by God's Word,

Am I ready to go forth to battle like a soldier with his sword?

Do I tear down the facades that keep me from being real,

Are do I seek to maintain an image that is comfortable to others' appeal?

O this daily fight to be real before my friends and foe,

Will they except me as I am, I don't know.

The past masks in my closet mock me as a pretender,

O the prideful facades I must daily surrender.

Today, I go forth as who I am focused and real,

May God quickly correct me and my other masks reveal.

Today, I shall be real and crush the masks which I wish to wear,

For I must be real, I have a name to bare.

That name is Jesus Christ, my Saviour and Friend,

It is He today upon whom I must depend.

So if you are wearing a mask please remove it from your face,

Walk forth today in victory and bow before the throne of Grace.

School days

2006-11-14T19:15:00.000Z

This is my school picture of P3 ,Mrs Gordon class in Carr's Glen Primary, taken 1959. That's me second row from back on the extreme right. My twin sister is sitting second from the left on the front row. I'd love to know where we all ended up- I know some are now dead, one lives in the same town now as myself ,one is a mega player in the retail world, another is a Doctor of Science one a Doctor of Philosophy, another lives two houses up from my Mum, but the rest of my classmates----who knows.

A few years later this is my P5 class, a Mr Kennedy who later became president of the BB in the Belfast Battalion. I'm sixth from the left on the back row and my sister again is second from the left on the front row.(a bit of colour has been added by someone who shall remain nameless!)