Betrothed

The love of my life, snapped last night when we went out for a drink. Don't want to embarrass her too much...well, I do, but I've got to live in that house.

That shirt though...

Malakye

This is youngest grandchild - Malakye. Possibly, the smilingiest baby ever. The last couple of weeks he's being having adventures in the big city, traveling to London with his Mum (SC no. 3) and others. Not sure if you are aware, but the London Underground is not the most child friendly of places. It is possible to do it, however, providing you're willing to carry the buggy up and down the escalators, stairs, buskers etc.

In a very noisy and busy place, what did Malakye do ? Laughed all the way there, and all the way back. Gotta love that.

Smoking Pooh

Don't ask!

Still, given a flat, some cigarettes, and a Winnie the Pooh glove puppet, it's amazing how much fun you can have.

The winter nights just fly by.

Fanboy Productions

Over at http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/ a suggested site is Fanboy Productions

Comics Should Be Good! � Comic Blogs Should Be Good - Fanboy Productions

Highly recommended it is too. The linked example parodies a day in the life of Joe Quesada. I particularly enjoyed the Warren Ellis section.

I will certainly head on over to the main site http://home.earthlink.net/~fanboyprime/ and see what else is there

Dinosaur Attack!

One last picture (for today anyway), of oldest grandchild.

This one is a few months old. I took this one myself in a local store and just like the suggestion that a mad purple dinosaur is about to attack a small child.

Also, as opposed to the earlier school photographs, she has the hint of a smile in this one. I must get a full blown laughing one soon. Not only is she unbearably cute, but she probably has the most infectious (and dirtiest) laugh I've ever heard in someone of that age.

Hmm...wonder if I can audioblog that.

More 1st day

Another picture taken Monday. Here, oldest grandchild is with a schoolfriend. Big for his age isn't he?

Actually, this is Dad. I think he looks a bit worried.

First Picture - First Day at School

This is a picture of oldest grandchild, just prior to her first day at school. Also, my first post via mobile phone.

Edit. Decided that it is probably easier to post the pictures, then use the PC for any text. I find it easier to keep the formatting consistent that way.

Anyway, the picture was taken on Monday. Apparently the first few days have gone well - she's already had homework. She's not even five!

Probably more pics later.

Phoning it in

A couple of days ago, I was forced into getting a new mobile phone - my previous one having gone to the great network in the sky.

Should just point out that I received some excellent service from Vodaphone - I would be the first to whinge if it were otherwise, so I think it is only fair to highlight it whilst I can.

Anyway, one of the features on my new phone is the ability to send pictures directly to this blog. Haven't tried it yet - too busy recreating my contacts, which were lost, but expect some experiments soon.

What's my excuse this time?

It's been another long gap. I know, I know - must be more consistent.

Still, I have a pretty good excuse, but let's do this chronologically.

When we last chatted, I had recently proposed etc. In May, I moved in with betrothed. A fairly large job, what with all the comics and all. On the plus side, owing to step child no. 4 and partner getting their own flat, some space was created which meant that I got my own room dedicated to my PC and comics. It's a den really. Actually, right now it's a mess. A work in progress - that sounds better.

I hadn't been there 4 days before getting a call that my Mother was being admitted to hospital. She deteriorated over the following month, and sadly passed away in June. Given that my dad passed away in January, this was a bit of a double whammy. Add engagements, house moves and what not, 2006 is turning into a real roller coaster.

Following the funeral, there follows the unpleasant task of settling the will, which, in the UK means obtaining something called a Grant of Probate. This is currently in the works, so to speak. In reality, so much is put on hold - almost like a very deep breath, that I am still waiting to exhale.

I than had a period of ill health. Unrelated - just a bug thing, but as a contractor was not actually earning any money, which has definitely put a strain on the old finances. Now this probate thing feels like a much more mercenary affair, but I must confess that I am looking forward to being able to breathe out.

In addition, poor long suffering betrothed's Mother was suddenly taken ill. A seemingly routine visit to the doctor, resulted in immediate admittance to hospital, followed by onward transmission to a more specialist hospital in London. There she received a triple heart bypass, and then required the fitting of a pacemaker. Both of these went well, but unfortunately she has had post operative infections and some breathing difficulties. Tomorrow, she is scheduled to receive a tracheaoctomy, which, hopefully will bring some relief and aid in her recovery.

This has meant that betrothed and myself, along with assorted children are making weekly visits to London which is distressing for them. (Luckily, betrothed's brother lives in London, so can visit more frequently, whilst future Father-In-Law goes a couple of times mid-week).

If I'm honest, and let's face it, I may as well be, I find these hard. I've never been good in hospitals, and the closeness to my own Mothers passing has exacerbated this. That being said, I'm also fully aware that I am only a supporting character in this particular drama. I had a very good, loving relationship with both of my parents, but at a certain point we became friends as much as anything. My belief is that having done the child raising bit they sent me out into the world as an independent adult. At that point, and I think with their blessing, we weren't in each others lives so much. Anyone had a problem - make a call, but nothing too interfering. Betrothed's family, on the other hand, are much closer. Everybody knows everything. (Except for General Knowledge - then they're in my realm). For this reason, I think they are finding the whole thing particularly hard, and I feel next to useless.

Still, hopefully, the news later in the week will be encouraging. More as we get it.

This blog is not fufilling anything like it's stated aim. Back home. and post probate, I have decided to upgrade my PC - a long awaited promise to self. Then, I will re-establish a connection, and hopefully, get back to some comics, books, music and other stuff.